What Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Do?
Also known by its nickname, "sonicator," an ultrasonic cleaner is a device used for cleaning various surfaces with bubbles that are created as ultrasounds cause vibrations in a cleaning solution. Ultrasonic cleaners are used in various applications for cleaning thoroughly inside scratches, cracks and holes in the surface of various water-resistant surfaces and items. Does this Spark an idea?
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Theory/Science of How an Ultrasonic Cleaner Works
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Ultrasounds are high frequency sounds that are too high to be heard by human ears. The frequency of sound is measured in kilohertz (KHz); while the humanly audible sounds are 18 KHz or below, the sound waves used commonly in ultrasonic cleaning are between 20 and 50 KHz. These high frequency sound waves are produced in a container of cleaning solution, and as the liquid cleaning solution is compressed and decompressed and displaced repeatedly, the vibration in the liquid causes air to become trapped below the surface of the solution.
Under the Hood of Ultrasonic Cleaning Equipment
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An ultrasonic generator works to convert electrical energy in the ultrasonic frequency needed for use in cleaning applications. The converted energy is dispelled into a container of cleaning solution or water. Imagine the way a stereo cover moves and vibrates as sound is expelled; this is how the water or cleaning solution reacts to the generator's output of ultrasonic sound waves. The generator turns on and off, allowing the vibration to stop and start abruptly, creating a knocking that is responsible for the chaotic creation of the "scrubbing bubbles."
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Benefits and Characteristics
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As the created bubbles are pushed back and forth over the surface of a dirty item, the tiny bubbles make their way into cracks and crevices on the surface. The bubbles swoosh back and forth, in and out of the cracks and crevices, dispelling and dissolving the stains and dirt. Rinsing the cleaning solution off with water, using the ultrasonic method, also ensure that there is no solution left behind to create greasy, sticky buildup.
Improvements
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The effects of the ultrasonic cleaning equipment and the cleaning process can be maximized by increasing the frequency of cavitations (or bubble formations). Create more bubbles and make the ultrasonic cleaner work even better by filling it with hot or boiling water and using cleaning solutions that are very susceptible to movement, meaning that bubbles are easily created in the solution with minimal movements.
Precautions
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Test the cleaning solutions you use in the ultrasonic cleaning equipment before placing the machine; make sure that the solution does not erode the material inside the ultrasonic cleaning machine or the item to be cleaned. Do not place small items on the bottom of tank-style ultrasonic cleaners; rather, place them in the included basket or suspend by a wire or string. Never place pearls, opals or pasted jewelry inside an ultrasonic cleaner; the bubbles will dissolve such items.
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