An indepth Look at all The Aspects of an Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath

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An indepth Look at all The Aspects of an Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath

An indepth Look at all The Aspects of an Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath

In this blog post we literally take a deep dive into the various elements that make up an ultrasonic cleaning bath.  We cover everything from the components of the bath itself, right through to the cleaning solutions we use so hopefully this gives you some insight into the equipment we utilise to get things so clean!

How Does an Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine Work?

An ultrasonic cleaning machine is simply a bath filled with a cleaning solution through which ultrasound is passed. Items placed within the bath will be subjected to the ultrasonic cleaning activity, specifically the implosions caused by cavitation which sucks dirt off the surface of items placed within the bath.

An ultrasonic cleaning bath typically has 5 components;

The bath itself, to hold the cleaning solution and the parts being cleaned. Size does matter! The bath must be large enough to hold the basket with parts being cleaned, with sufficient space for an effective clean.

The cleaning solution used to remove the dirt of items placed in the bath. The cleaning solution must assist in taking the dirt off, not damage the item being cleaned, and effectively transmit ultrasonic waves. Health, safety and environmental factors regarding the handling, storage and disposal of the solution are also important considerations.

A basket to hold the parts being cleaned in the bath. The basket holds the items being cleaned off the base of the tank, and does not impede ultrasonic activity. It must clearly be strong enough and with a mesh of the right size to hold the items being cleaned securely and safely during the cleaning process.

A generator that converts mains frequency (50 Hz in the UK) to an ultrasonic frequency typically 25 to 80 kHz

This is often sited away from the bath itself for safety and ease of maintenance.

Transducers that vibrate at the frequency generated by the generator transmitting the ultrasound waves through the solution within the bath. These transducers are designed to vibrate effectively at the frequency produced by the generator. They can be sited on the base or walls of the bath itself, using the steel walls as the diaphragm to pass the waves through the solution inside the bath. Alternatively, the transducers can be bonded on the inside walls of a steel box which is submerged in the bath. The ultrasound waves are then passed from the “submersible” into the bath solution. For larger baths, submersibles are often preferred to tank bonded transducers since they are easier to remove for maintenance separately from the bath itself.

Although the general set up of an ultrasonic cleaner is the same, the specific details of the components are variable depending on the exact cleaning process it is designed for.

The Basket

Ultrasonic Tank Basket

The object being cleaned must be securely suspended several centimetres above the base of the tank and away from the tank sides. This can be achieved using a metal basket (as shown below) either suspended from the top of the tank sides or supported by rubber-coated feet positioned near the corners of the tank floor. This is done in order to prevent the object, or the basket/shelf holding it, from damaging the transducers which are fitted to the floor (or walls) of the tank as they can corrode the tank/transducers when the cavitation bubbles make them vibrate. This also ensures that there is sufficient room for the ultrasound waves to travel through the tank and remain undamped.

Alternatively, objects being cleaned can be suspended in the cleaning solution on shelves fixed to the sides of the tank (when the transducers are located on the floor of the tank).

The type of basket used can also affect the ultrasonic activity depending on the thickness of the mesh, the material it is made of and the total weight of the basket. This is a complete study in itself, since the effect of the basket upon ultrasonic activity is inter-dependent with other factors such as frequency, temperature, chemistry, contamination type and levels, and the size and geometry of items being cleaned.

A metal basket will absorb energy from the ultrasonic waves in the cleaning solution However metal is still considered to be the best basket material due to its strength, resistance to chemicals and ability to withstand high temperatures. The best advice is usually to make sure the basket is strong enough and secure enough for the parts being cleaned, whilst keeping the mesh thickness and weft to a sensible level. Any improvements to the cleaning performance can then be achieved through modifying the chemistry, temperature, cycle time and ultrasonic power.

The Bath

Ultrasonic Tank

The cleaning bath contains and protects the components of the cleaning process. As such it must be large enough to fit in the basket and objects to be cleaned with enough free space for the ultrasound waves to propagate (travel) freely without damping. As a rule, the weight of the water should be double that of the objects to be cleaned.

Good quality cleaning tanks are made of high-grade stainless steel (316L is commonly used) which is suitably resistant to erosion damage from cavitation and corrosion from cleaning solutions. The thickness of this tank should be a minimum of 1.6mm to ensure durability and resistance to both ultrasonic erosion and chemical corrosion. Baths made of lighter, lower grade material, will not be as durable or effective, although maybe adequate for lighter, occasional use.

These tanks are compatible with the majority of waterbased cleaning solutions although strongly acidic solutions can still corrode the stainless steel tank. To overcome this a separation between acidic cleaning solutions and the tank should be maintained, for example with an acid-resistant tub within the metal tank with a secure lid.

A thermostat should be fitted to the bath in order to monitor and control the temperature to maintain/achieve optimum cleaning conditions for the specific solution being used and the item being cleaned. The thermostat should be made and fitted so as to ensure it isn’t damaged by the ultrasonic waves and cavitation bubbles in the bath. Additional measuring devices, such as pH and conductivity sensors can be used to maintain and to determine the optimum conditions for ultrasonic cleaning.

Timing controls to govern the ultrasonic cycle time are also typically used to allow operators to complete other tasks during a clean without risking leaving items in active ultrasonics for too long. Often such options can be incorporated into a plc control unit enabling the operative to select the correct process for the task in hand.

The Cleaning Solution 

The ideal ultrasonic cleaning solution must do 3 things:

  1. Remove, or assist in removing the contaminant;
  2. It must NOT damage the item being cleaned;
  3. It must allow the free movement and propagation of ultrasonic waves and cavitation.

Additional qualities desirable in a solution used in an ultrasonic cleaning process include its ability to “wet” all the surface of items to be cleaned; to hold and maximise the volume of contaminant removed in the solution; to prevent mineral content in the water itself from interfering with the ultrasonics and the cleaning process. To achieve these lesser, but still important aspects of cleaning, most ultrasonic cleaning chemicals will also contain surfactants (normally anionic), chelants, detergents, wetting agents, and solvents. The chemistry of the cleaning solution used in an ultrasonic tank is a complete study in itself and considered in greater depth in future blogs we shall be putting out.

Depending upon the contaminant to be removed a wide variety of solutions are used to assist in the removal of the contaminant(s) by increasing its solubility and by breaking it down. The chemistry of the cleaning solution is as important as the physical ultrasonic cleaning action. In some instances, an inhibitor can be added to a cleaning solution to prevent it from corroding or otherwise damaging the object being cleaned. This is often used in, for example, the use of highly acidic and alkaline solutions to clean lighter metals like aluminium.

Substances that are viscous tend to introduce air into the solution and substances that are not totally water-miscible are also not good cleaning solutions in an ultrasonic application. This is because increased air content inhibits cavitation; increased viscosity causes the ultrasound waves to be damped reducing the power of the cavitation and substances must mix well with water in order to be less dense and less viscous.

There are a large number of cleaning chemicals available, depending upon the contamination to be removed. Future blogs will address cleaning solutions in specific applications, but the 3 primary functions mentioned above are as good a place to start as any.

The Generator 

Ultrasonic Tank Generator

An ultrasonic generator is needed in all ultrasonic cleaning systems to provide the electrical energy at the chosen frequency(ies) to power the transducers in the ultrasonic cleaning system. The generator receives and converts the energy from the external power source to have the frequency and voltage required for optimal cleaning. Mains electricity in the UK is supplied at a voltage of 230 V and at a frequency of 50 Hz, but these are not the required values for optimised ultrasonic cleaning, so the generator is needed to convert these values to the desired ones. The optimum voltage is usually higher than the voltage of the mains electricity supply and the optimum frequency is generally within the range 20 kHz to 80kHz.

Technological advances in modern ultrasonic cleaners mean that some generators can obtain feedback from the transducers, allowing them to adjust their output to maintain optimal cleaning. In certain situations, generators can be adjusted to produce variations in the ultrasounds waveform in order to optimise the cleaning quality without damaging the objects being cleaned. This is often referred to as a sweep function, which varies the actual frequency being generated in a band of 1-2kHz around the average frequency desired. This prevents the build-up of “hot” and “cold” spots of standing waves in either a compressed or rarefied state, which could lead to damage to the item being cleaned or lack of cavitation and cleaning.

The Transducers

Ultrasonic Tank Transducer

Transducers are devices that convert energy input from one system and produce another form of energy in a second system. In the case of ultrasonic cleaning, an oscillatory transducer generates ultrasonic sound waves in the second system (inside the tank) from an alternating electrical current which is provided by the generator.

Transducers are usually either bonded to the walls or floor of the tank or suspended within the cleaning solution in a submersible case. An array of transducers is used in the bath to ensure that ultrasound waves are produced across the whole volume of the bath in order to produce effective cleaning.

In the production of longitudinal waves by the transducers, electrical power is supplied to drive a vibrating component or ‘diaphragm’. The transducers used in ultrasonic cleaning are defined as actuators, which are devices which control or move a mechanical system in response to signals from a control system, and are driven by a source of energy (in this case an electrical current). Most transducers used in ultrasonic cleaning applications are piezoelectric, in which the active element (piezoelectric crystals) increases and decreases in size with the fluctuations of the alternating current supply (an alternating current supply rapidly switches between positive and negative current). A diagram of a piezoelectric transducer is shown in the figure below.

Characteristics of piezoelectric transducers which make them ideal for use in ultrasonic cleaning include their flexibility (ability to be moulded into different sizes and shaped), small dimensions and large measuring range which make them easy to install and use. Also, piezoelectric transducers have a particularly high-frequency response, meaning that their parameters change quickly with changing conditions/input. Their relatively low cost is also a considerable advantage!

Piezoelectric transducers are also used in quartz watches to keep the time perfectly precise and in WWI, the echoing of pressure/sound waves from piezoelectric transducers were used to detect enemy ships using sonar.

For a free trial clean, a no-obligation discussion, or even a visit when the current situation permits, just call us on 01924 495 975 or e-mail Andrew on andrew@sonicsolutionsltd.com

How Much Does an Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath Cost?

How Much Does an Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath Cost?

This is like asking how much does a car cost. It will depend on many things including:

  • Size, power and heating levels
  • Optional extras like filtration and oil skimming
  • Inclusion of parts like baskets, lids and lifting gear
  • The complexity and non-standardised nature of the cleaning operation such as automation, the number of stages in the full cleaning process from wash to rinse to dry

Looking at each, in turn, we can see why and how these affect cost.

 

Size does matter!

Quite obviously larger Ultrasonic cleaning baths cost more. They require more steel, more Ultrasonic power, more heating and, quite often, will often have more optional extras such as filtration and oil skimming. It will usually require lids and baskets to handle the larger items being cleaned and maintain the work area atmosphere free of moisture and chemical vapour.

it is worth repeating the obvious that it is the volume of a tank that is the most important factor in determining the cost, and volume depends on all three dimensions of width, length and depth.  Volume is the key determinant of the levels of ultrasonic and heating power required.

There will not be a doubling in price from doubling the volume of a bath. For example, a basic 28-litre bath will cost around £2,500 Under 58 litre around £3,500. Going up the scale a basic 100-litre bath may cost in the region of £6,000 whilst a 200-litre tank will cost around £8,000 and a 300-litre tank around the £10,000.

 

Optional Extras

Similar to cars, ultrasonic cleaning baths can have a variety of optional extras depending upon the nature of the cleaning to be performed and the level of cleanliness to be achieved.

These extras include items like filtration which both prolongs the longevity of the solution and improves the level of cleanliness that can be achieved, filtration requires a pump filter cartridge and all the pipework connecting an outlet and inlet from the bath itself. stand-alone filtration units may also be used where retrofitting is done. the cost of a filtration system does not vary tremendously between large and small baths typically costing from 1500 to 3000 pounds.

Oil skimming or weiring is another common optional extra where oils and greases other contaminants to be removed and the oil is lighter than water. like filtration, it prolongs the longevity of the solution and it improves the level of cleanliness that can be achieved. Either process will require pump and oil specific filtration and separation together with the piping and waste receptacles. Again there is a minimum cost to all of this which does not vary proportionately between small and large baths. Costs from £2,000 to £4,000 would be typical of a simple oil separation feature.

 

Baskets, lids & Lifting Gear

Some form of carrier to hold the parts being cleaned is essential and the most common method is the use of a mesh basket. Like the bath itself, the cost of a basket will not increase proportionately to size. As a rough guide, a basket will represent around 8% of the cost of the bath itself, ranging from £250 for a 28-litre bath to £400 for a 98-litre bath and £680 for a 300-litre bath.

Lids are a common option on most size baths, reducing the level of evaporation from the bath solution and maintaining heat in the solution between cleaning cycles. For smaller baths simple lift-off lids with handles are adequate and will be relatively cheap ranging from £100 for small tanks (28L) to £250 pounds for large tanks (200L). However, for tanks above 200 litres, the lids may become too large and heavy for an individual to comfortably handle. Hinges and gas strut supports to assist the opening and closing of the lid are common from this size up, with costs increasing significantly as these features are added, doubling or trebling the cost. These costs are further increased when raising and lowering itself becomes automated.

However, lifting and handling of parts, both in and out of the bath, and possibly between different stages of cleaning, is undoubtedly the most expensive addition of any ancillary part to an ultrasonic cleaning bath. Even the simplest lifting mechanism can cost as much as the bath itself, involving not just the parts themselves but the design and control of the handling within the cleaning process. It should also be noted that ultrasonic cleaning bath manufacturers are not experts at handling equipment and will frequently subcontract this out, particularly in the more complex cases. Where the same part is being cleaned all the time, in large volume, and with a very standardised cleaning process, the cost of such automation may be justified. However, where volumes are low or intermittent and either parts or cleaning cycles vary, a more manual approach is usually more cost-effective.

 

Complexity & Standardisation

Complexity and standardization are similar but not quite the same. Complexity relates to the cleaning process itself, such as the rotation of items being cleaned rather than simple submersion, and the number of cleaning stages within the overall cleaning process. Some complexity can become standard where an ultrasonic cleaning bath manufacturer specialises in this area. Some manufacturers of the more complex ultrasonic cleaning systems adopt a modular approach, where extra stages of a process can be incorporated by adding a standard unit within the overall system. The overall system may be complex but each individual part is a standard unit. Whilst complexity does increase the cost this is minimised by buying from the right specialist manufacturer from their standard range of products. It is therefore important to make sure that you select the right ultrasonic cleaning bath manufacturer for the type of bath and cleaning system that you require.

Most manufacturers have a standard range of products typically defined by their dimensions and attributes. Asking for a bespoke and unique bath outside of this range will significantly increase the cost. Whilst any bath selected must meet the basic requirements of the cleaning application wherever possible this should be achieved within the manufacturer’s standard range rather than having a completely new one designed. The extra costs of selecting a bespoke and unique bath are numerous, including the design of the new bath, different instructions to fabricators, and the assembly and fitting of the bath itself being outside the norm. Such differences increase the time, material cost and risks to the manufacturer which must be reflected in the price. These costs can easily add 50% to the overall price of the bath compared to a standard bath with similar features and similar dimensions.

To understand more about ultrasonic cleaning and how it might benefit you and your application please call or email one of our helpful cleaning experts today on 01924 938052 or sales@sonicsolutionsltd.com

How Do I Get The Best Out of my Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath?

How Do I Get The Best Out of my Ultrasonic Cleaning Bath?

An ultrasonic cleaning bath does not operate in isolation so getting the best out of your bath means looking at three important and interconnected factors; the bath itself, the cleaning solution used in the bath, and the parts being placed in the bath to clean. Looking at each in turn;

The ultrasonic cleaning bath – Whilst ultrasonic activity is undoubtedly the most important factor, it is worthwhile checking that we are running the ultrasonic cleaning bath at the right temperature; that the parts to be cleaned are being held in the bath by the correct basket and that we are filling the bath to the correct solution level. All of these should be specified in the manufacturer’s operating manual but can generally be determined through a combination of simple testing and common sense. So to the most important factor, the ultrasonic activity that determines how effectively and efficiently we will be cleaning our parts. There are specific (and costly !) pieces of equipment that will measure the level of ultrasonic activity but the simplest and quickest test is the “foil test” – the placing of a small piece of normal aluminium foil vertically in the bath, with the ultrasonics switched on, for 30 seconds. With good ultrasonic activity the foil should emerge evenly covered with tiny pinprick holes or indentations. If areas of the foil are still smooth or you have large holes in certain spots this is a sign of inadequate or excessive ultrasonic activity. Ideally, the test should be performed in various parts of the bath to ensure ultrasonic activity is uniform throughout.

It is important that this test is performed when the bath solution is heated and degassed (removing all air trapped within the solution which impedes ultrasonic activity) so that we get an accurate representation of the ultrasonic activity in normal operating conditions. I would also recommend that the test be performed in four situations (done in the following sequence), with water only, with water and cleaning solution, with the basket alone placed in the bath, with the normal loads of parts placed in the basket in the bath. Comparing the relative results from each of the above should give an indication of where any problems lie. Whilst it is normal for ultrasonic activity to be reduced as we place the basket and then the parts in the solution, the level of reduction will be an indication if there is a real problem in this area.

The cleaning solution – Using the correct cleaning solution is vital. The solution must be right for the removal of the contamination but it must also be right for the transmission of ultrasonic activity within the bath. Viscous and non-water-miscible chemicals will interfere with the ultrasonics. As stated above I would recommend the foil test be performed in straight water and in the chemical solution for the results to be compared. A drastic reduction in ultrasonic activity with the chemical suggests you have the wrong chemistry. Other factors to consider are whether the correct concentration of chemical is being used, whether we are operating at the right temperature, and whether over time the solution is becoming too contaminated to do its job properly. Again we should refer to the instructions of the chemical supplier but observation and common sense should also indicate if there is a problem in this area. If the ultrasonic cleaning bath has been supplied with filtration this should prolong the life of the chemical but the filter cartridge should be checked regularly to ensure it is not blocked.

The parts themselves – This might appear a strange inclusion in the factors to be checked, but performance of the ultrasonic cleaning bath will be significantly affected by the parts being cleaned themselves in three areas. The weight and volume of parts being cleaned should be no more than half of the weight of the bath solution and one-quarter of the bath volume to allow for sufficient ultrasonic activity and removal of the dirt into the solution. The level of contamination on the parts going into the ultrasonic cleaning bath should also be reviewed. ultrasonic cleaning is a very fine detailed cleaning. It is not particularly well suited to high levels of dirt. Where parts are very dirty a pre-cleaning operation to remove the large pieces of contaminant will dramatically improve the cleaning results of the ultrasonic cleaning bath. The positioning of parts within the basket will also affect cleaning performance. Ideally, parts should be evenly spread with sufficient space for the ultrasonics and cleaning solution to access the parts and remove the contaminant.

I hope this short guide to getting the best out of your ultrasonic cleaning bath is helpful. As always feedback and any further questions are much appreciated.

To understand more about ultrasonic cleaning and how it might benefit you and your application please call or email one of our helpful cleaning experts today on 01924 938052 or sales@sonicsolutionsltd.com

Submersible Ultrasonics – Are they for you?

Submersible Ultrasonics – Are they for you?

Submersible ultrasonics are quite simply, where the transducers are bonded to the inside of a sealed case, with a sealed conduit carrying electrical cables connecting to the generator or control unit. These sealed cases can be any size, dependent on the quantity and size of transducers they contain, and the desired size of the transducer holding case for the cleaning application. The sealed case containing the transducers is placed inside the cleaning bath, below the liquid level, with the side containing the transducers facing the items to be cleaned. The generator and control box is sited away from the bath at a distance determined by the length of the connecting cable.

Pros of submersibles

  1. Flexibility – the submersible can be used wherever it is needed, giving greater scope for alteration in cleaning processes.
  2. Adaptability – the submersible can add ultrasonics to an existing cleaning bath. They can also be moved from one bath to another;
  3. Quicker – the submersibles can be sent for repair rather than the entire bath
  4. Simpler – replacement units can be switched very easily allowing for minimal interruption and disruption off production processes;

Cons of submersibles

  1. Complexity – they are more complex to manufacture being sealed units;
  2. Space – they do occupy space within the cleaning bath;
  3. Power – arguably they provide less uniform transmission of ultrasonics throughout the bath with consequential loss of cleaning effectiveness;
  4. Operational complexity – there are separate potentially extra controls to operate In addition to the cleaning bath itself;
  5. Potential for damage – the submersible is more exposed to potential damage from items placed within the bath and through movement between uses.
  6. Cost – Higher capital cost than bath mounted transducers, although this can very easily be reversed when maintenance is taken into account.

Conclusion

A bit like asking which is the best car ! Submersibles offer an attractive option in certain cleaning applications and situations. They are certainly worth serious consideration where there is an existing cleaning set up, where flexibility, adaptability and speed of response are vital, and through quick replacement they can safeguard continuity of service should they fail in operation. Where applications are more standardised, continuous, and smaller they look less attractive.

Having your cake and eating it !

To have the advantages without a lot of the disadvantages, submersibles can be semi-permanently fixed inside a bath. This minimises the need to move and separately control them, whilst enabling speedy replacement in the event of failure. There is a financial cost to this, but for mission critical cleaning applications it offers a real benefit.

How does an ultrasonic cleaning machine work?

How does an ultrasonic cleaning machine work?

An ultrasonic cleaning machine is simply a bath filled with a cleaning solution through which ultrasound is passed. Items placed within the bath will be subjected to the ultrasonic cleaning activity, specifically the implosions caused by cavitation which sucks dirt off the surface of items placed within the bath.

An ultrasonic bath typically has 5 components;

The bath itself, to hold the cleaning solution and the parts being cleaned. Size does matter! The bath must be large enough to hold the basket with parts being cleaned, with sufficient space for an effective clean.

The cleaning solution used to remove the dirt of items placed in the bath. The cleaning solution must assist in taking the dirt off, not damage the item being cleaned, and effectively transmit ultrasonic waves. Health, safety and environmental factors regarding the handling, storage and disposal of the solution are also important considerations.

A basket to hold the parts being cleaned in the bath. The basket holds the items being cleaned off the base of the tank, and does not impede ultrasonic activity. It must clearly be strong enough and with a mesh of the right size to hold the items being cleaned securely and safely during the cleaning process.

A generator that converts mains frequency (50 Hz in the UK) to an ultrasonic frequency typically 25 to 80 kHz. This is often sited away from the bath itself for safety and ease of maintenance.

Transducers that vibrate at the frequency generated by the generator transmitting the ultrasound waves through the solution within the bath. These transducers are designed to vibrate effectively at the frequency produced by the generator. They can be sited on the base or walls of the bath itself, using the steel walls as the diaphragm to pass the waves through the solution inside the bath. Alternatively, the transducers can be bonded on the inside walls of a steel box which is submerged in the bath. The ultrasound waves are then passed from the “submersible” into the bath solution. For larger baths, submersibles are often preferred to tank bonded transducers, since they are easier to remove for maintenance separately from the bath itself.

Although the general set up of an ultrasonic cleaner is the same, the specific details of the components are variable depending on the exact cleaning process it is designed for.

To understand more about ultraosnic cleaning machines and how they might benefit you and your application please call or email one of our helpful cleaning experts today on 01924 495 975 or sales@sonicsolutionsltd.com

5 Things you should ask before buying an Ultrasonic Cleaning tank

5 Things you should ask before buying an Ultrasonic Cleaning tank

Is ultrasonic cleaning right for the job? This is the first thing to consider when looking into getting your own ultrasonic cleaning tank.

Here at Sonic Solutions, we champion ultrasonic cleaning as one of the best deep cleans available. This, however, does not mean that ultrasonics is right for every job. For example, some large batch cleaning where the user is looking to degrease hundreds of metal parts per day would be better suited to jetwashing. Another example would be for cleaning the internals of a machine. It would be impossible to clean ultrasonically without having a tank the size of a lorry to immerse the entire machine. For this application, dry ice blasting would be the way to go.

For more information on other cleaning methods, check out our other blog post on alternative cleaning methods.

How big will my tank need to be?

The most commonly asked question when buying an ultrasonic cleaning tank is how big should it be?

The size of the tank has a serious impact on the price so we wouldn’t recommend getting a larger tank than you need. You also have to factor in running costs. The larger the tank, the more cleaning solution is needed to fill it and the more power is needed to heat it.

When deciding on the size of your tank, you should ask yourself;

  1. What size is the biggest item I am looking to clean?
  2. How many items are you looking to clean per cycle?
  3. How much space do you have at your site?

All these will influence what we would recommend for you when buying an ultrasonic cleaning machine so getting this information is a good place to start when considering any cleaning machine.

Do I require any extras?

When buying an ultrasonic tank, most companies give the choice of optional extras. A lot of customers are happy with a standard tank without all the bells and whistles, but when the tank is being used heavily, customers may want some additional extras.

The main addition that is recommended to customers is a basket. When using an ultrasonic tank it is a good idea to keep your item off the base of the tank to allow the ultrasonic waves to pass through the solution to create the cleaning action. Placing heavy items on the base can lead to damaged transducers which can be costly to repair. A basket also makes for easier loading and unloading which can be advantageous for batch cleaning.

Another thing to consider is whether you require filtration on your ultrasonic cleaning tank. Filtration allows you to keep your cleaning solution cleaner for longer. This means you can make your solution last longer so can save you money in the long term. Keeping your solution cleaner also helps the end result of the clean by having less contaminant suspended in the solution meaning there is less contaminant to be rinsed off at the end. Filtration units are however quite expensive. For a top of the range model, you could be looking at thousands of pounds and for a small benchtop unit that may only cost you £3000, it is quite an investment. If you are looking at a filtration unit we recommend weighing up the pros against the cost and see if it makes sense. Our friendly staff are always on hand to give you guidance with this.

Is the cleaning solution safe?

This question relies on what you are cleaning. Some contaminants require a hazardous chemical to remove whereas some may only require a mild detergent. No matter what solution you are using, it is always best practice to wear full PPE gear to avoid any accidents.

You also have to consider how the material you are cleaning will react with the solution. For example, light metals such as aluminium react heavily with caustic base products so you should always consult your supplier or chemist risking your items.

What do I do with the waste solution?

Proper disposal of chemicals should always be considered before purchasing a tank. All the solutions we supply are biodegradable so as long as they are neutralised properly, they can be put to foul water. This is not the case with some other chemical manufacturers so it is always best to ask when purchasing.

Another main consideration to take into account when disposing of waste solution is the actual contaminant you are removing. Certain contaminants such as inks can be toxic and therefore should not be put into foul water drains. For these situations, it is always best to have them disposed of correctly by a licensed waste disposal company.

To book a Free Trial Clean or for any questions you may have about buying a tank or the disposal of waste, please get in touch with one of our friendly staff who can advise you on the best practice. Call us on 01924 495975 or email Sales@sonicsolutionsltd.com

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The 2021 Guide to Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaning