Category: blog
What is ultrasonic cleaning and why is it so powerful?
As a leading waste management company, we are committed to providing innovative cleaning solutions that are tailored to our client’s needs.
Ultrasonic cleaning technology is one such solution. Ultrasonic cleaning is a highly efficient cleaning method that uses the power of ultrasonic waves to effectively remove contaminants from objects and surfaces.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how ultrasonic cleaning works and its many benefits…
What is ultrasonic cleaning?
Ultrasonic cleaning is a process where high frequency sound waves are used to agitate liquid in a tank that contains the parts for cleaning. The cleaning agent is mainly water but can range from a chemical or solvent to environmentally friendly solutions, depending on what is being cleaned.
Ultrasonic cleaning technology offers the following benefits:
•Superior
Ultrasonic cleaning removes stubborn contaminants such as grease and oil and ensures high standards of cleanliness are met. This method can be used for crude and heavy oil, carbon deposits, algae, calcium, light oil, limescale, oxidation, swarf and surface contamination.
•Efficient
Ultrasonic cleaning is capable of cleaning into tiny gaps, hard-to-reach spaces, precision instruments, polished surfaces, complex parts and components. It does so in a fraction of the time taken by other methods. Unlike many manual techniques, ultrasonic cleaning is uniform, across the entire surface of the object.
•Precise
Ultrasonic methods ensure the removal of contaminants at a microscopic level – something that many other automated processes can’t.
•Gentle
Ultrasonic cleaning is highly effective but doesn’t cause damage to delicate surfaces or components. It cleans but doesn’t scratch, abrade or erode surfaces. Components and equipment have a lifespan, leading to lower maintenance expenses.
•Automated
The process is largely automated, so it is efficient and requires little human involvement
•Cost-effective
Because it is largely automated, ultrasonic cleaning is associated with reduced labour compared to other cleaning methods.
•Versatile
Ultrasonic cleaning technology can be used for a range of materials, including plastics, metals, rubbers, textiles, ceramics and glass. It is particularly effective as part of the manufacturing process and can be used for cleaning industrial equipment, machinery and tools.
•Environmentally friendly
Ultrasonic cleaning uses less water and fewer chemicals compared to conventional cleaning methods. It also mitigates pollution, through efficient removal of contaminants. This makes it more eco-friendly.
Aqua blasting treatment can be used to complement the ultrasonic cleaning service, as and when needed. Alternatively, it is available as a stand-alone cleaning service.
Industrial ultrasonic cleaning and health and safety
Among the many advantages of ultrasonic cleaning are its health and safety benefits for workers, cleaning personnel and the environment, including:
- Reduced exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals
- Improved workplace air quality
- Minimised risk of accidents or injuries associated with manual cleaning practices due to largely automated process
- Reduced risk of contamination from pathogens
- Compliance with health and safety standards and workplace safety regulations
How does ultrasonic cleaning work?
The industrial ultrasonic cleaning process uses an ultrasonic generator which produces high frequency electrical signals. These signals are sent to a transducer, which converts them into mechanical vibrations.
- Cavitation
When the transducer generates ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic cleaning tank, they travel through the cleaning solution which creates millions of tiny bubbles through ‘cavitation’. These bubbles form and collapse rapidly in the solution when they hit the surface of the object. - Scrubbing effect
When the tiny bubbles collapse, they release intense energy in the form of shockwaves at a nano level, which produces a scrubbing action. This action dislodges and removes particles of dirt, grease, oil, rust and contaminants from the surface of the object. - Rinse and dry
The cleaning solution is rinsed off the component with clean water. This removes any remaining cleaning solution or remnants of contaminants. It can then be dried, either by air drying or in a drying chamber.
Who can benefit from ultrasonic cleaning services?
Industrial ultrasonic cleaning is a versatile method that can be used across many sectors including:
- Aviation and aerospace
- Marine
- Engineering
- Automotive
- Military and defence
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare and medical
- Electronics
- Catering, food and beverage
More sectors are becoming aware of how this method of cleaning reaches the parts other methods don’t.
Experts in ultrasonic cleaning services
Yellowstone is dedicated to providing cutting-edge waste management and cleaning solutions.
Having merged with Marlin Environmental Services in 2023, we have expanded our range of services to benefit our clients. This includes harnessing the powerful technology of ultrasonic cleaning, for superior results, improved efficiency and precision.
Marlin provides specialist and expert cleaning services, from ultrasonic cleaning to aqua blasting. Boasting the largest commercially available ultrasonic cleaning tank in the south of England, at 4,000 litres, it is used by aviation, marine and manufacturing customers.
To find out about our ultrasonic cleaning services, please contact our friendly team on 0330 118 0381. Alternatively, please send us a message by completing our enquiry form.