Cleaning industrial parts can require specialized equipment and methods, especially when removing tough contaminants like grease. Two of the best industrial parts cleaning methods are ultrasound cleaning and vapor cleaning. Ultrasound cleaning uses sound waves to agitate solvent around a part and clean it, while vapor cleaning uses gaseous solvent to dissolve tough to remove grease. Harnessing these methods together makes ultrasonic vapor degreasers extremely effective at cleaning dirty parts.
How Does Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasers Work?
Traditional vapor degreasers use the condensation of solvent on the dirty part to remove grime. Parts are suspended above a heating unit which boils the cleaning solvent. After evaporating, it rises and then condenses on the part that is cooled by a cooling circuit on the top of the machine. The condensed solvent then falls off the part, carrying the dissolved contaminants.
Ultrasound cleaning machinery uses ultrasound waves to produce tiny bubbles in liquid through a process called cavitation. The sonic energy creates a cavity, which is trapped as a bubble. To regain stability, these little bubbles will collapse into themselves. When this occurs against the suspended part, it has an abrasive effect, thus scrubbing off contaminants.
Ultrasonic vapor cleaners and degreasers combine these two mechanisms—the condensation of vapor degreasing and the abrasion of imploding bubbles—to better clean industrial parts. These machines will house both a heating unit to boil the solvent and an ultrasonic generator, which turns electrical energy into an ultrasonic frequency.
When to Use Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasers and Cleaners
This method of cleaning is precise and effective against many types of contaminants. Here are some examples of applications for ultrasonic vapor degreasing:
- Parts with “blind” holes
- Parts with small cracks or crevices
- Delicate parts that cannot handle physical scrubbing
- Medical/surgical tools
- Window blinds
- Electronic equipment
- Weapons
- Jewelry
- Automotive equipment
Depending on the type of contamination being removed, differing solvents are needed. Additionally, for different industries, certain models of degreasers are available based on scale, power, and ultrasound intensity.
Need Solvents for Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasing?
A specific solvent will be most effective depending on the application of ultrasonic vapor cleaner and degreaser. LssChemicals is equipped to help you find the best chemicals for your industrial needs. Reach out to our chemical experts today to discover which products are right for you!