Ultrasonic cleaners use ultrasound to clean items either with just water or a suitable cleaner. Read on to discover more about exactly how ultrasonic cleaners work.
1. Machine Features
All machines have an on and off switch, but some models also offer an automatic shut-off, timers, temperature controls and operating modes to vary the pulse. Many ultrasonic cleaners have a tank; some do not and can be used with a sink or bowl. At the bottom or the side of the tank are the piezoceramic transducers, which are powered by electricity.
2. How It Cleans
Ultrasonic cleaners use ultrasound to clean and are powered by electricity. The transducer changes in size, creating high-frequency sound waves – this is called ultrasonic energy. This causes cavitation bubbles which increase in size, and when the bubbles reach a certain size they are unable to retain their shape and tear the liquid apart. The bubbles impact against the object in the tank, causing the dirt, dust and germs to come off.
There has recently been an increase in the desire to reduce the use of chemicals. In fact, a hotel in Copenhagen has just declared itself Denmark’s first chemical-free hotel. These ultrasonic machines are popular with those who wish to cut down on the use of harsh chemicals in cleaning, as they can be used with just water.
3. Ultrasonic Frequency
Higher-frequency machines produce smaller bubbles, and these are suitable for gentle cleaning. A lower-frequency cleaner produces larger bubbles so is ideal for cleaning more durable items.
4. What Items Can the Ultrasonic Cleaner Clean?
Ultrasonic cleaners can clean a wide range of items. They are commonly used to clean jewellery and surgical and dental instruments. But a large ultrasonic cleaner can also be used for baby toys, engine parts or household tools. You should think about the type of item you will need to clean. If you are cleaning small delicate items of jewellery, you may only need a small machine, but if you need to clean bigger items, you may require a large ultrasonic cleaner.
5. Power
Most ultrasonic cleaners operate at around 50 watts to 100 watts per gallon. As power increases, the number of bubbles in the cavitation process increases and cleaning becomes faster.