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How Does Ultrasonic Cleaning Work?

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The whole process of ultrasonic cleaning is truly a blessing to manufacturers because no harsh chemicals are used to damage machines, their employees, and the environment. So when they have something to clean, they use ultrasonic cleaning to do it. So just how does ultrasonic cleaning work? Here are stages of how it works:

• Process: There is a process called cavitation. This is micron-size bubbles that form and grow due to alternating positive and negative pressure waves in a solution. What happens is the bubbles are subjected to these alternating pressure waves and grow until they reach a certain size. At this time there is a large amount of energy stored in the bubble itself. The temperature inside the bubble can reach very high with pressure readings of 500 atm. At this point the bubble implodes. When it does it is forced into the surface at speeds of up to 400 km/hr. At the point of impact, the bubble releases contaminants that are stuck to the substrate. Because the bubble is so small it can reach into the smallest of crevices and remove trapped debris, dust, and dirt easily and effectively.
• Ultrasound generation: In order for the positive and negative pressure waves to be produced, a mechanical vibrating device is needed. Many manufacturers who build ultrasonic cleaning systems use a diaphragm that is attached to high-frequency transducers. The transducers vibrate at a corresponding frequency that was caused by the high-frequency electronic generator source. This caused the diaphragm to vibrate at an amplified state. This amplified vibration is what causes the positive and negative pressure waves to occur. When this vibration occurs through water, these pressure waves create the cavitation process.

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