Ultrasonic Cleaning: Fundamental Theory and Application
(p. 1)
next page
Abstract
A presentation describing the theory of ultrasonics and how ultrasonic technology is applied to precision cleaning. This presentation will explore the importance and application of ultrasonics in precision cleaning along with explanations of ultrasonic cleaning equipment and its application. Process parameters for ultrasonic cleaning will be discussed along with procedures for proper operation of ultrasonic cleaning equipment to achieve maximum results.
Introduction
Cleaning technology is in a state of change. Vapor degreasing using chlorinated and fluorinated solvents, long the standard for most of industry, is being phased out in the interest of the ecology of our planet. At the same time, cleaning requirements are continually increasing. Cleanliness has become an important issue in many industries where it never was in the past. In industries such as electronics where cleanliness was always important, it has become more critical in support of growing technology. It seems that each advance in technology demands greater and greater attention to cleanliness for its success. As a result, the cleaning industry has been challenged to deliver the needed cleanliness and has done so through rapid innovation over the past several years. Many of these advances have involved the use of ultrasonic technology.
The cleaning industry is currently in a struggle to replace solvent degreasing with alternative "environmentally friendly" means of cleaning. Although substitute water-based, semi-aqueous and petroleum based chemistries are available, they are often somewhat less effective as cleaners than the solvents and may not perform adequately in some applications unless a mechanical energy boost is added to assure the required levels of cleanliness. Ultrasonic energy is now used extensively in critical cleaning applications to both speed and enhance the cleaning effect of the alternative chemistries. This paper is intended to familiarize the reader with the basic theory of ultrasonics and how ultrasonic energy can be most effectively applied to enhance a variety of cleaning processes.
next page
|
