Article Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is "Ultrasonics?"
3. Nature of Sound Waves
4. Cavitation and Implosion
5. Benefits of Ultrasonics
6. Ultrasonics Speeds Cleaning
7. Complex Contaminants
8. Ultrasonic Generators
9. Pulse and Frequency Sweep
10. Frequency and Amplitude
11. Magnetostrictive Transducers
12. Piezoelectric Transducers
13. Ultrasonic Cleaning Equipment
14. Maximizing the Cleaning Process
15. Maximizing Cavitation
16. Minimizing Dissolved Gas
17. Maximizing Overall Cleaning Effect (1)
18. Maximizing Overall Cleaning Effect (2)
19. Conclusion

Ultrasonic Cleaning: Fundamental Theory and Application
(p. 6)

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Ultrasonics Speeds Cleaning by Dissolution

Some contaminants are comprised of insoluble particles loosely attached and held in place by ionic or cohesive forces. These particles need only be displaced sufficiently to break the attractive forces to be removed. (Figure 4)

Cavitation and implosion as a result of ultrasonic activity displace and remove loosely held contaminants such as dust from surfaces. For this to be effective, it is necessary that the coupling medium be capable of wetting the particles to be removed. (Figure 5)

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