Next to water filtration and “softening,” de-ionization is probably the next most common water treatment. Ions in water interfere with many cleaning processes and cause water spots on drying after rinsing. The common measure of the amount of ions in water is “resistivity.” The more “resistive” water is, the less ions it contains. Water from a municipal … Continued
As discussed earlier, monitoring variables in a process is a critical part of Six Sigma. The following are some examples of parameters that can be monitored in a cleaning process and some suggestions regarding how the monitoring can be done. Chemical Concentration – Chemistry (detergent, acid, rinse aid, etc.) is one of the most important components of the … Continued
This blog is in response to recently received reader questions regarding the best designs for baskets and fixtures used in ultrasonic cleaning applications. The blog Reader Questions – Baskets for Ultrasonic Cleaning addressed previous questions. Today’s question concerns the use of metallic fasteners in the construction of baskets and fixtures to hold parts for ultrasonic cleaning. The … Continued
The preceeding blog discussed what is probably the “granddaddy” of all cleaning challenges – burned-on carbon. But, as those of us who have been in the cleaning business since Noah launched the ark know, there are a bunch of other cleaning challenges that defy modern technology. In general, these challenges fall into a small group … Continued
As a leading ultrasonic manufacturer, we are often asked to manufacture large, industrial ultrasonic cleaning systems producing a particular ultrasonic power density based on laboratory trials. In fact, it may not be appropriate to base the watts per gallon requirement for a large industrial application on those found effective on a laboratory scale. A paper at the following … Continued
It should be clear by now that heat plays an important role in drying. Delivery of heat to a drying system is critical and can be accomplished in a number of ways. Today’s blog will explore two options for heat delivery – conduction and radiation. Conduction seems to be the “go to” when it comes … Continued
High velocity compressed air blow-offs are a viable means of drying or de-watering parts in many applications. They are especially useful if parts don’t need to be “super dry” (as completely free of water) or if there is a requirement to remove “excess” water from a part prior to final drying using another means such as hot … Continued
Deep in a file drawer in my office on a couple of pieces of paper yellowed by time is an article that, written and published in 1954, is a literal snapshot of the notion and perceived traits of an engineer over 50 years ago – when I was only 9 years old. Every once in a … Continued
Well, sometimes stuff happens! As I was checking the blog today I discovered that the wrong sound clip somehow wormed its way into yesterday’s blog Sounds of Silence – Pulse Period and Duration I have made the appropriate correction and now the sound clips in the published blog are actually the ones that they should … Continued
Using a slow rate of pulsed ultrasonics is an excellent way to speed the degassing of liquids in preparation for use in ultrasonic cleaning and rinsing applications. The blog Ultrasonics – How to Degas Liquids explained the mechanism by which dissolved gasses are extracted from liquids by ultrasonic cavitation. Although this degassing mechanism is very effective … Continued