As discussed in a previous blog, one problem with watts is that watts do not equal energy. Let’s carry that thought a little further again using the vehicle analogy I put forth in the initial blog of this series. In the ultrasonic world it is common to associate the effectiveness of an ultrasonic cleaning tank its … Continued
Over the years, there have been several anecdotal references to otherwise unexplained changes in the properties of surfaces exposed to ultrasonic energy in a liquid. In some cases, it would make sense that the change was due to increased cleanliness. In others, however, the benefit of cleanliness alone would seem questionable. One incident in particular … Continued
The vast majority of industrial cleaning processes today use water-based chemistry for cleaning and the cleanest water possible for rinsing. Most water comes from wells or reservoirs and arrives via a municipal utility which may filter it and add chemicals to kill and prevent the growth of bacteria and/or provide certain health benefits. Other than … Continued
Preceding blogs have described a number of mechanical means for measuring temperature based on the expansion and contraction of liquids and solids. Another major classification of temperature sensors are based on electrical phenomenon. Thermocouples – A thermocouple sensor utilizes a junction of two dissimilar metals to measure temperature. The principle is based on the fact that an … Continued
A third classification of automation is a constantly moving or indexing device that conveys parts through the cleaning process. This can either be in the form of a conveyor that suspends parts on hooks or other fixtures that hang from an overhead track or in the form of a conveyor belt on which the parts rest as … Continued
Many cleaning systems are automated. There are a number of benefits that can be realized through automation – Reduced labor cost Increased throughput Improved process consistency Reduced Labor Cost The cleaning process is inherently labor intensive. Parts to be cleaned must be prepared and fixtured or put into suitable carriers. They must then be moved … Continued
This series of blogs about automation will address automation as an “add-on” or accessory to an existing or planned cleaning system. In many cleaning systems, automation, or at least partial automation, is an integral part of the system as it is required for effective cleaning process. This is especially true of spray washers which often rely … Continued
The cleaning process is really just an exercise of removing contamination from the surface being cleaned and moving it to a segregated location for collection and disposal. This is accomplished in a number of ways depending on the volume and nature of the contamination. Solid contamination that is more dense than the cleaning media (usually … Continued
In my experience, drying deserves a lot more attention than is usually gets in the design of a cleaning system. If for no other reason, drying deserves extra attention because it is almost always the most time-consuming of all steps in the parts cleaning process.
Cleaning sample parts in a test laboratory is one of the logical first steps in the development of a cleaning process and the subsequent specification of cleaning hardware to perform that process. Earlier in my life, as the test lab manager for one of the largest suppliers of ultrasonic cleaning equipment in the world, I … Continued