Using Ultrasonic Tanks in Industrial Cleaning Applications

Industrial cleaning systems that utilize ultrasonic technology can clean a variety of objects and parts without aggressive chemicals or rough scrubbing. Ultrasonic tanks hold the cleaning solution and the part to be cleaned. The tank mounted transducers generate the ultrasonic signal. Ultrasonic cleaning is especially suitable for objects such as ceramics, glass, optical devices, medical devices and machined parts.

When the ultrasonic transducers are used in a water-based cleaning solution, the ultrasonic energy creates cavitation bubbles that form and collapse at the ultrasonic frequency. The part to be cleaned is suspended in the tank and immersed in the cleaning solution; the bubble action removes surface contamination. A typical cleaning cycle might take 10 minutes and even parts with complex shapes can be cleaned effectively.

Kaijo’s ultrasonic tanks and baths are specifically designed for ultrasonic cleaning applications. The tanks have to be built to withstand ultrasonic sound waves and to support the transducers in their cleaning action. Systems are available with transducers and generators in turnkey configurations and custom systems can be designed to meet specific needs.

Tank Characteristics

The ultrasonic tanks are made of gloss polished, thick stainless steel for excellent durability. Standard sizes range from 270 mm x 370 mm (10.6 in. x 14.6 in.) with a height of 250 mm (9.8 in.) to 520 mm x 550 mm (20.5 in. x 21.7 in.) with a height of 300 mm (11.8 in.). Kaijo can also provide custom sizes.

Tanks with transducers and generators are available in a choice of ten different frequencies. Lower frequencies deliver larger bubbles and more robust cleaning while the higher frequencies are used for more delicate cleaning action. Systems and tanks are available with power outputs of 600 W and 1200 W per generator. The higher the power the more bubbles are generated and the more powerful the cleaning action.

System Options

In addition to providing turnkey systems, Kaijo offers matched sets of generators and transducers for installation into existing tanks. A user can install the transducers in the tanks and connect the ultrasonic generators to construct complete ultrasonic cleaning systems.

Transducers types are immersible, bolt-on or tank mounted. Immersible transducers are independent units that can be placed in tanks horizontally or vertically while bolt-on and mounted transducers can be placed at the bottom or on the sides of the tank. The transducers have heavy metal plates to transmit the ultrasonic energy to the liquid and they are designed to withstand a hot, ultrasonic cleaning environment.

Kaijo’s ultrasonic generators are matched to their transducers and to produce high performance cleaning action. Generators such as the Phenix III are cost effective, flexible solutions that work well with the Kaijo ultrasonic tanks and transducers operating at 26 kHz or 38 kHz. These and the Kaijo turnkey ultrasonic cleaning systems offer unparalleled savings in cost and time compared to other types of cleaning systems. The ultrasonic bubbles remove all kinds of foreign matter from part surfaces and can clean inside holes and crevices where other cleaning methods fail. In addition, ultrasonic cleaning is environmentally friendly by eliminating harsh cleaning chemicals and cleans effectively without mechanical damage to the items to be cleaned.

Ultrasonic tanks and baths together with Kaijo’s transducers and generators or the Phenix III turnkey ultrasonic cleaning systems represent a cost-effective and reliable cleaning solution to a wide variety of industrial and research lab cleaning needs. If you have any questions about using ultrasonic technology for your application or need a quote on any of Kaijo’s ultrasonic baths and tanks call 408-675-5575 or email info@kaijo-shibuya.com.