A presentation that describes ultrasound theory and how ultrasound technology is applied to precision washing. This presentation will explore the importance and application of ultrasound in precision washing, providing explanations of ultrasound washing equipment and its applications. The ultrasound cleaning parameters will be discussed at length, together with the procedures for correct ultrasound cleaning in order to obtain the best possible results.

Introduction

Cleaning technology is changing. Steam that degreases using chlorinated and fluorinated solvents was standard in many industries for a great length of time, but is now being replaced in the interests of our planet’s ecology. At the same time, cleaning demands are constantly on the rise. Cleaning is becoming a major problem for many industries, much more so now than in the past. In industries such as the electronics industry, where cleaning has always been important, it has become even more critical in view of technological developments. It seems that every step forward in technology requires greater attention to cleanliness in order to succeed. As a result, the cleaning industry was given the challenge of saving the necessary cleaning operations and this was made possible through rapid innovation in an age-old industry. Many of these steps forward involved the use of ultrasound technology. The cleaning industry is constantly battling to replace degreasing solvents with alternative, “eco-friendly” cleaning methods. While water-based, semi-aqueous and chemical petroleum-based substitutes are suitable, they are often less effective cleaners than solvents and may not be suitable in some applications unless the mechanical power is increased in order to guarantee the desired cleaning level. Ultrasound energy is now widely used in critical washing applications, both in order to regulate speed and in order to increase the effect of the alternative chemicals. This essay is designed to familiarise the reader with ultrasound theory and how ultrasound energy can be effectively applied to a wide range of cleaning processes.