The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic_03

The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning

2 The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning In any manufacturing process, a variety of contaminants are created such as oils, swarf, grease, and other debris. Proper cleaning techniques must be a priority, not only to ensure consistent cleaning but also to optimise efficiency, cost, and time whilst considering the unique requirement of your manufacturing process. This guide will give you a high-level overview of some techniques that utilise mechanical action as a key part of any cleaning process and provides a detailed summary of both ultrasonic cleaning and spray washing. With this information you’ll have some of the knowledge necessary to determine which is the best cleaning method for you, along with the advantages of each.

3 The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning What is cleaning by mechanical action? Cleaning by mechanical action is defined as using technology Whilst there are several, there are two core methods: spray to help eliminate contaminants from components. Though wash and ultrasonic. The options are: there are many different industrial cleaning methods available, such as manual cleaning or chemical cleaning, • Spray wash (air) using mechanical action is often preferred due to its safety, • Spray under immersion reliability, and affordability. It serves many different purposes, • Air bubble agitation from cleaning heavy contamination from large industrial • Ultrasonics equipment to removing fine particulate and oils from medical or Aerospace components. In any case, to achieve All the above methods use the same basic process of agitation a robust, reliable, and repeatable process we must introduce to remove debris from your components, but how do you mechanical action to the cleaning process. decide which of these techniques is best for you?

4 The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning Spray washing What is spray washing? Spray washing is defined as the impingement of the detergent solution on the component you want to clean. It works in much the same way as a dishwasher – a detergent is dispersed and then agitated on the surface through the rotation of the spray bars. Two factors make spray wash effective: the use of high temperature and high flow rate. To understand this fully, consider a garden hose. When you hold your thumb over a garden hose, so the stream is blocked, the result is high pressure and low flow. If you take your thumb off completely, you have low pressure and much higher flow. For spray washing, these variables of pressure and flow rate must be optimised properly in conjunction. In our analogy, this would be like having your thumb partially over the hose so there is medium pressure and flow rate. With these components acting together, contaminants are very efficiently removed. Benefits of spray washing Due to the simplicity of this mechanical washing process, spray washing is the most cost-effective method of cleaning. Additionally, it’s also one of the safest cleaning methods as no hazardous chemicals are used and it requires no direct exposure to the process for the operator. Furthermore, spray washing is a sustainable option due to its nature as a closed- loop process that minimises the use of water and toxins. Applications for spray washing Spray washing is the best option in situations where there is a large area that has been contaminated or the level of contamination is very high. Additionally, spray wash can also be used as part of a pre-wash process. It is known for being very effective in the following industries: • Aerospace • General Manufacturing • Automotive • Hydraulics • Defence sector

5 The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning Ultrasonic cleaning What is ultrasonic cleaning? Ultrasonic cleaning uses soundwaves, which when entered into the liquid become pressure waves, to ‘pull apart’ and ‘squash’ the cleaning solution creating microscopic ‘bubbles’. This is known as cavitation and works a little like a polishing action on the surface. When these bubbles burst, the contamination within the solution is propelled away from the component itself and is then absorbed into the liquid. Just as with spray washing, the high pressure, and heat of this cavitation makes it an effective mechanical action aiding the cleaning process. Benefits of ultrasonic cleaning In combination with the application of a detergent, one of the benefits of ultrasonic cleaning is that it can decontaminate the surface of the component very effectively, making it one of the best mechanical cleaning actions. It achieves a high level of cleanliness and is good at penetrating deep into the surface or hard-to-reach areas. It also can reduce the time spent cleaning by up to 90%. Applications for ultrasonic cleaning Ultrasonic cleaning is best when extremely high levels of cleanliness are required, such as applications within the medical industry. Other industries that frequently utilise ultrasonic cleaning include: • Precision optics • Aerospace • Electronics and semiconductor production • Watch and jewellery • Manufacturing of precision components • Automotive

6 The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning Spray wash vs. ultrasonic cleaning Now that we have explored the definitions of ultrasonic cleaning and spray wash, let’s compare and contrast the two methods. It is important to note that spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning have orientation requirements. For spray wash, free draining is desired to assist the rinse process and further aid the drying process. Similarly, for ultrasonic cleaning, airlocks need to be avoided. In both instances, the orientation of the component is important to allow for liquid access and free draining. For both spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning, rotation can be a critical aspect of efficacy. Consider that some components will have blind holes or ports on all sides. As a result, accessibility for the cleaning solution needs to be ensured to reach all areas in the system. Rotation can be beneficial in both spray washing and ultrasonic cleaning of components with complex geometry where air pockets or liquid retention are an issue. To best select a mechanical cleaning method, you must note the level of cleanliness required in your components. For most general purposes, spray wash is the appropriate choice because it is more cost effective than ultrasonic cleaning and the cleanliness level achieved by ultrasonic cleaning is not necessary. If you can’t determine the difference between spray wash and ultrasonic results, you don’t need ultrasonics and should not spend the extra money. In addition to deciding between ultrasonic and spray washing, it is equally important to make sure you select a cleaning machine with a high calibre of technical features and exceptional build quality.

7 The difference between spray wash and ultrasonic cleaning Ultrasonic provides a deeper clean but is more expensive than spray washing Both ultrasonic cleaning and spray washing provide a wide Contact a Turbex representative today to learn more about variety of applications and specifications depending on your the benefits of ultrasonic cleaning and spray washing. equipment’s needs. With our help and expertise, we can guide you to the best cleaning techniques that work for you.