Ultrasonic Cleaner Capacity Selection Tips
One of the first if not the first point in selecting an ultrasonic cleaner is the ultrasonic cleaner capacity. By capacity we mean not the size of the ultrasonic cleaner itself but the size, or dimensions, of the cleaning tank. That’s where cleaning action takes place. If the parts you want to clean can’t be completely immersed in the ultrasonic cleaning solution, you have a problem. This post helps you calculate your ultrasonic cleaner capacity.
Two Basic Approaches to Ultrasonic Cleaner Capacity
You can specify an ultrasonic cleaner in terms of cleaning solution capacity or its ability to completely immerse parts being cleaned. A simple illustration: There’s not much depth to a gallon of water in an 8 quart baking pan. Contrast that depth to a gallon of water in a gallon water jug.
With that in mind, let’s proceed.
Fortunately, ultrasonic cleaners are manufactured in a tremendous variety of sizes. And as suggested, there are two approaches to sizes when speaking in terms of ultrasonic cleaner capacity.
First, “size” can be defined in terms of the tank’s cleaning solution capacity. Second, “size” can be defined in terms of tank dimensions, or its ability to accommodate parts being cleaned.
As you can see by checking our page on the Elmasonic E Plus series, there is a selection 9 tank capacities from 0.25 to 7.5 gallons, all with differing tank dimensions, offered in this series. Industrial-sized units such as the xtra ST series can hold up to 67.4 gallons. Larger-capacity units are also available.
Five Advanced Approaches to Ultrasonic Cleaner Capacity
After our two basic points, let’s look at five advanced points:
1. Parts you are Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning has proved a very effective and economical way to remove all types of contaminants from nearly anything that can be safely immersed in an aqueous biodegradable cleaning solution. Applications include cleaning dental instruments, plastic injection molds, automotive and power equipment engine components and printed circuit boards.
These and the thousands of other parts that benefit from ultrasonic cleaning have unlike dimensions in terms of length, width and depth. Which brings us to our second point:
2. Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank Dimensions
An important point to keep in mind when selecting your ultrasonic cleaner capacity is that parts must be fully immersed in the ultrasonic cleaning solution. Dipping one end in for a cleaning cycle then the other end is a no-go.
Fortunately off-the-shelf ultrasonic cleaners are manufactured in a variety of cleaning tank dimensions whether you are cleaning printed circuit boards or glass components used in cannabis processing. Custom-designs can be fabricated to accommodate large or oddly shaped parts.
A related point to keep in mind regarding the dimensions of your cleaning tank is that parts being cleaned should not be bunched together. Ideally they will be separated from each other. This both improves cleaning results and helps avoid damage when parts vibrate against each other due to ultrasonic action.
Which brings us to our third ultrasonic cleaner capacity tip:
3. The Role of Cleaning Baskets
Most ultrasonic cleaning cycles are accomplished in baskets* that allow parts to be easily immersed in and removed from the cleaning bath. They are essential because they keep parts from contact with the bottom of the cleaning tank where vibration will eventually wear holes in the tank, rending it unfit for further service.
What is important here is cleaning basket dimensions are smaller than cleaning tank dimensions. This allows easy placing and removing baskets using handles that rest over the side of the tank.
It is obvious then, when you select the size of your ultrasonic cleaner you take into full account the cleaning basket dimensions. Makes sense, right?
This information should be readily available from your ultrasonic cleaner tank supplier. The correct basket size will allow you to accommodate the dimensions of the parts you are cleaning. Keep in mind that they should not be stacked in the basket for reasons noted above.
4. The Importance of “Working Depth”
Ultrasonic cleaner working depth?
Ultrasonic cleaner baskets are designed to suspend products being cleaned at an ideal distance from the tank bottom. This is to maximize the efficiency of the cleaning process. As with cleaning basket length and width being somewhat less than tank length and width, so too the depth of the cleaning basket will be less than the depth of the tank.
Hence the term working depth. It is the distance between the bottom of the basket and the surface of the cleaning solution when the tank is filled to the proper working capacity.
From this you might think that in selecting the correct ultrasonic cleaner capacity based on what you are cleaning, one of the first points to consider is the working depth of the equipment.
But you got this far in the post, so the point has been made.
We invite you to check out the ultrasonic cleaner video in our learning center.
5. Solution Volume and Service Volume
Our final ultrasonic cleaner capacity tip is what is called displacement. You experience this when you add ice cubes to a full glass of water.
The same applies to ultrasonic cleaners. And here’s why:
Ultrasonic cleaners have a maximum solution volume and service solution volume.
Product detail sheets and user manuals provide this important information. We define maximum volume as the amount of cleaning solution needed to fill the tank to its capacity – generally the fill line or other designation indicated in the operations manual.
The service volume is the amount of solution needed to accommodate displacement by parts being cleaned while allowing full immersion.
We use as examples two Elma x-tra ST industrial ultrasonic cleaners. For the x-tra ST 300 the service volume is 5.8 gallons and the maximum volume is 7.9 gallons. For the x-tra ST 2500 the service volume is 57 gallons and the maximum volume is 67 gallons.
Another Ultrasonic Cleaner Solution Volume Take-Away
Neither more nor less cleaning solution is better. Ultrasonic cleaners are designed to operate with a designed amount of cleaning solution.
Overfilling the tank does not improve efficiency; under filling the tank does not intensify cleaning but instead can damage the tank. This, by the way, is why the service volume statistic is provided. It allows solution mixing, degassing and heating when baskets are empty.
The take-away? Don’t fill your glass before adding ice cubes. Account for displacement when calculating the amount of cleaning solution you need to do the job and take into account the recommended service volume provided by the equipment manufacturer.
Questions on Ultrasonic Cleaner Capacities?
Our ultrasonic cleaning professionals have the answers. Call or chat with us for more information.
* When using industrial ultrasonic cleaners very large parts can be suspended in the solution from overhead hangers.
