Frequently Asked Questions
How many cleaning tanks do I need?
The number of cleaning tanks needed depends upon the volume of parts being cleaned, and how contaminated they are. If your application is very high volume and parts are very contaminated, 2 cleaning tanks may be warranted. However, the vast majority of applications require only a single ultrasonic cleaning tank.
How many rinse tanks do I need?
The number of rinse tanks needed depends largely on the type of result you are looking to achieve. If water or detergent spots are not a concern, then a single rinse tank is adequate. However, if water or detergent spots are not acceptable, at least 2 rinse tanks are needed, and 3 rinse tanks are normally used in ultra-clean applications.
Will ultrasonic cleaning remove the dirt on my parts?
The answer to this question relies almost entirely on the bond strength between the part, the available ultrasonic energy, and the contaminant. If the contaminant has no physical or chemical bond to the surface, then ultrasonic cleaners will capable of removing it. However, if the contaminant has a strong bond to the part, such as that found with burned carbons, then a detergent must be selected which will have the ability to loosen the bond to a degree where the existing ultrasonic cleaner can easily remove it. This is why the use of proper cleaning fluids is so important in the ultrasonic cleaner.
How do I dispose of old cleaning fluids?
In the case of a smaller manufacturer, the cleaning fluids can be collected and disposed of as oily detergent waste. However, many Zenith customers are successfully using Wastewater Evaporators to eliminate the waste which is generated by the ultrasonic cleaner. Since ultrasonic cleaning fluid is typically 95% water, this portion of the waste is evaporated. The 5% balance of the waste collects as a sludge in a collection tank which is later disposed of by traditional means. Zenith can supply wastewater evaporators to drastically reduce the amount of waste material which requires disposal.
Do I need rinsing tanks for my application?
Typically, a rinse operation is required to remove the detergents used in the ultrasonic cleaning tank from the parts being cleaned. Without a rinsing operation, detergent residues will remain on the parts. However, in some cases, this is a benefit since many cleaning agents include rust preventatives that prevent oxidation on parts.
Which ultrasonic frequency is best ?
The best ultrasonic frequency depends upon the type of contaminant being removed, the size of the holes and other details, the material of construction, and the weight of the part load. Generally, the heavier and dirtier the parts, the lower the frequency, but we can provide you with our multi-frequency systems to give you hybrid cleaning action.
Will ultrasonic cleaning systems damage my parts?
Certain softer metals can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners. Highly-polished aluminum will be visibly damaged after only a few minutes, and items as hard as glass can also be damaged after extended ultrasonic exposure. There are processing techniques, such as continuous or intermittent oscillation, which can prevent such damage from occurring. Zenith recommends that such parts be test cleaned prior to purchasing a system. Test cleaning will give Zenith information to develop a process that will prevent damage to the parts, while getting the part as clean as required.
Can Zenith provide me with a demo system to test with?
In some cases, this is possible, but it is NOT recommended. Ultrasonic testing is not something that can be adequately performed by most Zenith customers. In most cases, our customers only have 1 or 2 cleaning fluids to test with, compared to Zenith’s 85+ cleaning agents. Also, the customer will only have 1 ultrasonic frequency and power combination to test with, rather than the unlimited test capabilities at the Zenith facility. As a result, Zenith recommends that parts be submitted for testing at the Zenith facility to obtain the most accurate result possible. Additional information regarding ultrasonic test cleaning can be found on the ultrasonic testing web page.