MadSci Network: Physics
Query:

Re: How does vibrational pond of solution cleans stuff, eg contact lens cleaner

Date: Thu Mar 9 12:05:50 2006
Posted By: Tetjana Ross, Faculty, Oceanography, Dalhousie University
Area of science: Physics
ID: 1139541500.Ph
Message:

Hi Eric,

Your vibrational pond of solution that cleans stuff, such as contact lenses, jewellery or surgical instruments is often referred to as an ultrasonic cleaner. This is because the pool of solvent is ensonified with ultrasonic waves (with frequencies in the range of 20-100 kHz). The ultrasound causes cavitation --essentially the creation and collapse of tiny bubbles-- within the solvent, which reduces the surface tension of dirt and oils clinging to the surface of the object being cleaned. The cavitation also helps to emulsify the oils, thereby removing them more completely from surfaces.

For more information I'm listing below a few sources that I found on a quick literature search on the subject of ultrasonic cleaning:

A. Antony, Technical aspects of ultrasonic cleaning, Ultrasonics October/December (1964), pp. 194.

L.D. Rozenberg, On the physics of ultrasonic cleaning, Ultrason. News 4 (1960), pp. 16

J.R. Frederick, Ultrasonic Engineering, Wiley, New York (1965).

L.F. Muscarella, Ultrasonic cleaning, Surg Serv Manag 5 (1999), pp. 48

A number of companies also host sites that explain ultrasonic cleaning. This is one (the most detailed one I found):

Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics.

I hope this helps with your project.
Cheers,
Tetjana


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