Sep. 08, 2025
Service Equipment
An ultrasonic cleaner is a sophisticated tool for cleaning a variety of objects, particularly those with hard-to-reach areas or complex components that manual cleaning methods struggle with. Ultrasonic cleaning technology has become essential in sectors like electronics, healthcare, jewellery, aerospace, dental and automotive, offering an ultrasonic cleaning bath that meticulously cleans every nook and cranny.
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Professionals in manufacturing, technical services, and engineering can reap significant advantages from an ultrasonic cleaner. This technology not only extends the life and performance of components but also promotes consistent operation by leveraging powerful ultrasonic cleaning capabilities to minimise downtime.
Continue exploring to understand the factors contributing to the efficiency and popularity of ultrasonic cleaner technology in a multitude of fields.
The secret behind the effectiveness of an ultrasonic cleaner is cavitation. This phenomenon involves the generation of sound waves through mechanical vibrations in a liquid, leading to the formation and implosion of microscopic bubbles. The implosions which occur within ultrasonic baths bombard the items being cleaned, stripping away grime and debris efficiently without the need for abrasive chemicals.
Items should be arranged in a basket, tray, or glass beaker before immersion in the chosen cleaning fluid to maximise the performance of an ultrasonic bath. The cavitation effect ensures a thorough and even cleanse across the ultrasonic cleaning bath, accessing even the smallest crevices and tight spaces that alternative cleaning methods may overlook. Depending on the application, the cleaning fluid may be water-based, which supports environmental sustainability or solvent-based for a more potent clean.
An ultrasonic cleaner consists of three parts:
At its core, the generator serves as the heartbeat of an ultrasonic cleaner, transforming AC power from a standard wall outlet into an electrical frequency that activates the transducer, thus driving the ultrasonic cleaning process.
The transducer stands as the pivotal element that produces ultrasonic vibrations within an ultrasonic cleaner, operating at frequencies above the level of human hearing. In regions like Europe and Asia, the majority of ultrasonic cleaners incorporate piezoelectric crystals that convert electrical impulses into ultrasonic energy. These crystals respond to electrical currents and change in size and shape, resulting in consistent linear vibrations. Modern ultrasonic cleaning systems favour ceramic transducers over their metallic counterparts for a more delicate yet efficacious cleaning touch, strategically installed beneath the tank to propagate vibrations.
Within the ultrasonic cleaning bath, the component, cleaning solution, and the specifically designed basket, tray, or glass jar for submerging the item coexist. Tanks for ultrasonic cleaner baths come in various sizes to hold different volumes of solvent. Distrelec’s own brand, RND, offers a selection that includes a variety of ultrasonic bath sizes, each engineered to meet diverse requirements. These digital ultrasonic cleaners are not only equipped with a basket but also boast advanced temperature control and timer functions for precise cleaning cycles.
RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaner models are engineered to offer an automated and uniform cleaning experience, featuring high-end specifications for unparalleled performance. The ultrasonic cleaner series from RND enhances usability with three distinct power modes and essential features, such as fluid temperature regulation and cleaning cycle timers, demonstrating the sophistication of RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaners.
All of RND’s digital ultrasonic cleaners have three cleaning modes to help achieve the best performance for the task: degas, delicate and full. Each mode is meticulously designed to boost the efficiency of the ultrasonic cleaner, ensuring superior cleaning outcomes.
Activating a degas cycle is a crucial step before submerging objects into the ultrasonic cleaner’s basin. This procedure ejects gases from the cleaning fluid, enhancing the liquid’s surface tension and promoting a more comprehensive and efficient cleaning process.
For fragile items, the delicate mode on the ultrasonic cleaner reduces the power output by half, safeguarding sensitive materials. Employing this mode in conjunction with a tailored ultrasonic cleaning solution can achieve the best results for delicate components.
When dealing with heavily soiled objects, the full power mode of the ultrasonic cleaner is the go-to option. Leveraging the device’s peak power along with precise temperature control and an appropriate cleaning solution ensures a strong and all-encompassing clean.
For lightly soiled items, employing the ultrasonic cleaner with warm water at 40°C is recommended. Commence with the degas mode, then determine the cleaning time based on the item—generally, a span of 2-10 minutes is sufficient for an exhaustive clean, though some objects might need an additional cycle to fully remove all impurities.
Ultrasonic cleaners that feature extended cycle times present a practical solution for those in search of a device that delivers effective performance with little supervision, guaranteeing a steady degree of ultrasonic cleaning without the need for constant attention.
In scenarios where parts require deeper cleaning, incorporating an ultrasonic solution into the water of your ultrasonic cleaner is advisable. It’s beneficial to adjust the cleaner’s temperature to a warmer range to clean more efficiently, ideally between 40°C and 60°C, which can significantly boost the ultrasonic cleaning process.
When faced with tenacious dirt, such as heavy carbon deposits or rust on bare metal surfaces, employing an ultrasonic cleaner becomes crucial for a comprehensive cleaning experience. Begin by soaking the items in a strong ultrasonic solution, followed by engaging the full ultrasonic cleaning mode at an elevated temperature to achieve the best results.
Considering that ultrasonic cleaners represent a considerable investment, ensuring you select the best ultrasonic cleaner tailored to your needs is vital. Reflect on these factors carefully before finalising your purchase to make a well-informed decision.
Industrial ultrasonic cleaners come in various sizes to suit different cleaning tasks or parts. Prior to purchasing, evaluate the size and volume of the components you plan to clean. If you anticipate cleaning numerous small parts, a larger model of an industrial ultrasonic cleaner might be the most efficient choice.
The dimensions of the baskets within an ultrasonic cleaner are critical, as they hold the items in place during the cleaning cycle. For an all-encompassing clean, parts should typically be submerged entirely. Hence, knowing the working depth of the cleaner’s fluid is essential for the ultrasonic cleaner to perform effectively.
For tasks that involve cleaning elongated objects, the 10 litre ultrasonic cleaner from RND is designed to cater to longer items, guaranteeing a snug fit and exceptional cleaning performance.
Most ultrasonic cleaners operate within the optimal frequency range of 35kHz to 45kHz, which is appropriate for diverse cleaning applications. However, for more demanding cleaning tasks, such as eliminating polishing pastes or lapping abrasives, utilising an ultrasonic cleaner at a lower frequency, like 25 kHz, can be notably more effective.
The fundamental concept is straightforward: the lower the frequency of the ultrasonic cleaner, the bigger the cavitation bubbles generated. These more significant cavitation bubbles lead to powerful implosions, making them highly effective at removing stubborn contaminants. On the flip side, higher frequencies, typically between 80 to 130 kHz, are better suited for the delicate cleaning of soft metals and intricate electronics, providing a gentle yet thorough cleaning experience.
25kHz – When set to its most vigorous setting, the ultrasonic cleaner excels at removing strong pollution, representing the pinnacle of its cleaning capabilities. However, it’s imperative to steer clear of this setting for fragile materials like glass to avert any potential harm.
40kHz – Functioning at its standard frequency power, the ultrasonic cleaner demonstrates proficiency in purging a wide spectrum of materials from impurities, underscoring its adaptability and cleaning prowess.
80kHz – Optimised for items with elaborate designs and hard-to-reach areas, the ultrasonic cleaner at this particular frequency ensures deep penetration of cavitation bubbles into tiny spaces, achieving thorough decontamination.
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120 kHz and megasonic – For components requiring meticulous care, such as precision optics and highly sensitive parts, this frequency setting of the ultrasonic cleaner is the go-to option. It’s also the ideal choice for the final cleaning phase, ensuring the removal of any residual dust from already clean components.
Incorporating a heated solution can significantly boost the speed and effectiveness of the cleaning process. Certain ultrasonic cleaners are outfitted with thermostat-controlled heaters, which permit precise temperature modifications to further enhance the cleaning results.
On the Distrelec webshop, you can find a range of ultrasonic cleaning accessories from RND. Some of the main ones include baskets and beakers.
Baskets
Each RND Ultrasonic Cleaner comes complete with a perfectly sized wire mesh basket, enhancing the device’s functionality. Customers have the option to purchase additional baskets, too. Baskets are recommended to evenly distribute ultrasonic waves and prevent hot spots during the cleaning cycle. All baskets are thoughtfully designed with handles that conveniently extend over the bath lip for secure and effortless handling.
Beakers are the perfect container for small parts like electronic components and jewellery. Beakers are suspended in the tank with the appropriate basket, and the solution is only required in the beaker. Separating parts to individual beakers enables the user to group components together and use two different solutions at the same time whilst lowering the amount of solution needed. The beakers are made from borosilicate glass, which is a type of glass that is more resistant to rapid temperature changes. Using the jar means that items don’t get lost, and cleaning is faster.
The Distrelec webshop extends its range of ultrasonic accessories to include baskets for glass beakers, which are meticulously designed to securely hold the glass beakers within the ultrasonic cleaner’s tank. These baskets for glass beakers prevent spillage and guarantee safe handling, with a variety of sizes available to fit different beaker dimensions, ensuring a snug and secure fit for optimal cleaning. They are also available in bundles with the glass jars.
Here are some maintenance tips that will keep your ultrasonic cleaner in fantastic condition:
The cleaning and disinfecting of reusable medical instruments and devices is a crucial process in patient safety for health care facilities. Sterile processing departments are often overlooked in their importance to the entire facility, but infection preventionists need to have a working understanding of all the steps, various types of equipment involved, and potential points of risk for disease transmission that can occur.
Ultrasonic cleaners are utilized in sterile processing departments (SPD) to automate instrument cleaning. They are critical for instruments that may be challenging to manually clean effectively, such as devices with jagged edges, hinges, or serrations. The manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) always indicate if ultrasonic cleaning is required or appropriate for devices.
The instrument-cleaning process starts at the point of use, with the appropriate enzyme or pretreatment applied immediately after the procedure. Instruments must remain wet and transported in a rigid, closed container with appropriate biohazard labeling. Transportation to the SPD should occur immediately after the point-of-use treatment has been applied to prevent the instruments from drying. If bioburden is allowed to dry on the instruments, the cleaning becomes more challenging, potentially impacting the disinfection and sterilization steps in the process.
Once instruments are received in SPD, the decontamination process continues with rinsing, flushing, soaking, inspection, and any manual cleaning indicated by the IFUs. Then, the instruments are ready for ultrasonic cleaning. During manual cleaning, the technician must follow the care instructions for each instrument, ensuring the appropriate brushes are used, any instruments with hinges or moveable parts are opened and cleaned, and visible bioburden is removed.
Ultrasonic cleaners create ultrasonic sound waves to cause cavitation and remove bioburden.1 Cavitation is the process by which microscopic bubbles in the detergent grow and implode, causing the release of tissue and contaminants from the instrument surface.2 This process allows the effective cleaning of instruments with details such as small openings and hinges that are challenging to clean manually. The microscopic bubbles can penetrate these areas and remove any remaining tissue or contamination.
For lumened instruments, ultrasonic cleaners can connect to the instruments and provide the same cavitation process for both the interior and exterior. Additionally, the flushing and rinsing steps are incorporated into the machine’s process, ensuring full cleaning of those lumened devices that are so challenging to clean manually.
The appropriate cleaning agent must be used based on the ultrasonic cleaner and instrument IFUs. The type of cleaning agent used must meet several key considerations. It must be compatible with the cavitation process, work in different types of water quality, and be nontoxic, low-foaming, and free-rinsing.1 Water temperature also impacts the cleaning agent’s effectiveness.
Personnel should receive appropriate training and competencies for the use of ultrasonic cleaners. Sterile processing staff must clearly understand their role and its importance to patient safety. All steps of the decontamination process must be completed with accuracy and attention to detail. This can be challenging when the work is repetitive and there is pressure to quickly turn over instruments for a busy operating room schedule.
Some key points that need to be covered in training include how to properly load instruments in the cleaner to ensure as much surface area is exposed, for example, with hinges open. Instruments should not be overcrowded or overweight for the cleaner. Additionally, the visual inspection of instruments for signs of damage, bioburden, staining, or pitting during the manual cleaning is important to ensure any worn or damaged instruments are removed from use.
Another consideration for the IP when thinking about ultrasonic cleaning, or any process in SPD, is the facility water management program. Water quality for reprocessing medical devices. Water quality can directly impact the ability of sterile processing to perform adequate cleaning and disinfection of instruments. The water management program must be managed by a multidisciplinary team, which includes facilities management, infection prevention, and sterile processing. Recent water quality standards have identified key areas where the water management programs need to focus and where to implement routine water quality testing.
Poor water quality can contribute to many factors that can negatively affect the patient. For ultrasonic cleaners, in particular, water hardness, temperature, bacterial and endotoxin levels, ion levels, and sedimentation would all impact the machine's effectiveness.
For example, corrosion caused by water hardness or sedimentation can contribute to the device's malfunction. If an instrument is not cleaned and disinfected, a patient could be exposed to endotoxins or microorganisms that can contribute to infection. Hardness can impact the washer device itself and leave residue on instruments.
When discussing water management, 3 types of water are important to understand: utility water, critical water, and steam.3 Utility water, which comes from the facility’s connected water supply, is typically used for initial steps in reprocessing, except for a final rinse with critical water. Critical water has been treated to remove bacteria and endotoxins, has the approved pH levels, and meets other specifications. Some ultrasonic washers may perform the final rinse automatically, and critical water would be used for that rinse. The post-wash rinse is essential to remove any residual cleaning agent and contaminants. The manufacturer’s IFUs must be reviewed for the device to ensure the appropriate water is used for each cycle.
SPD staff must maintain logs of ultrasonic cleaners’ required maintenance and quality testing. The specific machine IFUs will indicate the type of maintenance and schedules. This may include device calibration, test strips for detergent levels, or testing for protein levels. The IP should review those logs when performing rounds in SPD to ensure completeness.
Studies have compared the effectiveness of manual cleaning to ultrasonic cleaning. Most studies have found that compared to manual cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning is more effective at removing residue from instruments, particularly those that are harder to clean.2 As medical instruments become more complex, manual cleaning becomes more difficult. However, manual cleaning is still considered best practice in the first step of the decontamination process and should not be skipped over instead of ultrasonic or automated cleaning alone. Manual cleaning of larger debris is critical for the ability of the ultrasonic cavitation process to be effective.
Are there any cons to ultrasonic cleaning? The first consideration is the cost of the equipment. However, given the benefits over manual cleaning alone, that can easily be countered with a risk-benefit analysis. Second, it is important to review the IFUs for any instruments that will be placed in the cleaner. Some materials are incompatible with ultrasonic cleaning and could damage the machine or the instruments. While not a barrier, SPD staff must have the proper training and competencies on the equipment to ensure all aspects of the IFUs are adhered to.
For many IPs, sterile processing is an intimidating and challenging area to develop expertise in, especially as a novice IP who has not worked in a perioperative field. It is important for the IP to collaborate with SPD leadership, make frequent rounds in the department, talk with staff about their processes, and reach out to fellow IPs to ask questions.
References
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Medical Ultrasonic Cleaner.
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