Ultrasonic cleaner
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An ultrasonic cleaner (or ultrasonic bath) is a device used to remove dirt from glassware or to break down hardened solids from the inside of flasks, using ultrasounds inside a liquid medium, usually distilled water.
Contents
General
Ultrasonic cleaners consist of an "aquarium"-like machine, made of stainless steel, which is partially filled with deionized water. Ultrasound generators inside the machine induce ultrasonic waves in water. The process is controlled using several buttons from a panel.
Ultrasonic cleaning uses cavitation bubbles induced by high frequency pressure (sound) waves to agitate a liquid. The agitation produces high forces on contaminants adhering to walls of the flask.[1]
Availability
Ultrasonic cleaners can be purchased from lab suppliers and online. Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners can also be used.
Lab models tend to be more expensive than the more commercial types.
DIY ultrasonic cleaner
Making an ultrasonic cleaner isn't an easy task, and it's much cheaper to simply buy one.
Projects
- Break hardened solids from flasks
- Mix viscous liquids
Safety
When in operation, ultrasonic baths give strong ultrasounds which may irritate people with sensitive hearing and animals.
