Ask Sally Sonic

B5510 Power Rating?

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:48:15 -0500

Message: I'm curious what the ultrasonic power rating  
is for the B5510 series cleaners?

thanks, 
 
brian

Branson cleaning solution

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 08:03:33 -0500

Message: I have a Branson 200 jewelry cleaner. What cleaning concentrate (regardless of if the same brand or not) works best in it for the highest cleaning capability? If you recommend Branson -- I have had trouble understanding how to dilute it properly-- any advice IF you recommend it? Thanks very much, CJ

The smallest ultrasonic cleaner

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 07:03:53 -0500

Message: I am looking for a very small ultrasonic that I can take on the road with me. I am a tattoo artist. Do you have anything this small (to hold just one cup)?

Cleaning unanodized aluminum

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 14:57:20 -0500

Message: I was thinking of obtaining one of your ultrasonic tanks for small parts cleaning, the parts being unanodized aluminum discs the thickness, depending on our use will be anywhere from .05 to .250 of an inch in thickness. As they are unanodised we are concerned using a cleaner which may accelerate oxidation, such as a solution using water, can you offer a suggestion on what we may use to avoid this? Also while reading the FAQ I have noticed one test is that of placing a strip of aluminum foil in a bath for 10 minutes and notice the holes, should that be a great concern as we wish to remove carbon without harming the discs

Thank you

Ultrasonic Jewelry Care

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 07:01:29 -0500

Ultrasonic jewelry cleaning and care

Caring for Gold

Although our gold jewelry should last virtually forever, thoughtless or rough treatment can diminish its beauty, and its value. But a few simple steps can safeguard your gold from harm. Gold's worst enemy is chlorine. Repeated exposure weakens its structure and can lead to breakage; therefore, keep your jewelry away from chlorinated cleaning products and out of swimming pools and Jacuzzis. Protect your gold jewelry by keeping it safe and wrapped in a soft cloth when not wearing it. Clean your gold jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner using a recommended cleaning solution. Dry and polish jewelry with a chamois or soft cloth after cleaning and rinsing. Keep gold jewelry free from dust, moisture, perspiration and makeup. Always inspect your gold jewelry for weakness or damage and bring it to a professional jeweler for immediate repair. Your jeweler will be able to restore it for you.

Caring for Pearls

More delicate than other gemstones and precious metals, cultured pearls need special care to ensure they will remain clean, bright and lustrous for generations to come. Put pearls on last, after makeup, hair spray and perfume. After wearing, wipe the pearls with a soft, damp cloth. Never clean pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner! (See precautions below.) Wash periodically with a mild soap, never use chemicals or abrasives. Keep pearls away from hard or sharp jewelry items that could scratch them. Store pearls in a soft pouch or a separately lines segment of a jewelry box. Because body oils can damage the silk or nylon thread, have pearls restrung once a year to avoid strand breakage. Have your pearls strung with a knot between each pearl to prevent loss of pearls should the string break.

Caring for Diamonds and Other Gemstones

It's usually beneficial to clean your diamonds a minimum of two times a year to counteract the dulling and damage that skin lotions, soaps and skin oils can cause. Smog, smoke, dust and other airborne threats can also discolor your gem settings. For best results, we suggest a thorough ultrasonic cleaning of your diamond ring once a month. As a preventative measure, store your diamonds and other precious jewelry in cloth lined cases or boxes made for this purpose. It's wise to keep each piece from touching another as diamonds may scratch and damage each other as well as all lesser quality stones. While diamonds are one of the world's hardest substances, it doesn't mean you should tempt fate. Take off your diamonds when gardening or doing any other work where damage could occur. Be particularly careful around chlorine bleach when swimming or cleaning; chlorine has been known to damage jewelry mountings.

Insuring Your Valuables

When you insure your jewelry, it is typically covered for loss, theft, damage, and mysterious disappearance

Most insurance companies require an appraisal by a Certified Gemologist before a policy can be granted. Most RJO jewelers will provide this service free of charge with your jewelry purchase.

Insurance usually pays for repair or replacement with "like kind and quality," although unset stones and irreplaceable jewelry are often exempted.

Premiums for your insurance policy are determined by the retail value of each piece of jewelry you insure. Rates can be as little as $10 per $1,000 of value, with no deductible, but they will vary according to the jewelry you insure and the state in which you reside.

Before your policy's term expires, your insurer will typically ask you for a new appraisal to update your jewelry's value. Just return the renewal form with your jeweler's signature along with your premium check.

Jewelry Protection Tips

How safe is your jewelry? Where do you keep it when you're not wearing it? Is it really safe in your home? Take these precautions to safeguard your jewelry and other valuables:

Install strong locks on doors and windows, the first and most effective line of defense against burglaries. When away, make sure your home appear "lived in" by arranging to have the lawn mowed, mail and newspapers pick up, and ask your neighbors to park in your drive. Store extremely valuable jewelry is a safety deposit box. Jewelry boxes are too obvious. Place your jewelry out of sight, in a fixed safe or secure hiding place. Remove and secure jewelry prior to exercising, gardening or performing rigorous chores. Never place jewelry out in an open area such as a sink or counter, or out in public, where it can be forgotten, knocked about, lost or stolen. When traveling, never leave your jewelry unattended in luggage, and always store your jewelry in the hotel safe deposit box. Most burglaries occur during the day, the time you're most apt to be away; therefore, remember to keep door and windows locked. Finally, insure your jewelry,

Ultrasonic Cleaning Precautions & Prohibitions

Precious metals with a significant amount of copper alloying and any other materials to be cleaned should be tested before cleaning to determine the compatibility of the material with the cleaning agent. Never clean pearls in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Pearls are a natural accretion of calcium carbonate which may delaminate and dissolve in the tank. Never clean paste jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner. The paste may dissolve in the cleaning solution. Never clean opals in an ultrasonic cleaner! Opals are a heavily fractured stone (the fracture planes reflect light and give the beautiful coloration for which opal is noted). Ultrasonic action (cavitation) in the tank may cause the fracture planes to extend and the stone may crumble in the tank. Opaque gemstones like lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite should never be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner. These porous stones are liable to have absorbed materials which, when acted upon by ultrasound, will shatter the gems. Do not place items to be cleaned directly on the bottom of the tank. It is activately vibrating and can abrade the surface of the item. Suspend items in the bath or use a suspended beaker or the perforated tray made for the purpose.

Ultrasonic FAQ

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:54:32 -0500

Ultrasonic FAQ

Just starting out with ultrasonic cleaning? Read this first.

What is cavitation?
"Cavitation" is the rapid formation and collapse of millions of tiny bubbles (or cavities) in a liquid. Cavitation is produced by the alternating high and low pressure waves generated by high frequency (ultrasonic) sound. During the low pressure phase, these bubbles grow from microscopic size until, during the high pressure phase, they are compressed and implode.

What is "degassing' and why should it be done?
"Degassing" is the initial removal of gases present in the solution. Useful cavitation occurs after gasses have been removed from the cleaning solution, leaving a vacuum in the formed bubble. When the high pressure wave hits the bubble wall, the bubble collapses; it is the energy released by this collapse that will assist a detergent in breaking the bonds between parts and their soils.

How do I get the best ultrasonic cleaning?
There are many considerations important to ultrasonic cleaning. Optimizing these variables will produce the best cleaning. The most important decisions to be made are choosing the proper cleaning solution, cleaning at the right temperature for the correct amount of time, and choosing the right size and type of ultrasonic cleaner.

Can ultrasonic cleaning damage my parts?
With certain cautions, ultrasonic cleaning is considered safe for most parts. While the effects of thousands of implosions per second is very powerful, the cleaning process is safe since the energy is localized at the microscopic level. The most important cautionary consideration is the choice of cleaning solution. Potentially adverse effects of the detergent on the material being cleaned will be enhanced by the ultrasonics. Ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended for the following gemstones: opal, pearl, tanzanite, malachite, turquoise, lapis and coral.

What is "direct" and "indirect" cleaning?
Direct cleaning occurs when the parts are cleaned in a cleaning solution which fills the cleaner, usually inside a perforated tray or mesh basket. The limitation of direct cleaning is that a solution must be chosen that will not damage the ultrasonic cleaner. Indirect cleaning involves placing the parts to be cleaned in an inner non-perforated tray or beaker that often contains a solution that the user may not want directly filling the ultrasonic tank. When choosing indirect cleaning, make sure that the water level inside the tank itself is maintained to the fill line (about 1" from the tank top) at all times.

Why is a special solution required for cleaning?
Soils adhere to the parts... if they didn't, the soil would just fall off the parts! The purpose of the solution is to break the bonds between parts and their soils. Water alone has no cleaning properties. The primary purpose of the ultrasonic activity (cavitation) is to assist the solution in doing its job. An ultrasonic cleaning solution contains various ingredients designed to optimize the ultrasonic cleaning process. For example, increased cavitation levels result from reduced fluid surface tension. An ultrasonic solution will contain a good wetting agent or surfactant.

What cleaning solution should I use?
Modern ultrasonic cleaning solutions are compounded from a variety of detergents, wetting agents and other reactive components. A large variety of excellent formulations are available, designed for specific applications. Proper selection is crucial for acceptable cleaning activity and to preclude undesirable reactivity with the part being cleaned. We can help you to identify either the optimal 'stock' cleaning formula, or likely candidates to test and evaluate.

What cleaning solution shouldn't I use?
Flammables or solutions with low flash points should never be used. The energy released by cavitation is converted to heat and kinetic energy, generating high temperature gradients in the solution, and can create hazardous conditions with flammable liquids. Acids, bleach and bleach by-products should generally be avoided, but may be used with indirect cleaning in a proper indirect cleaning container, such as a glass beaker, and appropriate care. Acid and bleach will damage stainless steel tanks, and/or create hazardous conditions.

When should solutions be changed?
Cleaning solutions should be replenished when a noticeable decrease in cleaning action occurs, or when the solution is visibly dirty or spent. A fresh batch of solution at each cleaning session is usually not required.

Why must I keep solution at the tank's level indicator?
The solution level should always be maintained at the level indicator in the tank, with trays or beakers installed. The ultrasonic cleaning system is a 'tuned' system. Improper solution levels will change the characteristics of the environment, can affect the system frequency, decrease effectiveness, and potentially damage the cleaner. Maintaining the proper solution level provides optimum circulation of solution around parts, and protects heaters and transducers from overheating or stress.

What is the length of cleaning time?
Cleaning time will vary, depending on such things as soil, solution, temperature and the degree of cleanliness desired. Highly visible removal of soils should start almost immediately after the ultrasonic cleaning action begins. Cleaning time adjustment is the easiest (and most often misapplied) factor used to compensate for process variables. Although new application cycle duration can be approximated by an experienced operator, it usually must be validated by actual use with the chosen solution and the actual soiled parts.

What is the purpose of the unit heater?
The primary purpose of the unit heater is to maintain a solution temperature between cleaning cycles. The tremendous energy released by cavitation will generate the heat for cleaning.

How do I know if the unit is cavitating properly?
Most poor cleaning usually results from improper control of one or more process variable(s); such as choosing the wrong detergent solution, insufficient heat, or not allowing enough time for the particular soil to be removed. If you suspect that your ultrasonic cleaner is not cavitating properly, there are two simple tests you can perform: the "glass slide" test and the "foil" test.

How do I perform the "glass slide" test?
Wet the frosted portion of a glass slide with tap water and draw an "X" with a No. 2 pencil from corner to corner of the frosted area. Making sure that the tank is filled to the fill line, immerse the frosted end of the slide into fresh cleaning solution. Turn on the ultrasonics. The lead "X" will begin to be removed almost immediately, and all lead should be removed within ten seconds.

How do I perform the "foil" test?
Cut three small pieces of aluminum foil about 4" x 8" each. Fold each piece over a rod that you will use to suspend the foil in the tank. A clothes hanger works well. Your cleaner should be filled with an ultrasonic cleaning solution, degassed, and brought up to normal operating temperature. Suspend the first "square" in the center of the tank and the other two a couple of inches from each end of the tank. Make sure that the tank is filled to the fill line, and turn on the ultrasonics for about ten minutes. Remove the foil and inspect: All three pieces of aluminum foil should be perforated and wrinkled to about the same degree.

Why must trays or beakers be used?
Items being cleaned should never be placed directly on the tank bottom. Transducers (which produce the ultrasound) are bonded to the bottom of the tank. Items resting directly on the tank bottom can damage the transducers and/or reduce cavitation. Additionally, a tray or beaker will position the item within the optimal cleaning zone of the tank. The tray or beaker will also hold the load together and allow for easy, no-touch removal, draining and transport of the items to the next step in the cleaning process.

What is the optimum cleaning temperature?
Heat usually enhances and speeds up the cleaning process, and most detergent solutions are designed to work best at an elevated temperature. The best way to find the optimum temperature, which will give you the fastest, cleanest and safest results, is to run tests. Usually, the best results are within the 50C to 65C range.

Is rinsing required after cleaning cycles?
Rinsing is recommended to remove any chemical residue, which could be harmful to the part. Parts can be rinsed right in your ultrasonic cleaner, using a clean water bath, or in a separate tub containing tap, distilled or deionized water.

Why shouldn't I leave my cleaner on constantly?
Low solution levels can seriously damage your cleaner. Running your unit continuously runs the strong risk of lowered levels as the solution evaporates, especially when heated. Getting into the habit of shutting off the ultrasonics when not in use, and monitoring the solution level when in use, will yield many years of trouble free service from your ultrasonic cleaner.

Ultrasonic FAQ courtesy of Howard Stromberg - Thanks Howie!

Ask Sally Sonic - Ultrasonic Cleaning Discussion

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:31:25 -0500

Welcome to our Blog

This blog will take the placc of the "Ask Sally Sonic" section on SonicsOnline.com, and the "Ask Captain Cleano" area on the Cleanosonic.com web sites.

You can expect to find information on updates and changes to all of our web sites here, in adition to practical discussion of ultrasonic cleaning applications and equipment.