A common question regarding ultrasonic cleaners is: what is degassing?
Explained simply, degassing is the removal of microscopic air bubbles from the cleaning fluid in an ultrasonic tank. This is achieved by running the machine through a specific on / off sequence. On for 5 minutes and the off for 3 minutes etc.
Fluid gets “gassed” when a tank is filled with water. It’s like filling a bath at home. The action of water coming out of the tap draws air down into the body of the water in the bath itself. Obviously large visible bubbles surface immediately. But smaller bubbles remain suspended in the fluid. It is these microscopic bubble that need removing.
Degas fluid whenever it is changed. This quickly removes air from the liquid that in turn, makes the cleaning process more effective. This is especially useful when cleaning carburettors and anything with small holes or bores.
6 Ltr tank with degassing
The great thing about degassed fluid is its increased ability to clean blind holes. The water inside a hole (cavity) in the item that you’re cleaning is just as efficient as the water outside it, thus leading to a very thorough cleaning action.
Ultrasonic cleaners with a degassing function tend to have digital controls. This also makes them a bit more expensive to buy that an analogue (dial control) model. However, with digital control comes extended cleaning times which can be useful when cleaning old carburettors.
FAQ guide on how to get the best results from an ultrasonic cleaner.
FAQ’s for using an ultrasonic cleaner
How to get the best results from your ultrasonic cleaner.
Q. Is ultrasonic cleaning aggressive or abrasive?
No. An ultrasonic cleaner is not a replacement for a wire brush or emery cloth.
Q. How do I get the best out of my ultrasonic cleaner?
Ensure the component being cleaned is fully submerged in the fluid.
The should not touch the tank sides or base to allow maximum cleaning (use the basket).
Check the cleaning solution is at the correct temperature.
Check the cleaning fluid is mixed in the correct ratio.
If you live in a hard water area, we recommend using de-ionised, de-mineralised or distilled water as calcium carbonate and other impurities in tap water can reduce the cleaning properties of the solutions and produce undesirable side effects such as lime scale deposits. If you live in a soft water area, tap water should be OK.
Q. Can I use solvents or other cleaning liquids in my ultrasonic tank?
We sell a wide range of cleaning fluids suitable for most applications. Please visit: www.bestultrasonic.co.uk . Always check that the fluid you are using is suitable for the component you are cleaning. The chemical composition of each solution is stated on it’s data sheet.
Q. What ratio of water to cleaning fluid should I use?
Always use the manufacturers recommended ratio for whatever cleaning fluid you are using. Fluids purchased from us have the mix ratio displayed on the label. Normally this is 10:1 but for heavy contamination, this can be reduced to 7:1 for a stronger solution. More info HERE
Q. What is ‘Degassing’ and how do I do it?
Degassing removes any gasses present in the cleaning fluid. You should do this whenever you use your ultrasonic cleaner as it will aid the cleaning process. You can degas your fluid by raising the temperature and switching on the ultrasonic power. Degassing is complete when bubbles stop rising and there are only ripples on the surface. Some of our ultrasonic cleaners have a degassing function built-in. However, if left for a few hours, air will always rise to the surface naturally. This is more relevant for the larger tanks (22 Ltr and above).
DK Sonic 22 ltr ultrasonic cleaner with degassing
Q. Can I put my hand in the tank while the unit is running?
Not really. Avoid putting hands in the cleaning solution, particularly if the ultrasonic is in operation. Not only do most cleaning solutions contain chemicals likely to cause skin irritation, but the action of ultrasonic energy in water can be harmful to human tissue.
Q. Why do I need to use a basket in my cleaner?
Placing items directly in the tank causes them to come into contact with the base of the tank, which over time will damage the stainless steel and transducers which are attached at the underside of the unit. This will disrupt the ultrasonic generation and if the items are heavy can actually damage the electronics. Although using a basket will marginally reduce the effectiveness of the ultrasonic action slightly, this is not normally significant. An alternative method, particularly for large items is to suspend them in the fluid using a cross-bar (welding rod or knitting needles) and wires to dangle them in the liquid which prevents your item sitting on then bottom of the tank.
Q. Why is it important to use my tank at the correct temperature?
Heating the tank will give better results to cleaning and also speed up the process – most solutions will need to be heated to perform as designed. The optimum temperature setting for the cleaning fluid should be indicated on the label on the bottle. The fluids we sell work between 50 – 80 degrees centigrade.
Q. How often should I change the cleaning fluid in my tank?
The cleaning fluid in the tank should be changed whenever it becomes visibly too contaminated, or when the cleaning process is not as effective. If you can’t see the bottom of the tank, its time to change the fluid!
Q. What is the cycle time of my ultrasonic cleaner?
Most things clean in a few minutes. 5-10 minutes is sufficient for jewellery, whilst carburettors need about 20 minutes depending on how contaminated the components are.
Q. What is the ‘foil test’?
If you feel cavitation (cleaning) is not occurring properly you should perform the ‘foil test.
Set your tank to its correct operating temperature and add any solution and degas the fluid. Suspend a piece of baking foil in the tank and switch on the ultrasonic power. After around 1 minute, inspect the foil. If the cleaner is operating correctly the foil should be perforated.
Q. Do I need to fill the tank to the top?
Two thirds is OK as a minimum fill. Half filling the tank with fluid is acceptable for small cycles, but you must ensure the heating element is not switched on.
Q. Do l need the lid on the tank whist cleaning?
No, it’s not essential, but the lid prevents any gasses from the cleaning solution produced by the heating and ultrasonic process from escaping and it keeps the heat in the fluid, and so saving power consumption.
Q. Can I clean heavy or dense items?
Heavy or dense items can be cleaned but they should not be placed on the bottom of the tank as this could damage the transducers. Instead they should be suspended in the bath by basket or other means such a wires.
Q. When the cleaning cycle is finished do my items need rinsing?
Yes they do. Rinsing removes the residues of the cleaning fluid and any dirt or contaminants which may have been worked loose by the cleaning. Parts rinsed in de-ionised water will dry clear of water spots.
Q. Small parts will fall through the mesh of the basket – how do I clean them?
If the objects you wish to clean are too small for the basket place them in a glass beaker which is also filled with cleaning solution. Then place that small beaker in the cleaner. The ultrasonic waves are unaffected by glass and pass through it, cleaning the items inside. Do not place the beaker directly on the bottom of the tank though as this will effect the operation of the ultrasonic emitters either suspend it in the solution, or place it within the wire basket. More info click HERE
Q. Will the cleaner damage rubber seals in my carburettor?
No, provided that the rubber has not begun to perish.
Q. Do I need to dismantle a carburettor before cleaning?
Yes. The more internal areas the cleaning fluid can get to, the better the clean will be. If you don’t remove float bowls and jets etc, you will only clean the outside casting.
How to get the best result from an ultrasonic cleaner.
For best results:-
Ensure the component being cleaned is fully submerged in a suitable cleaning fluid
The component does not touch the tank to allow maximum cleaning.
Check the cleaning solution is at the correct temperature
Check the cleaning fluid in the tank has been properly degassed.
We also recommend using de-ionised, demineralised or distilled water, as calcium carbonate and other impurities in tap water can reduce the cleaning properties of the solutions and produce undesirable side effects such as lime scale deposits.
Can I use solvents or other cleaning liquids in my ultrasonic tank?
Liquids and chemicals not specifically designed for use with ultrasonic cleaners may cause a health hazard if subjected to heat and ultrasonic agitation, as well as potentially damaging the tank. In extreme cases, some cleaning solvents can spontaneously combust. Always check with your chemical supplier.
What solution should I use?
We sell a wide range of cleaning fluids suitable for most applications. Please check: www.bestultrasonic.co.uk . Always check that the fluid you are using is suitable for the component you are cleaning. The chemical composition of each solution is detailed on its data sheet.
What ratio of water to cleaning fluid should I use?
Always use the manufacturer recommended ratio for whatever cleaning fluid you are using. Fluids purchased from us have the mix ratio clearly displayed on the label. Typically this is 10:1
What is ‘Degassing’ and how do I do it?
Degassing removes any gasses present in the cleaning fluid. You should do this whenever you use your ultrasonic cleaner as it will aid the cleaning process. You can degas your fluid by raising the temperature and switching on the ultrasonic power. Degassing is complete when bubbles stop rising and there are only ripples on the surface. Some of our ultrasonic cleaners have a degassing function built-in.
Can I put my hand in the tank while the unit is running?
Avoid putting hands in the cleaning solution, particularly if the ultrasonic is in operation. Not only do most cleaning solutions contain chemicals likely to cause skin irritation, but the action of ultrasonic energy in water can be harmful to human tissue.
Why do I need to use a basket in my cleaner?
Placing items directly in the tank causes them to come into contact with the transducers which are attached at the bottom of the unit. This will disrupt the ultrasonic generation and if the items are heavy can actually damage the electronics. Although using a basket will reduce the effectiveness of the ultrasonic action slightly, this is not normally significant. An alternative method, particularly for large items is to suspend them in the fluid using a cross-bar and wires to dangle them in the liquid.
Why is it important to use my tank at the correct temperature?
Heating the tank will give better results to cleaning and also speed up the process – most solutions will need to be heated to perform as designed. The optimum temperature setting for the unit should be indicated on the solution packaging.
How often should I change the cleaning fluid?
The cleaning fluid in the tank should be changed whenever it becomes visibly too contaminated, or when the cleaning process is not as effective.
What is the cycle time of my ultrasonic cleaner?
For most cleaners we recommend a 50% duty cycle. Cycles should last 10-20 minutes depending on how contaminated the components are. EG after a 10 minute cycle, allow the device to rest for 10 minutes before running it again.
What is the ‘foil test’?
If you feel cavitation is not occurring properly you should perform the ‘foil test’:
Set your tank to its correct operating temperature and add any solution and degas the fluid. Suspend a piece of baking foil in the tank and switch on the ultrasonic power. After around 1 minute, inspect the foil. If the cleaner is operating correctly the foil should be perforated and wrinkled.
Can I half fill my tank?
Half filling the tank with fluid is acceptable for small cycles, but you must ensure the heating element is not switched on.
Do l need the lid on the tank whist cleaning?
Yes, the lid prevents any gasses from the cleaning solution produced by the heating and ultrasonic process from escaping.
Can I clean heavy or dense items?
Heavy or dense items can be cleaned but they should not be placed on the bottom of the tank as this could damage the transducers. Instead they should be suspended in the bath by basket or other means such a wires.
When the cleaning is finished do my items need rinsing?
Yes they do. Rinsing removes the residues of the cleaning fluid and any dirt or contaminants which may have been worked loose by the cleaning. Parts rinsed in de-ionised water will dry clear of water spots.
Small parts will fall through the mesh of the basket – how do I clean them?
If the objects you wish to clean are too small for the basket place them in a glass beaker filled which is also filled with cleaning solution. The cavitations are unaffected by glass so will pass through and act upon the items inside. Do not place the beaker directly on the bottom of the tank though as this will effect the operation of the ultrasonic emitters – either suspend it in the solution, or place it within the wire basket.
