The Use of Ultrasonic Cleaning in Dairy Industry: How Does It Work?

The use of ultrasonic cleaning in dairy industry
Ultrasonic cleaning technology is based on sound waves. Any frequency of sound wave,
which exceeds 18 kilohertz, is considered to be ultrasonic. Typically the frequency in an
ultrasonic cleaning tank is between 20Khz and 80Khz.
A sound wave is produced when a solitary or repeating displacement, is generated by
a sound conducting medium, such as a vibratory movement. When high amplitude levels of
sound waves are placed in liquid, a negative pressure is created. If continuous, this negative
pressure will eventually build up to such a level that the liquid will fracture. This is known as
cavitation. During the ultrasonic process millions of cavitation ‘bubbles’ are created in this
way. The cavitation ‘bubbles’ are oscillated in the liquid as the sound wave passes. This in
turn causes a build up of positive pressure, which makes the cavitation ‘bubbles’ become
unstable. Eventually the positive pressure causes the violent collapse of the cavitation
bubbles, which results in implosions, and shockwaves radiating from the
collapsed ‘bubbles’.
It is this collapse and implosion of the millions of cavitation ‘bubbles’, throughout the
ultrasonic tank, which is the foundation of ultrasonic cleaning technology.
.
How does it work?
Removal of contaminant from any type of component is achieved either via dissolution (for
soluble contaminants), or displacement (for insoluble contaminants). The process of
ultrasonic cleaning is an extremely effective aid during both these processes.
The dissolution of contaminant

In order for soluble contaminant to be dissolved from the component part, it must be in
constant contact with the cleaning agent. However over a period of time, the strength of the
agent can become weakened and a saturation layer can form, acting as a barrier between the
contaminant and the cleaning agent.
The ultrasonic implosions are highly effective at displacing the saturation layer, and thus
allowing fresh cleaning agent to reach the contaminant.
In this way, ultrasonic cleaning is capable of speeding up dissolution processes and is
especially beneficial when cleaning irregular surfaces or component internals.
The displacement of contaminant

Where contaminants are insoluble (such as surface dust), it is vital that all cohesive forces,
formed between the contaminant and the component are sufficiently broken down to allow
the contaminant to be removed.
The ultrasonic implosions are of such a force that they are incredibly effective at
displacing and removing insoluble contaminants. The micro size of the cavitation ‘bubbles’
ensures that they can clean hard to reach areas such as hinges, screw thread and valves.
Ultrasonic Equipment and Applications

All ultrasonic cleaning equipment consists essentially of an ultrasonic generator, and
ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic generator supplies the electrical energy at the
required frequency, whilst the ultrasonic transducer converts the electrical energy into the
mechanical vibrations.
There is a wide range of ultrasonic equipment available, varying in capability and
additional functions, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of cleaning processes.
Ultrasonic cleaning is used throughout a vast number of industries, and for a wide range of
cleaning applications. It is most often used for components, which have one or more of the
following criteria:
a. Parts requiring a high precision clean.
b. Delicate parts which need a gentle cleaning action
c. Intricate parts often with complex internals
d. Parts which require a deep clean
e. Components with ingrained contaminant such as paint or wax.
All ultrasonic tanks are manufactured entirely from stainless steel, which makes them robust
and also durable. The heater element is manufactured from silicon rubber foil, which
ensures oxidation and corrosion is prevented. A temperature controller for the heater is
provided on the control panel, as well as a cycle timer, which allows the operator to pre-set
the exact cycle time required.
The ultrasonic frequency generated is between 28-40kHz, and this is controlled via a
three-way switch, which allows the operator the flexibility to choose either 50%, 75% or
100% power dependant on the application. The ultrasonic transducers are high efficiency
piezoelectric with special ceramics.
Other standard features of this range include the stainless steel mesh component basket, low
fluid level protection and a gravity fed drain tap.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Mechanical agitation of cleaning fluid by high- frequency vibrations (between 20 and 45
kHz) to cause cavitation (formation of low pressure vapor bubbles that scrub the surface)
 Combines chemical cleaning and mechanical agitation of the cleaning fluid
 Cleaning fluid is generally an aqueous solution containing alkaline detergents
 Highly effective for removing surface contaminants

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The use of ultrasonic cleaning in dairy industry

The dissolution of contaminant

The displacement of contaminant

Ultrasonic Equipment and Applications

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