When using an ultrasonic cleaner, many users focus on power settings, cleaning solutions, and cycle duration but overlook a critical step: degassing. This process, which removes dissolved gases from the liquid, might seem minor, but it significantly impacts cleaning performance. Understanding why degassing matters can help you unlock the full potential of your ultrasonic cleaner.
Ultrasonic cleaners work by generating high-frequency sound waves (typically 20–40 kHz) that travel through the liquid. These waves create alternating high-pressure and low-pressure cycles, forming microscopic vacuum bubbles in a process called cavitation. When these bubbles collapse, they release intense energy that scrubs contaminants from surfaces.
However, dissolved gases in the liquid disrupt this process. Here’s how:
Cushioning Effect: Dissolved gases seep into cavitation bubbles, making them larger and more stable. Instead of collapsing forcefully, these gas-filled bubbles implode weakly or oscillate, reducing their cleaning power.
Energy Absorption: Gases absorb and scatter ultrasonic energy, diminishing the transmission of waves to the object being cleaned.
Uneven Cleaning: Gas pockets create "dead zones" where cavitation cannot occur, leading to inconsistent results.
Degassing ensures that the liquid is primed for optimal cavitation. By removing dissolved gases, you enable:
Stronger Implosions: Gas-free bubbles collapse more violently, generating greater scrubbing force.
Uniform Energy Distribution: Ultrasonic waves propagate evenly throughout the tank, eliminating weak spots.
Faster Cleaning: With no gas interference, contaminants are dislodged more efficiently, shortening cycle times.
Degassing can be achieved through simple techniques:
Pre-Run Operation:
Fill the tank with water or cleaning solution and run the ultrasonic cleaner empty for 5–10 minutes. This allows bubbles to rise and escape before introducing items.
Heating the Liquid:
Warm liquids hold less dissolved gas. Heating the solution to 40–60°C before use naturally encourages gas release.
Agitation and Stirring:
Mechanically stirring the solution or using a circulation pump helps gases escape faster.
Vacuum Degassing (Advanced):
For industrial applications, vacuum chambers remove gases rapidly by lowering pressure.
Neglecting degassing can lead to:
Reduced Cleaning Power: Gas-filled bubbles fail to dislodge tough grime.
Longer Cycle Times: Inefficient cavitation requires extended cleaning durations.
Damage to Delicate Items: Unstable bubbles may cause pitting or erosion on sensitive surfaces.
While degassing is always beneficial, it is essential in these scenarios:
First-Time Use: New tanks or freshly prepared solutions often contain high gas levels.
Cold Water Usage: Cold liquids dissolve more gases than warm ones.
Precision Cleaning: Applications like medical instruments or electronics demand consistent results.
Make degassing a habitual step for better outcomes:
Fill the tank with solution.
Run the cleaner for 5–10 minutes without items.
Observe bubbles rising to the surface—this indicates gas release.
Proceed with loading items for cleaning.
Degassing is not just a technical detail—it’s a fundamental practice for maximizing ultrasonic cleaning performance. By removing dissolved gases, you ensure stronger cavitation, uniform energy distribution, and reliable results. Whether you’re cleaning jewelry, industrial parts, or laboratory tools, incorporating degassing into your routine will elevate efficiency and extend the life of your equipment. Embrace this simple yet powerful step to transform your cleaning process.
