Comparing Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasing to Basic Ultrasonic Cleaning Tanks
Ultrasonic Cleaning Options
All ultrasonic cleaning options are not the same – in this blog we will review the advantages and disadvantages of using an Ultrasonic Vapor Degreaser (UVD) system versus a Basic Ultrasonic immersion Tank (BUT).
All ultrasonic cleaning options are not the same – and when it comes to part cleanliness, overall operational costs and worker safety, Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasing (UVD) vs. basic ultrasonic tank utilization (BUT) – ultrasonic vapor degreasing wins hands down. In this blog we will review the advantages and disadvantages of using an ultrasonic vapor degreaser (UVD) system versus a basic ultrasonic immersion tank (BUT).
Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasing (UVD)
An ultrasonic vapor degreaser heats a non-flammable solvent to a vapor form - providing multiple cleaning operations within one system: vapor, immersion and ultrasonic immersion. Parts can initially be cleaned in the vapor and then immersed in the ultrasonic bath. The parts are always immersed in clean solvent that has been contained in the system and distilled.
Key benefit: consistent part cleanliness. Key Limitation: Higher Initial Cost
Basic Ultrasonic Tank (BUT)
A Basic Ultrasonic Tank is a tank outfitted with ultrasonics that uses solvent or detergent water to clean parts. Overtime the bath gets dirty and requires routine bath change outs to ensure parts are as clean over time as when the bath is fresh.
Key benefit: Lower initial cost. Key Limitation: Progressively dirtier bath can mean inconsistent part cleanliness.
Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasing (UVD)
A vapor degreaser heats a non-flammable solvent to vapor form. Parts can initially be cleaned in the vapor and then immersed in the ultrasonic bath. The parts are always immersed in clean solvent that has been contained in the system and distilled
KEY Advantages:
- Part Cleanliness: Parts are immersed in clean solvent every time; therefore, recontamination is not an issue.
- Solvent Containment: Cooling coils keep the solvent in the tank reducing solvent loss and emissions.
- Worker Safety: Minimal interaction with solvent as parts come out clean and dry and there is cool containment zone.
- Reduced maintenance Solvent constantly distilling, significantly reducing bath change-outs.
KEY Disadvantages:
- Initial cost
- Initial cost
Basic Ultrasonic Tank (BUT)
With a basic ultrasonic tank, parts are dipped into the ultrasonic bath to clean them. Over time, the solvent bath gets dirtier and dirtier - risking recontamination onto the parts. Additionally, there is no solvent containment thus the solvent is lost into the air and operators are exposed to the solvent.
KEY Advantages:
- Cheaper start-up cost – the initial price is quite economical.
- Cleaning Agent: use this tank with solvents or detergents & water
- Simple to Use.
KEY Disadvantages:- More Bath Maintenance Required
- Part cleanliness reduces as immersion tank gets dirtier.
- No Solvent containment
- More solvent exposure for workers
- Increased solvent costs
- No Safety controls
Ultrasonic vapor degreasers are an excellent option for parts that have blind holes, tight cavitation, and/or solidified contaminant. Reliance manufactures a complete line of Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasing Systems uniquely designed for:
Power, Lots of Power - Power level adjustment and frequency sweep modulation to tailor the ultrasonics for maximum efficiency in cleaning your parts
Flexibility - easy to add additional KHz
Field Maintenance Ease - Easy field replacement of basic components
Efficient Parts Processing - Ultrasonic cleaning cavitation enhances the cleaning process outperforming conventional hand scrubbing or dipping
Fast and Cost Effective Cleaning - Ultrasonics get the dirt out fast reducing cycle time and increasing throughput
| Comparision of Ultrasonic Degreaser Options | ||
|---|---|---|
Ultrasonic Vapor Degreasing (UVD) |
VS |
Basic Ultrasonic Tank (BUT) |
Exceptional. Parts are consistently clean very time because bath constantly refreshing itself via distillation | PART CLEANLINESS | Diminishes as bath gets dirty, and dirtier. |
Cooling Coils Keep Solvent in Tank | SOLVENT | None |
Not Needed | RINSING—DRYING | Required |
Minimal – partial solvent change out needed infrequently. | BATH MAINTENANCE | Significant - frequent bath change out to reduce contaminants and maintaining detergent & water balance |
Variable with Adjustable power & sweep. | ULTRASONIC POWER | Variable. Sometimes Adjustable. |
Yes | SPRAY WAND | No |
Yes | FILTRATION | Not Usually |
Yes | SAFETY CONTROLS | No |
Comprehensive Indicators for system conditions. | CONTROL PANEL | Minimal Indicator Lights |
Slide Lid = increased solvent containment | LID | Lift off Lid = solvent drag out loss |
Initial cost – Higher Long term - Minimal | COST | Initial cost – Lower Long term - Higher |
