Advanced Cleaning Mechanisms: Metallic Parts, Bath Monitoring
We are using a bath of Alconox powder for cleaning several metallic parts. We have found that both the concentration of Alconox, along with a set duration brings about the correct end result. As the wash solution is created at the beginning of each working shift, a gradual ‘weakening’ of the process occurs. In some instances, we resort to manually replenishing the tank with a fresh mix mid-shift. Would you have any general advice?
Ultrasonic Cleaner for Mixed Metal Baths
Q. We are interested in a cleaner that will perform well for mixed metal ultrasonic baths. We are cleaning titanium and cobalt chrome. What can you recommend?
A. As a general rule, mixed metal baths should be avoided. When metals are far enough apart on the galvanic potential scale, batteries can form and the plating out of metal oxides can result, manifesting in dark deposits. This occurs when you clean active metals in electrical and electrolyte solutions in contact with another metal at a different galvanic potential.
Reducing Foam in Ultrasonic Cleaning
How do we go about reducing foam suds in our 1% Liquinox ultrasonic bath? We have 3 ultrasonic tanks in our series process. Bath 1 has the 1% solution. Bath 2 and 3 are a rinsing cascade system with RO water only. The foam is building up in tank 1 and then transfers to tank 2.
Brix vs. Conductivity: Measuring Ultrasonic Bath Concentration
Several years ago, our plant was directed to use the Refractive Index as a method of letting us monitor bath concentration during ultrasonic cleaning with your Liquinox detergent. More recently, our factory in Asia switched to Liquinox and were directed to use a conductivity measurement to monitor concentration. I decided to measure our cleaning bath using both methods and found a discrepancy — the brix (Refractive Index) reading was slightly above 1% concentration, but the Conductivity reading was nearly 2% concentration.
Filtering Detergent in Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaning System
Q: Is there a benefit to filtering the rinse water or the detergent solution in an ultrasonic system? Is it even advisable? If so, can you recommend a filter size (10 micron) when using Alconox detergent? This is for a new bath setup in a new piece of equipment.
A: My short answer would be, it cannot hurt but would likely be of limited assistance.