Will MicroCare Solvents Work with Ultrasonics?

Yes, MicroCare cleaning fluids work very nicely with ultrasonics. Vapor pressure and surface tension are the two most important fluid properties governing the formation of cavitation in ultrasonic cleaning systems. Modern, planet-friendly solvents typically have low vapor pressure and low surface tension, so they cavitate nicely. Most commonly, ultrasonics are added to the rinse sump of the vapor degreaser to enhance the final stages of cleaning. Frequencies can range from 20 khz to 140 khz and even higher; varying the ultrasonic frequency and “sweeping” across the spectrum can substantially improve cleaning results. The cavitation which can be obtained with solvents and ultrasonics result in excellent cleaning.

This contrasts with water cleaning, which high a high vapor pressure and high surface tension. For this reason it’s hard to get pure water to cavitate. Because of all this, traditional, single-tank ultrasonic cleaners most often use water with some type of surfactant to enhance the cleaning process. While the surfactants can’t change the other characteristics of water, they at least can lower the surface tension to improve the cavitation. Some people call this type of additive a “coupler.”

MicroCare also carries a line of ultrasonic cleaners made specifially for cleaning medical, dental and veterinary instruments including jointed forceps, orthodontic pliers and scissors.