Elma TI-H 5 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features
Safety Warnings

The Elma Transsonic TI-H series comprises ultrasonic cleaning units designed for the ultrasonic treatment of items and samples of liquids immersed in a cleaning bath. These units are built to industrial quality standards and are available in multi-frequency technology (25/45 kHz or 35/130 kHz) or single-frequency 35 kHz versions.

Function Description:

Cleaning by ultrasound is a modern fine cleaning method. The units generate electric high-frequency energy, which is then transformed into mechanical energy by piezoelectric transducer systems and transmitted into the cleaning bath. This process creates millions of tiny vacuum bubbles that implode due to pressure variations caused by ultrasonic activity, generating highly energetic liquid jets. These jets effectively remove dirt particles from surfaces, even from small grooves and bores. The cleaning result is influenced by four main factors: ultrasonic energy, cleaning media, temperature, and cleaning period.

The Transsonic TI-H units feature innovative sweep technology, which electronically oscillates the sound field (sweeping) to reduce zones of low performance in the ultrasonic bath, ensuring a more homogeneous sound field distribution. Multi-frequency units allow the sweep function to be switched on or off, while single-frequency units have it permanently active. A "Degas" function is also available on multi-frequency units for efficient degassing of fresh cleaning liquids and for special laboratory applications. This function can be switched on or off.

Important Technical Specifications:

The transducer tank is made of special cavitation-proof stainless steel, double-welded at the edges. The housing is also made of stainless steel. The units incorporate sandwich-type performance transducer systems. The available models and their specifications are as follows:

Model	Max. tank volume (approx. liter)	Tank service volume (approx. liter)	Tank inner dimensions W x D x H (approx. mm)	Unit outer dimensions W x D x H (approx. mm)	Basket inner dimensions W x D x H (approx. mm)	Weight (approx. kg)	Ultrasonic frequency (kHz)	Power consumption total (W)	Ultrasonic power effective (W)	Ultrasonic peak max* (W)	Heating power (W)
TI-H 5	4.7	3.5	240x130x150	340x300x370	200x100x90	10.5	SF1 35 kHz	500	100	400	400
TI-H 10	10.8	8.6	300x240x150	400x415x370	260x210x85	14.8	SF1 35 kHz	1000	200	800	800
TI-H 15	14.4	12.2	300x240x200	400x415x420	260x210x130	16	SF1 35 kHz	1200	200	800	1000
TI-H 20	19.8	16.8	330x300x200	430x470x420	290x270x130	20	SF1 35 kHz	1650	250	1000	1400
TI-H 25	25.5	19.8	330x300x230	615x690x570	290x270x140	32	MF2 25/45 kHz	1300	300	1200	1000
TI-H 55	57.8	45	500x300x350	620x850x570	255x460x210	35	MF3 35/130 kHz	3600	600	2400	3000
TI-H 80	82.5	67.5	500x300x500	620x850x720	255x460x290	60	MF3 35/130 kHz	4900	900	3600	4000
TI-H 115	115.5	90	600x500x350	840x1000x570	450x545x205	100	MF3 35/130 kHz	7400	1400	5600	6000
TI-H 160	160	135	600x500x500	840x1000x720	440x540x350	140	MF3 35/130 kHz	7600	1600	6400	6000

*The ultrasonic peak maximum is four times higher due to the signal form.

Mains connections vary by model: TI-H 5 to TI-H 25 require 1 phase, 1 N, 1 PE protective earth (100-120V or 220-240V). TI-H 25 to TI-H 160 require 3 phases, 1 N, 1 PE protective earth (200-208V or 380-400V).

Usage Features:

The units feature manual stepless ultrasonic power regulation (10-100% setting range) and temperature control with dry run protected heating (TI-H 5 – TI-H 20) or highly efficient direct heating (TI-H 25 – TI-H 160). A quick drain duct is located on the back of the unit. Models TI-H 25 to TI-H 160 include level monitoring for safety switch-off of ultrasound and heating, connection sockets for optional external pump filter units, and a skimming ledge for surface residue removal.

The operating panel includes:

"Ultrasonic time" knob: Preselects ultrasonic operation duration (1-15 min for short periods or permanent operation).
"Function" knob (multi-frequency units only): Selects ultrasonic mode (Sweep, Degas, Normal).
- Sweep: Continuously shifts sound pressure maxima for homogeneous sound field distribution.
- Degas: For degassing fresh cleaning liquids (single half-wave operation).
- Normal: Standard operation (double half-wave mode).
"Temperature" knob: Stepless regulation for preselecting the required liquid temperature.
"Power" knob: Stepless setting of ultrasonic power (10-100%).
"Frequency" knob (multi-frequency units only): Selects ultrasonic frequency (25/45 kHz or 35/130 kHz) for coarse/tenacious or fine/sensitive cleaning.
"Heating" switch: On/off control for heating.
Pilot lamp heating: Indicates heating operation.

Safety devices include dry run protected heating for TI-H 5 to TI-H 20, and a level switch for TI-H 25 to TI-H 160 that switches off ultrasound and heating if the liquid level drops below the switch.

Maintenance Features:

The units are generally maintenance-free. However, regular checks are recommended:

Electrical security: Inspect housing and mains cable for damage.
Transducer tank: Check for leaks (residues/stains under or beside the unit, unheated liquid loss not due to vaporization). If leaks are found, disconnect from mains and contact supplier for inspection/repair.
Transducer tank cleaning: Regularly remove residues, especially metal particles and rust films, from the bottom. Lime deposits can be removed with aqueous cleaning media like elma clean 40 or 115C (water + concentrate).
Air fan grid: Regularly check and clean the air fan grid (if present) at the bottom for sufficient ventilation.
Housing: Wipe away cleaning media residues. Do not submerge the unit in water.
Disinfection: For medical/sanitary use, regularly disinfect the transducer tank with standard surface disinfectants.
Safety switch-off (TI-H 25 and bigger): Monthly check the level switch by reducing the filling level until ultrasound and heating switch off (approx. 1-2 cm above liquid level, with a 10-second hysteresis).

To prolong the service life of the transducer tank, it is recommended to regularly remove cleaning residues, use suitable cleaning chemicals, exchange contaminated cleaning medium, and avoid unnecessary ultrasonic operation.

Safety Warnings:

Always pull the mains plug before filling, maintenance, or in case of suspected humidity/malfunctions.
Connect to a correctly grounded socket only.
Place the unit at a dry, well-ventilated workplace. Protect from humidity.
Only authorized specialized personnel should open the unit.
Use aqueous cleaning liquids only. Never use flammable liquids or solvents directly in the cleaning bath due to fire/explosion risk.
Be aware of hot surfaces and liquids; wear protective gloves.
Do not reach inside the tank during ultrasonic operation.
Do not place cleaning items directly on the tank bottom; use a stainless-steel cleaning basket.
For acid cleaning chemicals, use a separate acid-resistant tank with an aqueous coupling medium.
Avoid acid cleaning chemicals (pH < 7) or solutions containing halogenides directly in the stainless-steel tank to prevent crevice corrosion.
Do not use cleaning solutions with more than 0.5 mass % alkali (KOH and/or NaOH) as they can cause stress corrosion cracking.
Ultrasonic units can produce annoying sounds; wear ear protection when operating without a cover.
Ultrasonic energy transforms into heat, causing the unit and liquid to heat up even with heating off. Set temperature only to the necessary value.
Sensitive surfaces can be damaged by prolonged ultrasound exposure. Regularly check cleaning progress and surface material.

The manufacturer is not liable for damages caused by improper use or non-observance of the operating instructions. The operator is responsible for instructing personnel and for inspecting cleaning results and potential damages to items.