22 100-214-294 REV. 05
4.4 Cleaning Solutions
4.4.1 Solution Types
Water-based solutions can be either slightly acidic or alkaline. They include detergents,
soaps and industrial cleaners designed to remove specific soils.
Acidic water-based solutions: remove rust, tarnish or scale. They range from mild
solutions that remove tarnish, to concentrated, inhibited acidic solutions that remove
investment plaster, milk-stone, zinc oxide and rust from steel and cast iron as well as
smut and heat-treat scale from hardened steel.
Alkaline water-based solutions: include carbonates, silicates and caustics. These
cause emulsifying action, which keeps soil from redepositing on the cleaned surface, and
improves cleaning action in hard water.
Change the cleaning solution periodically. Cleaning solutions can become contaminated
with suspended soil particles which coat the tank bottom. This coating dampens the
ultrasonic action and reduces cleaning efficiency. Certain solutions will cavitate better than
others. Contact your local distributor for further information.
Heat and cavitation increase the chemical activity of cleaning solutions. Some materials
may be damaged by this stronger chemical action. When in doubt, test run samples of
items to be cleaned.
Caustic solutions: used to remove rust from steels, metal alloy corrosion and a variety
of tenacious soils.
4.4.2 Solution Amounts
Solution amounts may vary. The amount you use depends on the detergent and the type
of soil to be removed. Follow instructions on the solution container and refer to the table
below for the effects of solutions on metals.
CAUTION General Warning
Do not use alcohol, gasoline, bleach, mineral acids, solutions with a
flash point, semi-aqueous or combustible liquids in ultrasonic tanks,
or you will void the warranty. Only use non-flammable solutions and
water-based solutions.
Table 4.9 Alkaline Solution Strength and Uses
Alkaline Strength Removes
Mild Light oils and greases, cutting oils and coolant compounds.
Mild to Strong
Heavy grease and oils, waxes, vegetable oils, inks, wax or fat-
base buffing and polishing compounds, milk residues and
carbohydrates.
Heavy-duty Mill scale, heat-treat scale, corrosion or oxides.
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