Integrated Cleaner Operation
A40-039 Rev 1 Page 14
4.4 Filling With Solution
4.4.1 Cleaning Solutions
W
ARNING
U
se only non-flammable, non-combustible water-based solutions. Do not use any solution that has a
flash point. Using flammable or combustible solutions may result in a fire and severe burns.
Caution: Do not use corrosive solutions such as bleaches, strong acids or powerful caustics in
ultrasonic tanks. They may damage the tank. Using prohibited solutions will void the
warranty.
4.4.1.1 Solution types:
Water-based solutions are 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 re-depositing on the
cleaned surface, and improves cleaning action in hard water.
• Wetting Agents or Surfactants: reduce the surface tension of the water to
allow the water to wet the part surface. Wetting agents increase ultrasonic
activity.
Table 1 Solution Recommendations
Market / Application Solution
Type
Concentration
in water
Temp.
(
O
F)
pH
Recommended
Product
Buffing compounds – remove
t
ripoli, rouge, etc.
Surfactant
detergent
6 – 7 % 70 – 180 6.4 Branson BC
Electronics – remove oil,
r
esin & rosin
Non-ionic
Strong alkaline
2 – 5 % 130 – 160 12.5 Branson EC
General – remove light oil,
g
rease, dust & particulate
Mild alkaline
surfactant
10 – 12 % 70 – 180 12.1 Branson GP
Jewelry – remove particulate,
s
oap, hand cream & oxide
Mild alkaline
surfactant
10 – 12 % 70 – 140 12.1 Branson JC
Metal Mfg – remove oil &
g
rease from cutting &
polishing
Strong alkaline
surfactant
7 – 10 % 120 – 160 12.4 Branson MC-3
Optical – remove dust, oil,
f
ingerprints, pitch & wax
Surfactant
Mild alkaline
7 – 10 % 130 – 180 9.8 Branson OC
Metal Mfg – remove rust,
o
xide & lime
Citric acid or
Phosphoric acid
6 – 7 % 70 – 120 3.8 Branson OR
Stripping - heavy duty
c
leaning, paint stripping, mold
cleaning & de-scaling.
Strong caustic 3 – 6 % 160 – 180 13.0 Branson LRS
4
.4.1.2 Solution Performance Factors
• Heat and cavitation: These 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.
