Question for Ultrasonic Cleaner Owners

[Cloudmann]

I was a bartender for years. The fumes off of everclear will ignite at a MUCH lower temp than that. I used a cheap lil fireplace lighter to make flaming DR Peppers, etc and blow flames for wow factor. Even when it was almost out of juice and you could barely get an orange flame out of it it would ignite.

Even a cool, orange flame corresponds to about 1000-1100 degrees F, even from a cheap lighter. Still way more than an ultrasonic cleaner can generate.

 

[bussdriver]

Flammables or solutions with low flash points should never be used. The energy released by cavitation is converted to heat and kinetic energy, generating high temperature gradients in the solution, and can create hazardous conditions with flammable liquids.

I must add that this is only applicable in the case of true ultrasonic cleaners. True ultrasonic cleaners use ultrasound waves between 20-400 kHz; do not confuse these with 'sonic' cleaners, which simply vibrate the object and solution.

My cleaner also has a heater, which can heat the solution up to 60 degrees centigrade. Again, this is a source of ignition, as well as causing more rapid vaporization of the cleaning solution solvents. It can create a hazardous atmosphere in a very short time if not kept well ventilated.

I have given you fair warning!

 

[Rabbit Slayer]

Can an ultrasonic cleaner really break a shot glass?

 

[bussdriver]

It is most certainly possible if there are stress lines present in the glass.

At one time I was wanting to see if the cleaner would work on printed circuit boards. Problem is, the cavitation can get so violent, it can cause breakdown of the components and solder joints. The cavitation action can be destructive at times. Silica wicks will probably not fare well.

It does work very well on mods, such as the threads, switches and connectors. But if the part is delicate, there is always the possibility of damage.