Removing oil from parts with an Ultrasonic Cleaner - Case Studies

Process for removing oil from Aluminium part:

Stage 1: This part was cleaned using our MI range of ultrasonic cleaners. First stage is the wash tank using our cleaning agent Rodastel 30; this is a low acidic cleaning agent and works very well with aluminium. The part had an initial cycle of 5 minutes then inspected for any cavitation erosion and damage. With no damage the part had a second cycle of 10 minutes, after the cycle had completed the part was transferred to the second stage rinse tank. Rinsing neutralises the part and is a very important stage. The part was then dried for a cycle of 10 minutes using our MI hot air dryer unit. Stage 2: The part had a further cycle of 25 minutes to test if cavitation erosion became apparent. After this cycle there are clear signs of cavitation erosion.

% Satisfactorily Cleaned: 100%
Etched effect: Cavitation erosion started to take place after 30 minutes in the ultrasonic wash tank.

Comments: Using Rodastel 30 this part would only need 5 minutes in the ultrasonic wash tank. Signs of erosion only became apparent after 30 minutes.

Process for removing oil from Steel part:

Galvex 17.30 Trials: Each tube was cleaned individually; the tube was set in the basket then submerged into the tank for a cycle time of 5 minutes. After 5 minutes the tube was inspected but there were still traces of oil staining, the tube was placed back in the tank for an additional 5 minutes. The tube was then rinsed in a separate tank containing just deionised water to remove any left on cleaning agent that could cause staining. Finally the tube was dried in a hot air dryer unit for 5 minutes at 70°C. Conclusion: Galvex 17.30 adds a hydrophobic layer to the component; this layer repels water and protects metallic substrates that easily oxidize. The Galvex has removed all of the oil contamination.

Rodacleen Supra Trials: Again each tube was cleaned individually with the exact same method and parameters as the previous Galvex 17.30 test. Unfortunately there was no improvement in process time as the Rodacleen Supra is a stronger fluid but the tubes still required 10 minutes in the ultrasonic cleaning. Conclusion: Rodacleen has excellent emulsifying property’s and also adds a hydrophobic layer to the parts thus achieving cleaning & anti-corrosion protection in only 1 cleaning tank.

% Satisfactorily Cleaned: 100%

Comments: A 40 KHz ultrasonic was used for these trials, although we would recommend a 30 kHz ultrasonic cleaner as this will remove the contamination more efficiently thus reducing cleaning times. Both fluids performed the same achieving clean parts. We would recommend the Galvex 17.30 as the concentration dilution is lower and is less aggressive than Rodacleen supra making it more user-friendly.