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Trial Number 3

Trial Purpose:

To evaluate ultrasonic cleaning on supplied ceramic parts

Date Run:

12/09/2008

Experiment Procedure:

Three products and water were selected for testing the effectiveness of ultrasonic cleaning. Products were selected based on classification, one acid, one alkaline and one solvent. Water was selected as the control. The two aqueous products were diluted to 10% using DI water. All products were heated to 105 F in a Branson 40 kHz ultrasonic unit and degassed for at least 5 minutes. A portion of the supplied ceramic ring was immersed in the cleaning solution. Parts were rinsed in a tap water spray for 10 seconds at 100 F followed by air blow off at room temperature for 30 seconds. Observations were made after 10 minutes. If any of the products were partially successful, additional cleaning times would be conducted at 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes.

Trial Results:

After the first 10 minutes, the alkaline aqueous product showed the most signs of removing the carbon deposits from the surface. All of the products showed some signs of cleaning, including water. The alkaline aqueous product and the solvent were tested at additional cleaning times.

Class Product Observations
Water   10 min - Some removal around the outer edge, dulling of coating color
Acid  Valtron SP 2275 10 min - Some removal that looked like scratches in the coating
Solvent   Smart Solve 605 10 min - Dulling of the coating
    30 min - No change; discontinue cleaning
Alkaline  Heavy Duty Answer  10 min - Splotchy removal, lighter color of the coating
    60 min - Starting to have good removal
    90 min - Still getting cleaner
    120 min - More removal
    150 min - Very clean
    180 min - Almost completely clean
    210 min - Very little deposits left on surface
    240 min - Over 98% cleaned

Success Rating:

Results suggest a scale-up feasible match for cleaning chemistry and equipment. Pilot plant study with actual parts recommended.

Conclusion:

Based on the success of the one alkaline aqueous product, additional testing could be performed on other alkaline aqueous products. Furthermore, other classifications not yet evaluated would be tested as well.

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