The Concept of Power for Ultrasonic Cleaning
One of the main topics of confusion is the definition of power in an ultrasonic cleaning tank, regardless of the method of manufacture or technology used.
Power enjoys a rich vocabulary in the sector which is combined with numerous terms: peak, pulsing, sweep mode and so forth.
Equally fanciful measurement methods: cavitometers, vibratometers, absorption meters, etc.
While the power of any apparatus is determined by Ohms Law P=VxI , it should be called “effective or average power” or, more simply “AVERAGE POWER”.
Therefore, establishing the power of an ultrasonic generator is quite simple: measure the power supply voltage (V), then measure the intensity of the absorbed current (A); the power, again, is P=V x I.
Try it with a generator that you already own, or one that is suggested to you, and you will be pleasantly surprised.
The performance of the apparatus must then be taken into account. This depends very much on the project and the components, so a minimum of 10-15% must subtracted from the above value.
But that’s not all. In fact, the ultrasonic power which has been discussed up to this point is that which is emitted by the generator and is then applied to the transducers. It is now the time to discuss coupling, impedance, resonance, composite mass with stainless steel sheets to which the transducers are affixed.
The practically infallible rule for not having unwanted surprises is that of empiricism: before taking any decision, it should be the vendor who proposes carrying out practical tests, in conditions which are as close to those in the location where the system is to be installed.
Do not trust the numbers proclaimed or bragged about in reference to ultrasonic power. In the ultrasonic cleaning system sector, no one has ever succeeded in producing objective values, reliable in themselves when deciding on a purchase.
