Cleaning media
© Sonoswiss AG
© Sonoswiss AG
BA_Modulrange_SW60/100/200_Sonoswiss_E_06.2012
22
6.2
Limitations on aqueous cleaners
Do not use aqueous cleaning media with pH values in the acid range (pH < 7) directly in the
ultrasonic tank if fluoride (F
¯
), chloride (Cl
¯
) or bromide (Br
¯
) ions can be taken in by the
removed dirt or through the cleaning chemical. These can destroy the stainless-steel tank by
crevice corrosion within a very short period of ultrasonic operation.
Other media which can destroy the stainless-steel tanks when
used in high concentrations or with high temperatures during
ultrasonic operation are: nitric acid, sulphuric acid, formic acid,
hydrofluoric acid (even diluted). (Completeness of list not
guaranteed.)
Examples:
•
Treatment with hydrochloric acid or hydrofluoric acid, or acid solution salts
•
Removal of fluxing agents containing fluoride, chloride or tetrafluoroborate from soldered
metal parts or electronic components
•
Decalcification, in a solution containing citric acid, of medical systems which are
contaminated by physiological saline
Risk of damage to the unit: do not use cleaning solutions
containing more than 0.5 mass % alkali (KOH and/or NaOH) in
an ultrasonic cleaning tank.
Potassium hydroxide solution will cause stress cracks in the
ultrasonic tank.
The above limitations for the use of chemicals in an ultrasonic bath
also apply for the aforementioned chemicals when these are
brought into an aqueous (particularly distilled water) bath through
entrainment or from the removed dirt.
Examples:
•
Ultrasound-aided rinsing of items which have been etched by hydrofluoric acid or
ammoniumbifluoride.
The limitations of use also apply to the standard cleaners and
disinfectants if these contain the above mentioned compounds.
For the ultrasonic treatment with the above mentioned media use
an acid-resistant tank.
Please contact your supplier for available accessory equipment.
Observe the safety warnings indicated by the manufacturer of the
chemicals (e.g. goggles, gloves, R and S phrases).
For queries please contact the manufacturer or your supplier.
No liability can be accepted for any damage caused by non-
observance of the instructions and limitations stated in
Sections 8.1 and 8.2!
Acids
Alkaline solutions
KOH
Entrainment of
chemical substances
Disinfectants
Acid-resistant tank
Safety regulations
Exclusion of liability
