Vapor Degreasing vs. Ultrasonic Cleaning, Explained
When it comes to thoroughly cleaning large-scale parts or miniature precision materials, you should take a step away from traditional solvents. Whether you are sterilizing miniature cables or massive industrial hardware, precision equipment requires precision cleaning applications to maintain its structural integrity and prevent future equipment issues. Vapor degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning are among a few cleaning processes used in precision cleaning applications, but the real question is, which method cleans parts more effectively, vapor degreasing vs. ultrasonic cleaning?
What is Vapor Degreasing?
Vapor degreasing is a cleaning process in manufacturing that involves condensing solvent vapors on greased equipment. The whole cleaning process occurs in a machine chamber where a chemical solvent is vaporized inside, dissolving all oil and contaminants on the equipment’s surface.
As the equipment is lifted out of the initial cleaning chamber, the solvent drips back into the boil sump, carrying away all dirt and contaminants with it. After that, the equipment is dipped into a second chamber, called the rinse sump, where the remaining grease and residual dirt are rinsed off with clean solvent.
Benefits of Vapor Degreasing
- Superior cleaning performance and effectiveness
- No dependence on manual cleaning
- Prevents cross-contamination
- Repeatable
- Quick, no extra drying process required
- Recycle solvent from one part to another
What is Ultrasonic Cleaning?
Ultrasonic cleaning, also called aqueous cleaning, involves cleaning equipment by producing high-frequency sound waves in a water-based solution. In contrast to vapor cleaning, aqueous cleaning only has one tank containing a slow-drying, nonflammable liquid, such as water, enhanced with detergent or saponifier. The cleaning process is short but does not eliminate all contamination from the equipment being cleaned.
Benefits of Ultrasonic Cleaning
- Little-to-no maintenance required
- Great for removing bonded contaminants
- High-pressure cleaning
- Ability to clean around bends and blind holes
- Only requires detergent and water
Industrial and Manufacturing Benefits of Using Vapor Degreasing vs. Ultrasonic Cleaning
Both methods are used in a wide range of manufacturing and industries as cleaning solutions in the manufacturing processes of medical devices, surgical instruments, aircraft, and more.
The primary benefit of using either of these methods is cleaner equipment without the risk of structural damage or functioning errors. Additionally, both cleaning systems provide thorough and gentle cleaning when compared to traditional chemicals, which are corrosive and harmful to the quality of the hardware.
Why is Vapor Degreasing Often Preferred to Ultrasonic Cleaning?
Both cleaning processes have their pros and cons, but the majority of industries and manufacturing companies choose vapor degreasing over aqueous cleaning. The following are a few reasons why:
- The majority of vapor degreasers accommodate ultrasonic tanks, which means that the vapor degreaser process is advancing the capabilities of the ultrasonic cleaning method. Here you get a taste of both worlds: a higher degreasing capability from powerful vapor degreasing solvents and ultrasonic agitation to remove remaining contaminants at the molecular level.
- Vapor degreasing is fast; plus, it’s an effective cleaning method. The solvent and vapor do the most work, and as the water fully evaporates, the object is left squeaky clean. You do not need to perform any extra scrubbing once degreasing is done.
- Despite the solvent being more expensive than water and detergent, you can still keep and recycle the solvent almost indefinitely, a cost-effective option for manufacturers. Since degreasing equipment with vapor requires no extra scrubbing, you’re saving money on the additional time it would take to complete the cleaning process.
- The use of a two-sump vapor degreasing process makes for efficient cleaning. Compared to the aqueous cleaning method that uses a single sump, the vapor cleaning performance is much more effective.
Cleaner Equipment, Cleaner Performance—Geospace Manufacturing
No matter what equipment cleaning needs you have, Geospace Technologies is equipped with the capabilities and expertise to get the job done. At Geospace Technologies, we pride ourselves on maintaining an excellent track record of providing high-quality industrial and precision cleaning applications across various industries. Now that you’ve sorted through the difference between vapor degreasing vs. ultrasonic cleaning, contact our team to request a quote for your industrial cleaning needs. We look forward to working with you!