{"id":77784,"date":"2026-07-27T10:38:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T08:38:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.steelcobelimed.com\/?p=77784"},"modified":"2026-07-27T10:38:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T08:38:02","slug":"ultrasonic-washers-cavitation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.steelcobelimed.com\/us\/ultrasonic-washers-cavitation\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultrasonic Washers: Cavitation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Authored by Jonathan Carfora, Technical Services Trainer<\/em><\/p>\n

Ultrasonic cleaning has become a common method of cleaning in a variety of industries. A common misconception is that it is the sound waves themselves that cause the cleaning action. Instead, sound waves are used to cause a phenomenon called cavitation. This phenomenon provides powerful scrubbing action observed in an ultrasonic washer.<\/p>\n

Cavitation is the formation of small cavities, or microbubbles, by high frequency sound waves. These bubbles rapidly expand and contract due to the sound waves passing over them. Eventually the microbubbles collapse, releasing powerful shock waves. The shockwaves easily penetrate the small openings and crevices found on medical instruments, resulting in a cleaning action.<\/p>\n

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Factors that influence the intensity of ultrasonic cavitation:<\/h3>\n
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  1. Temperature \u2013 Cavitation generally increases in intensity as the temperature increases, until a peak performance temperature is reached.<\/li>\n
  2. Nature of the Liquid \u2013 Water allows for better cavitation than most other organic solvents.<\/li>\n
  3. Surface Tension \u2013 Liquids with high surface tension deliver more cavitational energy than low surface tension solutions.<\/li>\n
  4. Viscosity \u2013 Higher viscosity liquids are harder to cavitate.<\/li>\n
  5. Vapor Pressure \u2013 Liquids with high vapor pressure at room temperature are more difficult to cavitate.<\/li>\n
  6. Hydrostatic Pressure \u2013 Reducing hydrostatic pressure makes liquid easier to cavitate.<\/li>\n
  7. Dissolved Gasses \u2013 The more dissolved gasses in solution the harder it is to cavitate.<\/li>\n
  8. Time \u2013 The longer a liquid is exposed to ultrasound the better the results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Ways to maximize cavitation inside an ultrasonic washer:<\/h3>\n