Ultrasonic cleaning systems

Citation

(2000), "Ultrasonic cleaning systems", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 47 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2000.12847fab.011

Ultrasonic cleaning systems

Ultrasonic cleaning systems

Keywords Kerry Ultrasonics, Lucas Aerospace, Ultrasonic, Cleaning

Lucas Aerospace, TRW Aeronautical Systems has installed five ultrasonic cleaning systems from Kerry Ultrasonics Ltd at its Birmingham factory (Plate 4), to finish steel valve components used in fuel and hydraulic systems of jet engines.

Plate 4 Lucas Aerospace, TRW Aeronautical Systems has installed five ultrasonic cleaning systems from Kerry Ultrasonics Ltd at its Birmingham factory

Microsolve 250 monosolvent cleaners supplied by Kerry were chosen to remove excess lubricant and general debris from the aerospace parts. The majority is removed in the first stage, which is also treated with ultrasonics. Finer traces can be removed in the second cleaning stage, and a final freeboard stage allows vaporised solvent to condense on to the component's surface, rinsing it free of the last remaining traces of contamination with pure solvent.

Trichloroethylene (Trike) is currently used at Lucas Aerospace, TRW Aeronautical Systems, in their aerospace parts cleaning. Using a Kerry monosolvent system means that the present consumption of Trike is believed to be minimised, and that any future change in solvent legislation can be accommodated easily. Solvent emissions are described as low, meaning that both running costs and environmental impact are minimised.

Lucas Aerospace, TRW Aeronautical Systems, uses a one-piece flow production technique in its plant, which means that the through-put of each machine averages 50 units a day. A semi-automated process was chosen using Kerry's Single Axis Lift, capable of lifting 10kg and offering an economic alternative to full automation.

Further details are available from Kerry Ultrasonics Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1462 450761; Fax: +44 (0)1462 420712.