The ultrasonic cleaning bath

Abstract

This chapter discusses the ultrasonic cleaning bath, which is by far the most widely available and cheapest source of ultrasonic irradiation for the chemical laboratory. The construction of an ultrasonic cleaning bath is very simple—a laboratory model generally consists of a stainless steel tank of rectangular cross-section with either one or several transducers firmly attached underneath the flat base. The frequency and power of an ultrasonic bath depends upon the type and number of transducers used in its construction. The chapter then details the process of choosing the correct type of ultrasonic bath, as well as setting up an ultrasonic cleaning bath for sonochemistry. It also looks at the design of the reaction vessel; laboratory demonstrations of the physical effects of ultrasound; the advantages and disadvantages of using an ultrasonic bath for sonochemistry; and other types of equipment related to cleaning baths.