The Concept, Influence and Application of PV in Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines

Time:2025.02.14 Click-through rate:915

1. The Basic Working Principle of Ultrasonic Cleaning Machines

An ultrasonic cleaning machine is a device that cleans items by generating a cavitation effect in a liquid medium through high-frequency sound waves (typically between 20 kHz and 100 kHz). The cavitation effect refers to the formation of tiny bubbles when ultrasonic waves propagate through the liquid. Under the action of the sound waves, these bubbles continuously expand and contract. When they finally burst, the resulting shockwaves and the high-temperature, high-pressure environment can remove dirt, oil stains, and tiny particles from the surface of objects.


The quality of the cleaning effect is closely related to factors such as the acoustic characteristics, frequency, and power of the ultrasonic waves. Among these factors, PV (Pressure - Volume) is an important parameter that affects the cavitation effect and its cleaning performance.


2. The meaning of PV in an ultrasonic cleaning machine

PV stands for "Pressure-Volume," that is, pressure and volume. It is usually used to describe the state changes of gases. However, in ultrasonic cleaning, PV is also used to measure the dynamic changes of cavitation bubbles in the liquid. Specifically, the significance of PV in an ultrasonic cleaning machine can be understood from two aspects:

The dynamic changes of cavitation bubbles

In ultrasonic cleaning, the formation and bursting of cavitation bubbles are crucial for the cleaning effect. The propagation of ultrasonic waves causes the bubbles in the liquid to expand and contract. When these bubbles collapse, the resulting micro-explosions can remove contaminants and sediments. The changes in PV describe the relationship between pressure and volume during the expansion and contraction of the bubbles. By adjusting the frequency and power of the ultrasonic waves, as well as the physical properties of the liquid, such as temperature and viscosity, the formation and explosion of cavitation bubbles can be influenced, thus optimizing the cleaning process.

The intensity of sound waves and the pressure-volume relationship

The working principle of an ultrasonic cleaner relies on the energy transmitted by sound waves. When ultrasonic waves propagate into a liquid, the liquid undergoes cycles of compression and expansion. This process affects the volume and internal distribution of the bubbles within the liquid. The PV (pressure-volume) relationship directly determines the interaction between the pressure and volume of these bubbles, which in turn influences the bursting strength of the bubbles. Based on the physical properties of the liquid, such as density and viscosity, as well as the frequency and power of the ultrasonic waves, changes in the PV values will directly impact the intensity of the cavitation effect, thereby affecting the cleaning performance.

3. The Influence of the PV Relationship on the Cleaning Effect of Ultrasonic Cleaners

The cleaning effect of ultrasonic cleaners, especially their ability to remove tiny particles and stubborn stains, usually depends on the intensity and distribution of cavitation bubbles. In this regard, the relationship between pressure (P) and volume (V), or PV for short, is of crucial importance. Below, we will explore the impact of the PV relationship on the cleaning effect of ultrasonic cleaners from two main perspectives:

Cavitation intensity

The intensity of cavitation bubbles (i.e., the impact force generated when the bubbles collapse) directly affects the cleaning effect. A higher cavitation intensity can effectively remove stubborn dirt from the surface of objects. When the frequency of ultrasonic waves is low, the collapse intensity of the bubbles is greater, and the collapse frequency is higher, resulting in a stronger cleaning effect. When the PV value is large, the bubbles absorb more energy during the expansion process, and the impact force when the bubbles collapse is stronger, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency.


However, if the PV value is too large, it may also cause the bubbles to expand excessively. Eventually, the energy generated when they collapse is too strong, which may actually damage the surface of the object. Therefore, an appropriate PV value is very important for achieving efficient and safe cleaning.


The uniformity of the cavitation effect

During the ultrasonic cleaning process, the uniformity of the cavitation effect also has a significant impact on the cleaning result. Adjusting the PV value helps ensure a uniform distribution of bubbles, preventing excessive or insufficient local cleaning caused by bubble aggregation. On the surfaces of objects with complex shapes, a uniform cavitation effect can ensure that every part is effectively cleaned, avoiding residual stains in certain areas.

4. How to optimize the cleaning effect of ultrasonic cleaners by adjusting the PV value?

In order to optimize the cleaning effect of the ultrasonic cleaner, it is necessary to make reasonable adjustments to the relationship between the pressure (P) and the volume (V). Specifically, the following aspects can be adjusted:

Adjust the ultrasonic frequency

Different ultrasonic frequencies will result in variations in the size of cavitation bubbles and the intensity of their collapse. Ultrasonic cleaners operating at low frequencies (20kHz-40kHz) generate larger bubbles, and when these bubbles collapse, they exert a stronger impact force, making them suitable for cleaning larger particulate contaminants. On the other hand, high-frequency (40kHz-100kHz) ultrasonic waves produce smaller bubbles, which are ideal for precision cleaning, especially for removing tiny particles and minute contaminants. By selecting the appropriate frequency, you can regulate the process of bubble expansion and contraction, optimize the PV value, and thereby enhance the cleaning effect.

Adjust the power output

The power output of the ultrasonic cleaner directly affects the intensity of the sound waves, which in turn influences the change in PV. A high power output usually leads to stronger cavitation, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect. However, excessively high power may cause damage to the items being cleaned, especially for some sensitive surfaces. Therefore, in actual operation, it is necessary to adjust the power according to different cleaning requirements to achieve the best PV adjustment effect.

Control the temperature of the liquid and the concentration of the cleaning solution

The impact of liquid temperature on the cavitation effect should not be overlooked either. When the temperature is relatively high, the viscosity of the liquid decreases, and the processes of bubble formation and collapse become more intense, which is beneficial for enhancing the PV effect. In addition, the composition of the cleaning solution (such as the concentration of the detergent) also affects the formation and stability of bubbles. Optimizing the temperature and concentration of the cleaning solution can help improve the efficiency of cavitation bubbles, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect.

5. Conclusion

The PV (pressure-volume) relationship in ultrasonic cleaning machines is of utmost importance for the cleaning effect. By understanding the basic concepts of PV, users can better adjust the operating parameters of the equipment to achieve more efficient cleaning. Properly adjusting the ultrasonic frequency, power, liquid temperature, and the concentration of the cleaning solution helps optimize the intensity and uniformity of the cavitation effect, thereby enhancing the cleaning performance of the equipment. In the field of industrial cleaning, mastering the control of these parameters is of great significance for improving production efficiency, extending the service life of the equipment, and ensuring the quality of cleaning. As ultrasonic cleaning technology continues to evolve, the role of PV in the cleaning process will receive increasing attention and become a crucial factor in enhancing the technical level of cleaning.