A Modern Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank Developed for the Jewelry Manufacturing Process and Its Cleaning Efficiency

Abstract

This research details the development and evaluation of a Modern Ultrasonic Cleaning Tank (MUCT) designed to enhance cleaning efficiency in jewelry manufacturing, particularly for silver jewelry, replacing the traditional method, which was less efficient and had higher operating costs. The MUCT offers capabilities of single- or dual-frequency ultrasonic operation (28 kHz and 40 kHz) and adjustable transducer positioning. An advanced method involving computer simulations, utilizing harmonic response analysis and transient dynamic analysis, was employed to determine the acoustic pressure inside the MUCT, thereby indicating the cavitation intensity required to achieve high cleaning efficiency. Simulation results confirm that this design can distribute acoustic pressure throughout the MUCT, as intended. A prototype MUCT was assembled, and its operation was validated through foil corrosion tests, ultrasonic power concentration (UPC) measurements, and jewelry cleaning tests. The results revealed that the MUCT’s center provided the maximum UPC of 28 W/L and an acoustic pressure of 30.43 MPa, effectively operating at single and dual frequencies, and achieving superior dirt removal. The highest cleaning efficiency of 100% was achieved using dual frequency with a 97% water and 3% dishwashing liquid mixture at 60 °C, exceeding the 23.52% obtained with water at 27 °C without ultrasonic treatment. The MUCT, successfully integrated into the manufacturing process, offers customizable features to meet various cleaning needs, providing flexibility, improved performance, and cost savings.