Effect of Detergent, Temperature, and Solution Flow Rate on Ultrasonic Cleaning: A Case Study in the Jewelry Manufacturing Process

Natthakarn Juangjai, Chatchapat Chaiaiad and Jatuporn Thongsri ()
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Natthakarn Juangjai: Computer Simulation in Engineering Research Group, Department of Manufacturing System Technology, School of Integrated Innovative Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
Chatchapat Chaiaiad: Computer Simulation in Engineering Research Group, Department of Manufacturing System Technology, School of Integrated Innovative Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
Jatuporn Thongsri: Computer Simulation in Engineering Research Group, Department of Manufacturing System Technology, School of Integrated Innovative Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand

Clean Technol., 2025, vol. 7, issue 4, 1-23

Abstract: This research investigated how detergent type and concentration, solution temperature, and flow rate affect ultrasonic cleaning efficiency in jewelry manufacturing. A silver bracelet without gemstones served as the test sample, and the study combined harmonic response analysis to assess acoustic pressure distribution with computational fluid dynamics to examine fluid flow patterns inside an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Cleaning tests were performed under real factory conditions to verify the simulations. Results showed that cleaning efficiency depends on the combined chemical and ultrasonic effects. Adding detergent lowered surface tension, encouraging cavitation bubble formation; higher temperatures (up to 60 °C) softened dirt, making removal easier; and moderate solution flow improved the cleaning, helping to carry dirt away from jewelry surfaces. Too much flow, however, decreased cavitation activity. The highest cleaning efficiency (93.890%) was achieved with 3% U-type detergent at 60 °C and a flow rate of 5 L/min, while pure water at room temperature (30 °C) without flow had the lowest efficiency (0.815%), confirmed by weighing and scanning electron microscope measurements. Interestingly, maximum ultrasonic power concentration did not always match the highest cleaning efficiency. The study supports sustainable practices by limiting detergent use to 3%, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Keywords: detergent concentration; cavitation; harmonic response analysis; computational fluid dynamics; jewelry manufacturing; ultrasonic cleaning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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