Instruction for Ultrasonic cleaning of used filter elements
Used filter elements with metal mesh filtration material (Type „G”) can be cleaned successfully in most cases using ultrasonic waves. For unified fine thread filtration material (≤ 40 µm mesh size) ultrasonic cleaning is inevitable.
For ultrasonic cleaning the following devices are required:
1. An ultrasonic bath with the proper dimensions (volume) to match the filter element that has to be cleaned. The distance between element and sidewalls should be at least 15mm (Please consider the elements closing caps and the devices cage for insertion).
2. Insertion cage has to hold the element (it can not have contact to the oscillating box).
3. Clean- as the case may be filtered- water with a pH-value ≥ 7.
4. Non-foaming cleaning concentrates with mild alkaline effects, for example Tickopur R 33 or Tickopur R 30 (check cleaner listings).
5. Tempering thermostat (usually included in the ultrasonic device).
6. Time-measuring device with break timer (usually included in the ultrasonic device).
7. Gate valve and drain hose (resistant to used medium and temperatures).
8. Tight-sealing closing caps for filter element.
9. Drying device (oven) or drying agent (Isopropanol).
Prior to ultrasonic cleaning:
The element, which is supposed to be cleaned, has to be cleaned from oil first. If necessary, it has to be cleaned from coarse contamination as well. Please proceed as described in instructions 39448-4 A, sheet 1, paragraph 1 and 2.
Close all openings to the inside of the element very tight with certain adapters (Type „E” elements need one, type „B” elements need two adapters, elements with axial sealing need a special clamping fixture).
Fill the ultrasonic bath with water to the maximum filling level (Consider the insertion and therefore the volume of the element, the cage and the amount of cleaning agent).
Use the bath’s thermostat to set the temperature at + 50 ± 3 °C.
Add cleaning agent as described in the list of cleaning agents.
Performance the ultrasonic cleaning:
Take the insertion cage out of the ultrasonic bath. Place the closed element into the cage and put it back into the bath. In order to provide protection from strong steam formation close the ultrasonic bath using the included lit.
Again check the minimum and maximum water level and add or extract water if necessary.
Set the timer to 15 minutes and start the cleaning process.
Caution:
Do not touch the fluid during the ultrasonic treatment!
After the cleaning time elapsed turn off the temperature control and drain the fluid using the gate valve and the drain hose. Take the insertion cage with the element out of the bath. Now clean the inside of the bath with clean water and prepare a new bath (check “prior to ultrasonic cleaning” for instructions). Put the cage with the element back into the bath.
Again check the minimum and maximum water level to add or extract water if necessary.
Set the timer for 15 minutes and start the cleaning process.
After the time of this secondary cleaning elapsed, take the cage with the element out of the bath. This secondary cleaning bath can be reused for the initial cleaning of another element. If not, turn off the device, drain the cleaning fluid by opening the gate valve and using the drain hose and clean the inside of the device afterwards.
After treatment of cleaned filter elements:
The closing adaptors can be removed. Afterwards put the element into a vertical position in order to drip off. Thereby cover the upper opening (if existent). After approximately 15 minutes the element can be dried in an oven or flushed with isopropanol (check instructions 39448-4 A).
Caution:
Elements treated with isopropanol have to be put in well-aerated rooms. Do not place the element in the oven or on any heating in any case! (—— Risk of fire and explosion—–)
List of permitted cleaning agents:
-Standard cleaner: Tickopur R 33
Concentrate, mild alkaline effects. Use 1… 5%; pH 10 at 2% Suitable for all materials.
-For sensitive parts:Tickopur R 30
Concentrate, neutral effects. Use1… 5%; pH 7 at 3%
Caution:
Other cleaning agents, especially agents with higher pH-values (> 12) and/or including ammonia, cannot be applied. These cleaning agents corrode the adhesive joints of the filter elements.
Cleaning agents, especially lime and rust soluble, with acidic effects (phosphoric acid etc.) cannot be used. Causing water diffusion, they will destroy the metal meshes and other metal parts of the element.