Glossary

water based

The ability of an item to break down into natural materials over time without harm to the environment.

The formation of bubbles in a liquid

The amount of time required to properly remove the debris from the item that is being cleaned.  Cleaning cycles will vary, but typically will fall in the 5 – 20 minute range.

The process of removing trapped air bubbles in the cleaning solution

When parts are cleaned by directly placing them in the ultrasonic tank and cleaning solution

The process of cleaning an item to rid it of harmful bacteria

The act of the cleaning bubble violently collapsing inward

When parts are placed in a secondary container (pan, beaker) containing the cleaning solution.  This vessel is than placed inside the ultrasonic tank.  Commonly used when a 2-step cleaning process is required or a cleaning liquid is potentially harmful to the ultrasonic tank.

An instrument holder designed to allow practices to organize their instruments in a neat and orderly fashion for instrument re-processing while also promoting staff safety.

Removes residual debris and excess cleaning solution

Include water as one of the components.  Other components are naturally derived such as terpenes and pine oil cleaners.

A substance capable of dissolving another compound

A water based or semi-aqueous cleaning solution containing no solvents.

A substance which reduces surface tension thereby increasing the spreading or wetting ability of the cleaning liquid.

A purposeful deviation from the cleaning frequency designed to enhance cavitation activity.

A device used to convert electrical energy into sound waves.

A non-abrasive cleaning process that removes soils by using sound waves to generate microscopic bubbles to attack the bond attaching the debris and item being cleaned.