A new methodology for decontamination of dental instruments by an ultrasonic cleaner based on Sweep Systems Technology
The efficiency of a decontamination procedure by sonication for different dental instruments after experimental microbial and viral contamination was tested in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Milan-Bicocca. The ultrasonic bath cleaner SONICA 2200EP Sweep System, an ultrasonic device developed and commercialised by Soltec, was used.
The use of ultrasonic cleaners in creating metallographic specimens
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In a metallography laboratory, one of the main activities consists in creating metallographic specimens. The aim of this kind of activity is to examine a particular kind of material from a structural point of view. Metallographic specimens can be prepared with different materials such as metals, polymeric materials or ceramics. Whatever the type of material used, all specimens have one thing in common: they all need to go through a preparation process.
The samples are sanded gradually in order to make them as polished as a mirror. In fact, this phase prepares the metallographic specimen for the microscope inspection.
It is necessary to clean the samples between the different phases; for some materials in particular, such as polymeric materials, it is possible to optimize the cleaning process by using an ultrasonic bath which eliminates any foreign material. This whole process is illustrated below.
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Figure 1: two metallographic specimens after the first polishing phase and before the ultrasonic cleaning.
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Figure 2: use of ultrasonic cleaning to remove any residual material.
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Figure 3: detail of a metallographic specimen that didn't go through the ultrasonic cleaning process. This sample still has residual materials from the polishing process
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Figure 4: detail of a metallographic specimen that went through the same polishing process and was cleaned with the ultrasonic cleaner. In this case there are no residual materials.
As it can be observed in figures 3 and 4, the sample that has been washed with the ultrasonic cleaner didn't have any residual materials from the polishing process.
Dr. Roberta Moglia – Laboratory Technician, electronic testing area
Gruppo Istituto Italiano della Saldatura
Lungobisagno Istria, 15 – 16141 Genova – Phone n: 010 8341.1 – Fax: 010 8367780 – www.iis.it – iis@iis.it
USE OF SONICA 5300 ETH IN CLEANING THE MACHINE ELEMENTS OF A BOTTLING LINE
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In order to standardize the cleaning processesn the production department of the Abiogen Pharma plant in Pisa the ultrasonic technology is used more and more often to wash the machine elements.
In the Injectables Department the bottling line is used for the production of both water and oil soluble products. This production line is provided with several machine elements most of which have small dimensions such as the dosing systems and the filling needles. Before going through the sterilisation process and be used again, all these elements need to be cleaned very accurately so that no residual materials are left.
SONICA 5300 ETH ultrasonic bath (figure 1) has recently been installed in the washing area of the Injectables Department and it turned out to be very useful in the cleaning process of the machine elements.
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Figure 1
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Figure 2
The dimensions of the tank and basket (figure 2) allows the cleaning of several items simultaneously, therefore the whole cleaning process takes less time. For example, we manage to clean six dosing units and six filling needles at the same time (figure 3).
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Figure 3
The temperature and the time of the ultrasonic cleaning process can be set automatically and this allows the whole process to be standardized. In our case, we clean our machine elements at 40°C for 10 minutes with a validated detergent.
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Figure 4
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Figure 5
Figures 4 and 5: details of the dosing elements of the bottling machine before the ultrasonic cleaning process.
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Figure 6
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Figure 7
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Figure 8
Figures 6, 7, and 8: details of the dosing elements of the bottling machine after the ultrasonic cleaning process with SONICA.
Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 show single elements before and after the cleaning process.
The use of the ultrasounic cleaner allowed us to decrease the cleaning time by 50% and to make the operations automatic. The new equipment and method have brought great benefits since they have improved the cleaning process both from a qualitative and financial point of view.
In this kind of companies, where the machine elements are cleaned on a daily basis, the costs for the equipment are recovered in a few months.
Alessandra Salvadori Injectables Department Manager and Production Deputy
Chiara Barsotti Production Manager
ABIOGEN PHARMA S.p.A.
Via Meucci, n° 36 - 56121 Pisa - Loc. Ospedaletto - Phone n. +39.050.31.54.101 Fax +39.050.31.54.331
Company subject to management and coordination by MDM HOLDING S.p.A. Pisa
From the most specialized Companies to the world of education at GONZAGA Institute
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The larger SONICA ultrasonic cleaners have proved paramount for washing
glassware at school science and chemistry laboratories.
At the Gonzaga Institute in Milan, an 18-litre cleaner enables students to wash
the instruments used in lessons and experiments both thoroughly and fast.
Prof. Domenico Fraccalvieri, Science teacher and Laboratory Teaching Assistant in both the Laboratories of Chemistry and Physics at Gonzaga Institute in Milan tell us how they are using Ultrasonic Cleaning Technology inside their laboratories.
Istituto Gonzaga (see Fig.1-3) was founded in 1906 by the religious congregation of the “Brothers of the Christian Schools”, founded in 1680 by St. John Baptist de La Salle universal educators’ patron. The High Schools of Istituto Gonzaga guarantee a high quality and complete educational path (arts, science, humanities) aimed to that breadth of thought which is a peculiar heritage and legacy of our civilization and of the high school tradition by itself.
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At the High Schools’ scientific laboratories, we tested the ultrasonic bath SONICA 4300ETH S3 (18 liters).
The main application of this machine is the washing of both laboratory glassware and
support tools used for teaching laboratories purposes of both Sciences (Chemistry, Biology and Earth Sciences) and Physics.
In particular some experiences of Chemistry, carried out by more classes in a short
sequence, have the problem of both a large amount of tools to be washed and different kinds of chemicals to be removed.
Moreover, the tools have to be quickly reused by the next classes.
As an example, an experience to study the solubility of different solid compounds with
different liquid solvents involves the use of about 90 test tubes for each class using
both organic and inorganic solvents and both hydrophilic and hydrophobic solids compounds.
In this case, by using the ultrasonic washing machine we were able to wash more
than 60 test tubes in 5 minutes, directly into their test tube rack.
In the case of test tubes, another successfull apllication was the complete removal of both stains and spots of iron hydroxide by coupling the use of ultrasonic washing machine and an acid detergent.
In the laboratory of Physics the complete removal of vegetable oils residues poured into graduated cylinders (experiments to study the motion of bodies) was not an easy task.
By using the ultrasonic washing machine also this operation was successfully accomplished coupling ultrasounds and high temperature (40°C).Finally an interesting application was the washing of an instrument to study the communicating
vessels (see Fig. 2) .
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This tool (c.a. 60 years old) is particurarly delicate and by hand washing it is virtually impossible to remove the oil residues in the narrow brassy joints.
Even in this case by using the ultrasonic washing machine we obtained a satisfactory cleaning of glass vessels and we also cleaned the brassy sections.
Therefore, the final judgment is positive and the main advantages are:
- a faster washing of the laboratory glassware;
- the ability to clean not hand washable tools.
Prof. Domenico Fraccalvieri
Science teacher and Laboratory Teaching
Assistant in both the laboratories
of Chemistry and Physics
Istituto Gonzaga, Milano
Analysis of a new load lifting and handling system manufactured by SOLTEC in Milan
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Musculoskeletal diseases and disorders are becoming increasingly important in the fields of occupational medicine and prevention. Over the years, a clear association has been observed between such disorders and working conditions prevailing in various companies mostly related to tasks defined by or connected with certain manual operations, which can be physically very demanding.
For that reason, such disorders are widespread, which has repercussions in terms of economic and social costs.
Moreover, 2012 data from INAIL show that work-related musculoskeletal disorders are on the increase, accounting for about 56% of all occupational diseases recognized in Europe in Italy, in 2012, there were 26,000 reported cases of work-related diseases related to bone and joint problems.
This fact in itself highlights just how much we tend to underestimate the predisposing factors for these diseases when assessing individual work stations and, as a result, during the risk assessment process as a whole.
According to analyses by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, these disorders seem to be caused mainly by manual handling of loads, by heavy physical work, by unsuitable working postures, by performing repeated, sometimes strenuous, movements of the upper limbs and, as an aggravating factor, also by the vibrations produced by work equipment or vehicles.
Annex XXXIII to Italian Legislative Decree No 81/2008 identifies the risk factors that the employer has to watch out for and which may be involved in manual handling of loads, during specific work phases.
These tasks definitely need to be assessed so that preventive measures can be taken to mitigate them, or to eliminate them from individual work phases.
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Soltec designs and manufactures SONICA ultrasonic cleaners for professional use in the chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, electronics, military and aerospace industries.
Given the wide variety of uses that such cleaners can be put to, there are different sizes and workloads, which means that the size and weight of the article to be cleaned will also change.
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Analyzing the work flow associated with the machine it appears evident that, especially when loading and unloading workpieces, where the loads exceed 5-10 kg or more, the operator performs lifting and handling movements that in particular strain the upper limbs and spine, especially when carried out on a regular basis
throughout the working day.
On the basis of these mandatory indications and with a view to making manual labour more efficient and functional , Soltec decided to engineer a lifting mechanism for lifting baskets; this mechanism, with an adjustable counterweight, makes it possible to perform what we might call “assisted” lifting, thus limiting the effort made by the operator or even totally removing it.
From an ergonomic and research standpoint,we initially analyzed the movements of the user, verifying what the problematic movements and operations were in terms of work and lifting ergonomics.
Thereafter, on the basis of measurements taken at the workstation and from applicable technical standards* data using, amongst other techniques, high-speed cameras and digital crane scales, we were able to analyze the efforts made by the operator for given load ranges and consequently develop a product that was both suitable for making the workstation ergonomically favourable and functional in terms of productivity and load management.
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The professional lift designed by SOLTEC, with its modularity and its adjustability to the physique of the operator (height, limb size, weight to be lifted, etc.), enables the operator to lift loads of up to 30 kg keeping the spine in an upright position and the shoulders close to the body, so as not to place any strain on the muscles and thus protect him/her from the effects of muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
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In the case of Soltec’s ultrasonic cleaners, at our assisted workstations the operator will place the object to be cleaned inside the basket, on a shelf at a height that can easily be adjusted at a height that can easily be adjusted in order to minimize strain, and will then raise the loaded basket using the lifting “handlebar” to the right height to place it inside the ultrasonic cleaner. After cleaning, the basket will be lifted out, in assisted mode, and placed back on the work surface, thus making it easy to remove the object.
Franco Beltrame
Industrial Hygienist and Occupational Safety Technician
AL.MA. Consulenza srl
Bibliografy
- D.Lgs 9 Aprile 2008, n°81 – Titolo III , Art. 71/6 – “Uso delle attrezzature di lavoro….” e titolo VI “Movimentazione manuale dei carichi”
- Prof. Enrico Occhipinti – operating and scientific responsible of EPM research center
- UNI ISO 11228 – parte 1 e 3 – “Ergonomics – Manual handling” .
- ISO 11064: 2013 – “Ergonomic design of control center”
- ISO 7250-1:2008 - “Basic Human Body measurements for technological design”
Ultrasonic precision cleaning of yacht winch components
Harken is synonymous throughout the yachting world with top-quality sailboat deck hardware. This renowned company, founded in 1967 on the basis of a brilliant invention by Chairman Peter Harken (the first Harken ball bearing block), can now provide all sailboat deck hardware, including winches, needed for America’s Cup races.
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Cleaning of most of the mechanical components used in Harken winches is done by the SONICA 45L EP S3 ultrasonic cleaner,
with Sweep System technology produced by SOLTEC Srl of Milan.
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Fig. 1
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Figura 1/2/4 - Details with obvious signs of dirt and oxidation before ultrasonic treatment
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Figura 3 - Winch parts before ultrasonic treatment
During previous editions of the America’s Cup, first in 2003 with One World Challenge and thereafter in 2007 with the Desafio Español 2007 team, SOLTEC acquired a wide range of in-depth technical skills and developed perfect ultrasonic precision cleaning
products, for more than 2000 different mechanical and hydraulic parts. The parts, made from technologically advanced materials, such as Delrin, Ertalite, Torlon Peak, stainless steels such as 316L, 17-4ph, 13/8 and 2205, aluminum alloys 5083, 6061 and 7000, titanium, carbon fibre and composite epoxy laminates were treated with ultrasound, with incredibly outstanding results.
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Fig. 5
Detail with obvious signs of dirt and oxidation before ultrasonic treatment
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Fig. 6
Detail after ultrasonic treatment
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Fig. 7
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Fig. 8
Fig. 7/8 Detail before and after ultrasonic treatment
But let’s look in detail at how the SONICA ultrasonic cleaning system works.
During an America’s Cup race, the winches have to be in perfect working order, otherwise a mixture of nautical grease, salt, oxidation residues and wear particles can even cause the whole system to seize up.
To prevent this, the whole winch is completely dismantled into its component parts, and each piece is placed in an ultrasonic cleaning bath in a special basket and undergoes an ultrasonic cleaning process that lasts for an average of 30 minutes.
The ultrasonic cavitation process generated inside a special alkaline washing liquid specifically designed for this SONICA ML application produces micro-cavitation bubbles, which have enough energy to detach all dirt particles from parts being cleaned.
After ultrasonic cleaning, the pieces treated are then reassembled, thus making the part as good as new, and ready for the next race.
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Fig. 9
Various details after SONICA ultrasonic cleaningwith SONICA ML concentrated alkaline detergent
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Fig. 10
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Fig. 11
Figure 10/11 - Detail after SONICA ultrasonic cleaning. Even in spring mechanisms there are no grease or dirt residues. The part is ready to be reassembled
after maintenance.
Thanks to the experience and advice of Massimiliano Zafaro, Harken Italy Assembly Supervisor, the Italian branch of the Group where Harken winches are designed and produced for the whole world, we have been able to test and re-test the effectiveness
of our SONICA ultrasonic cleaning system, which has been successfully applied, not only in recent editions of the America’s Cup, but also in countless repairs of mechanical winch components which come to servicing centre to be restored to their
original factory condition.
Stefano Guidi
Managing Director
SOLTEC Srl
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To get the complete technical document | Ultrasonic precision cleaning of yacht winch components |
Extraction of water-soluble compounds from soils using the ultrasonic bath
In the laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (Department of Environment Health Sciences) of “IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri” in Milan, Prof. Silvio Garattini and PhD Student and Junior researcher Diego Baderna tell us how the researchers are studying the impact of environmental pollutants on human health and on the environmental receptors.
Extraction of water-soluble compounds from soils according to ANPA/APAT guidelines using the SONICA 3200M ultrasonic bath
In the laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology (Department of Environment Health Sciences) of “IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri” in Milan, researchers are studying the impact of environmental pollutants on human health and on the environmental receptors.
The SONICA 3200M ultrasonich bath, currently supplied to the laboratory, is a very useful tool in the preparation of soil leachates according to the ANPA (2000) and APAT (2002 and 2004) guidelines which will be then analyzed by in vitro toxicological assays on human cells or ecotoxicological assays.
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The large tank of the instrument allows the simultaneous housing of more reaction chambers, generally consisting of 100 or 250 ml glass flasks, depending on the amount of sample to be extracted. In this way, in addition to the simultaneous processing of multiple samples, it is possible to obtain a comparable extraction efficiency among the samples processed in the same series, ensuring the possibility of comparison.
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The large tank also allows the insertion of blocks of synthetic ice to cool the temperature of the water in the bath.
Using the same technique, the SONICA 3200M was also used to obtain aqueous leachates of earth and rock from mechanized tunneling, comminuted solid waste and ashes while, coupled with organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, acetone:hexane mixture), it was used for extraction of organic pollutants from waste shredding, earth and rock from excavation, especially when the use of high temperature extraction (soxhlet) is not suitable to preserve the integrity of the sample or of the analyzed pollutant (for example PAHs are sensible to temperature > 40°C).
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Milano, 30 giugno 2014
Diego Baderna,
PhD student and junior researcher
at Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
Download PhD Student e Junior researcher Diego Baderna technical article
Ultrasonic Cleaning Technology for Climbing Holds
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In the Palamonti Climbing Gym, the multi-purpose hall of the Italian Alpin Club of Bergamo, Chiara Carissoni describes us the cleaning process of the different climbing holds.
Climbing gym, handholds and ultrasounds
Some people will ask themselves what might be the connection among these 3 elements: an indoor climbing gym, climbing holds and ultrasounds. Well, lately the climbing holds of the indoor climbing gym in the city of Bergamo (Italy) have been cleaned using a sophisticated ultrasonic cleaner.
We used to spend our days brushing and descaling several climbing holds with water, soap, vinegar, wire brushes and a lot of elbow grease. We also tried using a water hydro cleaner. The powerful water jet managed to clean all the dirt particles, sweat, grease, and magnesite from the holds, but we still didn’t get perfect results. Most times the dirt was difficult to remove from the cavities so we had to clean the holds again manually. But those days are now over.
When one of our climber friends showed us SOLTEC’s catalogue, a company specialized in the production of ultrasonic cleaners, SONICA, we decided to take a closer look and that’s how an ultrasonic bath arrived in Bergamo, together with the specific soap for oils and grease.
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The instructors and volunteers who regularly help in the maintenance of the gym have been cleaning the climbing holds with the ultrasonic cleaners. Thanks to the ultrasonic technology, the ultrasonic baths clean the magnesite and every other kind of dirt from the climbing holds, making them look brand new.
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Our gym is very popular (we have approximately 10 thousands visitors per year) and the climbers use climbing shoes with a special sole and magnesite in order to dry the sweat off their hands and have a more solid foothold.
Moreover, the porous structure of the climbing holds absorb very easily the sweat of the hands together with skins oils and magnesite powder. That’s why the holds become slippery when used very often.
Thanks to SOLTEC and their ultrasonic cleaners we can now wash the climbing holds more often and more easily, making them look brand new.
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Other gyms in the Bergamo area have tried this cleaning technology and got excellent results as well.
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Before the ultrasonic cleaning process.
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Using the ultrasonic cleaner is very easy: once the tank is filled with water and soap in the quantities needed and already established, you simply put the holds in the tank and that’s it. The timer for the duration of the cleaning cycle needs to be set manually and it depends on the amount of dirt on the holds.
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Climbing hold showing residuals of magnesite, rubber and dirt.
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Climbing hold after being washed with the ultrasonic cleaner and alkaline degreasing soap.
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Once the ultrasonic cleaning process is over, the climbing holds need to be risen to remove any soap residuals and you can start another cleaning cycle. Everything is easier and offers better results.
Thank you, SOLTEC.