Introduction: What is degassing?
Degassing is one of the most overlooked steps in ultrasonic cleaning. When an ultrasonic tank is filled a new mix of cleaning solution, dissolved air sits throughout the liquid. That trapped air interferes with cavitation, which is the main cleaning action created by ultrasonic energy. It needs to be degassed.
Fluid gets “gassed” when a tank is filled with water. It’s like filling a bath at home. Water coming out of the tap draws air into the body of the water in the bath itself. Obviously large, visible bubbles surface immediately. But smaller bubbles remain suspended in the fluid. It is these microscopic bubble that need removing.
Why Degassing Matters for Effective Cleaning
Degassing is not a gimmick or an optional extra for specialist users only. It is a practical preparation step that supports repeatable results. Especially when cleaning intricate parts such as carburettors, delicate jewellery, or medical instruments where hygiene and finish matter. Note: All digital ultrasonic cleaners from Best Ultrasonic have degassing as standard.
When the cleaning liquid is properly degassed, the ultrasonic field becomes more stable. The cleaning action penetrates into recesses, blind holes, and textured surfaces more effectively. In simple terms, you get a better quality of clean!
Who Needs Degassing?
Anyone using ultrasonic cleaning equipment benefits. Jewellery stores want consistent sparkle without aggressive brushing. Dental clinics and veterinary practices need dependable pre-cleaning before sterilisation. Tattoo studios and aesthetic professionals value reliable removal of residues from tools. Automotive repair shops need repeatable cleaning for carburettors, injectors, and small metal components.
What Is Degassing and How Does It Work?
Many modern tanks include a dedicated degas function, often found on digital units with degas or degas with sweep. The function typically runs the ultrasonics in a pattern that encourages gases to release more quickly. Even without a dedicated mode, a short run with the lid on can still help reduce dissolved air. The aim remains the same: stabilise cavitation so the tank delivers consistent cleaning performance.
When to degas the ultrasonic tank
A degassing function on an ultrasonic cleaner gives an efficient cleaning action in restricted spaces, such as a carburettor. Degassing removes microscopic bubbles and gases that are suspended in the cleaning fluid. You only do this process once, after each time you fill the tank. Only degas fluid whenever it is changed. There is no need to degas it every cleaning cycle.
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The Degassing Process
For best practice, users should fill to the recommended level and add the correct dilution of ultrasonic cleaning fluid. Bring the bath to the target temperature if heating is used. Then run the degas cycle for around 15 minutes.
1) Fill the tank with a mix of cleaning solution and heat to the target temperature
2) Fit the lid to reduce heat loss and splashing.
3) Run the degas function, (or turn on the ultrasonics without parts) for about 15 minutes.
4) After degassing, submerge the parts to be cleaned in the tank and start the cleaning cycle.
Degas when switching between different cleaning fluids. Fresh solution often contains more dissolved gas, and concentrates can introduce air during mixing. A short degas cycle helps stabilise the bath before valuable items or critical tools go in.
Signs That Degassing Is Complete
Small benchtop units may degas in several minutes, while larger tanks and colder solutions can take longer. If performance seems inconsistent after a bath change, it often indicates the liquid still holds dissolved air. In that case, repeating the degassing cycle.
Practical Uses for Degassing
Improving Results for Dental and Medical Tools
Dental and medical environments often use ultrasonic cleaning as a pre-clean step before sterilisation. Degassing supports consistent removal of debris from hinges, serrations, and tight interfaces. It also helps the cleaning solution wet surfaces more evenly, which improves soil release.
Better Cleaning for Automotive Parts
Automotive parts such as carburettors, jets, small housings, and precision metal components benefit from stable cavitation. Degassing helps the bath reach internal channels and complex geometries where manual cleaning struggles. It also improves consistency when cleaning multiple parts in a basket. This reduces the “one part clean, one part not” problem. For workshops, this supports efficiency and reliable rebuild quality.
FAQs About Degassing Ultrasonic Cleaners
Do All Ultrasonic Cleaners Need Degassing?
Most ultrasonic cleaners benefit from degassing after filling or changing the fluid. Units with a dedicated degas function make it easier and faster. However analogue tanks can be degassed by running ultrasonics without parts for a short period. If the application requires consistent results, degassing is strongly recommended.
How Long Does Degassing Take?
Degassing time varies by tank size, solution type, and temperature. Small benchtop units often need about 15 minutes, while larger tanks can take longer. Warmer solutions generally degas faster than cold ones.
What Happens If You Skip Degassing?
Skipping degassing often leads to weaker cavitation at the start of the session. Users may see uneven cleaning, longer cycles, or the need to re-run loads. In some cases, bubbles cling to parts and block cleaning action in recesses.
Conclusion: Maximise Cleaning Results with Degassing
Best Ultrasonic Cleaners Ltd supplies specialised ultrasonic cleaning equipment for UK businesses, including benchtop tanks and larger industrial systems. Many models include digital controls with degas, degas with sweep, and adjustable power options to match different applications. For buyers comparing features, degassing is one of the most useful functions for consistent daily performance.
Quick Tips for Best Performance
Run degas after filling the tank or changing solution. Use the correct dilution of professional ultrasonic fluid and keep the lid on during setup. Avoid overloading baskets, and ensure parts are fully submerged without touching the tank base. If results vary between the first and later cycles, degas again.
Why Choose a Cleaner with Degassing Function
A built-in degas function saves time and reduces guesswork, especially in busy environments with multiple operators. It helps stabilise the bath quickly after refills and supports repeatable outcomes across different loads. For applications like jewellery, dental instruments, and automotive components, that consistency is often worth the upgrade.
Learn More or Get Expert Advice
To select the right ultrasonic cleaner for a specific application, Best Ultrasonic Cleaners provides specialised options and support. Visit BestUltrasonic.co.uk to explore tanks, fluids, and features such as degas and sweep. Orders over £25, benefit from: “Free DPD next day delivery on 'Best Ultrasonic' tanks & fluids.
