Microcavitation for Surface Cleaning

Abstract

The primary objective of this research was to explore a new acoustic coaxing-induced microcavitation (ACIM) method to solve the problem of removing paint, rust, and scales from surfaces (e.g., ship surfaces and pipe interiors.) ACIM is a new method for constructively controlling microcavitation. This microcavitation-based cleaning was to be accomplished using only "silent sound and clean water." No chemicals were to be used. Acoustic microcavitation is brought about by low megahertz frequencies and involves micron-sized bubbles that last a few microseconds. During microcavitation the imploding cavities deposit large amounts of energy at the implosion sites. Microcavitation-created, high-energy density at implosion points is effective only at the thin surface layer and is therefore suitable for cleaning surfaces. The crucial question this research explores is whether it is possible to scale up microcavitation-assisted surface cleaning to achieve higher surface cleaning rates. Further, for external surface cleaning, the authors investigated the possibility of combining microcavitation cleaning with moderated water-jet cleaning. (1 photograph, 10 refs.)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA418172

Entities

People

  • Sameer Madanshetty

Organizations

  • Kansas State University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Fields
  • Acoustic Propagation
  • Acoustics
  • Energy
  • Frequency
  • High Energy
  • Implosions
  • Intensity
  • Materials
  • Research Facilities
  • Sound Waves
  • Surface Tension
  • Tensile Strength
  • Theses
  • Transducers
  • Water Jets
  • Waves

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.