In ultrasonic cleaning, the effectiveness of the process depends not only on the device itself but also on the condition of the cleaning solution. One key step that often goes unnoticed is degassing—the removal of dissolved gases, such as air, from the liquid before cleaning begins. Though simple, this step plays a vital role in ensuring maximum cleaning performance.
Degassing enhances cavitation by eliminating bubbles that would otherwise absorb ultrasonic energy. Without this interference, the cleaner can generate stronger, more consistent cavitation bubbles that efficiently dislodge dirt and contaminants. Advanced models like Granbo’s are designed with built-in degas modes to streamline this process, making sure the solution is ready for peak performance right from the start.
What Happens When Gases Stay in the Solution?
In any ultrasonic cleaning process, the presence of dissolved gases—especially air—is more than just a chemical footnote. It directly interferes with one of the most critical cleaning mechanisms: cavitation. Cavitation occurs when microscopic bubbles form and collapse rapidly in the cleaning solution, creating shock waves that dislodge contaminants from the surfaces of the submerged objects. These implosions generate intense energy at a micro level, capable of reaching into fine crevices, blind holes, and textured surfaces.
However, when a solution is saturated with gases, many of the ultrasonic waves get absorbed or scattered by those gases rather than being focused into producing cavitation bubbles. In effect, energy is wasted, cavitation intensity drops, and the overall cleaning power is significantly diminished. This often leads to inconsistent results—some parts of the item may be spotless while others remain untouched.
Moreover, gas-laden solutions may generate froth or foam on the surface during cleaning, which further disrupts wave propagation and may create turbulence that hinders the ultrasonic field’s efficiency. If you’ve ever noticed cloudy or “quiet” zones in a cleaner tank, dissolved air might be the hidden culprit.
Degassing in Action: What It Looks Like and How It Works
When you degas a solution, you’re essentially encouraging trapped air to escape before it can interfere with cleaning. The process is surprisingly observable and even audible. Upon initiating the degas cycle—either manually or via a built-in program—the tank’s surface often begins to shimmer as fine air bubbles rapidly rise and burst. These aren’t cavitation bubbles just yet, but micro pockets of dissolved gases coalescing and exiting the liquid.
Over the next few minutes, you may also hear a higher-pitched humming or “buzzing” sound from the machine, which is the ultrasonic waves interacting with the gas-saturated medium. As degassing continues, this sound gradually softens—a sign that the solution is becoming more acoustically transparent and ready to support full cavitation action.
The visual indicators are also clear. Initially, the tank might look cloudy with lots of tiny bubbles. As the degas process progresses, clarity improves, and bubble activity becomes more uniform and vigorous. This is the moment when the solution is said to be “fully degassed”—when dissolved gases have largely escaped and nothing stands in the way of optimal bubble formation.
Some machines, like Granbo’s intelligent cleaners, use pulsed ultrasonics to speed up this process. Pulsing allows ultrasonic energy to temporarily stop between bursts, giving microbubbles time to coalesce and rise. This alternating rhythm significantly reduces degas time from 10 minutes to just a few seconds to minutes, depending on tank size and fluid volume.
Once degassed, the liquid becomes more stable for cleaning and won’t require degassing again unless it’s replaced or reheated. Regular users can actually “hear” when a solution is ready—something seasoned technicians grow to recognize as part of their workflow.
How to Know When Degassing Is Complete
Recognizing the end of the degassing process doesn’t require lab instruments—your eyes and ears are often enough. One of the first signs is the disappearance of tiny rising bubbles on the liquid’s surface. At the start, you might notice a cloudy, effervescent look, especially near the tank edges. As the solution stabilizes, this activity subsides, and the liquid appears clearer and more still.
Auditory cues also help: in the early moments of degassing, the ultrasonic cleaner may emit a sharper, higher-pitched hum due to energy interacting with dissolved gases. As the gases are expelled, this pitch softens, signaling more efficient cavitation readiness.
Another practical method is time-based: for most mid-sized ultrasonic tanks, degassing typically takes 5–10 minutes when using a standard “run empty” approach. Granbo’s fast-degas function, however, often completes the process in under 2 minutes by using pulsed ultrasonic cycles that accelerate bubble coalescence.
If you’re cleaning delicate items or running critical operations, always start with a degassed solution—it’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Why Granbo Cleaners Take Degassing Seriously
Granbo ultrasonic cleaners are engineered with professional users in mind, and that’s why their approach to degassing is both robust and efficient. Unlike generic machines that rely on passive or manual degassing, Granbo incorporates a dedicated fast-degas mode into many of its digital models. This isn’t just a convenience—it’s a performance enhancer.
The system uses a pulsed ultrasonic signal combined with intelligent timing algorithms to accelerate gas release without overheating the solution or requiring user intervention. Whether you’re filling your tank for jewelry, dental instruments, carburetors, or surgical tools, the cleaner handles degassing in the background—so your cleaning cycle always starts with maximum effectiveness.
In addition to technical innovation, Granbo’s machines monitor acoustic consistency, ensuring that cavitation strength remains stable throughout the cycle. This is particularly valuable in applications like watch part cleaning or microelectronics, where even small bubbles can mean incomplete cleaning or component damage.
By treating degassing as a fundamental phase—not an optional step—Granbo ensures that every cleaning task is supported by full ultrasonic power from the very first second. It’s not just about speed; it’s about setting up the chemistry for success.
A Simple Step That Yields Big Results
At first glance, degassing might seem like a minor technical detail—an optional checkbox in a sea of settings. But in practice, it’s one of the easiest ways to dramatically enhance the performance of your ultrasonic cleaner. By starting with a properly degassed solution, users can unlock faster cleaning times, better penetration into intricate surfaces, and more consistent results across the entire batch.
For anyone working in labs, dental clinics, or high-precision manufacturing, consistency matters. When your cleaning solution is degassed, you’re not just removing physical contaminants—you’re ensuring that the ultrasonic energy works uniformly across every corner of the tank. That level of predictability reduces cleaning failures, and extends the lifespan of both the items being cleaned and the machine itself.
Granbo understands this, which is why its systems don’t just include degas functionality—they make it intuitive. With one-touch presets, visual indicators, and automatic timing, Granbo cleaners lower the barrier to professional-level cleaning, even for first-time users.
In the end, degassing is more than science—it’s a strategy. One that transforms your ultrasonic tank from a bubbling bath into a high-performance cleaning tool.
