Miniature Washing Device «Colibry», Some Historical Facts

The first experimental results on application of ultrasonic waves for washing and cleaning date back to the middle of the last century. The progress in this direction resulted in creating industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment, for instance УЗУ-0,25. However, the development of similar ultrasonic devices for domestic application was not carried out because their safety, high power consumption, big sizes and high cost were not acceptable. Last years thanks to advances in piezo technology both in Russia and abroad the development and production of domestic ultrasonic washing devices became feasible.

In the end of 80^th ELPA Company, which had long experience of work in the field of ultrasonics and hydro acoustics for Navy, studied the problem of using ultrasonic for domestic washing devices in the frame of the conversion program. In the course of researches it was found, that under the influence of ultrasonic waves the velocity of liquids increases. During the propagation of ultrasonic wave the oscillation of particles take place. This phenomenon makes it possible to realize the main principle of a washing device: stimulation of interaction between a liquid and an item submerged into it. Hydrodynamic factor of washing is ensured by the movement of liquid from a textile capillary into the liquid volume. The higher velocity of movement, the better washing off effect.

The researches have confirmed feasibility of creating domestic ultrasonic washing devices with a reduced acoustic power and without a cavitation effect, which causes destruction of fabrics. On the basis of conducted researches the design and operating conditions of ultrasonic washing device of "Colibry" type were optimized. As a result, maximum acoustical power and essential consumer characteristics were achieved with minimum power consumption. In 1996 ELPA and Academy of Municipal Economy jointly tested "Colibry" as a small washing device. The conducted tests have confirmed that "Colibry" provided good washing off quality for cotton fabrics having soiling degree 1 and 2 and high washing off quality for synthetic and silk fabrics. It was found that the "Colibry" functional characteristics met the standard ГОСТ-8051: "Domestic washing machines".

In addition it should be noted that acoustical waves increase detergent efficiency by several times.

All-Russian Research Institute of Hygiene in Rail Transport of Russian Federation Ministry for Communications (Translation) Decision of a Commission of Experts on the results of testing for disinfection effect, produced in the course of washing by domestic acoustic generator. Experimental investigations carried out for evaluating disinfection effect, produced by the domestic acoustic generator, have revealed the following fact: In the course of washing, performed by the domestic acoustic generator (washing for 30 minutes, temperature range from 50 ºC to 65 ºC, detergent quantity of 0.2 %), it was found that disinfection of clothes, which eliminates vegetative micro flora (Intestinal stick, golden staphylococcus) takes place. This fact confirms the disinfection effect, produced by the above device.