Cavitation jet cleaning technology

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Cavitation jet cleaning technology is the most advanced underwater cleaning technology in the world today; it is an innovative invention that applies the principle of water cavitation to cleaning applications. Cavitation refers to the explosive growth of cavitation bubbles (i.e., gas nuclei with a radius generally below 20 μm) formed by the evaporation of liquid due to local low pressure in the fluid flow system (below the saturated vapor pressure of that liquid at the corresponding temperature). When cavitation bubbles collapse, they generate intense microjet impacts, resulting in extremely short-lived high-pressure pulses. The small space surrounding the bubbles forms local hot spots that produce extreme temperatures and pressures; at the same time, complex physical, chemical, mechanical, electrochemical, and thermal reactions occur. It is estimated that when free cavitation bubbles collapse, the flow velocity of the microjets near the wall can reach 70 to 180 m/s, and the impact force generated on the surface of the object can be as high as 140 to 170 Mpa. The diameter of these microjets is approximately 2 to 3 μm, and the surface is subjected to impacts from these microjets at a rate of about 100 to 1000 times per (s·cm2). file:///C:\Users\ADMINI~1\AppData\Local\Temp\ksohtml\wps19A6.tmp.jpg Cavitation jet cleaning technology is a new type of underwater facility cleaning method that incorporates cavitation effects into water jet cleaning techniques. It involves artificially creating high-density cavitation bubbles within the water jet stream; the powerful impact force generated by the collapse of these bubbles in small areas on the surface of objects is used to remove hard deposits and attached marine organisms. The development and application of cavitation jet underwater cleaning technology are of great significance for ships as well as all facilities that remain submerged in water for extended periods, resolving the long-standing challenges in underwater engineering. By utilizing cavitation jet cleaning technology, it is not necessary to pull the objects onto land; surface cleaning of various objects can be carried out underwater, which plays a crucial role in the maintenance and safe use of various underwater facilities. It not only reduces the likelihood of failure-related hazards, facilitates maintenance and inspection to ensure proper functioning, but also saves a great deal of manpower and resources, reduces time costs and expenses, thereby generating significant economic benefits.