ASTM G131-96 (2023)e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM G131-96(2023)e1 — Standard Practice for Cleaning of Materials and Components by Ultrasonic Techniques. This practice defines a controlled ultrasonic cleaning procedure and associated verification steps for removal and analysis of contaminants from parts and materials that require a high level of cleanliness (for example, components used in oxygen systems, aerospace, and other precision applications).

Abstract

This standard practice describes placing parts in an ultrasonic cleaning bath with an appropriate cleaning agent, followed by rinsing and analysis of the cleaning solutions (for nonvolatile residue, total carbon, and particulate contamination) to verify cleanliness. It includes guidance on suitable frequencies, power densities, temperatures and recommended analytical approaches for aqueous and solvent-based cleaners. The practice is intended as both a cleaning procedure and a cleanliness‑verification method for parts and test coupons.

General information

• Status: Active / Current (editorially corrected).
• Publication date: Original approval 1996; reapproved/reissued and editorially corrected July 13, 2023 (designation ASTM G131-96(2023)e1).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 03.080.10 (Industrial services / maintenance services / facilities management — cleanliness and contamination control).
• Edition / version: G0131-96R23E01 (often shown as G131-96(2023)e1 — 1996 practice with 2023 editorial correction).
• Number of pages: 5 pages (concise practice document).

Scope

This practice covers a procedure for ultrasonic cleaning of materials, parts and components that require a high level of cleanliness (notably oxygen‑service components), and may be applied to small parts, softgoods (seals, valve seats) and precision components. Values are stated in SI units; the standard provides precautionary notes for safety and applicable regulatory considerations.

Key topics and requirements

• Recommended ultrasonic cleaning workflow: immersion in a cleaning agent, ultrasonic treatment, rinsing, and collection/analysis of rinse/cleaning solutions for contaminants.
• Analytical verification methods: gravimetric nonvolatile residue (NVR), total carbon (TC) analysis for aqueous systems, and particulate capture/filtration for particle counts.
• Apparatus and operating guidance: typical ultrasonic frequency ranges and power densities (guidance notes describe effects of low frequencies on soft metals and recommend selecting frequency/power to avoid damage), and temperature control of baths (practical recommendations up to ~70 °C with specified accuracy).
• Special considerations for solvent‑based vs aqueous agents: rinse and collection procedures differ and referenced test methods for NVR/TC/particulate are specified.
• Safety and applicability notes: users must establish appropriate safety, health and environmental practices and consider regulatory limits prior to use.

Typical use and users

Used by quality/control laboratories, maintenance and repair organizations, OEMs and suppliers in aerospace, medical devices, oxygen systems, precision manufacturing and any application where verified high cleanliness of components is required. The practice is also used by organizations that evaluate cleaning agents and cleaning-process effectiveness.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and companion standards include ASTM G121 (preparation of contaminated test coupons), G122 (test methods for evaluating cleaning-agent effectiveness), G127 (selection of cleaning agents for oxygen‑enriched systems), E1235 (NVR determination), F311 (particulate processing), F331 (solvent NVR test methods) and other Committee G04 documents covering oxygen compatibility and cleanliness verification.

Keywords

ultrasonic cleaning, cleaning practice, NVR, total carbon (TC), particulate analysis, oxygen systems, cleanliness verification, ultrasonic frequency, power density, precision cleaning.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM G131-96(2023)e1 is a short, prescriptive practice for cleaning materials and components using ultrasonic techniques and for verifying the resulting cleanliness.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the ultrasonic cleaning procedure, recommended operating considerations (frequency, power, temperature), rinse and sample collection methods, and analytical verification methods for NVR, total carbon and particulate contamination.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Quality labs, manufacturers and service providers in aerospace, medical, oxygen‑service and precision manufacturing industries that require documented cleaning and cleanliness verification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The practice is shown as active and was editorially corrected/reissued in 2023 (designation ASTM G131-96(2023)e1). Users should confirm the current status with ASTM or an authorized distributor before relying on the document for procurement or formal compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is maintained by ASTM Committee G04 (Subcommittee G04.02) and sits with related ASTM practices and test methods for cleaning, selection of cleaning agents and cleanliness verification (for example G121, G122, G127 and referenced test methods such as E1235 and F311).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: ultrasonic cleaning, contamination control, NVR, total carbon, particulate analysis, oxygen systems, precision cleaning.