There are various methods for cleaning copper capillary tubes. Among physical cleaning methods, high-pressure water rinsing is a common approach. Using a high-speed water jet generated by a high-pressure water gun, the inside of the capillary tube is rinsed, effectively removing larger particles of impurities and dirt. However, it is important to control the water pressure to avoid damaging the capillary tube due to excessive pressure. Gas purging is another method, where compressed air or nitrogen is introduced into the capillary tube to blow out internal dust and debris. This method is simple to operate, but it is not effective for some sticky dirt. For chemical cleaning, acid solutions can be used. For example, soaking the capillary tube in a dilute hydrochloric acid solution can dissolve internal metal oxides and some carbonate dirt. The soaking time should be reasonably controlled according to the degree of dirt accumulation. After soaking, it is necessary to rinse thoroughly with clean water to prevent acid residue from corroding the capillary tube. Alkaline solutions, such as sodium hydroxide solution, can also be used for cleaning, which can remove grease and oily dirt. However, after cleaning with chemical solutions, neutralization and thorough rinsing with water are necessary. Ultrasonic cleaning combines physical and chemical actions. The capillary tube is placed in an ultrasonic cleaning tank filled with cleaning fluid. The high-frequency vibrations generated by the ultrasound can dislodge dirt from the inner wall of the capillary, resulting in a good cleaning effect, especially suitable for capillary tubes with tiny crevices and complex shapes. During the cleaning process, the appropriate cleaning method should be selected according to the material of the capillary tube, the type and degree of dirt.
