How Does a Sonicator Work?

A ultrasonic Sonicator system is comprised of 3 major components: Ultrasonic Generator, Converter and Horn (also known as a probe).
The ultrasonic electronic Generator transforms AC line power to high frequency electrical energy.The generator features a keypad or buttons which allow the user to control the sonication parameters.

The generator provides high voltage pulses of energy at a frequency of 20 kHz that drives a piezoelectric Converter. The converter is a cylindrical device which is connected to the generator by a high voltage cable. The converter transforms electrical energy to mechanical vibration due to the characteristics of the internal piezoelectric crystals.
The vibration is amplified and transmitted down the length of the Probe/Horn. Probes have threaded ends and attach to the converter.
During operation, the probe’s tip longitudinally expands and contracts. Amplitude is the distance the tip travels and is dependent on the amplitude setting selected by the user.

In liquid, the rapid vibration of the tip causes cavitation, the formation and violent collapse of microscopic bubbles. The collapse of thousands of cavitation bubbles releases tremendous energy in the cavitation field. Objects and surfaces within the cavitation field are “processed.” By increasing the amplitude setting, cavitation intensity within the sample is also increased.

The ultrasonic frequency is fixed at 20 kHz and does not fluctuate during sonication.The Sonicator continuously calibrates itself to ensure consistent output. Processing time and amplitude (intensity) are adjustable. Sonication generates heat so the system can be pulsed on/off to reduce this effect. If heating of the sample is not an issue, the continuous sonication option can be selected.

To ensure a positive outcome, it is important to select the appropriate generator and probe to match the volume, viscosity and other parameters of each particular application.Please consult with a RPS-SONIC specialist for help making the optimum choices.

DIRECT Sonication (inserting a probe directly into a sample vessel) is the most common way to process a sample. Energy is transmitted from the probe directly into the sample with high intensity and the sample is processed quickly.

FEATURES:

FULL AMPLITUDE CONTROL
Amplitude (intensity) is controlled from 1-100% giving a greater degree of resolution and the ability to pinpoint the amplitude needed to effectively process your sample.

PROGRAMMABILITY
Parameters including processing times, pulse on/off and amplitude can be saved to memory and run by the touch of a button.

PULSE MODE
Adjustable pulse On and Off times to reduce the heat gain in temperature sensitive samples.

TEMPERATURE MONITORING
An optional temperature probe is available for those customers who wish to monitor the temperature of their sample. If the temperature limit is reached, sonication shuts down to prevent overheating.

RUN MULTIPLE PROGRAMS IN SEQUENCE
Multiple programs can be run in sequence. For example, the unit can be programmed to sonicate at 50% amplitude for 5 minutes, shut off for 2 minutes and re-start at 25% amplitude for 10 minutes. Up to 5 programs can be run in succession.

TOTAL ENERGY OUTPUT DISPLAY
Energy delivered to the probe is displayed in both Watts and Joules.

AUTO TUNING
The Sonicator digitally tracks frequency changes in the converter / tip assembly caused by load and temperature changes and maintains electrical efficiency at all times.Manual tuning is unnecessary.

OVERLOAD PROTECTION
The unit is equipped with fault detection circuitry to shut down sonication in the event that a fault occurs.