Sonics VC750 - Manual (Page 7)

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SECTION II – OPERATION
PRINCIPLES OF ULTRASONIC DISRUPTION
The ultrasonic power supply converts 50/60 Hz line voltage to high frequency
electrical energy. This high frequency electrical energy is transmitted to the
piezoelectric transducer within the converter, where it is changed to mechanical
vibrations. The vibrations from the converter are intensified by the probe, creating
pressure waves in the liquid. This action forms millions of microscopic bubbles
(cavities) which expand during the negative pressure excursion, and implode violently
during the positive excursion. This phenomenon, referred to as cavitation, creates
millions of shock waves in the liquid, as well as elevated pressures and temperatures
at the implosion sites. Although the cavitational collapse lasts but a few microseconds
and the amount of energy released by each individual bubble is minimal, the
cumulative effect causes extremely high levels of energy to be released into the liquid.
The larger the probe tip, the larger the volume that can be processed but at a lesser
intensity. For information regarding the processing capability of each probe, consult
the tables below.
TAPERED MICROTIPS STEPPED MICROTIP
TIP DIAMETER 1/8" (3mm) 3/16" (5mm) 1/4" (6.5mm) 1/8" (3mm)
INTENSITY ultra high very high high very high
VOLUME (batch) 1-10ml 3-20ml 5-50ml 250ul-10ml
STANDARD PROBES
TIP DIAMETER 1/2" (13mm) 3/4" (19mm) 1" (25mm)
INTENSITY high medium low
VOLUME (batch) 10-250ml 25-500ml 500-1000ml
HIGH GAIN PROBES
TIP DIAMETER 3/4" (19mm) 1" (25mm)
INTENSITY high medium
VOLUME (batch) 25-500ml 500-1000ml