Sonics VC70T - Manual (Page 6)

SECTION II – OPERATION
PRINCIPLES OF ULTRASONIC DISRUPSION
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 last but a few microseconds, and the amount of energy released by
each individual bubble is minute, 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.
NOTE
The Ultrasonic Processor is available with four probes – a 2mm ( 5 /
64
”) microtip, a
3mm ( 1 /
8
”) microtip, a 6mm ( 1 /
4
”) microtip, and a 13mm ( 1 /
2
”) probe.
• The 2mm microtip is optional, and can process between 150 microliters and 5
milliliters.
• The 3mm microtip is standard with some models, and can process between 250
microliters and 10 milliliters.
• The 6mm microtip is standard with some models, and can process between 10 and
25 milliliters.
• The 13mm probe is optional, available with or without replaceable tip, and can
process between 50 and 150 milliliters.
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