Sonics VCX134 - Manual (Page 6)

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. As
the bubbles implode, they cause millions of shock waves and eddies to radiate outwardly
from the site of collapse, as well as generate extremes in pressures and temperatures at
the implosion sites. Although this phenomenon, known as cavitation, lasts but a few
microseconds, and the amount of energy released by each individual bubble is minimal,
the cumulative amount of energy generated is extremely high. 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 five probes – a 2 mm ( 5 /
64
”) microtip, a 3
mm ( 1 /
8
”) microtip, a 6 mm ( 1 /
4
”) microtip, a 13 mm ( 1 /
2
”) probe, and a 13 mm (½”)
probe with replaceable tip.
• The 2 mm microtip is optional, and can process between 150 microliters and 5
milliliters.
• The 3 mm microtip is optional, and can process between 250 microliters and 10
milliliters.
• The 6 mm microtip is standard, and can process between 10 and 25 milliliters.
• The 13 mm probe is optional, available with or without replaceable tip, and can
process between 50 and 150 milliliters.
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