Sonics VCX134AT - Manual (Page 9)

9
SECTION III – OPERATING SUGGESTIONS
It is recommended that plastic tubing chemically compatible with the liquid to be
atomized be used to connect the liquid delivery system to the converter. Because soft
tubing can easily expand and contract, making it difficult to accurately control the flow of
the liquid in critical applications, tubing elasticity should be given consideration, in
intermittent applications where the flow will be rapidly interrupted.
For optimum performance, the diameter of the plastic tubing connecting the inlet side of
the delivery system should be larger than the diameter of the tubing used to connect the
delivery system to the converter.
Delivery systems such as valveless metering pumps, syringe pumps or gear pumps are
best suited for atomization because their dispensation is steady and uniform.
Valveless metering pumps and syringe pumps are recommended for critical applications.
Peristaltic and piston pumps produce a pulsating flow which is detrimental for many
atomizing applications. They can however give satisfactory performance when used in
conjunction with pulse dampening devices. Gravity feed systems could be considered for
non-critical applications. Pressure reducing regulators should be used when working with
high pressure delivery systems.
Optimum atomization can only be obtained by empirically adjusting the amplitude and
flow rate. Typically the greater the flow rate, the greater the amplitude required.
However, consideration should be given not to set the amplitude too high in order to
prevent uneven atomization and probe cavitation. With very small volumes, a point is
reached where the flow rate is so low that inconsistent erratic atomization will take place.
The probe should be energized only when there is liquid flowing through it, and for no
more than 10 seconds after dispensation of the liquid. Keeping the probe energized for
more than 10 seconds without liquid flowing through it will cause the probe to overheat,
adversely affecting the atomizing process. Always energize the ultrasonics before starting
the flow of liquid, and always terminate the liquid flow prior to de-energizing the
ultrasonics. When it is necessary to atomize a liquid intermittently, it is best to keep the
ultrasonics on, and cycle on and off the liquid flow to the probe.
Do not operate the probe when the ambient temperature or temperature of the liquid
exceeds 158°F (70° C).