Sonics VCX1500 User Manual
Page 5
2
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.