Sonics VC40 40-watt (1988) - Manual (Page 4)

4
INSTALLING THE ULTRASONIC PROCESSOR
The Ultrasonic Processor should be installed in an area that is free from excessive dust,
dirt, explosive and corrosive fumes, and extremes of temperature and humidity.
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 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.