Operation, Principles of operation, Section ii – operation – Sonics VCX750 (Serial No."X or lower)" User Manual
Page 6: Principles of ultrasonic disruption, Principles of ultrasonic disrupsion

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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. 
 
TAPERED MICROTIPS
STEPPED MICROTIP
TIP DIAMETER
1/8" (3mm)
3/16" (5mm)
1/4" (6.5mm)
1/8" (3mm)
INTENSITY
ultra high
very high
high
very high
VOLUME (batch)
1-10ml
3-20ml 5-50ml
250ul-10ml
STANDARD PROBES
TIP DIAMETER
1/2" (13mm)
3/4" (19mm)
1" (25mm)
INTENSITY high medium low
VOLUME (batch)
10-250ml
25-500ml
500-1000ml
HIGH GAIN PROBES
TIP DIAMETER
3/4" (19mm)
1" (25mm)
INTENSITY high medium
VOLUME (batch)
25-500ml
500-1000ml
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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