Ultrasonicators are ultrasonic probe-type devices, which are used for manifold applications including homogenization, dispersing, wet-milling, emulsification, extraction, lysis, disintegration, and chemical reactions.
The working principle of an ultrasonicator is based on the phenomenon of acoustic cavitation. When intense ultrasound waves are coupled into a liquid, alternating high-pressure / low-pressure cycles travel through the liquid. During the low-pressure cycles, the ultrasonic waves create minuscule vacuum bubbles, which grow over several pressure cycles. When the vacuum bubbles reach a volume at which they cannot absorb further energy, they implode violently during a high-pressure cycle. Briefly, cavitation is the growth and collapse of vacuum bubbles or cavities. During the bubble implosion, an exceptionally energy-dense field is created. In an acoustic cavitation field, extreme conditions – including very high temperature and pressure differentials, turbulences, shear forces and liquid jets – can be measured. These intense cavitational forces are used to fulfil the manifold applications mentioned above.
Ultrasonicators create cavitation to apply it purposefully to liquids, slurries and gas in order to achieve particle size reduction, mixing of oil/water phases, cell disruption or to induce chemical reactions.
Sonication (also ultrasonication) describes the process of applying ultrasound energy to a liquid or slurry. Hielscher Ultrasonics designs, manufactures and distributes high-intensity, low-frequency ultrasonicators from lab & bench-top to fully industrial scale.
Read more about ultrasonicators and their applications!