Probe-Type Sonicators for Reliable Lab Workflows
Hielscher Ultrasonics offers a comprehensive range of lab probe sonicators and ultrasonic lab homogenizers designed to meet the diverse needs of research, quality control, process development, and small-scale production. From compact devices for small sample volumes to high-power sonicators for scale-up studies, Hielscher’s portfolio ensures precise, reproducible, and efficient ultrasonic processing across all laboratory environments.
The lab series includes the well-established probe-type sonicator models UP50H, UP100H, UP200Ht / UP200St, and UP400St, each tailored to specific volume ranges and application requirements while maintaining consistent ultrasonic performance.
Compact and Versatile: UP50H Lab Probe Sonicator
The UP50H, 50 watt powerful and operating at 30kHz, is a compact ultrasonic lab homogenizer designed for small-volume applications and precise sample preparation.
- Ideal for volumes from a few microliters up to approx. 50 mL
- Frequently used in life sciences, microbiology, and analytical labs
- Suitable for cell disruption, DNA/RNA extraction, and emulsification
- Portable design with intuitive operation for routine lab work
Its precision makes it particularly valuable where delicate samples and reproducibility are critical.
Proven Performance: UP100H Ultrasonic Lab Homogenizer
The UP100H, 100 watts powerful and operating at 30kHz, offers increased power and flexibility, making it a reliable workhorse in many laboratories.
- Handles volumes up to approx. 500 mL
- Widely used for homogenization, dispersion, and degassing
- Compatible with various sonotrodes for application-specific setups
- Robust design ensures consistent results across experiments
This model bridges the gap between small-scale testing and more demanding lab applications.
Digital Control and Scalability: UP200Ht and UP200St
Both, the UP200Ht and UP200St are 200 watts powerful sonicators operating at 26kHz. The UP200Ht is designed for high user-comfort as handheld device, whilst the UP200St is mostly used stand-mounted and features a separate generator and transducer design. These advanced 200 watts probe-type sonicators offer digital control, sample illumination, automated data protocoling, and pluggable temperature sensor for enhanced process monitoring.
- 200 watts of ultrasonic power for small- to medium-scale lab work
- Precise control via touchscreen interface
- Integrated data recording for reproducibility and process validation
- Suitable for volumes from ~0.1 mL to 2,000 mL
The UP200 series is particularly valued in R&D environments where process parameters must be documented and replicated.
The UP200St can be used also in combination with the non-contact Multi-Tube Sonicator VialTweeter.
High-Power Laboratory System: UP400St Ultrasonic Homogenizer
The UP400St (400 watts, 24kHz) is a powerful ultrasonic lab homogenizer designed for demanding applications and larger sample volumes.
- 400 watts ultrasound power for volumes up to several liters
- Bridges the gap between lab and small-scale production
- Enables scale-up studies and pilot processing
- Advanced control features (data recording, temperature sensor, browser-based interface)
This model is ideal for laboratories transitioning from research to pre-industrial process development.
Tune Your Sonicator with Accessories for Optimum Application Results
All Hielscher lab probe sonicators are supported by a wide range of accessories, including various sonotrode (probe) types and flow cells, allowing precise adaptation to specific applications. From fine microtips for very small volumes to larger probes for higher throughput, users can select the optimal sonotrode geometry and size for efficient energy transfer. In addition, ultrasonic flow cells enable continuous processing and reproducible treatment of larger sample volumes. This modular approach ensures that each ultrasonic lab homogenizer can be perfectly configured to achieve optimal results across different processes and sample types.
Get an overview of the accessories available for Hielscher sonicators!
Sonicator UP400St with flow cell setup
Broad Range of Applications for Lab Probe Sonicators
Hielscher lab probe sonicators are used across numerous industries due to their efficiency, scalability, and precision.
- Life Sciences & Biotechnology
- Cell lysis and disruption
- DNA/RNA and protein extraction
- Sample preparation for analysis
- Chemistry & Materials Science
- Nanoparticle dispersion and deagglomeration
- Emulsion and suspension preparation
- Sonochemical reactions
- Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics
- Liposome and nanoemulsion production
- Active ingredient encapsulation
- Stability testing
- Food & Beverage
- Emulsification and homogenization
- Extraction of bioactive compounds
- Shelf-life improvement studies
- Environmental & Industrial Research
- Soil and sludge treatment
- Extraction of contaminants
- Process optimization and scale-up
Designed for Reproducibility and Scale-Up
A key advantage of Hielscher ultrasonic lab homogenizers is their seamless scalability. Process parameters developed with smaller units like the UP50H or UP100H can be transferred to more powerful systems such as the UP400St, enabling efficient transition from lab research to industrial production.
- Linear scale-up capability
- Consistent amplitude and energy input across models
- Reliable results from lab to pilot scale
With a comprehensive range of lab probe sonicators, Hielscher Ultrasonics provides tailored solutions for virtually any ultrasonic application. From precise micro-sample preparation to high-power processing, models like the UP50H, UP100H, UP200Ht / UP200St, and UP400St deliver performance, flexibility, and scalability that meet the evolving demands of modern laboratories.
The table below gives you an indication of the approximate processing capacity of our lab probe-type ultrasonicators:
| Sonicator Model | Batch Volume | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|
| UP50H – 50 watts sonicator | 0.5 to 200mL | 5 to 100mL/min |
| UP100H – 100 watts sonicator | 1 to 500mL | 10 to 200mL/min |
| UP200Ht, UP200St – 200 watts digital sonicator | 10 to 1000mL | 20 to 200mL/min |
| UP400St – 400 watts digital sonicator | 10 to 2000mL | 20 to 400mL/min |
If you seek a dependable ultrasonic lab homogenizer for your research and daily lab workflow, we will be glad to recommend the most suitable probe-type sonicator for your requirements!
Design, Manufacturing and Consulting – Quality Made in Germany
Hielscher ultrasonicators are well-known for their highest quality and design standards. Robustness and easy operation allow the smooth integration of our ultrasonicators into industrial facilities. Rough conditions and demanding environments are easily handled by Hielscher ultrasonicators.
Hielscher Ultrasonics is an ISO certified company and put special emphasis on high-performance ultrasonicators featuring state-of-the-art technology and user-friendliness. Of course, Hielscher ultrasonicators are CE compliant and meet the requirements of UL, CSA and RoHs.
- Highly Efficient
- Reliable
- Safe to Operate
- Easy-to-Use
- Robust
- Programmable
- Intuitive Menu / Settings
- Various Accessories Available
FactSheets and Guidlines
- Ultrasonic Homogenizers for Efficient Sample Preparation – Hielscher Ultrasonics
- Guidelines for Autoclaving Ultrasonic Sonotrodes and Flow Cells – HielscherUltrasonic
- FactSheet UP50H – 50 Watts Powerful Probe-type Sonicator
- FactSheet UP100H – 100 Watts Powerful Lab Sonicator
- FactSheet UP200Ht – Ultrasonic Lab Homogenizer with 200 Watts Ultrasound Power
- FactSheet UP200St – 200 Watts Ultrasonic Probe
- FactSheet UP400St – 400 Watts Powerful Probe-Type Sonicator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference between an Ultrasonic Bath and a Probe Sonicator?
An ultrasonic bath and a probe sonicator differ fundamentally in how ultrasonic cavitation is delivered into the sample. Ultrasonic baths generate indirect, low-intensity cavitation through the bath liquid, resulting in relatively uniform but weak energy distribution, which is suitable for cleaning or mild extraction processes. In contrast, a probe sonicator (ultrasonic lab homogenizer) delivers high-intensity ultrasound directly into the sample via a sonotrode, producing strong cavitation, high shear forces, and localized energy input. This direct coupling enables efficient cell disruption, nanoparticle dispersion, and emulsification, with significantly higher process control and reproducibility. Read more about the differences between an ultrasonic bath and an ultrasonic probe!
How do I Choose the Right Probe/Sonotrode for my Sample Prep?
The selection of the appropriate probe or sonotrode depends primarily on sample volume, viscosity, and the required energy density. Smaller diameter probes (microtips) are used for low sample volumes and applications requiring high intensity in a confined space, such as DNA shearing or single-cell disruption, whereas larger probes are more suitable for higher volumes and bulk processing, providing more uniform energy distribution. Additionally, the sonotrode geometry and surface area influence cavitation intensity and penetration depth, so choosing the correct probe ensures optimal energy transfer, minimizes sample overheating, and improves process efficiency.
What are Sonicators used for?
Probe-type sonicators are powerful lab homogenizers that fulfill several sample preparation tasks in laboratories, research and clinical facilities.
- Cell lysis and disruption for extracting cellular components like DNA, RNA, and proteins
- Homogenization of samples to create uniform mixtures and suspensions
- Particle size reduction to improve solubility, reactivity, and stability of dispersions
- Emulsification to produce stable mixtures of immiscible liquids, such as oil and water
- Degassing and defoaming to remove dissolved gases and prevent air bubbles in liquids
- Dispersing and deagglomerating nanoparticles and other fine particles for consistent suspensions
- Enhancing chemical reactions (sonochemistry) by improving reactant mixing and energy distribution
- Extracting compounds from botanical materials, such as essential oils and phytochemicals
Literature / References
Find selected studies in which Hielscher sonicators are use for various sample preparation tasks such as cell disruption, DNA fragmentation, protein isolation and fractionation as well as dispersing and emulsification.
Hielscher Ultrasonics manufactures high-performance ultrasonic homogenizers from lab to industrial size.