Sonicator – Ultrasonic Performance for Lab and Production
Sonicators are powerful tools used in various industries and laboratories to apply ultrasonic energy to a liquid sample. Powerful ultrasound waves create rapid pressure changes in the liquid, leading to cavitation, which involves the formation and implosion of tiny bubbles. This phenomenon can be harnessed for a range of applications including mixing, cell disruption, emulsification, and sonochemistry. Probe-type sonicators, in particular, are known for their efficiency and precision, making them indispensable in both laboratory research and industrial processes.
Hielscher Probe-Type Sonicators for Any Volume: UP400St, UIP1000hdT, and UIP16000hdT
Hielscher Ultrasonics is renowned for its state-of-the-art sonicators, providing powerful and efficient solutions for various industrial and research applications. With probe-type sonicators from 100 watts up to 16,000 watts per ultrasonic homogenizer, we introduce you here to the most popular probe-type sonicators, such as the UP400St (400 watts), UIP1000hdT (1000 watts), and UIP16000hdT (16kW).
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Hielscher sonicators ensure optimal performance, precision, and versatility in sonication processes.
Hielscher sonicators UP400St, UIP1000hdT and UIP16000hdT for bench-top and industrial applications
The UP400St, a compact and robust lab and bench-top sonicator, offers 400 watts of ultrasonic power, making it ideal for laboratory applications as well as small scale production. It features a user-friendly digital touch screen, integrated temperature control, and an intuitive interface that allows for precise control of the sonication parameters. With its ability to process samples ranging from 5 to 4000mL, the UP400St is perfect for small to medium-sized research experiments like nanoparticle synthesis, nano-dispersions, emulsification, cell disruption and botanical extraction, delivering reliable and repeatable results every time.
Stepping up in power and capacity, the UIP1000hdT delivers 1000 watts of ultrasonic energy, making it a versatile tool for larger-scale processing. Its robust design allows for continuous operation under full load, ensuring that it can handle intensive applications such as extraction, degassing, and the breakdown of complex materials. The UIP1000hdT comes with cutting-edge features such as digital touch control, automatic data recording, and remote monitoring through browser control, which makes it easy to optimize and scale processes. It is a powerful solution for industries that require high reliability and precision in production.
For large-scale industrial applications, the UIP16000hdT, with an impressive 16kW of ultrasonic power, is designed to handle massive volumes of material. This heavy-duty sonicator is perfect for applications like biodiesel production, large-scale emulsification, and material dispersion on an industrial level. With the same high-end features as its smaller counterparts—such as touch control, real-time data monitoring, and easy integration into existing production lines—the UIP16000hdT ensures high energy efficiency and cost-effective processing. Its power and scalability make it a top choice for businesses aiming to optimize production processes while maintaining the highest levels of quality and consistency.
Whether for small-scale research or industrial-scale production, Hielscher sonicators deliver unmatched performance and reliability.
Contact us now to get a non-binding quote, technical details and application protocols! Our well-trained and long-time experienced staff – real sonication experts – will gladly discuss your process requirements with you!
| Feature | Probe-Type Sonicators | Bath Sonicators | Conventional Homogenizing Techniques |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Transfer | Direct and highly efficient, as the probe directly contacts the sample. | Indirect and less efficient, as energy is unevenly dispersed throughout the bath. | Mechanically driven, often resulting in lower energy transfer efficiency. |
| Precision | Highly precise and individually controllable, allowing for targeted application of energy. | Less precise, with energy distributed across the entire bath. | Moderate precision, depending on the mechanical setup. |
| Sample Size Flexibility | Effective for small to medium volumes; can be adjusted for various sample sizes. | Best suited for larger volumes or multiple small samples simultaneously. | Varies; often limited by the size and type of homogenizer. |
| Processing Time | Shorter processing times due to efficient energy transfer. | Longer processing times due to dispersed energy application. | Varies; can be longer due to less efficient energy application. |
| Temperature Control | Localized heating can occur; often requires external cooling. | Better for temperature-sensitive applications as the bath can absorb heat. | Moderate control, often requires external temperature management. |
| Scalability | Completely linearly scalable, which facilitates the step from feasibility to industrial production tremendously. | Hard to scale up du to uneven sonication and limitations to bath sizes. | Not easily scalable due to difficulties in maintaining the same process parameters (e.g., pressure, shear force) across different scales, leading to variability in the final product. |
| Cost | Higher initial cost, but more efficient for specialized tasks. | Generally lower initial cost but less efficient. | Varies depending on the equipment and application. |
Probe-Type Sonicators offer numerous advantages over ultrasonic baths and conventional homogenizers
Flow-Cell Reactors for Efficient Inline Sonication
For industries and laboratories that require continuous ultrasonic processing, Hielscher Ultrasonics offers advanced flow-cell reactors compatible with their powerful probe-type sonicators, including the UP400St (400 watts), UIP1000hdT (1000 watts), and UIP16000hdT (16kW). These flow-cell reactors are designed to enable efficient inline sonication, where liquids are treated as they pass through the reactor chamber. This setup is ideal for processes that benefit from consistent, reproducible results over long durations, such as emulsification, particle size reduction, or cell disruption. The flow-cells provide an excellent solution for users who need to scale up from batch processing to continuous, high-throughput production.
One of the key advantages of Hielscher’s flow-cell reactors is their ability to be pressurized, which significantly enhances the cavitation effects generated during sonication. When a liquid is subjected to ultrasonic waves, cavitation occurs — this involves the formation, growth, and collapse of bubbles, releasing intense energy that disrupts particles or breaks down cells. Pressurizing the flow-cell amplifies these cavitation forces, resulting in even more effective sonication. For the UP400St, UIP1000hdT, and UIP16000hdT, this pressurization capability is crucial for maximizing energy transfer and achieving superior process efficiency, particularly in challenging applications such as the production of nanoemulsions, dispersions, and the extraction of valuable compounds.
Inline sonication using flow-cell reactors is a process-optimizing technique that offers multiple benefits for high-performance applications and industrial manufacturing. Compared to traditional batch processing, inline sonication ensures a continuous flow of material, allowing for precise control over sonication parameters and better scalability. By avoiding batch-to-batch variability, inline sonication improves product consistency, making it the ideal solution for industries that prioritize high-quality, reproducible results. Moreover, Hielscher sonicators, when used with flow-cell reactors, provide significant time, labour, and energy savings, enhancing overall process efficiency and reducing operational costs. For companies involved in large-scale production or research, inline sonication offers a path to improved productivity, reduced downtime, and superior product outcomes.
Whether you are in a research laboratory or a large-scale industrial facility, probe-type sonicators offer a versatile and effective solution for a wide range of applications.
- high efficiency
- state-of-the-art technology
- reliability & robustness
- adjustable, precise process control
- batch & inline
- for any volume
- intelligent software
- smart features (e.g., programmable, data protocolling, remote control)
- easy and safe to operate
- low maintenance
- CIP (clean-in-place)
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.
The table below gives you an indication of the approximate processing capacity of our ultrasonicators:
| Batch Volume | Flow Rate | Recommended Devices |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 to 1.5mL | n.a. | VialTweeter |
| 1 to 500mL | 10 to 200mL/min | UP100H |
| 10 to 2000mL | 20 to 400mL/min | UP200Ht, UP400St |
| 0.1 to 20L | 0.2 to 4L/min | UIP2000hdT |
| 10 to 100L | 2 to 10L/min | UIP4000hdT |
| 15 to 150L | 3 to 15L/min | UIP6000hdT |
| n.a. | 10 to 100L/min | UIP16000 |
| n.a. | larger | cluster of UIP16000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sonicator?
A sonicator is a device that uses power ultrasound to agitate particles in a sample, typically in a liquid. This high-intensity ultrasound energy creates rapid pressure changes, leading to the formation and collapse of small bubbles, a process called cavitation. The resulting mechanical forces can break apart cells, disperse materials, or homogenize mixtures, making sonicators useful in fields like biology, chemistry, and materials science for tasks like cell disruption, mixing, extraction and emulsification. Therefore, probe-type sonicators are a well-established technique of homogenization, extraction and wet-milling on lab and industrial scale.
Why Should I Use a Sonicator?
A sonicator is ideal for applications requiring efficient and precise disruption of cells, homogenization of samples, or mixing of liquids and solids. Its ability to generate controlled ultrasonic waves enables rapid and uniform processing, enhancing reaction rates and ensuring consistency in applications like cell lysis, nanoparticle dispersion, and emulsification. Since sonication is a non-thermal homogenization technique, the degradation of heat-sensitive materials is prevented. This makes sonication a powerful tool for scientific and industrial use.
Hielscher Sonicators in Research and Science
Below you can find a selection of scientific articles featuring Hielscher probe-type sonicators in batch and inline operation. The articles span from ultrasonic extraction over dispersion to electrochemistry. If you are looking for a specific application and related scientific references, please contact us.
- FactSheet UP400St – 400 Watts Powerful Probe-Type Sonicator
- FactSheet UIP1000hdT – 1000 Watts Powerful Sonicator for Bench-top and Industry
- Han N.S., Basri M., Abd Rahman M.B. Abd Rahman R.N., Salleh A.B., Ismail Z. (2012): Preparation of emulsions by rotor-stator homogenizer and ultrasonic cavitation for the cosmeceutical industry. Journal of Cosmetic Science Sep-Oct; 63(5), 2012. 333-44.
- Petigny L., Périno-Issartier S., Wajsman J., Chemat F. (2013): Batch and Continuous Ultrasound Assisted Extraction of Boldo Leaves (Peumus boldus Mol.). International Journal of Molecular Science 14, 2013. 5750-5764.
- I. Fasaki, K. Siamos, M. Arin, P. Lommens, I. Van Driessche, S.C. Hopkins, B.A. Glowacki, I. Arabatzis (2012): Ultrasound assisted preparation of stable water-based nanocrystalline TiO2 suspensions for photocatalytic applications of inkjet-printed films. Applied Catalysis A: General, Volumes 411–412, 2012. 60-69.
- Pameli Pal, Jugal K. Das, Nandini Das, Sibdas Bandyopadhyay (2013): Synthesis of NaP zeolite at room temperature and short crystallization time by sonochemical method. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, Volume 20, Issue 1, 2013. 314-321.
- Almir Draganović, Antranik Karamanoukian, Peter Ulriksen, Stefan Larsson (2020): Dispersion of microfine cement grout with ultrasound and conventional laboratory dissolvers. Construction and Building Materials, Volume 251, 2020.
- Manganiello R., Pagano M., Nucciarelli D., Ciccoritti R., Tomasone R., Di Serio M.G., Giansante L., Del Re P., Servili M., Veneziani G. (2021): Effects of Ultrasound Technology on the Qualitative Properties of Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Foods. 2021 Nov 22;10(11):2884.
Hielscher Ultrasonics manufactures high-performance ultrasonic homogenizers for mixing applications, dispersion, emulsification and extraction on lab, pilot and industrial scale.