Operation Manual____________________________________________________________Accessories
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
9-1
9.
ACCESSORIES
CUP HORN
Attach directly to the convertor in place of the standard horn. The Cup Horn has either a 2"
or 2½” diameter radiating surface with an attached clear acrylic sleeve. The sleeve of the
Cup Horn is filled with water (or other liquid) and sample vessels are placed inside. The
Cup Horn is used to process multiple samples without direct probe contact, and functions
much like a high intensity ultrasonic bath.
INSTALLATION
1)
Place the rubber splash shield over the small end of the cup horn. Work the splash
shield up so that it rests on the shoulder of the horn.
2)
Hand tighten the cup horn to the convertor.
3)
Tighten the horn with the pin spanner wrenches.
4)
Support the convertor and cup horn in the SONABOX Acoustic Enclosure or in a lab
stand using two clamps on the
convertor only
. DO NOT place a clamp at the base
of the horn. This will dampen the transmission of ultrasonic energy from the
convertor and will cause permanent damage to the generator.
5)
Install fittings (plugs and/or hose adapters) to inlet, outlet and overflow ports.
6)
Tune the system before adding water or other coolant (follow the tuning instructions
outlined in 7-1 through 7-3).
7)
When filling the cup horn, allow room for displacement when sample is added.
For constant flow cooling, use hose adapters with soft tubing. Provide pinch clamps on the
Inlet and outlet tubes to control flow. An open-bath recirculating chiller is recommended for
maximum cooling. The flow required is about 500 ml/min. Place a flat plate on the cup to
avoid splashing if the coolant flow is turned too high.
For static cold water use, close off all three ports with the plugs provided and fill the cup. If
sonication is brief, the heat generated in the cup is insignificant to affect the sample. If the
water temperature rises, pour it out and refill the cup with cold water. To further lower the
temperature, add crushed ice to the water. Immerse the sample vessel below the ice level
so that your sample is fully exposed to the face of the horn, below the ice.
Another method of operation is to fit the outlet port with the hose adapter, soft tubing and a
pinch clamp. Run the tubing, without bends or loops, directly to a drain. Add ice and water
to the cup. After the ice melts, drain the cup and refill with ice and water. If the fittings leak,
place TEFLON tape around the fitting threads. If coolant splashes into the shield, tip the
shield’s edge to drain it.
