What Is A Sonolator?
The Sonolator
TM
is an in-line homogenizing device that employs
high pressures
and
ultrasonic cavitational
energy
to create emulsions and dispersions. The ultrasonic conversion of energy within the liquid stream is
accomplished by a physical phenomenon known as "jet-edge tone." The Sonolator
is coupled to a positive
displacement pump and is employed in a comprehensive system containing the motor, base, variable frequency
drives, pressure and flow measuring devices and many other components as needed.
What happens to a stream of process liquid as it passes through the Sonolator's mixing chamber is illustrated above.
A stream of process liquid is subjected to extreme pressure and shear when forced through our specially engineered
Orifice
, to the right. The process material is then projected at a velocity of 300 feet per second or more over the
edge of our
Blade
, seen to the left. Between the Orifice and Blade, the jet of liquid sheds vortices perpendicular to
the original flow vector. The alternating shedding patterns create a steady, ultrasonic oscillation within the liquid.
The stresses set up within the fluid by these ultrasonic oscillations cause the fluid to cavitate.
The
pressure
and high level of
cavitation
, shear, and turbulence within the Sonolator's mixing chamber are
responsible for de-agglomerating product particles and emulsifying liquids.
