Qsonica Sonicator Q500 User manual

Sonicator
ULTRASONIC PROCESSOR
Part No. Q500
OPERATION MANUAL
Qsonica, LLC.
53 Church Hill Rd.
Newtown, CT 06470 SA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
Rev. 8-20 www.sonicator.com

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Table of Contents
1. WARRANTY ............................................................................................................ 4
2. WARNINGS ............................................................................................................. 5
3. SPECI ICATIONS ................................................................................................... 6
4. PRINICPLES O OPERATION ............................................................................... 8
5. DESCRIPTION O COMPONENTS / UNCTIONS O CONTROLS ................... 10
5.1. Q500 FRONT PANEL ...................................................................................... 10
5.2. Q500 REAR PANEL ......................................................................................... 10
5.3. CONVERTER CLAMPING ............................................................................... 11
5.4. F NCTIONS OF KEYS, CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS ... 12
6. PREPARATION OR USE .................................................................................... 14
7. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................. 15
7.1. CA TION ......................................................................................................... 15
7.2. SET P ............................................................................................................. 16
7.3. OPERATION .................................................................................................... 17
8. TECHNIQUES OR OPTIMIZING RESULTS........................................................ 20
9. MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................... 22
9.1. MICROTIP / PROBE MAINTENANCE ............................................................. 22
9.2. ATTACHING & DETACHING A PROBE .......................................................... 23
9.3. SYSTEM CLEANING INSTR CTIONS ........................................................... 24
10. TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................... 25
10.1. OVERLOAD CONDITION .............................................................................. 25
11. RETURN O EQUIPMENT ..................................................................................... 26
11.1. SAFETY CERTIFICATION FORM ................................................................. 27
12. ADDENDUM ........................................................................................................... 28
12.1. CONVERTER COOLING ............................................................................... 28
12.2. COOLING AIR REG LATION AND ADJ STMENT...................................... 30

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1. WARRANTY
Your ltrasonic Processor is warranted and backed by the manufacturer for a period of two years
from the date of shipment against defects in material and workmanship under normal use as
described in this instruction manual. During the warranty period, the manufacturer will, at its
option, as the exclusive remedy, either repair or replace without charge for material and labor, the
part(s) which prove to be defective, provided the unit is returned to us properly packed with all
transportation charges prepaid.
ltrasonic probes are guaranteed against defects for a period of one year from date of shipment.
A defective probe will be replaced once without charge, if failure occurs within the warranty
period. Wear resulting from cavitation erosion is a normal consequence of ultrasonic processing,
and is not covered by this warranty.
The manufacturer neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume for it any other
obligations or liability in connection with the sale of its products. The manufacturer hereby
disclaims any warranty of either merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No person or
company is authorized to change, modify, or amend the terms of this warranty in any manner or
fashion whatsoever. nder no circumstances shall the manufacturer be liable to the purchaser or
any other person for any incidental or consequential damages or loss of goodwill, production, or
profit resulting from any malfunction or failure of its product.
This warranty does not apply to equipment that has been subject to unauthorized repair, misuse,
abuse, negligence or accident. Equipment which, shows evidence of having been used in
violation of operating instructions, or which has had the serial number altered or removed, will be
ineligible for service under this warranty.
All probes are manufactured to exacting specifications and are tuned to vibrate at a specific
frequency. sing an out-of-tune probe will cause damage to the equipment and may result in
warranty nullification. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for probes fabricated by
another party or for consequential damages resulting from their usage.
The aforementioned provisions do not extend the original warranty period of any product that has
either been repaired or replaced by the manufacturer.

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2. WARNINGS
Please read the manual in its entirety. Necessary instruction and guidance are provided to help
ensure the successful operation of this device. Observe the following:
 High voltage is present in the power supply, converter and high frequency cable. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside any of these devices. Do NOT attempt to remove the power supply cover or converter case.
 Do NOT touch any open cable connections on the unit while the power is turned ON.
 Do NOT operate power supply with converter disconnected from high voltage cable. High voltage is present in the
cable and may pose a shock hazard.
 Do NOT attempt to disconnect the converter high voltage cable while the unit is running.
 The power supply must be properly grounded with a 3-prong plug. Test electrical outlet for proper grounding
before plugging in unit.
 Install the ultrasonic processor in an area free from excessive dust, dirt, explosive or corrosive fumes and
protected from extremes in temperature and humidity. Do not place the power supply within a Fume Hood.
 Hearing protection is highly recommended. It is recommended that a sound abating enclosure or ear protection be
used when operating the ltrasonic Processor.
 NEVER immerse the converter in liquids of any kind, or let condensed moisture or liquid drip into the converter.
 NEVER grasp an activated horn or probe. It can cause severe burns and tissue damage.
 NEVER allow a probe to vibrate in air.
 NEVER hold or clamp the converter by the front driver or by the horn itself. This can cause permanent damage to
the system. Support the converter by only clamping around the converter housing (upper portion).
 If needed air cool the converter with dry compressed air.
 Do NOT allow the tip of a vibrating horn or probe to touch the counter top or any other hard surface. It could
damage the probe, overload the power supply, or damage the surface.
 Avoid touching the bottom or sides of a glass or plastic container with an activated probe. It could crack or shatter
the glass or melt the plastic.
 Turn OFF the power switch, unplug the power supply and disconnect the power cord from the back of the power
supply before attempting to replace the fuses.
 Inspect high frequency cable for cracks in the protective outer jacket.
 Do not operate unit with a damaged cable. Doing so may cause serious injury.
 In case of AC power loss, wait 3 minutes minimum before reapplying power.
 Do not turn off AC mains power while running a horn. Stop sonication via touch screen prior to stopping power.
Symbols
Caution, Risk of electric shock, Hazardous voltage
Caution, Risk of danger. Refer to ser Manual.

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3. SPECI ICATIONS
Power Supply
Input Voltage 100 VAC – 132 VAC @ 50/60 Hz 198 VAC – 264 VAC @ 50/60 Hz
Rated Current 10 Amps max. 6.3 Amps max.
Fuse Rating 12 Amps Slow Blow 6.3 Amps Slow Blow
Weight 16 lbs. (6.8 Kg)
Dimensions 8"W x 15.25"L x 8.5"H
203 mm x 387 mm x 216 mm
Output Voltage 1000 VRMS (max.)
Output Frequency 20 KHz
Converter
Weight 2 lbs. (900 g)
Dimensions 7.25" L x 2.5" Dia.
(183 mm x 63.5 mm)
Materials Aluminum Alloy
Standard ½” Horn
Weight 0.75 lbs. (340 g)
Dimensions 5.375" L x .5" Dia.
(136 mm x 13 mm)
Materials Titanium Alloy

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Environmental
Pollution Degree 2
Installation Category II
Operating Limits
Shipping/Storage
Temperature: 41 - 104ºF (5 - 40ºC)
Relative Humidity 10 - 95% (Non Condensing)
Altitude: 6,651 ft. (2000 m)
Temperature: 35 -120
o
F (2 - 49
o
C)
Relative Humidity 10 - 95% (Non Condensing)
Ambient Pressure Extremes: 40,000 ft. (12,192 m)
Restriction of
Hazardous
Substances (ROHS)
Relative humidity Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31ºC decreasing
linearly to 50% relative humidity to 40ºC
Other For indoor use only
The Power Cord supplied with the ultrasonic processor must be used. If the 220V plug is not
configured to match the wall receptacle, a properly grounded universal AC socket adapter must be added.
Important: niversal adapters do not convert voltage or frequency. The manufacturer is not responsible for
damage caused by the use of an improper power cord or adapter. Transformers are not recommended.
WEEE Statement
This product contains electrical or electronic materials. The presence of these
materials may, if not disposed of properly, have potential adverse effects on the
environment and human health. Presence of this label on the product means it should
not be disposed of as unsorted waste and must be collected separately. As a
consumer, you are responsible for ensuring that this product is disposed of properly.
To find out how to properly dispose of this product contact Customer Service.

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4. PRINCIPLES O OPERATION
The ultrasonic electronic power supply transforms AC line power to a 20 KHz signal that drives a
piezoelectric converter/transducer. This electrical signal is converted by the transducer to a
mechanical vibration due to the characteristics of the internal piezoelectric crystals.
The vibration is amplified and transmitted down the length of the horn/probe where the tip
longitudinally expands and contracts. The distance the tip travels is dependent on the amplitude
selected by the user through the keypad. As you increase the amplitude setting the sonication
intensity will increase within your sample.
In liquid, the rapid vibration of the tip causes cavitation, the formation and violent collapse of
microscopic bubbles. The collapse of thousands of cavitation bubbles releases tremendous
energy in the cavitation field. The erosion and shock effect of the collapse of the cavitation
bubble is the primary mechanism of fluid processing.
The probe tip diameter dictates the amount of sample that can be effectively processed. Smaller
tip diameters (Microtip probes) deliver high intensity sonication but the energy is focused within a
small, concentrated area. Larger tip diameters can process larger volumes, but offer lower
intensity.
The choices of a power supply and horns/probes are matched to the volume, viscosity and other
parameters of the particular application. Horns are available for both direct and indirect
sonication. See section 8 for more information on this subject.
Please consult with a product specialist for assistance with selecting a probe for your application.
Amplitude and Wattage
Sonication power is measured in watts. Amplitude is a measurement of the excursion of the tip of
the probe (probe is also known as a horn).
Some ultrasonic processors have a wattage display. During operation, the wattage displayed is
the energy required to drive the radiating face of a probe, at that specific amplitude setting
against a specific load, at that particular moment. For example, the unit experiences a higher
load when processing viscous samples then when compared to aqueous samples.
The speed /cruise control on an automobile, can, to a certain extent, be compared to an
ltrasonic Processor. The speed/cruise control is designed to ensure that the vehicle maintains a
constant rate of travel. As the terrain elevations change, so do the power requirements. The
cruise control senses these requirements, and automatically adjusts the amount of power
delivered by the engine in order to compensate for these ever changing conditions. The greater
the terrain rate of incline and greater the resistance to the movement of the vehicle, the greater
the amount of power that will be delivered by the engine to overcome that resistance and
maintain a constant speed.
The ultrasonic processor was designed to deliver constant amplitude, to your liquid sample,
regardless of these changes in load (much like the vehicle’s cruise control described above). As
a liquid is processed, the load on the probe will vary due to changes in the liquid sample (i.e.
viscosity, concentration, temperature, etc.). As the resistance to the movement of the probe

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increases (increased load on the probe), additional power will be delivered by the power supply to
ensure that the excursion at the probe tip remains constant. The displayed wattage readings will
vary as the load changes, however the amplitude will remain the same.
The resistance to the movement of the probe determines how much power will be delivered to
maintain amplitude. For example, a ½” probe at 100% amplitude will require approximately 5
watts to operate in air. The amplitude of this probe is approximately 120um. Insert the probe in
water and the wattage reading will increase to approximately 90 watts. The wattage required to
operate the probe will increase as the load increases but the amplitude remains the same.
The amplitude control allows the ultrasonic vibrations at the probe tip to be set to any desired
level. Although the degree of cavitation/ultrasonic energy required to process the sample can
readily be determined by visual observation, the amount of power required cannot be
predetermined. A sensing network continuously monitors the output requirements, and
automatically adjusts the power to maintain the amplitude at the preselected level. The greater
the resistance to the movement of the probe due to higher viscosity, deeper immersion of the
probe into the sample, larger probe diameter or higher pressure, the greater the amount of power
that will be delivered to the probe. Setting the Amplitude control to its maximum will not cause the
maximum power rating of the unit to be delivered to the sample. The maximum power (500 watts)
that the ltrasonic Processor is capable of delivering will only be delivered when the resistance to
the movement of the probe is high enough to draw maximum wattage.
It is the intensity of cavitation that measures the effectiveness of the sonication, not the total
power applied to the system. Intensity is directly related to the amplitude of the radiating face of
the tip or horn. It is amplitude that must be provided, maintained, and monitored. The unit
provides controlled amplitude under varying load conditions in order to give reproducible results.

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Lab Stand
with Clamp
(sold separately)
5. DESCRIPTION O COMPONENTS / UNCTIONS O CONTROLS
5.1 Q500 FRONT PANEL
5.2 Q500 REAR PANEL
Power
Supply
Converter
½”
Probe
with
Replaceable tip
(#4220)
Converter
Cable
Power Cord
Connector
Converter
Cable
Connector
oot
S
witch
Jack
Cooling an
uses
9 Pin
Connector

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5.3 CONVERTER CLAMPING
Improper clamping can damage the system and void the warranty. sing a sound enclosure (part
#432B2) or stand (part #459) will ensure a proper fit.
Proper Clamping Improper Clamping

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5.4 F NCTIONS OF KEYS, CONTROLS, INDICATORS AND CONNECTORS
RONT PANEL
LCD display
Displays prompts and control parameters including:
• Amplitude selected
• Output power delivered to the probe in watts
• Selected duration of processing
• Actual processing time
• Elapsed time
• Set and read temperature
• Pulse on/off duration
• Accumulated amount of energy in Joules delivered to the probe
0 – 9 key Input digits.
CLEAR
key Clears the preceding entry.
ENTER
REVIEW
key
Enters data into the program, and selects various parameters, for
display on the LCD display
TIMER
key
sed with the numeric keys to set the duration of ultrasonic
application – from 1second to 9 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds.
P LSER
key
sed with the numeric keys to set the pulse mode. The ON cycle and
OFF cycle can be set independently from 1 second to 59 seconds.
Red indicator lights when pulser is in the OFF portion of the cycle.
START/STOP
key
Starts or stops the ultrasonics. In the STOP mode the red indicator
goes off.
I
key Switches the main power on.
0
key Switches the main power off.
AMPL Controls the amplitude of vibration at the probe tip.

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NOTE: To vary the
intensity remotely using a
variable DC power supply
0-5V) instead of a 10 K
potentiometer, connect
positive to pin 8 and
negative to pin 6.
▲ ▼
key
sed with the AMPL key when the unit is on stand-by to set the
amplitude of vibration at the probe tip. Also used to increase or
decrease the amplitude in small increments while the unit is running.
To accomplish this task, depress the ENTER/REVIEW key twice to
display AMPLIT DE CONTROL, then depress the ▲ or ▼ key as
required.
REAR PANEL
9 pin D-sub connector
(IO Port)
Connects to external actuation device, and enable power and
frequency monitoring.
Footswitch Connector Connects to the footswitch cable.
Power Supply Connector Connects to the electrical line cord and encases the fuse(s).
9-PIN D-SUB CONNECTOR
Pin No. Description
1 Not connected
2 Not connected
3 Not connected
4 Enables connection to a frequency counter.
5 Enables connection to an external power monitor (5 mv = 1 watt)
6 Ground
7 Energizes the ultrasonics when connected to ground.
8 and 9 Enables the intensity to be remotely adjusted using an external 10k
potentiometer.

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6. PREPARATION OR USE
Inspection
Prior to installing the ultrasonic processor, perform a visual inspection to detect any evidence of
damage, which might have occurred during shipment. Before disposing of any packaging
material, check it carefully for small items.
The ultrasonic processor was carefully packed and thoroughly inspected before leaving our
factory. The carrier, upon acceptance of the shipment, assumed responsibility for its safe
delivery. Claims for loss or damage sustained in transit must be submitted to the carrier.
If damage has occurred, contact your carrier within 48 hours of the delivery date. Do not operate
damaged equipment. Retain all packing materials for future shipment.
Electrical Requirements
The ultrasonic processor requires a fused, single phase 3-terminal grounding type electrical
outlet. For power requirements, check the label on the back of the unit.
Installing the Ultrasonic Processor
The ultrasonic processor should be installed in an area that is free from excessive dust, dirt,
explosive and corrosive fumes, and extremes of temperature and humidity. If processing
flammable liquids, use an approved fume hood and do not place the power supply in the fume
hood.
When positioning the unit, be sure to leave adequate space behind the unit so that all
connections can be easily disconnected.
WARNING
For your personal safety, do not, under any
circumstances, defeat the grounding feature of the
power cord by removing the grounding prong.

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7. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
7.1 CA TION
 Do not operate the power supply unless it is connected to the converter.
 Never allow liquid to spill into the converter.
 Do not allow a Microtip to vibrate in air.
 Do not allow the vibrating Microtip to contact anything but the sample.
 Never place a washer between the converter, probe or horn.
 Never apply grease to the mating surfaces or threads of any component.
 Should it become necessary to remove a probe, use the wrenches supplied. Never attempt to
remove the probe by twisting the converter housing or holding it in a vice, as this may
damage the electrical connections within the housing.
 Overheating will damage the converter. If continuous operation for more than 15 minutes is
required, see addendum for converter cooling instructions.
 The converter should remain near room temperature at all times. The sample liquid
temperature should not exceed 60
o
C (140
o
). If either of these temperature limits are
reached, shut the system off and allow to cool.
 Replaceable tip probes (1/2” – 1” diameter) are made for use with water based samples only.
If the liquid being processed is an organic solvent or any liquid with a lower surface tension
than water – always use a Solid tip probe. Solid tips can be used with any type of liquid.
Replaceable tip Solid tip

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7.2. SET P
1. Connect the power cord into the receptacle on the rear of the ultrasonic processor.
2. Make sure the unit is switched off. Plug the electrical line cord into the electrical outlet.
3. If the optional foot switch is used, insert the plug into the jack located on the rear panel.
4. or best results it is critical to use the appropriate size and type of accessory to
process your sample. If you are not sure that you have the proper horn for your sample
volume, please refer to the product brochure or call for assistance.
5. Horns/Probes must be properly tightened. Depending on the accessories purchased,
often the horn and the flat tip are attached to the converter at the factory. Check the
tightness of the horn and flat tip by using the wrench set. Please refer to images in the
Maintenance section of this manual. A loose horn or tip may cause damage to the power
supply circuitry or parts of the converter and horn. A loose horn may also show a fluctuation
in wattage readings. Always use the wrenches supplied with the unit.
6. If you will be using a Microtip or extender, remove the flat tip on the end of the replaceable tip
probe, then attach the Microtip or extender in its place.
7. Microtips must be used in pulse mode to prevent overheating - which could potentially
crack the tip. See page 16 for Microtip Limits and contact us with questions.
8. Horns and probe tips wear after normal usage. sing a severely worn probe tip can damage
internal power supply components.
9. If using a laboratory stand, mount the converter /probe assembly using a clamp. Be sure to
secure the clamp to the upper section of the converter housing only. Never secure the clamp
to any other portion of the converter/probe assembly. If you are using an acoustic enclosure
mount the converter properly in the converter collar.
10. Connect the converter cable to the power supply and then to the top of the converter. Push
the connectors in and turn the chrome rings clockwise ¼ turn to secure the connectors.
11. If the application requires long processing times we recommended chilling the sample and
pulsing sonication. If processing for over 15 minutes the converter may get warm and require
cooling with dry, compressed air. See converter cooling instructions in the Addendum.

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Time - : --: --
Pulse
--
--
Ampl
--
%
Time - : --: --
Pulse
--
--
Ampl
40 %
NOTE: To clear an erroneous entry press the CLEAR key.
Microtip Amplitude Setting Limits
When working with a Microtip, do not operate the equipment beyond the maximum amplitude
limits listed below. Ignoring this caution will void the tip warranty.
Size Maximum Amplitude
Tapered Microtip: 1/16” (2mm) 40%
1/8” (3mm) 40%
1/4” (6mm) 50%
7.3. OPERATION
START UP: Press the ON key. The screen will display the power rating of the ltrasonic
Processor and the following control parameters.
AMPLITUDE: Desired amplitude must be set in order for the ltrasonic Processor to be
operational. The other control parameters – Time and Pulse, do not have to be set for continuous
operation. AMPL displays the percentage of amplitude that was previously selected. To set the
amplitude at 40%, when the ultrasonics is off, press the AMPL key and the numeric keys for a
40% reading on the screen, and then press the ENTER/REVIEW key. (Pressing the AMPL key
and the ▲ or ▼ key for a reading of 40% and then pressing the ENTER/REVIEW key, will also
achieve the same result.)
Note: The minimum amplitude setting is 20%.
The screen will display:
WARNING
1. Immerse the probe approximately halfway into the sample. If the probe is immersed to an
insufficient depth, air will be injected into the sample, causing the sample to foam. Also
ensure that the probe tip is not touching the wall of the sample vessel.
2. The ltrasonic Processor is now ready for continuous operation. To energize the ultrasonics,
press the START key or the footswitch. To de-energize the ultrasonics, press the STOP key
or release the footswitch. If the Time or Pulse functions must be used, refer to the
appropriate paragraphs below.
Note: The START key and footswitch are mutually exclusive. If the process is initiated by the
START key, the footswitch becomes inoperative. If the process is initiated by the footswitch,
the STOP key becomes inoperative.

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Time Setting
Hrs: - Min: -- Sec: --
Time Setting
Hrs: 0 Min: 30 Sec: 00
Time 0:30:00
Pulse -- -- Ampl 40 %
Pulse on __ sec
Pulse off __sec
3. To increase or decrease the amplitude in small increments when the ultrasonics is on,
depress the AMPL to display Amplitude Setting on the screen, then depress the ▲ or ▼ key,
as required. Since the amplitude required is application dependent and subject to the volume
and composition of the sample, it is recommended that the amplitude be selected through
experimentation, by increasing or decreasing the level of intensity as needed to properly
process the sample to achieve desired results.
4. Be sure to use the fittings provided, for the top of the Converter, for air cooling if necessary.
Circulate clean dry compressed air through the Converter to cool the Converter during use.
See manual addendum for more information.
TIMER: In the pulsed mode the processing time will be different from the elapsed time because
the processing time function monitors and controls only the ON portion of the duty cycle. For
example, for 30 minute processing time, the elapsed time will be 1 hour if the ON and OFF pulse
cycle is set for 10 seconds on and 10 seconds off.
1. To set the processing time, press the TIMER key.
The screen will display:
2. sing the numeric keys, set the processing time as required, for example:
3. Press the ENTER/REVIEW key. The screen will display:
PULSER: ltrasonics generates heat. Pulsing ultrasonics on and off helps to prevent heat build-
up in temperature sensitive samples. In addition, pulsing may enhance processing by allowing
the material to settle back under the probe after each burst. The ON and OFF pulse duration can
be set independently from 01 second to 59 seconds. During the OFF portion of the cycle, the red
indicator on the P LSE key will illuminate. If the OFF portion of the cycle exceeds three seconds,
a cautionary message - Sonics in OFF Cycle - will warn the operator against touching the
ultrasonic probe.
1. To set the pulser, press P LSE key.
The screen will display:

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Pulse on 10 sec
Pulse off __ sec
Pulse on 10 sec
Pulse off 10 sec
Time 0:30:00
Pulse 10 10 Ampl 40 %
2. sing the numeric keys, set the ON portion of the cycle, then press the ENTER/REVIEW key.
The screen will display:
3. sing the numeric keys set the OFF portion of the cycle, then press the ENTER/REVIEW key.
The screen will display:
4. Press the ENTER/REVIEW key.
The screen will display:
On Cycle Off Cycle
REVIEW: The REVIEW function provides a “window” on the process by displaying various
operating parameters without process interruption. Pressing the ENTER/REVIEW key repeatedly
during processing will consecutively display the following information.
a) Selected amplitude:
e.g. Amplitude 40%
b) Selected processing time and elapsed processing time:
e.g. Set 0:30:00 Time 0:15:00
c) Selected pulsing cycle and actual pulsing cycle:
e.g. Pulse 10 10 / (actual time)
d) Amount of power in watts, and accumulated amount of energy in JO LES delivered to
the probe (Note: The amount of energy displayed will be only for one cycle. Initiating
a new cycle will reset the display to zero.):
e.g. 20 watts / XXX Joules
e) Elapsed time since processing was initiated:
e.g. Elapsed time 0:15:00

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8. TECHNIQUES OR OPTIMIZING RESULTS
Probe size vs. Sample volume
Selecting the proper size probe is a critical factor when sonicating a sample. The sample volume
to be processed must correlate with the tip diameter. Each probe has a recommended sample
volume range. This range may overlap with other probes. For example, the ½” probe can
process approximately 20-250ml. Depending on the type of sample you may be able to process
a little less than 20ml or more than 250ml. Depending on the vessel size and shape, the ½”
probe may have difficulty fitting inside a 20ml volume and a ¼” microtip may be a better option.
Many factors must be considered when selecting the appropriate probe for your application.
Small volumes require a small tip to fit inside the sample tube. Small tips (or Microtips) are
recommended for processing samples inside small, thin vessels and never samples larger than
50ml. Microtips are high intensity and made for short processing times. sing a microtip for long
time periods will generate a considerable amount of heat. Microtips should be used in pulse mode
to reduce heat buildup.
Larger volumes require a larger probe for effective processing. For example, a 1” probe will
process 1 liter much faster than a ¾” probe. sing the proper size probe will not only reduce the
processing time but increase the lifespan of the probe. The addition of a stir bar can greatly aid
processing of large samples. A probe should not be used to process a volume larger than
indicated on the chart unless the application is reviewed and approved by a Qsonica
representative.
While there is no absolute sample volume range for any probe/horn, below is a general guideline
to follow. Processing volumes are application specific. Contact us for more details.
Tip Diameter Processing Volume Range
1/16" (2mm) 0.2ml - 5ml
1/8" (3mm) 1ml - 15ml
1/4" (6mm) 10ml - 50ml
1/2" (12mm) 20ml - 250ml
3/4" (19mm) 50ml - 500ml
1" (25mm) 100ml - 1,000ml
1" with booster 500ml – 2,000ml
Vessel shape and size
A narrow vessel is preferable to a wide vessel. The ultrasonic energy is generated from the tip
and is directed downward. As a sample is processed the liquid is pushed down and away in all
directions. If the vessel is too wide, it will not mix effectively and some sample will remain
untreated at the periphery. The probe should never touch the sides or bottom of the vessel.