Ultrasonic Transducers

ISM’s 1200 W bench-scale ultrasonic processor system used for batch and flow-through process investigations and small-scale production, and 2400 W industrial-scale ultrasonic processor system designed for high-volume continuous-mode commercial production are based on high-power piezoelectric transducers. The main advantage of these devices is high efficiency (up to 95%). Piezoelectric transducers are high-voltage driven and air cooled. They can become irreversibly damaged if overheated, which is why it is important to cool them well by setting up a good airflow. These devices are smaller and lighter than magnetostrictive transducers and are easier to setup and drive. The frequency of operation is approximately 20 kHz.

ISM’s 1000 W (output power) bench-top water-cooled ultrasonic system designed for batch and flow-through process investigations and small-scale production, and 2000 W (output power) industrial water-cooled ultrasonic system used for flow-through or batch production on a commercial scale are based on high-power magnetostrictive transducers. These devices are constructed from high-strength metallic alloys and permit reaching very high levels of acoustic power intensity. The main disadvantage of magnetostrictive transducers is their low efficiency (below 50%), which is why they must be liquid-cooled. These devices are used in special cases, for example in hazardous environments, such as chemical factories or refineries. They can be built without any high-power cable connections, thereby eliminating the possibility of creating a spark inside a failed connector. In addition, since the magnetostrictive transducers are water-cooled, the risk of introducing a hazardous gas into its internal area is eliminated. The frequency of operation is approximately 18 or 22 kHz.