Innovative Ultrasonics specializes in process development, engineering design, installation and equipment in the area of high-powered ultrasonics for new and existing industrial applications.
Filtration
The application of ultrasound to filtration can influence the process in several ways. Ultrasound provides vibrational energy to keep particles in suspension and moving, leaving channels in the filter open and free for solvent elution. It also causes the filter to vibrate, creating a frictionless surface, allowing the liquid to pass through more readily. Ultrasound reduces particle size variation, which also results in increased filtration rates and fine particles (< 10 microns) can agglomerate, which can also increase filtration rates. This has been applied commercially to increase the amount of apple juice extracted from pulp.
Overall ultrasound can significantly increase the efficiency and rate of filtration. An additional advantage is an extension to filter life, as clogging and caking are prevented by continuous cavitation at the filter�s surface. Ultrasonic oscillations are transmitted simultaneously to the sieve and the material being treated, which improve the flow characteristics of the material and of the sieve or filter. All these factors are of significance to commercial filtration processes.