Effect of resonance frequency, power input, and saturation gas type on the oxidation efficiency of an ultrasound horn

• Published in: Ultrasonics sonochemistry Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 209 - 215
• Main Authors: Rooze, Joost, Rebrov, Evgeny V., Schouten, Jaap C., Keurentjes, Jos T.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Air; Alloys - chemistry; Argon - chemistry; Carbon Dioxide - chemistry; Chemistry; Efficiency; Exact sciences and technology; Frequency; Gases - chemistry; General and physical chemistry; Helium - chemistry; Nitrogen - chemistry; Nucleation; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxygen - chemistry; Physical chemistry of induced reactions (with radiations, particles and ultrasonics); Potassium Iodide - chemistry; Power; Saturation gas; Titanium - chemistry; Ultrasonic chemistry; Ultrasonics; Saturation gas; Frequency; Nucleation; Efficiency; Power; Support; Carbon dioxide; Bubble; Titanium; Oxidation; Argon; Diffusion; Ultrasound; Oxygen; Stability; Sonochemistry; Saturation; Alloys; Transition metal; Air; Nitrogen; Helium; Dosimeter; Gases; Liquid; Resonance; Potassium iodide
• ISSN: 1350-4177; 1873-2828
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2010.05.007

The sonochemical oxidation efficiency ( η ox ) of a commercial titanium alloy ultrasound horn has been measured using potassium iodide as a dosimeter at its main resonance frequency (20 kHz) and two higher resonance frequencies (41 and 62 kHz). Narrow power and frequency ranges have been chosen to minimise secondary effects such as changing bubble stability, and time available for radical diffusion from the bubble to the liquid. The oxidation efficiency, η ox , is proportional to the frequency and to the power transmitted to the liquid (275 mL) in the applied power range (1–6 W) under argon. Luminol radical visualisation measurements show that the radical generation rate increases and a redistribution of radical producing zones is achieved at increasing frequency. Argon, helium, air, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide have been used as saturation gases in potassium iodide oxidation experiments. The highest η ox has been observed at 5 W under air at 62 kHz. The presence of carbon dioxide in air gives enhanced nucleation at 41 and 62 kHz and has a strong influence on η ox . This is supported by the luminol images, the measured dependence of η ox on input power, and bubble images recorded under carbon dioxide. The results give insight into the interplay between saturation gas and frequency, nucleation, and their effect on η ox .