General lab & storage
Ultrasonic bath (sonicator)
A stainless-steel tank of water vibrated by ultrasound. It is used to dissolve and extract samples, degas mobile phases and clean small glassware.
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemicals
- Food testing
- Electronics
- Jewellery and precision cleaning
TROUBLESHOOTING
Common problems, causes and fixes
Weak or no cavitation
Likely causes
- • Water level too low or too high
- • Fresh water not degassed
- • Transducer or generator failure
What to do
- • Fill to the marked line
- • Run in degas mode before use
- • Have the unit serviced
Low or variable assay recovery
Likely causes
- • Sonication time too short
- • Flask in a dead spot
- • Sample overheated and degraded
What to do
- • Follow the method time exactly
- • Use the same rack positions; use sweep mode
- • Control bath temperature, add ice if needed
Bath gets very hot
Likely causes
- • Long continuous runs
- • Heater left on
What to do
- • Change or cool the water between runs
- • Switch off the heater when not required
Tank floor pitted or leaking
Likely causes
- • Abrasive material on the floor
- • Long-term cavitation erosion
What to do
- • Always use a basket or rack
- • Replace the tank or unit
In LimsPulse · Calibration Management
Keep every Sonicator in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.