Flocell Instructions

(For use with 500 - 700 watt sonicators)

The stainless steel continuous Flocell enables closed system operation for continuous in-line processing of sample volumes over 1 liter. The Flocell screws onto the threaded portion of the standard (13 mm) probe at the nodal point (threaded section on the side of the probe). The Flocell can be used for a wide variety of applications and is especially useful for dispersing and homogenizing liquid samples at rates up to 0.5 liters/min. The Flocell is fabricated out of stainless steel and is normally unreactive with materials. Please check sample formulation compatibility with stainless steel before using. The Flocell is suitable for pressures up to 40 psi (276 kPa/3 bar) and the fittings accept 516 (8 mm) ID tubing. To prevent cross-contamination of samples the Flocell should be cleaned after each application.

#4495 Flocell

QSonica, LLC. 53 Church Hill Rd. Newtown, CT 06470 Phone: 203-426-0101 Fax: 203-426-7026 Email: info@sonicator.com web: sonicator.com

Parts List

Part Number 630-0493 853-00048 853-00032 859-00054 859-00088

Quantity 1 1 1 3 2

Description Processing chamber Silicon O-ring (red) Buna O-ring (Black) 1/8 27 NPT Barb fittings (1 extra) 1/8 27 NPT Nylon plug (1 extra)

*Note: Be sure to check sample formulation compatibility with the materials listed above. If the material is incompatible with the sample formulation that requires processing, please source replacements from an appropriate manufacturer before using this accessory.

Assembly Instructions
1. Ensure that the power supply is OFF and unplugged. 2. Securely mount a (13 mm) probe to the converter.

3. Place black buna O-ring in the lower groove of the process chamber and apply O-ring grease.

4. Place red silicon O-ring in the upper groove of the process chamber and apply O-ring grease.

5. Gently screw the process chamber all the way onto the probe, and then unscrew it one complete revolution. Note: if the process chamber is screwed on all the way it will dampen the ultrasonics.

6. Install the inlet and outlet barb fittings (1/8-27 NPT Barb fittings) into the process chamber. If the overflow is not used, seal it with the 1/8-27 NPT nylon plug provided.

7. Mount the Flocell assembly onto a sound enclosure or Qsonica converter stand. 8. Connect plastic tubing to the inlet and outlet port. 9. A valve may be connected to the inlet tubing to control the flow rate within the chamber. 10. Test the complete assembly for leakage prior to turning on the ultrasonics.

Process Optimization
Note: For most applications the sample should be fed through the bottom port and collected through the lower side port. The upper side port is a spare port and can be used as a monitoring port (temperature, pressure, etc.), a means to add a functionalizing agent to the formulation during sonication, etc. It is recommended that a small pump (i.e. a peristaltic pump) be used to circulate the sample through the processing chamber. The flow rate is dependent on the amount of ultrasonic energy required to process the sample, and must be optimized empirically. Note: Re-circulating the sample though the chamber multiple times, may be necessary in order to obtain desired results. Always keep the temperature of the liquid as low as possible. Use gravity or a small pump to circulate the material throughout the Flocell. If a pump is used, ensure the pressure within the Flocell does not exceed 40 psi (276 kPa). Processing the material with the amplitude control set at maximum will not necessarily give the best results, and will cause heating of the sample, especially at low flow rates. When working with high viscosity liquids, it is advisable to take measures to reduce viscosity if possible (increase the temperature of the liquid, dilute the sample, etc) to facilitate circulation through the cell. When working with slurries the suspension should be diluted if possible to reduce concentration and viscosity. If the material is over-processed at the maximum flow rate, decrease the amplitude. The degree of processing is controlled by varying the power level and the flow rate. Difficult materials should be pre-processed using a mechanical mixer or re-circulated until the desired results are obtained. If excessive heating is an issue an external Water Jacket is available to help cool the Flocell. Contact Qsonica for more information on water jackets.

Maintenance
The Flocell should be cleaned periodically. The stainless steel processing chamber and probe can be autoclaved; however the fittings and O-rings should be removed. The probe may show signs of erosion after extended use and cause the intensity of the ultrasonics to decrease. If the probe is excessively eroded it will no longer resonate at the right frequency and should be replaced. Contact Qsonica for replacement.