Degassing

The sound waves propagating from sonicators into liquid media lead to alternating low-pressure and high-pressure cycles. Throughout low-pressure cycles, a large number of bubbles are generated leading to a high bubble surface-area, with dissolved gas migrating inside these vacuum bubbles. The sonication waves eventually shake the bubbles off the vessel’s surfaces, forcing smaller bubbles that are resting below the liquid surface to rise through, thus releasing the entrapped gas to the environment. Degassing using an ultrasonic homogenizer which offers a quicker alternative to using an ultrasonic bath.

At Qsonica, we offer a wide variety of Sonicators and their accessories that are reliable, powerful, and proven, to enable to choose a system that can fit both your application, and budget.

Product applications

• Preparation of samples prior to the measurement of particle size to avoid measurement errors
• Degassing of oil and lubricants before pumping to decrease pump wear caused by cavitation
• Reduction of microbial growth in liquid foods to increase shelf life
• Degassing of different varnishes and polymer before curing, application, and vacuum insertion
• Preparation of mobile phases for chromatography

Tips & Info for Degassing

• Lower viscosity liquids degas more readily. As higher temperatures reduce the viscosity of fluids, heating the fluid may help speed the degassing process. Heating too close to the boiling point, however, could increase the vapor pressure enough such as to be counterproductive.
• Large horns with a greater tip diameter will affect more liquid volume and degas more rapidly.
• Ensure not to create turbulent flow. The surface of the liquid should remain relatively calm.
• Very deep liquid levels are not recommended, as cavitation which occurs near the bottom of the vessel may allow time for the bubbles to re-dissolve before they reach the surface.
• Degassing in-line is possible using a flow cell (available with the Q500, Q700, and Q2000), although the resulting gas will need to be vented.
• Ultrasonic horns can be specially tuned to allow for degassing of very hot fluids, including molten metals! If you have a high-temperature application (above about 60°C), contact us to discuss your requirements.
• Degassing is not permanent. Once degassed, the fluid will slowly return to its equilibrium level of gas concentration.
• For general best practices, see Best Practices for Ultrasonic Homogenization.

Frequently Asked Questions

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