Investigations on the energy conversion in sonochemical processes

In the present work the energy transformation in sonochemical processes is studied by using electrical power measurement techniques and calorimetry. The influence of the ultrasonic amplitude and the properties of the irradiated medium on the efficiency of the equipment is shown. With increasing temperature and increasing solvent vapor pressure less energy can be brought into the fluid. More energy is consumed in high viscous media than in low viscous liquids. Finally the quality of calorimetry is discussed and a new energy-based efficiency factor for sonochemical processes is introduced. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.