Comparison of characterization methods in high frequency sonochemical reactors of differing configurations.

The aim of this study was to compare different characterization methods in order to evaluate the sonochemical efficiency of a cavitational reactor. The selected characterization methods were calorimetry and dosimetry based on potassium iodide oxidation or nitrite and nitrate ion formation. The effects of experimental parameters on physical and chemical effects of ultrasound were quantified with two transducers at a frequency of 366kHz. The studied factors comprised temperature (16-28 degrees C), acoustic power (6-38W), power density (4-61WL(-1)) and reactor configuration (D(reactor 1)=65mm, D(reactor 2)=102mm). Spectrophotometry was compared to ionic chromatography as a method to quantify nitrite and nitrate ions. Spectrometry was shown to be as representative as ionic chromatography. The reaction system based on the formation of both nitrite and nitrate ions was demonstrated to be as reliable as a potassium iodide dosimeter. The representativity of calorimetry was limited since part of acoustic energy was assumed to be used in the chemical reactions observed by dosimetry. Similar sonochemical efficiencies resulted from an increase of sonified surface (D(reactor 1)=65mm vs. D(reactor 2)=102mm) coupled to a 2-time decrease in power density at a constant emitting surface. The effect of emitting-to-sonified surface area ratio on the acoustic field was apparently limited by the height of the liquid. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.