Observation of Particle Flocculation by kHz-Band Ultrasonic Waves in Solid-Liquid Mixture (Effects of Frequency and Sound Pressure)

It is important to separate and collect particles from solid-liquid mixture in order to reduce in environmental load and treatment cost of waste fluid. In this study, we try to separate and collect particles from the mixture by ultrasonic waves with relatively low frequency. In the present report, we use slurry of alumina abrasive as removal particles that use for polish and water jet cutting, etc. The particles are fully stirred in test water and then ultrasonic waves are irradiated with some frequencies. The particles behavior observed by a high-speed video camera is analyzed by a time series image analysis and correlated with sound pressure distribution. Particles flocculate to some layers like white bands that correspond to node of sound pressure after irradiation of ultrasonic wave. It is found that particles begin to move just after ultrasonic wave irradiation and flocculate clearly with the increase in sound pressure.