Sonopower 3S – the innovative combination of power, flexibility and intelligence

Manufacturers and operators of cleaning systems are facing an array of new challenges: from the growing demands with regard to particulate and film-based cleanliness, through the changed requirements brought about by the trend towards miniaturisation, all the way up to electromobility and innovative materials for lightweight construction solutions. Furthermore, integration of cleaning processes in Industry 4.0 manufacturing and the provision of an end-to-end process documentation are increasingly required. On top of this, the component cleaning step within the manufacturing process must be fast and cost effective in order to remain competitive in the global market. All this can only be realised in everyday manufacturing processes with highly flexible and economical cleaning solutions that are optimally equipped to suit any application. The use of ultrasound is playing an increasingly important role here.

The next generation of ultrasonic technology
The fourth generation of the powerful, highly flexible and intelligent Sonopower 3S series of generators from Weber Ultrasonics AG, technology leader in the field of ultrasonic components and solutions, is designed to meet these requirements and trends in a future-oriented way. Combined with matching ultrasonic transducers, the devices, available as single, dual- and multifrequency units with a power output of 3000 or 2000 watts, open up new perspectives for building multi-chamber immersion cleaning systems and chamber cleaning systems – even within a vacuum. In this way cleaning tasks requiring two or more ultrasonic frequencies, which in the past meant that several cleaning systems were necessary, can now be performed in a cost-effective and space-saving manner in a single system. The frequencies from 25 to 132 kHz cater for a very broad spectrum of applications ranging from coarse cleaning all the way up to fine and superfine cleaning. A further advantage of the generators is the ability to fit them in a 19" casing. Because up to ten devices can be fitted in a standard control cabinet, a maximum power output of 30,000 watts is available.

Achieving a better cleaning result more efficiently and quickly
Through its array of innovative functions the new 3S series achieves greater process reliability and faster cleaning processes with a better result. These include the combined frequency and amplitude modulation, which not only guarantee homogeneous sound fields but also prevent so-called standing waves. Moreover, this unique feature ensures that the desired power output actually reaches the cleaning or rinsing tank and that even higher maximum outputs are achieved. The SonoScan function also contributes to the constant ultrasonic output that is indispensable for stable cleaning processes with reproducible results. Prior to ultrasonic output, this automatically determines the right operating frequency and sets the system accordingly. During the process the frequency is continually monitored and automatically adjusted. This ensures that the optimum power output is always used, even in the event of changing operating conditions such as temperature fluctuations or when changing cleaning and rinsing media. Adaptations and frequency changes take place during operation, meaning that the cleaning process is not interrupted.A further feature of the Sonopower 3S is the automatic detection of and adjustment to the mains voltage. Thanks to this, the system continues to work with the same power output even in the event of unstable power networks or fluctuations caused by the connection or disconnection of consumers.

Second transducer connection – one generator for two processes
One innovation of the Sonopower 3S is the option to equip the generator with a second transducer connection. This allows two identical or different processes, for example cleaning and rinsing in two tanks and with different media, to be performed with just one generator. Because there is no need for a second generator, the cost-effectiveness of the cleaning process is improved further.

Designed for Industry 4.0
The ultrasound-specific process parameters are precisely controlled and documented during cleaning by means of an optional PROFINET interface integrated in the generator. This makes the Sonopower 3S compatible with Industry 4.0 applications.
With a maximum power output of 3000 watts, the fourth generation of Sonopower 3S generators are available as standard as a single-frequency variant with 25, 40 and 50 kHz. With 2000 watts, the dual-frequency devices (40/80 kHz, 40/132 kHz and 80/132 kHz) and the multifrequency version (40/80/132 kHz) offer double the previous power output.