Qsonica MICROSON XL 2000 Operator's Manual page 11

Pulsed Operation
Press the Remote operation switch on the front panel
Pulse as desired using transducer pulse button switch with appropriate intensity power
setting
Footswitch Operation
Switch front panel switch to Continuous operation
Insert footswitch plug into jack on rear of the unit
Set desired power intensity level
Pulse as desired using footswitch
The sides and end of the tip must never be allowed to come in direct contact with the
container or hard surface. The stress resulting at the point of contact could cause fracture of
the MICROPROBE or of the glass container.
Immerse the tip of MICROPROBE at least 1 to 1½ times the tip diameter into the solution
(without touching the bottom).
Lower the tip into the solution to avoid aerosolizing and foaming. Aerosolizing and foaming
generally occur when the tip is not immersed far enough into the solution, or if too high of a
power setting is used by lowering the tip in the solution, decreasing power, and reducing
solution temperature will normally prevent aerosolizing and foaming. In severe cases, use a
narrow test tube and plastic film over the vessel. Push the tip through the film to sonicate.
Be sure to clean the tip before sonicating another sample, since protein released from cell
material acts like a wetting agent and tends to promote foaming. Once foaming occurs,
reduce power below the cavitation level before proceeding. If the foam persists, the sample
may have to be discarded.
The highest intensity energy is concentrated directly under the tip and dissipates within ¼"
(6mm) from the tip. Liquids and suspended solids to be processed must circulate freely in
this zone. Whole tissue should first be finely divided or homogenized roughly in a
mechanical device, such as a laboratory blender or rotary homogenizer, before being
sonicated. Small pieces of tissue can be sonicated whole if trapped directly under the probe
tip.
Operation with optional Plug-in Timer
The timer allows the probe to be activated for a specific period of time between 1 to 15
minutes. At the end of the timed cycle the probe will be inactive indefinitely (the power to
the unit remains on, however).
For timed operation:
1. Turn the power control knob to zero.
2. Turn the power switch on.
3. Allow digital reading to stabilize at ~ 0.0.
4. Place the probe into your sample at mid-depth.
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