UDM

This page describes an Ultrasonic Erosion of Material system, its functions and its state of development.

UEM Evaluation Unit has been designed as a high volume (250 gal/hr) flow through system to erode materials suspended in fluid. It has been evaluated for lignin in plant materials suspected in water, as well as a few types of microorganisms, resident in both diesel and water. The development and manufacture was funded by DREA (Defense Research Establishment Atlantic). The lignin investigation was funded by the European Space Agency.

The concept relies on piezoceramic rings, which generate a noise/pressure field, which in turn generates cavitation in the target fluid/material mix. The collapse of cavitation bubbles destroys or erodes the suspended particles. The effective kill rate against the microorganisms tested ( pseudomonous aeruginosa, penicillium and serratia marcescens) was approximately 50% per pass through the system.