Morgan's High-Power Ultrasonic Expertise Optimizes Performance In Water Processing

Morgan Advanced Materials has applied its world-leading ultrasonic transducer technology to water purification, helping to deliver components which improve performance in wastewater applications.

New processes using high-intensity ultrasound waves to break down bacterial biomass found in impurities in water, have become increasingly popular in recent times. Unlike conventional processes currently used, ultrasonic is particularly environmentally-friendly due to the absence of potentially harmful chemical agents, such as methanol. Similarly, it offers superior performance when disinfecting water with high levels of turbidity, while traditional methods such as UV or chlorine are ineffective in such cases.

Central to the purification process are high-power transducers made from Morgan’s proprietary range of PZT8 ceramics. Drawing on its industry leading expertise in specially-engineered ceramic materials, Morgan ceramic rings, originally used in welding and other high power applications, have for the first time been incorporated into ultrasonic transducers used in water treatment applications. This latest innovation offers a range of performance advantages including high permittivity, low dielectric losses, high density, high piezoelectric activity and a high mechanical factor. Available in a range of sizes with a maximum diameter of 65mm (2.6inches), Morgan rings exceed the maximum width of ceramic rings currently on the market, allowing for the application of a greater volume of power, in some instances as high as 3kW.

In aqueous media, ultrasonic waves cause periodic compression and extension of the water molecules, resulting in the formation of microscopic voids in the liquid. Such voids become bubbles of water vapor or gas and expand to the point of implosion. Large cavitation bubbles are typically produced from a range of 20 to 100kHz, depending on the viscosity of sludge and therefore the level of force required, creating high mechanical shear forces capable of destroying even the most robust surfaces. Furthermore, sonication causes a reduction of the viscosity of the fermenter content, reducing the power consumption of the agitators and pumps used in the purification process.

Frédéric Pimparel, Technical Application Manager at Morgan Advanced Materials, explained: “This latest development in wastewater treatment technology would not have been possible without the application of Morgan's world-leading expertise in specialized materials. Our ceramic materials boast a range of properties which make them ideal for use in water treatment applications, optimizing the purification process while negating any adverse side effects for the environment.”

For more information on Morgan’s proprietary range of hard PZT materials, visit www.morgantechnicalceramics.com/piezo-water

About Morgan Advanced Materials
Morgan Advanced Materials is a global materials engineering company which designs and manufactures a wide range of high specification products with extraordinary properties, across multiple sectors and geographies.

From an extensive range of advanced materials we produce components, assemblies and systems that deliver significantly enhanced performance for our customers’ products and processes. Our engineered solutions are produced to very high tolerances and many are designed for use in extreme environments.

The Company thrives on breakthrough innovation. Our materials scientists and applications engineers work in close collaboration with customers to create outstanding, highly differentiated products that perform more efficiently, more reliably and for longer.

Morgan Advanced Materials has a global presence with over 10,000 employees across 50 countries serving specialist markets in the energy, transport, healthcare, electronics, petrochemical and industrial sectors.