Understanding The Need To Employ A Range Of Acoustic Frequencies

The particular pitch of the frequency emitted by each model of sonic horn within the Primasonics® range is important with respect to the products successfully either preventing particulate build up or ensuring maximum mass material flow. That is indeed why the Primasonics® frequency range is greater than other rival companies, resulting in improved cleaning efficiency within a wider range of applications and industries. The Primasonics® Audiosonic™ Acoustic range covers a sound wave spectrum from 420 Hz down to 60 Hz - but why?

In short, the lower the frequency, the longer are the wavelengths and the further the sound will travel and the more effective cleaning will be achieved over the greatest area such as a very large silo (60 Hz). The opposite is also true, in that the higher the frequency (420 Hz) the shorter the wavelengths which means that the same level of sonic energy is contained within a small area to powerful effect such as the discharge area of a silo.

Let's explain it like this. Imagine if your neighbours were enjoying a lively night in playing their favourite music loudly.

What is it you hear, the singing, the piano or guitar, no. You hear the rhythm, the beat. You hear the drums. The deeper/lower the sound frequency, the further the sound travels. Another example in practice is the sounds created by the traditional Scottish and Irish marching bands.

The sounds made by these bands as they approach can be heard from some distance as they parade through the streets.

Pictured right: traditional Scots marching band

What marks the coming of the band, what can the eager listener hear first. The bass drum is the first sound heard because it has the lowest sound frequency which travels the furthest distance. It is only when the band is close to you that you begin to hear the high pitched instruments such as the bagpipes because of their much higher, much shorter length of sound waves.

Marching band performing before a football game:

As mentioned, the reason the bass drum is heard so far away is because it has the lowest acoustic frequency. The lower the frequency the further distance the sonic sound waves travel. This premise is employed in the design of the Primasonic Sonic Horns which are employed within very large silos or boilers where the powerful acoustic energy has to remain effective over great distances. They operate at a lower frequency then other acoustic cleaning systems and therefore can be more effective at keeping material on the move and preventing side wall build up.

To reiterate the bass drum sends out vibrations across a larger distance than other instruments due to the lower frequency:

So both the bass drum above and the larger, lower frequencies Primasonics® Acoustic Cleaners operate at lower frequencies.

The converse is also true in that the flute with its high frequency and short sound waves acts in the same way with say a Primasonics® 420 Hz sonic horn.

On the left a typical flute and on the right a typical PAS-420 application.

In summary, Primasonics® employ a wide range of frequencies 420 - 350 - 230 - 120 - 75 - 60 Hz in order to provide maximum sonic cleaning and debonding power for each individual application.

Understanding Sonic Horns | Sonic Horn Interior | Sonic Horn Shape
Sonic Horn Performance | Debonding Dry Material