A Small Company Solves Global Problems

Måns Virding and Johan Söderberg - Ultra Sonus AB, Öregrund, Sweden

Ultrasound is the area of science involving sound waves in the range from 20 kHz to 10 MHz. Ultra Sonus has developed an ultrasound technology that involves "loud speakers" transmitting sound waves through liquids, which contain gas bubbles. The waves make the bubbles grow and then collapse releasing energy equivalent to 10.000°C and a pressure of 500 bar.

The phenomenon is known as cavitation and is currently used in two application areas: medical examinations and echo sonar where cavities (gas bubbles) are detrimental, as well as purification and other situations where cavities must be removed. The technology can also be used in the cleaning of tools.