Sonic horns are compressed-air driven acoustic cleaning devices that produce low-frequency, high-energy sound waves which cause dry particulate build-up to resonate and become fluidized. Once fluidized, gravity causes the material to flow freely to the discharge or clean-out area. This acoustic sonic horn cleaning technology has been used extensively to prompt material flow or prevent build-up of powders, ash, granules, and dust in storage vessels, precipitators, heat exchangers, filters, bags, ducts, spray dryers, and cyclones. The horn’s sound waves are produced by compressed air flexing a titanium diaphragm in the sonic horn's sound generator. Alternating sound waves repeat 60-420 times per second to produce a range of fundamental frequencies. The sound waves are then magnified as they are emitted through the sonic horn's bell, and travel at > 1100 ft/sec in a 360º radial pattern. Because sonic horns operate at frequencies higher than the resonance frequency of steel, ceramic linings, concrete, etc., they do not cause vibrational damage to the equipment being cleaned or its surrounding structure. The sonic horn is placed in the vessel at a strategic location, and then air pressure and volume are controlled remotely from outside the vessel.

Sonic Horn Benefits
Sonic horns are suitable for explosive environments. A sonic horn’s energy waves provide full-area coverage, including behind obstacles. Sonic horn maintenance and repair is minimal and inexpensive when required. Sonic horns used to remove accumulated dust significantly reduce system maintenance, eg, in baghouse applications, bag life is considerably improved.