The effects of ultrasound in heterogeneous system were investigated in three kinds of ultrasonic systems including a bath-type system (System #1), a double-bath-type system (System #2), and a double-bath-type system partly filled with glass beads (System #3). The ultrasound energy and its attenuation were quantified using calorimetry and the sound pressure measurement method. The sonochemical effects mainly involved in radical oxidation reactions were quantified using KI dosimetry. It was found that ultrasound energy was significantly attenuated in System #2 and #3 due to the presence of solid materials such as a submerged stainless steel reactor and glass beads. However, in spite of low ultrasound energy status, sonochemical oxidation reactions occurred more violently due to the presence of glass beads in System #3. In addition, calorimetry was more adequate to estimate the total energy status of ultrasound in sonoreactors compared to the sound pressure measurement method.

Keywords: Ultrasound;Sonoreactors;Calorimetry;Sound pressure;KI dosimetry;