Ultrasonic traditional Chinese medicine extraction equipment utilizes high-frequency cavitation effect, mechanical vibration and thermal effect to significantly accelerate cell wall rupture, promote the dissolution of effective ingredients (such as flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides), and has advantages such as high extraction efficiency, short time, low temperature, energy conservation and environmental protection. It has been widely used in the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine preparations and natural products. However, improper operation may not only affect the extraction rate, but also damage the thermosensitive components or equipment. Mastering the correct usage of ultrasonic traditional Chinese medicine extraction equipment is the key to achieving efficient, stable, and safe extraction.

1、 Preparation before feeding
Medicinal herbs should be crushed to a suitable particle size (usually 20-60 mesh). If the particle size is too large, the extraction will not be sufficient, and if the particle size is too fine, it is prone to gelatinization and blockage. Add extraction solvents (such as water and ethanol) in proportion, and the liquid-solid ratio is generally 8:1-15:1. Accurately set key parameters in the control panel:
Ultrasonic frequency: commonly used 20-40kHz, with strong low-frequency cavitation, suitable for hard medicinal materials;
Power: It is recommended to use 30% -70% of the rated power to avoid local overheating;
Temperature: Most components should be controlled at 40-60 ℃, and thermosensitive substances can be set to ≤ 40 ℃;
Time: usually 20-60 minutes, too long can easily cause impurities to dissolve.
2、 Running process monitoring
After starting, observe whether the device runs smoothly and whether there are any abnormal noises or severe vibrations. Ensure the normal operation of the cooling circulation system (especially for long-term extraction), and prevent solvent evaporation or temperature control. It is strictly prohibited to turn on ultrasound in a liquid free state to avoid dry burning and damage to the transducer. For volatile components (such as essential oils), a condensation reflux device should be connected to reduce losses.
3、 Key points of safety and protection
Maintain ventilation in the operating area to avoid the accumulation of ethanol vapor; The equipment is well grounded to prevent static electricity; Do not put your hands into the extraction tank during ultrasound operation, as high-frequency vibration can cause tissue damage. When explosion-proof equipment is used for organic solvent extraction, it must be confirmed to comply with Ex certification requirements.
4、 Post extraction processing and cleaning
After extraction, turn off the ultrasound first, and then stop stirring and cooling. After filtering out the medicinal solution, immediately rinse the inner wall of the tank, stirring blade, and ultrasonic probe with clean water to prevent the residue from drying up. Do not scratch the surface of the probe with hard objects. You can use a soft cloth dipped in neutral detergent to gently wipe it. Regularly check whether the fastening bolts of the transducer are loose to avoid energy attenuation.