Steam and Ultrasound Working Together
SonoSteam is a chemical-free decontamination process designed for food and selected non-food surfaces. Steam generated from potable water is combined with ultrasound to increase heat transfer at the treated surface, achieving rapid surface microbial reduction.
How the process works
When steam meets a surface, a thin laminar boundary layer of air and moisture forms at that surface. This layer limits how quickly heat can transfer from the steam into the surface.
SonoSteam applies ultrasound together with the steam. The ultrasound acts on this laminar boundary layer, increasing heat transfer so the surface reaches the required temperature within a very short time.
Because the effect is concentrated at the surface and the exposure is measured in seconds, the process achieves microbial reduction while limiting the effect on the underlying product or material.
Technology principles
Steam from potable water
The treatment medium is steam generated from potable water. No disinfectants, acids or chemical additives are added to the process.
Ultrasound at the surface
Ultrasound is applied together with the steam and acts on the laminar boundary layer that otherwise limits heat transfer at the surface.
Increased heat transfer
By affecting the boundary layer, heat transfer from the steam to the treated surface increases, so the surface reaches the required temperature within a very short time.
Short treatment time
Typical treatment times of 0.5–2.0 seconds limit the thermal effect on the underlying product or material while achieving surface microbial reduction.
Surface microstructure
The combination of steam and ultrasound reaches pores and surface microstructures that are difficult to treat with surface-contact methods.
Non-contact treatment
Treatment is performed without direct contact between the product and the treatment equipment, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Process characteristics
- Chemical-free process using steam and ultrasound only
- Typical treatment time of 0.5–2.0 seconds
- Documented applications below one second
- Suitable for inline and offline solutions
- Non-contact treatment of the product surface
- Fully automated control with continuous monitoring and logging
- Minimal impact on suitable products and materials
Results shown are application-specific documented test results. Performance depends on product, surface, process conditions, initial contamination and treatment configuration.
Frequently asked questions
How does SonoSteam combine steam and ultrasound?
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Steam generated from potable water is applied to the surface together with ultrasound. The ultrasound acts on the laminar boundary layer at the surface, which increases heat transfer from the steam to the surface.
Why is the laminar boundary layer important?
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A thin, still layer of air and moisture at the surface limits heat transfer from steam. Affecting this boundary layer allows the surface to reach the required temperature faster, which is what enables treatment times measured in seconds.
Are chemicals used in the process?
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No. The process uses only steam generated from potable water and ultrasound — no disinfectants, antibiotics, processing acids or chemical additives.
How long is a typical treatment?
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Typical treatment times are 0.5–2.0 seconds, and some documented applications are below one second. The configuration is always application-specific.
Can the process be integrated into an existing production line?
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Yes. SonoSteam is used in both inline and offline solutions, and systems are engineered for integration into existing production layouts.
Let’s develop the right solution for your application.
Talk to GabuTech about your product, production capacity, hygiene requirements and integration needs.
info@gabutech.com · +45 61 67 31 89