Liquid systems, such as aqueous dispersions of cells, are passed across the space between plates, one of which is attached to the end of an ultrasonic probe. The other plate is stationary and mounted in a container which permits carrying out the operation under any desired pressure. The plates are spaced the desired distance for maximum efficiency and there are two liquid conduits into the container, one at the side and directed across the space, and the other axial. One or both plates may be provided with baffles, such as spiral baffles or labyrinths to keep the liquid flowing thereover in the ultrasonic zone for a sufficient time. The direction of flow of the liquid is important, and the best results are obtained if the liquid flows in the inlet conduit across the plates and out the axial conduit instead of the reverse. Efficiency is greatly increased, and certain very tough cells, such as yeast cells, can be ruptured with relatively small outputs of energy.
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