Protect the transducers and the clean environment before chasing more fog.
UF2 operation depends on correct water, a controlled fill level, a stable flat surface, an intact external power supply and disciplined drainage and drying.
Ultrasonic cavitation converts water into visible droplets
Applied Physics legacy information describes nine ultrasonic transducers creating microscopic water droplets that a fan carries into the airflow. The fog is intended to make direction, turbulence, recirculation and pressure-driven movement visible.
This page explains the operating controls at a system level. It does not replace the exact UF2 front-panel instructions or revision-specific manual.
Use only the liquid approved for the exact unit and application
- Start with the manual, nameplate or controlled site procedure for the exact UF2.
- Legacy Applied Physics theory-of-operation text specifies DI water and warns that other liquids or chemicals void the warranty.
- Do not add disinfectants, surfactants, fragrance, glycol, cleaning chemistry or unapproved additives to the fog chamber.
- For pharmaceutical work, determine whether DI, sterile water or WFI is required by the protocol and contamination-control assessment.
- For semiconductor work, define water resistivity and residual risk based on the cleanroom class and process sensitivity.
A level sensor is a safeguard—not permission to ignore the fill state
Legacy information says the level sensor interrupts transducer power when the reservoir becomes too low. Confirm that behavior during controlled maintenance rather than assuming an aged sensor remains functional.
A refill arrangement requires more controls than a water line
Level stability
Prevent both low-level interruption and uncontrolled overflow. Verify the refill rate against actual water consumption.
Water freshness
Extended operation cannot become permission to leave water stagnant between studies.
Hose and drainage
Prevent backflow, kinks and water accumulation that can alter output or create leaks.
Facility approval
Document the connection, backflow prevention, spill response and responsibility for monitoring.
Visible water fog still requires a risk boundary
The legacy instructions warn against use in the immediate vicinity of electrical appliances, water-sensitive products and equipment. Map the fog path before operation, control the discharge direction and ensure the study does not introduce condensation or droplets into exposed electronics, product or process openings.
Practical answers
Can I use tap water in a UF2?
Some legacy marketing copy mentioned specifying DI-water or tap-water requirements, but the theory-of-operation text specifies DI water. Use only the liquid approved for the exact unit and application; do not assume tap water is acceptable.
Can the UF2 run continuously?
Legacy material says it can operate for extended periods when a water drip source is supplied. That requires a controlled refill design, active monitoring, overflow prevention, water-quality control and an approved site procedure.
Why does fog sometimes sink?
Cool water droplets, droplet size, discharge velocity, room temperature and humidity can produce temporary downward movement. Confirm the water, room conditions, fan setting, hose and whether the selected technology fits the study.
Define the application before choosing the replacement.
Applied Physics can compare the UF2 condition, room or enclosure, desired visible distance, runtime, water requirements, hose configuration and validation objective before recommending a current ultrasonic or LN₂ platform.
Request a UF2 replacement evaluation