Core technology
Diaphragm horn
Also known as diaphragm sonic horn, diaphragm-driven horn.
A diaphragm horn is a sonic horn in which the cleaning sound is produced by a metal diaphragm vibrating at its design frequency under pulsed compressed-air pressure. The diaphragm — typically titanium or 316 stainless steel — sits between the air-supply chamber and the throat of the bell horn and is the part most exposed to wear.
How it generates sound
Compressed air admitted by a solenoid valve raises pressure behind the diaphragm. At the design frequency the diaphragm flexes inward, vents the chamber, snaps back under spring tension, re-pressurises and repeats — a self-sustaining oscillation that converts steady air supply into a tonal acoustic output. The bell then amplifies and projects the wave into the vessel.
Why it dominates the market
Most low-to-mid-frequency industrial sonic horns are diaphragm-driven because the design is mechanically simple, tolerates rough industrial air, sustains 140 to 180 dB output without auxiliary power, and the only routine wear part — the diaphragm — is field-replaceable in under an hour. Titanium diaphragms typically last three to five years under normal duty before output drift signals a replacement.
Diaphragm horn vs piston-whistle horn
Piston-whistle horns use a moving piston-and-whistle assembly rather than a flexing diaphragm. They tend to operate at higher frequencies and shorter dwell times, suit fine dust loads in fabric filters, and have a different wear profile. Diaphragm horns dominate the 60–250 Hz band; piston-whistle and related designs are more common above 250 Hz.
Related terms
Related terms
- Sonic hornA sonic horn is a pneumatically-driven low-frequency sound emitter (typically 60–400 Hz at 140–180 dB SPL) used to dislodge particulate fouling from boilers, ESPs, baghouses and process vessels.
- Bell hornA bell horn is the conical or exponential flare that amplifies and projects sound from an industrial sonic horn's driver into the vessel being cleaned.
- Piston-whistle hornA piston-whistle horn generates sound through a moving piston or rotating disc rather than a vibrating diaphragm. Best suited to high-frequency cleaning duty on fabric filters and catalyst layers.
- Titanium diaphragmTitanium diaphragms provide the longest service life in industrial sonic horns — typically 3–5 years of continuous duty before replacement.
- Low-frequency acoustic cleanerLow-frequency acoustic cleaners operate at 60–250 Hz. The long wavelength penetrates deep into large open vessels such as ESPs, recovery boilers and cement preheater cyclones.