Filtra Ultrasonic Bath U-Series

Overview

The Filtra Ultrasonic Bath U-Series is a precision-engineered benchtop ultrasonic cleaning system designed for routine maintenance and contamination removal in analytical, quality control, and research laboratories. It operates on the principle of acoustic cavitation: high-frequency sound waves (typically 40 kHz) generate microscopic vacuum bubbles in the cleaning solvent, which rapidly collapse to produce localized shockwaves and microstreaming—effectively dislodging particulate matter, organic residues, and biofilms from surfaces without mechanical abrasion. This non-destructive mechanism ensures safe, repeatable cleaning of delicate components including ASTM-standard test sieves, volumetric glassware (e.g., pipettes, flasks, burettes), ceramic crucibles, metal filters, and reusable sample holders. The unit’s robust AISI 304 stainless steel tank provides corrosion resistance against common aqueous and mild solvent-based cleaning media, while its sealed transducer assembly ensures long-term reliability under continuous operation.

Key Features

• Two standard tank capacities: 9 L and 12 L—optimized for batch processing of multiple labware items while maintaining uniform energy distribution across the bath volume.
• Adjustable digital thermostat (range: ambient temperature to 80 °C) enables temperature-controlled cleaning protocols required for viscous residue removal or accelerated degreasing.
• Precision digital timer (0–30 minutes, 1-minute increments) supports reproducible cycle execution and integration into standardized SOPs.
• Integrated drain outlet with quick-connect fitting simplifies solvent disposal and tank refilling—critical for labs managing multiple cleaning chemistries (e.g., deionized water, isopropanol, alkaline detergents).
• Dual-level ultrasonic power output (low/high) allows fine-tuning of cavitation intensity: low mode preserves fragile substrates (e.g., coated optics, sintered metal filters); high mode delivers enhanced particle removal for heavily soiled sieves or metal fixtures.
• CE- and RoHS-certified construction complies with EU safety and environmental directives; electrical design meets IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The U-Series accommodates a broad range of laboratory accessories up to 150 mm in height and 200 mm in diameter. Compatible substrates include borosilicate glass, fused silica, stainless steel (304/316), aluminum alloys, PTFE-coated surfaces, and ceramic filtration media. It is routinely deployed in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs for sieve calibration preparation (per ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1), HPLC vial cleaning prior to trace analysis, and QC sample rack sanitation. All units are engineered to support Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) documentation requirements: time/temperature settings are manually logged per run, and the absence of software-based data storage aligns with labs preferring audit-trail simplicity and minimal validation overhead.

Software & Data Management

This model operates via standalone hardware controls—no embedded firmware, network interface, or proprietary software is included. All operational parameters (time, temperature, power level) are set directly on the front-panel digital interface. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity concerns, reduces qualification burden (no 21 CFR Part 11 compliance needed), and ensures deterministic behavior across decades of service life. For labs requiring electronic recordkeeping, external USB data loggers or PLC-integrated timers may be interfaced via dry-contact outputs (available upon request). Calibration certificates for temperature and timer accuracy can be provided traceable to national standards (EN ISO/IEC 17025).

Applications

• Preparation of test sieves for particle size distribution analysis (ASTM D6913, ISO 13320)
• Cleaning of glassware prior to gravimetric analysis or titration to eliminate detergent carryover
• Decontamination of reusable filtration assemblies used in environmental water testing (EPA Method 1664)
• Removal of dried protein residues from electrophoresis combs and gel trays
• Sanitization of metal sample pans and crucibles before thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
• Routine maintenance of pipette tips, syringe filters, and LC autosampler vials

FAQ

What is the recommended cleaning solution for general labware?

Deionized water or a neutral pH, low-foaming detergent (e.g., Alconox® Liquinox®) is advised for most applications. Avoid halogenated solvents unless explicitly validated for compatibility with the tank seal material.
Can this unit be used with flammable solvents?

No. The U-Series lacks explosion-proof certification and is rated for aqueous and non-flammable cleaning media only.
Is temperature calibration traceable to NIST or equivalent?

Yes—optional factory calibration certificates with uncertainty budgets are available upon order, traceable to PTB (Germany) or UKAS-accredited reference standards.
How often should the transducers be serviced?

Under normal use (≤4 hrs/day), no scheduled maintenance is required. Transducer performance is verified during annual preventive maintenance by measuring bath impedance and cavitation uniformity using calibrated hydrophones.
Does the unit meet FDA requirements for pharmaceutical cleaning validation?

While not validated out-of-the-box for cGMP environments, the U-Series’ stable thermal control, repeatable timing, and stainless-steel construction make it suitable as part of a user-qualified cleaning process compliant with USP and Annex 15.