Chu Ding KQ116 / KQ118 / KQ218 Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Chu Ding KQ116, KQ118, and KQ218 are compact, benchtop ultrasonic cleaners engineered for precision cleaning, degassing, and sample preparation in academic laboratories, quality control environments, and small-scale R&D settings. These units operate on the principle of high-frequency ultrasonic cavitation—generating microscopic implosions in liquid media at a fixed frequency of 40 kHz—to dislodge particulate contaminants, remove organic residues, and enhance dissolution kinetics without mechanical abrasion or thermal degradation. Unlike industrial-scale systems, these models prioritize space efficiency and operational simplicity while maintaining reproducible acoustic energy delivery across the entire tank volume. Their monolithic design integrates the transducer array directly beneath the stainless-steel tank bottom, minimizing energy loss and ensuring consistent field uniformity—a critical factor for applications requiring high inter-run repeatability in analytical sample prep.

Key Features

• Integrated transducer architecture with direct-coupled piezoelectric elements for stable 40 kHz output and minimal harmonic distortion
• Benchtop footprint (223 × 114 × 123 mm) optimized for fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, and shared lab benches
• 0.6 L capacity tank with precisely dimensioned internal cavity (167 × 90 × 52 mm) to support standardized microcentrifuge tubes, cuvettes, watch glasses, and small optical components
• Digital timer with adjustable duration from 1 to 10 minutes—calibrated to ±2% accuracy per cycle to ensure protocol consistency
• Acoustically insulated lid with integrated sealing gasket reduces ambient noise to <55 dB(A) at 1 m distance, complying with ISO 11201 for laboratory equipment sound emission
• Corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel tank interior; outer housing constructed from reinforced engineering-grade polymer (KQ118/KQ218) for impact resistance and chemical compatibility with common solvents (e.g., isopropanol, acetone, aqueous detergents)
• Removable stainless steel mesh basket (included) with 1.2 mm aperture for secure placement of delicate parts while enabling full acoustic coupling

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These cleaners accommodate a broad range of sample formats—including glassware (vials, pipette tips, capillary tubes), metal components (surgical instruments, calibration standards), silicon wafers, and polymer substrates—without risk of surface pitting or etching when operated within recommended solvent and time parameters. All models meet CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). While not certified for medical device reprocessing per ISO 15883 or EN 285, they are routinely deployed in GLP-aligned labs for pre-analytical cleaning prior to ICP-MS, SEM, and HPLC sample introduction. The absence of heating functionality ensures compliance with protocols requiring strictly ambient-temperature sonication—critical for thermolabile biomolecules, enzyme assays, and volatile organic extraction workflows.

Software & Data Management

As standalone analog-digital hybrid instruments, the KQ116/KQ118/KQ218 series do not incorporate embedded firmware, network connectivity, or data logging capabilities. Operation is fully manual via front-panel tactile controls, eliminating software validation burdens under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11. Each unit includes a factory-calibrated timer circuit traceable to NIST-traceable quartz oscillators, with documented linearity verification across the full 1–10 minute range. For regulated environments, users may integrate external digital timers or PLC-based sequencing controllers to establish audit-ready run logs—supporting SOP-driven documentation in pharmaceutical QC, environmental testing, and materials science labs.

Applications

• Cleaning of HPLC injection syringes, autosampler vials, and column frits to prevent carryover and baseline drift
• Removal of flux residues from printed circuit boards (PCBs) and microelectronic assemblies prior to solderability testing
• Dispersion of nanomaterial suspensions (e.g., graphene oxide, TiO₂ nanoparticles) for DLS and zeta potential analysis
• Cell lysis optimization for bacterial and yeast cultures in molecular biology workflows
• Preparation of reference standards for gravimetric analysis by eliminating adsorbed moisture and airborne particulates
• Supporting ASTM D2624 (aviation turbine fuel cleanliness) and ISO 4406 (fluid contamination code) sample conditioning protocols

FAQ

What is the recommended cleaning solution for use with these units?
Aqueous alkaline detergents (e.g., Alconox® Liquinox®) or low-surface-tension solvents such as isopropanol are preferred. Avoid halogenated hydrocarbons and strong acids unless validated for compatibility with 304 stainless steel.
Can these units be used for sterilization?
No. Ultrasonic cleaning removes bioburden but does not achieve sterility assurance levels (SAL) required by ISO 11135 or ISO 11137. They serve only as a precleaning step before autoclaving or ethylene oxide treatment.
Is degassing functionality supported?
Yes—continuous 40 kHz operation for 2–5 minutes effectively removes dissolved gases from solvents used in chromatography or spectroscopy, reducing bubble formation in flow cells and detectors.
How often should the tank be descaled?
In hard water areas, perform weekly descaling using 5% citric acid solution for 10 minutes followed by triple-rinsing with deionized water to prevent transducer damping and frequency drift.
Are replacement baskets and lids available as spare parts?
Yes—Chu Ding supplies OEM-matched stainless steel baskets (part no. CB-KQ06) and acoustically damped lids (part no. CL-KQ06) with documented dimensional tolerances and material certifications.