Grant XUB Series Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Grant XUB Series Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner is an engineered solution for precision cleaning, degassing, and sample preparation in regulated laboratory environments. Based on the principle of piezoelectric transduction, these units generate high-frequency acoustic energy (32–38 kHz) within a liquid medium, inducing controlled cavitation—microbubble formation and implosive collapse—that mechanically dislodges particulate, organic, and biofilm contaminants from surfaces without abrasion or chemical over-reliance. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the XUB series integrates LEAP (Low-Energy Acoustic Pulse) frequency modulation technology to dynamically shift operating frequency across the specified band. This mitigates standing wave formation and acoustic shadowing, ensuring uniform energy distribution throughout the tank volume—a critical requirement for reproducible cleaning of complex geometries, microfluidic components, optical lenses, and surgical instruments.

Key Features

• LEAP frequency-hopping technology eliminates hotspots and dead zones by continuously modulating ultrasonic output between 32 kHz and 38 kHz, enhancing process consistency across full-load conditions.
• Digital PID temperature control with ±0.5 °C stability over the range of ambient +5 °C to 70 °C—enabling thermally assisted cleaning protocols compliant with ASTM D2621 and ISO 15883-5 for reprocessing medical devices.
• Integrated SD card module with digitally signed log files (timestamped, tamper-evident), supporting audit-ready documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and GLP/GMP data integrity requirements.
• Menu-driven LCD interface allows independent, precise setting of ultrasonic duration (0–99 min), heating setpoint, power level (% of max), degas mode activation, and auto-shutdown sequencing.
• Robust stainless-steel tank construction (304 grade), corrosion-resistant ABS lid, and calibrated BSP drain valve (3/8″ or 1/2″) facilitate rapid fluid exchange and integration into cleanroom workflows.
• Five scalable models (XUB5 to XUB25) accommodate volumes from 4.5 L to 25 L nominal capacity, with maximum working volumes up to 28 L—suitable for benchtop QC labs, central sterile supply departments (CSSD), and materials science research facilities.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XUB cleaners are validated for use with glassware, metal instrumentation, ceramic substrates, polymer-based microplates, and delicate MEMS components. Their non-contact cleaning mechanism preserves surface integrity while achieving >99.7% removal efficiency for sub-10 µm particles under standardized test conditions (per ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom validation protocols). Units comply with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions), IEC 61010-1 (safety for laboratory equipment), and carry CE marking for the European Economic Area. Optional calibration certificates traceable to UKAS-accredited standards are available upon request for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software installation is required. The embedded SD card records all operational parameters—including start/stop timestamps, actual bath temperature profiles, ultrasonic duty cycle, and error flags—in CSV format. Each file is cryptographically signed using SHA-256 hashing to prevent post-acquisition modification. Logs can be imported directly into LIMS platforms or reviewed via standard spreadsheet applications. The system supports automated daily self-diagnostics (transducer impedance check, thermal cutoff verification, and heater continuity test), with results stored alongside process data.

Applications

• Pre-analytical sample preparation: removal of residual solvents, salts, or proteins from HPLC vials, GC liners, and ICP-MS nebulizers.
• Sterile device reprocessing: adjunctive cleaning of endoscopes, laparoscopic tools, and orthopedic implants prior to steam sterilization (validated per AAMI ST79).
• Materials science: dispersion of nanomaterials (e.g., graphene oxide, TiO₂ nanoparticles) in aqueous or organic suspensions.
• Electronics manufacturing: flux residue removal from PCB assemblies without thermal stress or solder joint degradation.
• Pharmaceutical R&D: solvent degassing prior to formulation, dissolution testing vessel cleaning, and filter housing sanitization.

FAQ

What is the purpose of LEAP frequency modulation?

LEAP dynamically shifts the ultrasonic frequency during operation to disrupt standing wave patterns, ensuring homogeneous cavitation intensity across the entire tank volume—critical for consistent cleaning of irregular or stacked samples.
Can the XUB series be used for sterilization?

No. These units perform cleaning and degassing only. Sterilization requires validated microbial kill steps (e.g., autoclaving, ethylene oxide, or hydrogen peroxide plasma) and falls outside the scope of ultrasonic action.
Is temperature calibration traceable to national standards?

Yes—optional factory calibration reports include uncertainty budgets and traceability to NPL (National Physical Laboratory, UK) reference standards.
How often should the ultrasonic tank be descaled?

Depends on water hardness; typically every 3–6 months when using deionized water, or more frequently with tap water. Descaling is performed using citric acid solution at 50 °C for 30 minutes.
Does the unit support remote monitoring or network connectivity?

Not natively. However, the SD card logs can be scheduled for automatic retrieval via external USB-SD readers integrated into lab automation systems.