Branson CPX8800-C Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Branson CPX8800-C is a precision-engineered benchtop ultrasonic cleaner designed for consistent, repeatable cleaning and sample preparation in regulated laboratory environments. It operates on the principle of high-frequency acoustic cavitation—generating microscopic implosions in liquid media at 40 kHz—to dislodge particulate contaminants, organic residues, and biofilms from surfaces of immersed components. Engineered for robustness and operational stability, the CPX8800-C integrates a Langevin-type piezoelectric transducer assembly bonded directly to the 304 stainless steel tank wall, ensuring efficient energy transfer and long-term mechanical integrity. Its digital control architecture supports automatic power tracking across varying load conditions and fluid levels, maintaining stable cavitation intensity regardless of bath volume or part geometry—critical for method reproducibility in QC/QA, analytical sample prep, and medical device reprocessing workflows.

Key Features

• Digital microprocessor-controlled interface with intuitive top-mounted panel layout, minimizing risk of liquid ingress and enhancing service life
• Automatic power tracking system compensates for impedance shifts during operation, delivering consistent ultrasonic output across multiple users or variable load configurations
• Two-step power selection (high/low) enables optimization for delicate substrates (e.g., optical lenses, microfluidic chips) or heavily soiled instrumentation parts
• Professional degassing mode with up to 99-minute programmable duration—suitable for solvent deaeration prior to HPLC mobile phase preparation or vacuum-assisted infiltration protocols
• Proprietary sweep-frequency modulation enhances spatial uniformity of cavitation distribution within the tank, reducing dead zones and improving cleaning homogeneity
• Chemically resistant polypropylene (PP) housing and electropolished 304 stainless steel tank meet stringent corrosion resistance requirements for aqueous and mild solvent-based cleaning chemistries
• Vertical PCB orientation and sealed internal compartmentalization provide enhanced protection against moisture and condensation in high-humidity lab settings
• Integrated sound-dampening lid functions as both acoustic enclosure and spill-containment drip tray; features integrated drain valve for rapid manual evacuation
• Precision-calibrated fill line ensures optimal transducer coupling and maximum energy transfer efficiency at standard operating volume

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CPX8800-C accommodates a wide range of sample formats—including glassware (vials, flasks, cuvettes), metal tools (tweezers, forceps, surgical instruments), ceramic substrates, and polymer-based microcomponents—without compromising structural integrity. Its 495 × 290 × 150 mm tank dimensions support immersion of large-format items such as Petri dish stacks or multi-well plates mounted on optional accessories (e.g., perforated baskets, test tube racks). All units comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety standards per IEC/EN 61000-6-3, IEC/EN 61000-6-4, UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, and carry full CE marking under the EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). Independent third-party certification by TÜV SÜD confirms conformance with DIN EN 61010-1:2012 and associated Annexes for laboratory equipment safety.

Software & Data Management

While the CPX8800-C operates via embedded firmware without external PC connectivity, its digital timer and parameter retention logic support audit-ready operation in GLP- and GMP-regulated facilities. All user-defined settings—including time, power level, and degas duration—are retained through power cycling. The absence of network interfaces eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities while fulfilling FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for non-electronic record systems: operator actions are traceable via physical logbook entries synchronized with batch records. Optional accessories—including calibrated temperature probes (for external monitoring), ISO-certified cleaning validation kits, and stainless steel mesh baskets—facilitate documented cleaning validation per ASTM F3127-18 and ISO 15883-5 for reusable medical devices.

Applications

This unit serves as a foundational tool across pharmaceutical quality control labs (residue removal from HPLC vials and autosampler trays), clinical diagnostics (decontamination of pipette tips and PCR plates), materials science (surface activation of nanomaterial substrates prior to coating), and electronics manufacturing (flux residue removal from PCB assemblies). Its stable 40 kHz output is particularly effective for sub-micron particle detachment from smooth surfaces, making it suitable for pre-cleaning steps in SEM sample preparation, TEM grid mounting, and thin-film deposition workflows. In academic research, the CPX8800-C supports reproducible extraction protocols for plant metabolites, tissue homogenates, and nanoparticle dispersions where mechanical shear must be minimized.

FAQ

Does the CPX8800-C support temperature control?
No—this model does not include integrated heating or thermostatic regulation. For temperature-sensitive applications, external water baths or chillers may be used in conjunction with compatible cleaning solutions.
Is the tank drain valve compatible with standard laboratory tubing?
Yes—the manual drain port accepts standard 8 mm OD silicone or PVC tubing for controlled gravity-fed drainage into waste containers.
Can the CPX8800-C be operated continuously beyond 99 minutes?
Yes—selecting “continuous” mode bypasses the timer and sustains ultrasonic output until manually terminated.
What cleaning solutions are recommended for use with this unit?
Aqueous alkaline, neutral, or mildly acidic formulations compatible with 304 stainless steel and polypropylene are appropriate; avoid halogenated solvents or strong oxidizers unless verified for material compatibility.
How often should the transducer bond integrity be verified?
Branson recommends annual verification by qualified service personnel using impedance spectroscopy; visual inspection for delamination or corrosion at the tank-transducer interface should occur during routine maintenance.