SHUMEI KQ218 Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner
| Brand | SHUMEI |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Equipment Category | Domestic |
| Model | KQ218 |
| Instrument Type | General-Purpose |
| Tank Capacity | 0.6 L |
| Ultrasonic Frequency | 40 kHz |
| Ultrasonic Power Output | 100 W |
| Power Adjustment | Not Adjustable |
| Temperature Control | Not Available |
| Timer Range | 10 min (Fixed) |
| Sound-Dampening Lid | Included |
| Drain/Inlet Fitting | Not Provided |
| External Dimensions | 223 × 114 × 131 mm |
| Internal Tank Dimensions | 167 × 90 × 52 mm |
| Standard Accessories | Plastic Mesh Basket, Acoustic Lid, 220 V / 50 Hz Power Supply |
| Compliance | CE-marked for laboratory use per IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61010-1 (Safety) |
Overview
The SHUMEI KQ218 is a compact, general-purpose benchtop ultrasonic cleaner engineered for routine cleaning of small laboratory components—including glassware (vials, pipette tips, cuvettes), metal parts (syringe needles, surgical instruments), and precision optics—where consistent cavitation energy delivery is required without thermal or mechanical agitation. It operates on the principle of piezoelectric transduction: high-frequency electrical signals (40 kHz) drive ceramic transducers bonded to the stainless-steel tank base, generating controlled acoustic pressure waves in the cleaning medium. These waves produce transient microcavitation bubbles that collapse near surfaces, releasing localized energy sufficient to dislodge particulate contaminants, organic residues, and loosely adhered biofilms. Unlike heated or programmable units, the KQ218 delivers fixed-interval, non-thermal cleaning optimized for rapid, repeatable decontamination cycles in QC labs, academic teaching facilities, and R&D support environments where simplicity, reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility are prioritized over variable process control.
Key Features
- Benchtop footprint (223 × 114 × 131 mm) with corrosion-resistant 304 stainless-steel tank (167 × 90 × 52 mm internal dimensions) ensuring long-term durability under aqueous solvent exposure.
- Fixed-frequency 40 kHz ultrasonic generation with 100 W total output power—engineered for stable cavitation intensity across the full 0.6 L working volume.
- Integrated automatic frequency sweeping circuitry minimizes standing-wave node formation, improving cleaning uniformity and reducing “dead zones” within the tank.
- Mechanical timer with fixed 10-minute cycle duration—designed for operator consistency and compliance with standardized cleaning SOPs requiring defined exposure time.
- Acoustic lid included as standard equipment to attenuate airborne noise (reducing ambient sound pressure level by ≥15 dB(A)) and prevent solvent evaporation during operation.
- Plug-and-play design: 220 V / 50 Hz input with built-in overcurrent and short-circuit protection; no external cooling or ventilation ducting required.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KQ218 accommodates standard laboratory items up to 90 mm in width and 52 mm in depth, including borosilicate glass vials, aluminum sample holders, stainless-steel forceps, and polymer-based microcentrifuge tubes. It is compatible with water, aqueous alkaline detergents (e.g., Alconox®), and low-volatility solvents (e.g., isopropanol, ethanol) when used in well-ventilated areas. The unit conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EMC requirements per IEC 61000-6-3:2019 for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) devices. While not certified for ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its fixed-timer architecture supports GLP-aligned documentation when paired with lab-specific cleaning logs and instrument calibration records.
Software & Data Management
The KQ218 operates via a purely mechanical interface—no embedded firmware, touchscreen, or digital connectivity. This architecture eliminates software validation requirements and ensures deterministic behavior across all operating conditions. Time settings are manually selected using a rotary dial; no data logging, remote monitoring, or audit trail functionality is provided. For regulated environments requiring traceability, users may integrate external timers or document cycle initiation/completion manually per institutional SOPs. No driver installation, cloud synchronization, or firmware updates are applicable.
Applications
- Routine pre-analytical cleaning of HPLC vials and autosampler trays prior to chromatographic analysis.
- Removal of polishing compounds and particulate debris from optical components (e.g., microscope slides, lens mounts) without surface scratching.
- Decontamination of reusable pipette tips and electrophoresis combs between gel runs.
- Supporting ASTM D2624 (fuel cleanliness testing) and ISO 16232 (road vehicle component cleanliness) sample preparation protocols where ultrasonic agitation is specified.
- Teaching laboratories performing introductory materials science or analytical chemistry experiments requiring reproducible, low-risk cleaning methodology.
FAQ
Is the ultrasonic frequency adjustable?
No—the KQ218 operates exclusively at 40 kHz and does not support multi-frequency selection or manual tuning.
Can the unit be used with heated cleaning solutions?
No—temperature control is not integrated; the device lacks heating elements and thermostatic feedback circuits.
Does it include a drain valve for solution disposal?
No—fluid removal requires manual decanting or siphoning; no inlet or outlet ports are provided.
What is the expected service life of the transducers under continuous use?
When operated within rated duty cycles (≤3 hours/day, with ≥30-minute cooldown intervals), the piezoelectric transducers maintain >90% nominal power output for ≥5 years per manufacturer accelerated aging tests.
Is the plastic mesh basket autoclavable?
No—the supplied polypropylene basket is rated for chemical resistance only; autoclaving will deform the structure and compromise dimensional stability.
