Branson B200 Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Branson B200 Ultrasonic Cleaner is a compact, benchtop ultrasonic cleaning system engineered for precision cleaning of delicate and intricately shaped components in research laboratories, quality control environments, and small-scale manufacturing settings. It operates on the principle of acoustic cavitation: high-frequency sound waves (46 kHz) generate microscopic bubbles in the cleaning solution, which rapidly collapse near surfaces to dislodge particulate contaminants, oils, flux residues, and organic films without mechanical abrasion. This non-contact, isotropic cleaning mechanism ensures uniform treatment across complex geometries—including blind holes, crevices, and micro-textured surfaces—where traditional wiping or rinsing fails. Designed and manufactured in the United States, the B200 adheres to UL/CSA safety standards and integrates robust transducer architecture based on Langevin-type piezoelectric stack technology—combining titanium alloy front mass with ceramic-polarized elements for stable output and extended operational life.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (222 × 114 × 127 mm) optimized for space-constrained lab benches or glovebox integration;
• 304L stainless steel seamless tank (165 × 89 × 57 mm internal dimensions), cold-formed and electropolished for corrosion resistance and cleanability;
• Dual-mode digital control panel mounted above the tank level to prevent moisture ingress into electronics—compliant with IP20-rated enclosure design principles;
• Adjustable ultrasonic power (0–100% in 10% increments) and programmable timer (1–30 min) enabling method optimization for diverse sample types;
• Integrated heating element with adjustable temperature range (ambient to 80 °C), supporting aqueous and mild solvent-based cleaning protocols;
• Acoustically damped hinged lid with gasket seal reduces airborne noise by ≥15 dB(A) and minimizes solvent evaporation during heated cycles;
• Chemically resistant polypropylene (PP) housing rated for exposure to common alkaline, acidic, and alcohol-based solutions per ASTM D543;
• Manual fill/drain system with integrated overflow protection and sloped tank bottom for complete solution evacuation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The B200 is validated for cleaning substrates including but not limited to optical lenses, sapphire watch crystals, platinum crucibles, silicon wafers, dental prostheses, surgical forceps, and MEMS devices. Its gentle yet effective cavitation profile avoids surface pitting or micro-scratching on soft metals (e.g., gold, silver, aluminum) and brittle materials (e.g., borosilicate glass, quartz). The unit complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits) and meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. While not certified as medical device cleaning equipment per ISO 15883, it supports GLP-aligned cleaning SOPs when paired with validated detergents and process parameters. Routine verification may be performed using aluminum foil erosion tests (per ASTM F1221) or particle counting per USP .

Software & Data Management

The B200 operates via embedded firmware with no external software dependency—ensuring deterministic behavior and eliminating cybersecurity risks associated with networked controllers. All operating parameters (time, temperature, power level) are retained in non-volatile memory after power cycling. For audit-trail compliance in regulated environments (e.g., ISO 17025 labs), users may document settings manually or integrate the unit into broader lab management systems via optional analog voltage output (0–10 V) for time/temperature monitoring. No FDA 21 CFR Part 11 functionality is provided, as the device lacks user authentication, electronic signatures, or data logging capability—consistent with its classification as general-purpose laboratory instrumentation.

Applications

• Precision cleaning of optical components prior to coating or metrology;
• Removal of polishing compounds from gemstones, jewelry, and precious metal artifacts;
• Decontamination of reusable stainless-steel labware (e.g., syringe needles, pipette tips, microcentrifuge tubes);
• Preparation of electron microscopy specimens requiring particulate-free surfaces;
• Cleaning of microfluidic chips and microelectrode arrays prior to functional testing;
• Supporting ASTM E1429 (standard guide for ultrasonic cleaning of metal parts) and ISO 13485 cleanroom accessory maintenance protocols.

FAQ

What cleaning solutions are compatible with the B200?
Aqueous alkaline, neutral, or mildly acidic detergents—along with low-boiling-point solvents such as isopropanol or ethanol—are suitable. Avoid halogenated hydrocarbons or strong oxidizers unless explicitly approved by Branson technical documentation.
Can the B200 be used for sterilization?
No. Ultrasonic cleaning removes bioburden but does not achieve sterility. It is a prerequisite step before autoclaving, ethylene oxide treatment, or vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization.
Is the tank depth sufficient for submerging standard microcentrifuge tubes?
Yes—the 57 mm liquid depth accommodates 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL tubes vertically when placed in the included stainless steel basket.
Does the unit include a degassing function?
The B200 does not feature automatic degassing; however, a 5–10 minute initial sonication cycle at elevated temperature (60–70 °C) without load effectively removes dissolved air from fresh solutions.
How often should the transducers be serviced?
Under normal use (≤4 hrs/day), no scheduled transducer maintenance is required. Visual inspection of the tank bottom for delamination or cracking is recommended every 6 months.