Thermo Fisher UV900 Fully Automated Acid Counter-Current Cleaning System
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | UV900 |
| Chamber Volume | 75 L |
| Heating Power | 1 kW |
| Maximum Cleaning Temperature | 120 °C |
| Compatible Cleaning Agents | Alkaline and Acidic Solutions (e.g., sub-boiling HNO₃) |
| External Dimensions (L×W×D) | 1398 × 850 × 530 mm |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher UV900 Fully Automated Acid Counter-Current Cleaning System is an engineered solution for trace-metal clean laboratories requiring ultra-low contamination control in sample preparation workflows. Designed specifically for the rigorous decontamination of microwave digestion vessels, quartz crucibles, PTFE/Teflon™ vials, and other acid-resistant labware used in ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and trace-level elemental analysis, the UV900 employs a precisely controlled sub-boiling nitric acid vapor generation and counter-current gas-phase cleaning mechanism. Unlike conventional soak-based acid baths or manual rinsing protocols, the UV900 operates on the principle of thermally stable, low-velocity acid vapor convection—where purified HNO₃ vapor is generated at temperatures just below its boiling point (≈116–120 °C), then directed upward through a vertical chamber while labware is held in a fixed, inverted orientation. This counter-current flow maximizes contact time and surface coverage, enabling removal of adsorbed metal ions—including Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and U—down to sub-ppt (≤0.1 pg/mL) levels, consistently achieving non-detect status in blank runs per ASTM D5673 and ISO 17294-2 validation criteria.
Key Features
- Sub-boiling nitric acid vapor generator with PID-controlled thermal regulation, ensuring stable vapor phase generation without droplet carryover or localized overheating.
- Integrated corrosion-resistant temperature sensing via isolated Pt100 probe, mounted outside the reaction zone to maintain long-term calibration integrity.
- Automated dual-stage cleaning cycle: (1) acid vapor exposure (30–60 min, adjustable), followed by (2) high-purity water rinse (8 L ultrapure water, ≥18.2 MΩ·cm resistivity) delivered via precision overhead spray nozzles.
- Full negative-pressure ventilation system with activated carbon + caustic scrubber filtration, compliant with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 and local chemical exhaust requirements.
- 9-inch full-color capacitive touchscreen interface running Thermo AMASWS Intelligent Washing Software, supporting 10 pre-validated cleaning protocols with audit-trail logging.
- 75 L stainless steel 316L chamber with electropolished interior surface and integrated drain with pH-sensing inline neutralization module for real-time waste effluent conditioning.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UV900 accommodates standard microwave digestion vessels (up to 100 mL capacity), including Milestone UltraWave, CEM Mars 6, and Anton Paar Multiwave PRO consumables. It supports borosilicate glass, fused quartz, PFA, ETFE, and quartz-lined metallic components—provided materials are rated for continuous exposure to 120 °C sub-boiling HNO₃ vapor. The system conforms to GLP and GMP documentation standards, with software supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable cycle logs. All operational parameters—including vapor temperature, dwell time, rinse volume, and exhaust pH—are recorded with timestamped metadata for laboratory accreditation audits (ISO/IEC 17025, CAP, CLIA).
Software & Data Management
Thermo AMASWS Intelligent Washing Software provides role-based access control (administrator, operator, reviewer), customizable protocol editing, and exportable CSV/Excel reports containing cycle ID, start/stop timestamps, temperature profiles, and neutralization endpoint pH values. Audit trails include operator ID, parameter changes, and alarm events—retained for ≥36 months unless purged under documented data retention policy. Optional integration with LIMS via HL7 or RESTful API enables automated workflow handoff to downstream ICP-MS acquisition systems.
Applications
- Routine decontamination of digestion vessels prior to ultra-trace metal analysis (ICP-MS detection limits <0.01 ng/L).
- Preparation of blanks and calibration standards in environmental testing labs (EPA Method 200.8, 6020B).
- Cleaning of sample introduction components (nebulizers, spray chambers) in high-sensitivity elemental labs.
- Supporting ISO 14001-certified laboratories seeking closed-loop chemical management and reduced hazardous waste generation.
- Enabling compliance with USP and elemental impurities requirements for pharmaceutical excipient testing.
FAQ
What types of acid solutions can be used in the UV900?
The system is validated for sub-boiling nitric acid (HNO₃); hydrochloric (HCl) and hydrofluoric (HF) acids are not supported due to material compatibility and safety constraints.
Does the UV900 require external cooling water or compressed air?
No—operation is self-contained; only single-phase 230 V / 50–60 Hz power and deionized water feed are required.
Can cleaning cycles be validated for regulatory submissions?
Yes—each cycle generates a machine-readable log file suitable for inclusion in method validation packages per ICH Q2(R2) and FDA guidance on analytical procedure validation.
How often does the carbon filter require replacement?
Under typical usage (2–3 cycles/day), the activated carbon + NaOH scrubber cartridge requires replacement every 6 months or after 500 operational hours, whichever occurs first.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Optional Ethernet-enabled telemetry allows secure remote status viewing and alarm notification via SNMP or email alert integration.
