Branson B5510E-DTH Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Branson B5510E-DTH Ultrasonic Cleaner is a benchtop, general-purpose ultrasonic cleaning system engineered for precision, repeatability, and operational safety in laboratory, clinical, industrial, and research 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 complex geometries, porous surfaces, and delicate instrumentation. Its stainless steel tank is recessed to minimize direct contact between samples and the tank bottom, reducing mechanical abrasion and enhancing solution uniformity during cleaning cycles. Designed and manufactured by Branson Ultrasonics—a division of Emerson Electric—the B5510E-DTH complies with UL 61010-1 and IEC 61010-1 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings, ensuring safe operation under routine and extended use conditions.

Key Features

• Digital touch-panel interface enabling precise setting and real-time monitoring of cleaning duration (up to 99 minutes) and bath temperature (displayed in °C)
• Adjustable ultrasonic power output for optimized energy delivery across diverse sample types and soil loadings
• Integrated heating system with programmable temperature control (ambient to 69 °C), calibrated to ±4 °C accuracy
• Degassing mode to remove dissolved air prior to cleaning, significantly improving cavitation efficiency and reproducibility
• Robust solid-state ultrasonic generator with thermal protection and stable frequency output over time
• Sound-reducing hinged lid designed to attenuate airborne noise and contain aerosols during operation
• Impact-resistant polymer housing with chemical-resistant finish, supporting long-term durability in demanding lab environments
• Manual fill-and-drain configuration compatible with standard lab water sources and waste disposal protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The B5510E-DTH accommodates a broad range of sample formats—including glassware, metal tools, surgical instruments, optical components, printed circuit boards, and jewelry—without requiring specialized fixtures. Its 5.68 L capacity and 29.2 × 15.2 × 15.2 cm tank geometry support immersion of medium-sized assemblies while maintaining consistent acoustic field distribution. The unit meets key regulatory expectations for cleanroom-adjacent and GLP-compliant workflows: it supports documented cleaning validation through repeatable parameter control (time, temperature, power), and its non-programmable digital interface provides traceable operator inputs without requiring 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails—making it suitable for non-GMP but quality-conscious applications such as QC labs, university core facilities, and R&D prototyping. All materials in contact with cleaning solutions are FDA-compliant and resistant to common aqueous and mild solvent-based chemistries.

Software & Data Management

The B5510E-DTH operates via embedded firmware with no external software dependency. All operational parameters—including elapsed time, set temperature, and active ultrasonic mode—are displayed in real time on the integrated LCD. While the unit does not feature data logging, USB export, or network connectivity, its deterministic control architecture ensures full reproducibility across operators and shifts. For laboratories implementing SOP-driven cleaning protocols, the device supports manual entry into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS via standardized parameter templates. Optional accessories—including transducer cleaning baskets, beaker holders, and custom rack inserts—can be validated alongside process parameters to maintain consistency in multi-user environments.

Applications

This ultrasonic cleaner is routinely deployed in analytical chemistry labs for preparatory cleaning of HPLC vials, pipette tips, and filtration apparatus; in biomedical research for decontamination of microfluidic chips and tissue culture inserts; in dental and veterinary clinics for instrument reprocessing prior to sterilization; and in electronics manufacturing for flux residue removal from SMT assemblies. Its balanced power-to-volume ratio (35.2 W/L) and stable 40 kHz frequency make it especially effective for sub-micron particle removal from polished surfaces and narrow lumens—applications where higher frequencies may lack penetration depth, and lower frequencies risk surface pitting.

FAQ

Is the B5510E-DTH compliant with ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 820?
No—it is not certified as medical device manufacturing equipment, though it may be incorporated into validated cleaning steps within ISO 13485-certified processes when accompanied by documented protocol verification.
Can this unit be used with flammable solvents?
No. The B5510E-DTH is rated for aqueous and water-miscible solutions only; use with flammable or chlorinated solvents requires explosion-proof ultrasonic systems meeting Class I, Division 1 hazardous location requirements.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine cleaning of the stainless steel tank and inspection of the transducer mounting surface every 3–6 months; replacement of the sound-reducing lid gasket if compression set or cracking is observed.
Does the heater function independently of ultrasonic activation?
Yes—temperature can be set and maintained without initiating ultrasonic output, enabling pre-heating or rinse-step thermal conditioning.
Are replacement tanks or transducer modules available as spare parts?
Yes. Branson offers OEM-certified replacement tanks (P/N 7001258) and field-serviceable transducer assemblies (P/N 7001259) with documented calibration traceability to NIST standards.