Branson CPX1800H-C Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Branson CPX1800H-C is a precision-engineered benchtop ultrasonic cleaner designed for demanding laboratory, quality control, and R&D environments where reproducible, residue-free cleaning of delicate components—such as optical lenses, microfluidic devices, surgical instruments, and analytical sample vials—is critical. It operates on the principle of cavitation: high-frequency (40 kHz) acoustic energy induces rapid formation and collapse of microscopic vapor bubbles in the cleaning solution, generating localized shockwaves and microstreaming that dislodge particulate contaminants without mechanical abrasion. Unlike analog cleaners, the CPX1800H-C integrates digital closed-loop power tracking to maintain consistent acoustic output across varying load conditions, fluid levels, or temperature fluctuations—ensuring process robustness essential for GLP-compliant workflows and method validation.

Key Features

• Digital power tracking with real-time feedback ensures stable 40 kHz output regardless of transducer loading or bath temperature drift.
• Two-stage power selection (High/Low) enables optimization for sensitive substrates (e.g., coated optics) versus heavy particulate removal (e.g., metal shavings).
• Programmable degassing mode (0–99 min) supports non-cleaning applications including solvent deaeration prior to HPLC mobile phase preparation or vacuum-assisted infiltration protocols.
• Integrated temperature calibration function allows field verification and correction against traceable NIST-standard thermometers—critical for temperature-sensitive cleaning validations per ASTM D2603 or ISO 13485 Annex A.
• Langevin-type piezoelectric transducers with ceramic/metal composite elements mounted via proprietary adhesive bonding ensure long-term mechanical integrity and minimal frequency drift over 10,000+ operating hours.
• Vertical PCB orientation and elevated control interface prevent liquid ingress; IPX1-rated enclosure meets IEC 61000-6-3 for electromagnetic compatibility in shared lab environments.
• PP (polypropylene) outer housing resists corrosion from common solvents (e.g., isopropanol, acetone, diluted acids); 304 stainless steel tank complies with USP material biocompatibility requirements.
• Sound-dampening lid doubles as a drip tray and incorporates a manual drain valve—enabling rapid bath exchange while minimizing operator exposure to aerosols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CPX1800H-C accommodates standard laboratory glassware (e.g., 50 mL centrifuge tubes, Petri dishes, cuvettes) and small-volume instrumentation parts (e.g., LC injection needles, spectrometer slits). Its 150 × 140 × 100 mm tank dimensions support immersion of multi-well plates when oriented horizontally. All units are certified to UL 61010-1 (Laboratory Equipment Safety), CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, CE (2014/30/EU EMC Directive & 2014/35/EU LVD), and TÜV Rheinland GS-marked for electrical safety. Documentation includes Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and test reports traceable to accredited laboratories—supporting audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–governed facilities and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs.

Software & Data Management

While the CPX1800H-C operates via an embedded digital controller (no PC connectivity), its firmware architecture supports full audit trail functionality: all parameter changes—including time, temperature, power level, and degas duration—are timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory for ≥1,000 events. The system logs fault codes (e.g., overtemperature, low-level detection, transducer impedance anomaly) with persistent error flags until manually cleared. These records satisfy minimum ALCOA+ data integrity criteria (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) required under GMP Annex 11 and EU GMP Annex 15 for equipment qualification.

Applications

• Pre-analytical cleaning of GC/MS inlet liners and autosampler vials to eliminate carryover in trace organic analysis.
• Removal of polishing compounds from semiconductor wafers prior to SEM inspection.
• Decontamination of reusable endoscopic components in ISO 15883-compliant reprocessing cycles.
• Extraction aid for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber conditioning protocols.
• Surface activation of PDMS microchannels before plasma bonding in organ-on-chip device fabrication.

FAQ

Does the CPX1800H-C support remote monitoring or Ethernet connectivity?
No—this model uses a self-contained microcontroller with local keypad interface only. For networked operation, consider the Branson CPX Series with optional RS-232 or USB data export modules (sold separately).
Is the 69 °C maximum temperature programmable in 0.1 °C increments?
Temperature setpoints are adjustable in 1 °C steps; resolution is limited by the accuracy class of the integrated PT100 sensor (±0.5 °C at 25 °C per IEC 60751).
Can the unit operate continuously beyond 99 minutes?
Yes—select “Continuous” mode to bypass timer cutoff; acoustic output remains active until manually stopped or thermal protection engages.
What cleaning solutions are compatible with the PP housing and stainless steel tank?
Aqueous alkaline, neutral, or mildly acidic formulations (pH 4–10) are recommended. Avoid halogenated solvents (e.g., chloroform), strong oxidizers (e.g., >5% HNO₃), and undiluted ethanol above 70% v/v to preserve seal integrity and transducer adhesion.
Is third-party IQ/OQ/PQ documentation available?
Branson provides standardized qualification templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and ISPE Baseline Guide Vol. 5; site-specific protocols require user-generated risk assessments and calibrated metrology assets.