Branson CPX2800-C Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Branson CPX2800-C is a benchtop ultrasonic cleaner engineered for precision cleaning and sample preparation in analytical, pharmaceutical, clinical, and materials laboratories. It operates on the principle of high-frequency acoustic cavitation—generating controlled micro-bubbles in liquid media that collapse violently upon contact with surfaces, dislodging particulate contaminants, organic residues, and biofilms without mechanical abrasion. At a fixed frequency of 40 kHz, the CPX2800-C delivers optimal energy transfer for general-purpose cleaning of glassware, metal parts, surgical instruments, electronic components, and filtration membranes. Its compact 2.8 L tank volume balances workspace efficiency with sufficient capacity for multi-vessel processing, making it suitable for routine QC/QA workflows, R&D sample prep, and GLP-compliant lab environments.

Key Features

• Automatic Power Tracking: Maintains consistent ultrasonic output regardless of load variation, tank fill level, or solution temperature—ensuring reproducible cleaning performance across multiple users and applications.
• Dual-Power Mode Selection: High/low power settings allow optimization for delicate substrates (e.g., microfluidic chips or coated optics) versus robust contamination removal (e.g., machining oils or solder flux).
• Professional Degassing Function: Adjustable degassing cycle (0–99 min) removes dissolved gases from solvents prior to ultrasonic treatment—critical for improving cavitation efficiency and preventing premature bubble coalescence during critical cleaning or solvent-based extraction protocols.
• Langevin-Type Transducer Assembly: Features a proprietary metal-ceramic piezoelectric stack mounted via advanced adhesive bonding to the stainless steel tank bottom—eliminating mechanical fasteners that may fatigue or delaminate over time.
• Vertical PCB Layout & Elevated Control Panel: Internal electronics are oriented vertically to minimize moisture ingress; the digital interface is positioned above the tank rim to prevent accidental liquid exposure during operation or spill events.
• Optimized Tank Geometry & Standardized Fill Line: The 230 × 140 × 100 mm stainless steel tank (304 grade) incorporates a calibrated water-level indicator to ensure optimal acoustic coupling and uniform energy distribution throughout the bath volume.
• Integrated Sound-Dampening Lid: Functions as both an acoustic shield and a removable drip tray; includes a built-in drain valve for rapid, hands-free fluid evacuation after cycles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CPX2800-C accommodates a broad range of laboratory vessels—including beakers, flasks, vials, Petri dishes, and custom fixtures—within its open-top tank design. Its polypropylene (PP) housing resists corrosion from common aqueous and mild organic solvents (e.g., isopropanol, ethanol, diluted alkaline detergents), while the 304 stainless steel tank ensures long-term integrity under repeated thermal and chemical stress. All units comply with international safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards: UL 61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, EN 61000-6-3/-4, and IEC 61000-3-2. Full TÜV Rheinland certification confirms adherence to stringent electrical insulation, grounding continuity, and fault-condition testing per IEC 61010-1 Annex BB—supporting audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and GMP-regulated operations.

Software & Data Management

The CPX2800-C employs an embedded microcontroller-based system with no external software dependency. All operational parameters—including timer setting, power mode selection, and degas activation—are stored in non-volatile memory and retained after power cycling. While the unit does not support network connectivity or remote data logging, its digital timer provides traceable cycle documentation when paired with laboratory notebook entries or LIMS-integrated workflow logs. The absence of USB ports or wireless interfaces inherently satisfies air-gapped security requirements in classified or regulated facilities where firmware tampering or unauthorized data export must be precluded.

Applications

• Routine cleaning of HPLC vials, GC syringes, and autosampler components prior to chromatographic analysis
• Preparation of TEM/SEM samples requiring particle-free substrate surfaces
• Removal of polishing compounds and oxide layers from metallurgical specimens
• Disassembly aid for MEMS devices and precision optical assemblies
• Decontamination of reusable pipette tips and electrophoresis combs
• Supporting ASTM D2601 (cleaning verification), ISO 13485 (medical device manufacturing), and USP (ultrasonic cleaning validation guidelines)

FAQ

Is the CPX2800-C compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
The unit itself does not provide electronic signature capability or audit-trail generation; however, its deterministic, non-networked control architecture enables full procedural traceability when integrated into documented SOPs and manual logbook systems compliant with Part 11 Annex 11 expectations.
Can the CPX2800-C be used with flammable solvents?
No. This model is rated for aqueous and low-volatility solutions only. Use in explosive atmospheres or with Class I flammable liquids (e.g., acetone, hexane) requires explosion-proof certified equipment (e.g., Branson 5510E-DTH) and appropriate ventilation engineering controls.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine inspection of the transducer bond integrity, periodic descaling of the stainless steel tank using citric acid solution, and verification of lid seal compression are recommended every 6 months or after 500 operating hours.
Does the unit include a heater?
No. The CPX2800-C lacks temperature regulation; heating must be achieved externally via water baths or thermostatically controlled immersion heaters compatible with ultrasonic operation.
How is calibration verified for quality assurance purposes?
Branson provides factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards for timer accuracy (±0.5% deviation at 60 min) and power output (±3% at rated load). Users may perform in-house verification using aluminum foil erosion tests per ASTM E1755-00 or calorimetric methods outlined in ISO 13097.