Brookfield BLQX-220 Benchtop Glassware Washer

Overview

The Brookfield BLQX-220 Benchtop Glassware Washer is an engineered solution for automated cleaning, rinsing, and thermal drying of laboratory glassware—including volumetric flasks, Erlenmeyer flasks, beakers, pipettes, test tubes, and graduated cylinders—in compliance with ISO 15883-1 (Washer-Disinfectors for Thermolabile Instruments) and GLP/GMP environmental control requirements. Designed around a closed-loop, recirculating wash chamber architecture, the system employs precisely controlled spray arm dynamics, multi-stage temperature ramping, and programmable dwell times to remove organic residues, particulates, and trace contaminants without mechanical abrasion. Its stainless steel (AISI 304) wetted components ensure corrosion resistance against alkaline detergents and acidic rinse agents, while the heated air drying cycle—operating at up to 95 °C—achieves residual moisture levels ≤0.1 mg per vessel, verified per ASTM E2652–20 (Standard Practice for Validation of Automated Laboratory Glassware Washers).

Key Features

• PLC-driven microprocessor controller with intuitive 7-inch TFT LCD interface supporting multilingual operation (English, German, French, Spanish)
• Three independent water inlets enabling sequential use of cold tap water (pre-rinse), heated utility water (wash cycle), and deionized water (final rinse), minimizing conductivity carryover
• Dual-tier adjustable rack system accommodating heterogeneous glassware loads up to 22 L total volume per cycle
• Integrated HEPA-filtered (H14 class, ≥99.995% @ 0.3 µm) forced-air drying module ensuring particle-free drying environment
• Comprehensive safety architecture: real-time temperature monitoring with dual redundant thermal cutoffs, phase loss detection, door position sensing, and ground-fault circuit interruption
• Modular design allows field-upgradeable integration of optional ultrapure water (UPW) generation unit meeting ASTM D1193 Type I specifications

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BLQX-220 supports standard ANSI/NSF/ISO-compliant labware geometries up to 300 mm height and 120 mm diameter. It accommodates borosilicate glass (e.g., Pyrex®, Duran®), polypropylene, and PTFE components—subject to maximum thermal load limits (≤120 °C continuous exposure). Validation documentation includes IQ/OQ protocols aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements, including electronic signature support, audit trail logging (retained ≥12 months), and user access level management (admin/operator/guest). All detergent compatibility testing follows CLSI EP25-A2 guidelines; recommended chemistries include Alconox® Liquinox™ and Hellma® Cleanex™ series.

Software & Data Management

Embedded firmware supports full-cycle parameter logging—including inlet water temperature/pressure, chamber temperature profiles, pump duty cycles, and drying time—exportable via USB or Ethernet to CSV or PDF. Optional Ethernet/IP connectivity enables integration into centralized LIMS environments using Modbus TCP or OPC UA protocols. Cycle reports include timestamped pass/fail status for critical parameters (e.g., final rinse conductivity ≤0.5 µS/cm, drying endpoint temperature stability ±2 °C over 5 min), satisfying ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.8.2 record retention mandates.

Applications

• Quality control laboratories performing HPLC, GC-MS, and ICP-MS sample preparation where trace metal carryover must remain below detection limits (e.g., <10 ppt Cr, Ni, Cu)
• Pharmaceutical R&D units requiring validated cleaning processes per USP Analytical Instrument Qualification
• Academic core facilities serving multiple research groups with divergent detergent and temperature protocols
• Clinical diagnostics labs adhering to CAP-accredited cleaning SOPs for reusable specimen containers and dilution vessels
• Environmental testing labs processing soil/water extracts under EPA Method 500/600 series regulatory frameworks

FAQ

Does the BLQX-220 meet FDA or EU MDR validation requirements for washer-disinfectors?

Yes—the system ships with pre-validated IQ/OQ documentation templates compliant with Annex 15 of the EU GMP Guide and FDA Process Validation Guidance (2011). Installation qualification includes verification of water quality, electrical supply, and ambient airflow per ISO 14644-1 Class 8.

Can the machine be integrated into a building’s BMS or central water supply?

Yes—standard 4–20 mA analog outputs and Modbus RTU serial interface enable seamless connection to facility SCADA systems. Dedicated isolation valves and pressure regulators are required for direct DI water line integration.

What detergent concentration ranges are supported, and how is dosing controlled?

The unit accepts 0.5–3.0% v/v alkaline or neutral enzymatic detergents via precision peristaltic dosing pumps calibrated to ±1.5% accuracy across 0.1–5.0 mL/s flow range.

Is third-party certification available for ISO 15883-1 conformance?

Third-party testing by TÜV SÜD or NSF International can be arranged through Brookfield’s authorized validation partners; typical turnaround is 6–8 weeks post-installation.