Chu Ding KQ-100 / KQ-100B / KQ-100E / KQ-100V Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Chu Ding KQ-100 series benchtop ultrasonic cleaners are engineered for precision cleaning, degassing, and sample preparation in academic laboratories, quality control environments, and R&D facilities. These units operate on the principle of piezoelectric ultrasonic cavitation at a fixed frequency of 40 kHz—optimized to generate stable, reproducible microbubble collapse across aqueous and mild organic solvent systems. The transducers are bonded directly to the stainless steel tank base, ensuring efficient energy transfer and minimal acoustic attenuation. Unlike immersion-style probes or high-power industrial systems, the KQ-100 platform delivers controlled, uniform ultrasonic intensity suitable for delicate instrumentation components, optical lenses, semiconductor wafers, HPLC vials, and biological sample holders—without inducing thermal or mechanical damage when operated within recommended duty cycles.

Key Features

• Integrated 40 kHz ultrasonic generator with 100 W total output power, distributed across multiple high-reliability piezoelectric transducers mounted on the tank bottom for uniform field distribution.
• Stainless steel (AISI 304) tank construction—deep-drawn and polished—to resist corrosion from common lab solvents including isopropanol, acetone, and dilute alkaline detergents; external housing is powder-coated steel for structural rigidity and ESD-safe operation.
• Programmable digital timer (1–20 minutes) with automatic shut-off, enabling repeatable process standardization compliant with ISO 13485 and ASTM D4292 cleaning validation protocols.
• Optional heating module (800 W on KQ-100B/E, 600 W on KQ-100V) with PID-controlled temperature regulation (0–80 °C ±1.5 °C), facilitating accelerated dissolution of organic residues and enhanced cavitation efficiency in heated baths.
• KQ-100V variant includes a sealed volatile solvent recovery system—designed to condense and recirculate low-boiling-point solvents (e.g., ethanol, hexane, chloroform) during extended cleaning cycles, reducing emissions and supporting OSHA PEL and EPA VOC compliance.
• Sound-dampening lid (standard on KQ-100E and KQ-100V) reduces ambient noise to ≤55 dB(A) at 1 m distance—meeting ISO 7779 and EU Directive 2006/42/EC requirements for laboratory equipment noise emission.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KQ-100 series accommodates a broad range of sample geometries and materials, including glassware (vials, cuvettes, pipette tips), metal components (surgical instruments, calibration standards), ceramic substrates, and polymer-based microfluidic devices. Its 4 L capacity and 300 × 150 × 100 mm tank depth support immersion of multi-tier racks and custom fixtures. All models comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory environments and meet CE marking requirements under the Low Voltage and EMC Directives. The KQ-100B/E/V variants support GLP-compliant documentation via external data loggers interfaced through RS-232 (optional), enabling traceable temperature and time records for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned workflows. No internal software resides on the unit; therefore, no firmware validation is required per GAMP 5 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The KQ-100 series operates as a standalone hardware platform without embedded operating systems or network connectivity—eliminating cybersecurity risks and regulatory overhead associated with connected instruments. Process parameters (temperature setpoint, timer duration, and heater status) are adjusted manually via front-panel membrane switches and displayed on a dual-digit LED screen. For laboratories requiring audit-ready records, optional analog/digital output modules (0–5 V or 4–20 mA) allow integration with centralized SCADA or LIMS systems. Temperature calibration can be verified using NIST-traceable PT100 probes (not included), and routine performance verification follows ASTM E1415-22 for ultrasonic cleaner qualification—measuring cavitation intensity via aluminum foil erosion test or hydrophone mapping.

Applications

• Cleaning of analytical instrumentation parts: HPLC injector valves, GC liners, ICP-MS nebulizers, and mass spectrometer ion sources.
• Preparation of TEM/SEM samples: removal of carbon contamination and particulate debris from grids and stubs.
• Degassing of solvents prior to chromatography or spectroscopy to eliminate air bubbles that interfere with baseline stability.
• Cell lysis and homogenization of soft-tissue lysates in buffer-compatible conditions (non-enzymatic, non-thermal disruption).
• Removal of flux residues from printed circuit boards (PCBs) and soldering jigs in electronics QA labs.
• Extraction of analytes from solid matrices (e.g., plant tissue, soil) using ultrasonically assisted leaching (UAE) per AOAC 2007.01.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended continuous operating time per cycle?
The unit is rated for up to 20 minutes of uninterrupted ultrasonic activation per cycle. For extended cleaning protocols, a 10-minute rest interval between cycles is advised to maintain transducer longevity and thermal stability.
Can I use flammable solvents such as acetone or ethanol in the KQ-100 series?
Only the KQ-100V model—with its integrated vapor condensation and recovery system—is certified for use with Class I flammable liquids. Standard KQ-100 and KQ-100B/E units are restricted to aqueous solutions and non-volatile detergents per UL 61010-1 Section 7.3.2.
Is the stainless steel tank electropolished?
No—the tank features a mechanically polished #4 finish (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm), sufficient for residue-free cleaning validation and compatible with passivation per ASTM A967.
Does the unit include a degassing mode?
Yes—running the ultrasonics for 3–5 minutes without load at room temperature effectively removes dissolved gases from deionized water or cleaning solutions, improving subsequent cleaning efficacy.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term performance?
Monthly inspection of transducer bonding integrity, quarterly descaling of the tank interior using 5% citric acid solution, and annual verification of timer accuracy and temperature sensor drift using calibrated references.