DRETOP UBW-30H Ultrasonic Water Bath Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP UBW-30H Ultrasonic Water Bath Shaker is an integrated laboratory instrument engineered for simultaneous precise temperature regulation, mechanical agitation, and high-frequency ultrasonic energy delivery. It operates on the principle of coupled thermal–mechanical–acoustic excitation: a digitally controlled water bath maintains uniform temperature across the sample chamber; a motor-driven eccentric mechanism generates orbital oscillation at variable speeds (0–300 rpm) with a fixed 26 mm amplitude; and four independently monitored 40 kHz ultrasonic transducers—each rated at 80 W—deliver controllable acoustic power into the liquid medium. This tri-modal operation enables synergistic effects critical for applications requiring both thermal equilibration and physical disruption, such as cell lysis, nanoparticle deagglomeration, solvent-assisted extraction, and degassing of viscous or volatile solutions. Unlike standalone shakers or ultrasonic cleaners, the UBW-30H ensures spatial and temporal synchronization between thermal profile, shear forces, and cavitation intensity—minimizing experimental variability and enhancing reproducibility in protocol-sensitive workflows.

Key Features

• Orbital shaking mode with speed range 0–300 rpm and consistent 26 mm amplitude, optimized for suspension homogeneity and gentle mixing of biological samples.
• Four-channel 40 kHz ultrasonic system with total output of 320 W (4 × 80 W), featuring real-time frequency monitoring, power modulation, and sweep-mode operation to prevent standing-wave dead zones and improve cleaning or dispersion uniformity.
• PID-based digital temperature control with ±1°C accuracy and ±2°C uniformity across the 470 × 380 × 170 mm stainless steel bath chamber (304 grade).
• Extended timer function (0–9999 minutes) supporting unattended overnight operation, with power-loss recovery and parameter retention.
• Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature alarm (audible/visual), short-circuit protection, thermal cut-off, and keypad lockout to prevent accidental setting changes during active runs.
• Ergonomic spring-loaded tray (400 × 300 mm) accommodating up to twelve 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks; wave-patterned perimeter shielding reduces splashing during vigorous agitation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UBW-30H accommodates standard laboratory glassware—including conical flasks, centrifuge tubes, and extraction vials—within its water-immersed configuration. Its stainless steel interior resists corrosion from aqueous buffers, organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, chloroform), and mild acid/base solutions commonly used in nucleic acid isolation or metal leaching protocols. The device meets general electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and is suitable for use in ISO 17025-accredited laboratories performing validated sample preparation steps. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, its programmable parameters, audit-ready timer logs, and stable thermal–acoustic coupling support GLP-compliant documentation when integrated into SOPs for environmental analysis (EPA Method 3550C), pharmaceutical excipient dispersion (USP ), or bioprocess development (ICH Q5A).

Software & Data Management

The UBW-30H employs embedded firmware—not PC-dependent software—for all operational control. All parameters—including setpoint temperature, oscillation speed, ultrasonic power level, sweep frequency range, and elapsed time—are displayed and adjustable via a backlit LCD interface. The system records runtime data internally, including start/stop timestamps and deviation alerts, accessible through manual review on-screen. No external connectivity (USB/Ethernet/Wi-Fi) is provided; however, the device supports manual logging integration into LIMS or ELN platforms via standardized timestamped observation entries. For regulated environments, users may implement supplementary procedural controls—such as operator ID entry prior to run initiation—to fulfill FDA 21 CFR Part 11 traceability requirements where electronic records are generated externally.

Applications

• Cell Disruption & Biomolecule Extraction: Efficient lysis of bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells under controlled thermal conditions (e.g., 4°C for protease inhibition), improving yield and integrity of DNA, RNA, and soluble proteins.
• Nanomaterial Processing: Stable dispersion of graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in aqueous or polar media, reducing agglomerate size distribution and enhancing colloidal stability for TEM/SEM characterization.
• Environmental Sample Preparation: Accelerated solid-phase extraction (SPE) and microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) of PAHs, PCBs, and heavy metals from soil and sediment matrices per EPA SW-846 guidelines.
• Pharmaceutical Formulation: Degassing of ophthalmic solutions and parenteral suspensions to eliminate microbubbles prior to filtration and filling, complying with USP sterility assurance protocols.
• Chemical Synthesis Support: Enhanced mass transfer in heterogeneous catalysis, esterification, and click chemistry reactions where ultrasound promotes reagent contact at phase boundaries without thermal degradation.

FAQ

Is the UBW-30H suitable for use with flammable solvents?
Yes—provided appropriate ventilation and explosion-proof infrastructure are in place. The unit’s heating elements are fully immersed and sealed; however, open-vessel operation with low-flashpoint solvents (e.g., ether, hexane) requires additional engineering controls per NFPA 30 and local fire codes.
Can ultrasonic power be adjusted independently of temperature and shaking speed?
Yes. Each operational parameter—temperature setpoint, rpm, ultrasonic intensity (0–100% per channel), and sweep width—is fully decoupled and adjustable in real time via front-panel controls.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine descaling of the stainless steel bath using 5% citric acid solution every 200 operating hours is recommended. Transducer coupling gel integrity should be verified annually; replacement kits are available directly from DRETOP authorized service centers.
Does the device support external data logging via RS232 or USB?
No. The UBW-30H operates as a standalone instrument with no digital communication ports. Data export must be performed manually or via synchronized external recording devices.
Is calibration certification included with purchase?
Factory calibration reports for temperature and timer functions are supplied. NIST-traceable third-party calibration services can be arranged separately through certified metrology providers.