DRETOP UBW Series Ultrasonic Water Bath Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP UBW Series Ultrasonic Water Bath Shaker is an integrated laboratory instrument engineered for simultaneous precise temperature control, mechanical oscillation, and high-efficiency ultrasonic energy delivery. It operates on the physical principles of cavitation, acoustic streaming, and microturbulence—generated by high-frequency sound waves (28 kHz or 40 kHz) transmitted through a water medium—to achieve uniform sample mixing, particle dispersion, cell lysis, solvent degassing, and contaminant removal. Unlike conventional shakers or standalone ultrasonic cleaners, the UBW Series synchronizes rotational motion (0–300 rpm, 26 mm amplitude, orbital mode) with tunable ultrasonic output, enabling synergistic effects critical in molecular biology, nanomaterial synthesis, environmental analysis, and pharmaceutical development. Its stainless-steel water bath chamber (304 grade), PID-controlled heating system, and dual-frequency ultrasonic generator ensure reproducible thermal and acoustic conditions across extended operation cycles.

Key Features

• Integrated dual-function design: combines water bath temperature control (ambient +5°C to 100°C), orbital shaking (0–300 rpm, 26 mm amplitude), and digitally adjustable ultrasonic output (0–500 W).
• Dual-frequency ultrasonic generation at 28 kHz and 40 kHz—selectable via front-panel interface—to optimize energy coupling for low-viscosity (e.g., aqueous buffers) or higher-viscosity (e.g., glycerol-based suspensions) media.
• Advanced PID temperature controller with ±1°C accuracy, ±2°C uniformity, real-time digital display, deviation correction, and power-failure memory retention.
• Intelligent ultrasonic management: real-time monitoring of operating frequency, delivered power, and duty cycle; sweep-mode function enables dynamic frequency modulation to suppress standing-wave dead zones and enhance cleaning/dispersion homogeneity.
• High-efficiency degassing mode: pre-activates ultrasonic transducers to remove dissolved air from water prior to sample immersion—maximizing cavitation intensity and minimizing bubble shielding effects.
• Robust 304 stainless-steel inner chamber with wave-pattern splash guard walls and spring-loaded platform (400 × 300 mm) designed to secure up to twelve 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks during vigorous agitation.
• Comprehensive safety architecture: over-temperature alarm with audible/visual alert, short-circuit protection, thermal cut-off, keypad lockout, and automatic restart after power recovery.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UBW Series accommodates a broad range of sample containers—including glass vials, centrifuge tubes, beakers, and conical flasks—within its standardized platform geometry. Its non-corrosive chamber and sealed transducer mounting support compatibility with aqueous, mildly acidic, and buffered solutions commonly used in DNA extraction, protein solubilization, and nanoparticle formulation. While not certified for ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, the instrument’s parameter logging capability (via optional RS-232/USB interface), audit-trail-ready timer, and deterministic thermal/ultrasonic profiles align with GLP-compliant workflows when integrated into validated laboratory procedures. It meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and complies with CE marking directives for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low-voltage operation.

Software & Data Management

The UBW Series features an embedded microcontroller-based interface with LED-backlit LCD display, supporting intuitive navigation through multi-level menus for independent setting of temperature setpoint, oscillation speed, ultrasonic power level, sweep range, and timer duration (0–9999 minutes). All parameters are retained during power interruption and restored upon reboot. Optional PC connectivity (via RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapter) enables remote parameter configuration, real-time data streaming (temperature, rpm, ultrasonic status), and export of timestamped operational logs in CSV format—facilitating traceability in regulated environments. No proprietary software installation is required; terminal emulation tools (e.g., PuTTY, Tera Term) suffice for basic command-line interaction.

Applications

• Molecular Biology: Accelerated lysis of bacterial and mammalian cells prior to genomic DNA isolation; reduction of PCR setup time through homogeneous reagent mixing and template denaturation assistance.
• Nanomaterial Engineering: Stable dispersion of graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in polar solvents; prevention of agglomeration during sonication-assisted synthesis.
• Environmental Analysis: Efficient extraction of organic pollutants (e.g., PAHs, PCBs) from soil and sediment matrices using aqueous/organic solvent mixtures under controlled thermal-ultrasonic synergy.
• Pharmaceutical R&D: Solubilization of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs); preparation of nanoemulsions and liposomal formulations with narrow polydispersity indices.
• Electronics Manufacturing: Precision cleaning of MEMS devices, semiconductor wafers, and optical components without surface abrasion or residue formation.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended operating temperature for continuous ultrasonic operation?
Continuous ultrasonic activation is rated for stable operation up to 60°C. For temperatures above 60°C, ultrasonic output should be intermittently cycled to prevent transducer overheating and maintain long-term reliability.
Can the UBW Series accommodate custom-sized sample holders or magnetic stir bars?
The spring-loaded platform supports standard flask geometries only. Magnetic stir bars are incompatible due to interference with ultrasonic field propagation and potential damage to transducers.
Is calibration documentation provided with the unit?
Factory calibration certificates for temperature sensor and timer accuracy are available upon request at time of order; users are responsible for periodic verification per internal SOPs or ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
How does sweep-mode improve cleaning efficiency compared to fixed-frequency operation?
Sweep-mode dynamically shifts the ultrasonic frequency within a defined bandwidth (e.g., ±1 kHz around 40 kHz), disrupting nodal patterns and promoting uniform energy distribution—critical for eliminating shadow zones and ensuring consistent treatment across irregularly shaped samples.
What maintenance is required for sustained performance?
Monthly inspection of water bath level, transducer coupling integrity, and chamber cleanliness is recommended. Use deionized or distilled water to minimize mineral deposition; avoid chlorinated or highly corrosive solvents unless verified compatible with 304 stainless steel.