Elma LE Series Circulating Water Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Elma LE Series Circulating Water Ultrasonic Cleaner is an engineered solution for precision cleaning, degassing, and sample preparation in regulated laboratory and industrial environments. Built upon Elma’s six-decade heritage in ultrasonic technology, the LE platform integrates dual-frequency piezoelectric transduction (37 kHz for robust macro-cleaning and 80 kHz for delicate micro-scale particle removal), coupled with a high-stability external water circulation system capable of maintaining temperatures up to 150 °C with ±0.02 °C thermal uniformity. Unlike basic immersion cleaners, the LE series employs a closed-loop recirculating bath architecture—enabling consistent thermal homogeneity across the entire tank volume, minimizing evaporation losses, and supporting extended-duration protocols such as HPLC mobile phase degassing or botanical extraction. Its design adheres to fundamental principles of acoustic cavitation physics: controlled nucleation, collapse dynamics, and energy distribution—all optimized via Elma’s proprietary Sweep modulation algorithm to eliminate standing wave nodes and ensure spatially uniform energy delivery.

Key Features

• Dual-frequency operation (37 kHz and 80 kHz) selectable per application requirement—37 kHz for heavy particulate removal from machined parts; 80 kHz for non-destructive cleaning of optical components, microfluidic devices, and coated substrates
• Integrated external circulation system with PID-controlled heater and high-precision Pt100 sensor—validated for thermal stability ≤ ±0.02 °C over 60-minute intervals at setpoints up to 150 °C
• Sweep mode dynamically modulates frequency within ±1.5 kHz bandwidth to disrupt resonant node formation and achieve homogeneous cavitation field distribution
• Adjustable ultrasonic power output (30–100% of rated power) with Pulse mode for intermittent high-intensity bursts targeting tenacious residues (e.g., dried protein films, solder flux, or polymerized oils)
• Degassing function optimized for HPLC solvent preparation—reduces dissolved O₂ and CO₂ content below 5 ppm within 10 minutes under vacuum-assisted circulation
• Stainless steel construction (AISI 304 tank; optional AISI 316 for aggressive solvents), fully drainable via 3/8″ NPT port, compliant with cleanroom-grade maintenance protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LE series accommodates a broad spectrum of sample geometries and material classes—including glassware (vials, cuvettes, chromatography columns), metal components (surgical instruments, aerospace fasteners), polymers (PC, PTFE, PMMA), and heat-sensitive biomaterials (when operated below 40 °C). All models meet DIN EN ISO 9001 requirements for design control, traceable calibration, and documented manufacturing processes. The circulation architecture supports GLP-compliant validation: temperature mapping reports, ultrasonic intensity profiling (per ASTM E1767), and time-temperature-pressure audit trails are achievable using third-party data loggers. Optional accessories—including titanium baskets, custom jigs, and solvent-resistant insulation sleeves—extend compatibility into ISO Class 5–7 cleanrooms and USP analytical instrument qualification frameworks.

Software & Data Management

While the LE series operates via intuitive front-panel LCD interface (with real-time display of setpoint/actual temperature, elapsed time, and power level), it supports external integration through RS-232 or optional Ethernet module (Elma Link™ firmware v4.2+). This enables remote parameter configuration, event logging (start/stop timestamps, temperature excursions, fault codes), and export of CSV-formatted datasets compatible with LIMS platforms. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with Elma-certified authentication modules—ensuring electronic signatures, user access tiers, and immutable record retention for regulated QC/QA workflows.

Applications

• HPLC and UHPLC solvent degassing—eliminating bubble formation in pumps and detectors without vacuum-induced solvent loss
• Pre-analytical preparation of ICP-MS sample vessels—removing trace metal contaminants from quartz and PFA containers
• Cleaning of MEMS sensors and semiconductor wafer carriers—achieving sub-100 nm particle removal efficiency verified by laser particle counters
• Extraction of bioactive compounds from botanical matrices (e.g., flavonoids from Ginkgo biloba, alkaloids from Catharanthus roseus) under controlled thermal-acoustic conditions
• Decontamination of reusable medical devices per ISO 15883-1:2019—validated cycle parameters available upon request
• Maintenance of metrology standards—cleaning of gauge blocks, ring gauges, and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) probes without surface abrasion

FAQ

What distinguishes the LE series from standard ultrasonic cleaners?
The LE series incorporates a thermostatically controlled external water circulation loop—not just a heated tank—ensuring uniform temperature distribution and eliminating hot/cold zones that compromise reproducibility in extraction or degassing.
Can the LE system be used with organic solvents?
Yes—when equipped with optional AISI 316 stainless steel tank and compatible circulation pump seals; consult Elma’s Chemical Resistance Guide (Doc. EL-CHM-2023) for validated solvent compatibility tables.
Is validation support provided for GMP environments?
Elma supplies IQ/OQ documentation templates, calibration certificates traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt), and on-site DQ assistance for pharmaceutical and biotech users.
How is ultrasonic intensity calibrated across different LE models?
Each unit undergoes aluminum foil erosion testing per ASTM E1767 prior to shipment; intensity maps and decay curves are included in the Certificate of Conformance.
Does the LE series support automated batch processing?
Via Elma Link™ software, users can program multi-step sequences (e.g., 5 min degas → 15 min 80 kHz wash → 10 min 37 kHz rinse → drain), with interlock verification for temperature and fill-level safety.