Elma Triangular Flask Holder for Ultrasonic Cleaners

Overview

The Elma Triangular Flask Holder is a precision-engineered stainless steel accessory designed exclusively for use with Elma ultrasonic cleaning systems. Unlike generic lab clamps, this holder is dimensionally optimized to stabilize standard Erlenmeyer flasks—typically 50 mL to 1000 mL—in upright orientation during ultrasonic cavitation cycles. Its structural geometry prevents lateral oscillation and minimizes energy dissipation at the flask base, thereby preserving acoustic coupling efficiency between the transducer and sample medium. The holder integrates seamlessly with Elma’s cooling-capable ultrasonic baths (e.g., ELMA S, P, or TRANSONIC series), allowing direct connection to external coolant loops via standardized 6 mm OD tubing ports. This enables active temperature control during extended cleaning protocols where exothermic reactions or heat-sensitive samples require thermal stabilization—critical for applications such as residue removal from pharmaceutical glassware or pre-analytical sample preparation under ISO/IEC 17025 conditions.

Key Features

• High-grade austenitic stainless steel (AISI 316) construction for corrosion resistance against organic solvents, alkaline detergents, and acidic rinse agents commonly used in ultrasonic cleaning workflows
• Modular three-point contact design that accommodates conical flask angles of 30°–45° without mechanical deformation or slippage
• Integrated coolant channel interface compatible with Elma’s optional LAUDA recirculating chillers or standard laboratory water manifolds
• Non-marring internal surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm) to prevent micro-scratching of borosilicate glassware
• Tool-free installation and removal; mounts directly onto Elma bath tank walls using factory-calibrated magnetic or threaded anchor points
• Designed for repeatable positioning—enabling consistent sonication exposure across multiple flasks in parallel processing setups

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The holder supports all standard Erlenmeyer flasks conforming to DIN EN ISO 1042 and ASTM E288 specifications. It is validated for use with aqueous, ethanol-based, and low-surface-tension solvent systems (e.g., acetone, isopropanol) within Elma’s published chemical compatibility guidelines. As a passive mechanical fixture—not an active component—it carries no electrical rating or CE marking requirement. However, its use contributes to compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) by ensuring traceable, reproducible sample placement. When deployed in regulated environments (e.g., FDA-regulated QC labs), the holder facilitates audit-ready documentation of sample geometry and thermal management parameters per 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity principles when paired with Elma’s PC-controlled cleaners equipped with logging firmware.

Software & Data Management

While the Triangular Flask Holder itself contains no embedded electronics or firmware, it is fully interoperable with Elma’s ElmaControl™ software suite (v3.2+). When used in conjunction with compatible ultrasonic systems (e.g., TRANSONIC TI-H series), the holder enables precise correlation between physical sample configuration and logged process variables—including time-stamped temperature profiles from integrated Pt100 sensors and ultrasonic power delivery metrics. This integration supports automated report generation for validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) and satisfies requirements for analytical instrument qualification under USP and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 5.5.3.

Applications

• Removal of proteinaceous residues from cell culture flasks prior to sterility testing (ASTM F1921)
• Preparation of chromatography vials and HPLC autosampler tubes requiring particulate-free surfaces
• Cleaning of dissolution test apparatus components per USP
• Decontamination of forensic evidence containers under chain-of-custody protocols
• Thermal management during ultrasonic-assisted extraction of thermolabile phytochemicals (e.g., flavonoids, terpenes)
• Stabilization of reaction mixtures undergoing sonocatalysis in synthetic organic chemistry workflows

FAQ

Is this holder compatible with non-Elma ultrasonic cleaners?
Yes—mechanically, it can be adapted to third-party baths with flat vertical walls and sufficient mounting clearance; however, full thermal integration (coolant routing) requires Elma-specific port geometry and pressure ratings.
Does the holder affect ultrasonic field uniformity?
No—finite element modeling confirms minimal perturbation (<2% local pressure amplitude deviation) when positioned per Elma’s recommended offset distance (≥15 mm from tank bottom and transducer face).
Can it be autoclaved?
Yes—AISI 316 stainless steel withstands repeated steam sterilization at 134°C / 273°F for 18 minutes per EN 285, though routine cleaning with Elma’s MICRO 90® detergent is recommended for daily use.
What flask sizes does it support?
Standard configurations accommodate 125 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, and 1000 mL Erlenmeyer flasks meeting DIN 12331 dimensional tolerances.
Is calibration required?
No—this is a passive mechanical fixture with no adjustable or drift-prone elements; periodic visual inspection for surface pitting or thread wear is sufficient per Elma’s maintenance schedule.