KQ-50DB Benchtop Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The KQ-50DB Benchtop Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner is an entry-level, compact, and fully integrated ultrasonic cleaning system engineered for routine laboratory cleaning, degassing, and sample preparation tasks. It operates on the principle of high-frequency acoustic cavitation—where 40 kHz ultrasonic energy induces rapid formation and collapse of microscopic vapor bubbles in liquid media, generating localized high-pressure shockwaves and microstreaming that dislodge particulate contaminants from surfaces without mechanical abrasion. Designed for consistent performance in academic labs, QC/QA environments, and R&D facilities, the KQ-50DB features a monolithic architecture with the ultrasonic generator and piezoelectric transducers directly bonded to the stainless steel tank base—eliminating external cabling and enhancing signal integrity and long-term reliability. Its 2-liter capacity and precisely dimensioned 150 × 140 × 100 mm tank accommodate standard vials, cuvettes, small tools, optical components, and semiconductor wafers up to 100 mm diameter. While not equipped with heating or drainage, its digital control interface ensures repeatable process execution under ambient conditions.

Key Features

• Digital LED display showing real-time timer countdown, power level setting (40–100%), and operational status indicators
• Integrated low-level liquid sensor with automatic shutdown and visual alert to prevent dry-run damage to transducers
• Over-temperature, over-current, and over-voltage protection circuits compliant with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards
• 304 stainless steel tank fabricated via precision stamping and TIG-welded seams for corrosion resistance and structural rigidity
• Removable polypropylene mesh basket with optimized aperture geometry (1.2 mm pitch) for secure retention of small parts while permitting full acoustic coupling
• Single-frequency 40 kHz transducer array delivering uniform energy distribution across the tank bottom surface
• Front-panel membrane keypad with tactile feedback and non-volatile memory to retain last-used settings across power cycles

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KQ-50DB supports cleaning of glassware (vials, pipettes, Petri dishes), metal components (surgical instruments, watch parts), ceramic substrates, silicon wafers, and polymer-based labware. It is compatible with common aqueous detergents, ethanol, isopropanol, and low-surface-tension solvents—provided solvent compatibility with 304 stainless steel and PP basket material is verified per manufacturer SDS. The unit meets CE marking requirements for electrical safety (EN 61010-1) and EMC (EN 61326-1). While not certified for ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 environments, its deterministic timer and power control support documented SOP execution in GLP-aligned workflows where audit trails are maintained externally.

Software & Data Management

This model operates via embedded firmware with no PC connectivity or software dependency. All parameters—including timer value, power percentage, and fault logs—are retained in EEPROM memory and accessible through the front panel interface. No data export, remote monitoring, or electronic record-keeping capabilities are included. For laboratories requiring traceability, manual logbook entries or integration with external Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) via operator-initiated timestamped annotations are recommended. Firmware updates are not supported; hardware revision control is maintained through serial-number-based manufacturing batches.

Applications

• Routine cleaning of analytical glassware prior to HPLC, GC, or spectrophotometric analysis
• Removal of organic residues and polishing compounds from optical lenses and mirrors
• Preparation of metallographic samples for SEM/EDS imaging
• Disaggregation of aggregated nanoparticles in colloidal suspensions
• Cell lysis support in preliminary extraction protocols (e.g., bacterial pellet resuspension)
• Degassing of solvents prior to vacuum filtration or chromatography mobile phase preparation
• Cleaning of microfluidic chips and MEMS devices prior to bonding or functionalization

FAQ

Does the KQ-50DB include a heater or temperature control function?
No. The KQ-50DB is a non-heating model. Temperature-sensitive applications must be conducted at ambient laboratory temperature.
Can this unit be used with flammable solvents such as acetone or hexane?
Not recommended. The absence of explosion-proof certification, ventilation interlocks, or solvent vapor monitoring makes it unsuitable for Class I, Division 1 hazardous locations per NEC Article 500.
What is the expected lifetime of the ultrasonic transducers under normal use?
Rated for ≥10,000 hours of cumulative operation when operated within specified duty cycle limits (max 30 min continuous, followed by 10 min cooldown).
Is the mesh basket autoclavable?
Yes—the polypropylene basket is rated for steam sterilization at 121 °C for 20 minutes; repeated autoclaving may reduce mechanical strength after >50 cycles.
How is calibration performed for time and power accuracy?
Time accuracy is traceable to internal quartz oscillator (±0.5% deviation per 24 h). Power output is factory-set and not field-adjustable; verification requires calibrated calorimetric measurement per ASTM E1727.