KUDOS SK-18C Heavy-Duty Floor-Standing Ultrasonic Cleaner with LCD Control Panel

Overview

The KUDOS SK-18C is a heavy-duty, floor-standing ultrasonic cleaner engineered for consistent, high-efficiency cleaning of laboratory glassware, precision components, surgical instruments, and industrial parts. Operating at a fundamental frequency of 25 kHz, the unit leverages low-frequency cavitation physics to generate robust implosion energy—ideal for removing tenacious particulate contaminants, dried residues, oils, and biofilms from complex geometries and porous surfaces. Its 54 L stainless steel tank (304 grade) provides ample volume for batch processing of large or multiple items, while the integrated heating system (20–60 °C) enhances detergent activation and accelerates soil solubilization without compromising material integrity. Designed for continuous operation in QC labs, medical device reprocessing units, and R&D facilities, the SK-18C conforms to core operational safety and reliability expectations for Class I laboratory cleaning equipment under ISO 13485-aligned environments.

Key Features

• High-power 750 W ultrasonic output delivered via 18 precisely distributed piezoelectric transducers bonded to the tank bottom—ensuring uniform energy distribution and minimizing standing-wave dead zones.
• LCD control panel with backlighting enables intuitive navigation of all operational parameters: time (1–199 min), power (40–100% in 1% increments), and temperature (20–60 °C), each displayed in real time during operation.
• Dry-run protection circuitry automatically halts heating and alerts the operator if liquid level falls below the minimum operational threshold—preventing transducer overheating and extending service life.
• Parameter memory function retains the last-used settings across power cycles, reducing setup time and supporting standardized cleaning protocols.
• Integrated drain valve facilitates rapid, spill-free tank emptying—critical for routine maintenance, solution changes, and compliance with GLP documentation requirements for cleaning validation.
• Stainless steel construction (ASTM A240 304) ensures corrosion resistance against common aqueous cleaning agents, including alkaline, acidic, and enzymatic formulations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SK-18C accommodates a broad range of sample types, including volumetric flasks, centrifuge tubes, filter housings, optical lenses, printed circuit boards, and orthopedic implants. Its 25 kHz frequency delivers optimal penetration for macro-scale contamination removal without inducing micro-fractures in brittle substrates (e.g., quartz, borosilicate glass). The unit supports cleaning process validation per ISO 15883-1 (for washer-disinfectors) and aligns with ASTM D2603 (ultrasonic cleaning performance testing methodology). While not certified as a medical device under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, it is routinely deployed in FDA-regulated facilities for non-sterile pre-cleaning steps compliant with USP and AAMI ST79 Annex D guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The SK-18C operates via embedded firmware—no external PC interface or proprietary software is required. All critical operating parameters are logged internally and retained after shutdown. Though it does not feature USB/Ethernet connectivity or audit trail functionality per FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its deterministic timer, calibrated temperature feedback loop, and repeatable power modulation support manual recordkeeping for SOP adherence. Users may document cycle parameters (time, temp, % power) and visual inspection outcomes in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated forms to fulfill traceability requirements for cleaning validation protocols.

Applications

• Pre-sterilization cleaning of reusable surgical instruments prior to autoclaving or ethylene oxide treatment.
• Removal of polishing compounds and metal fines from machined aerospace components and metrology standards.
• Routine decontamination of HPLC vials, autosampler trays, and flow cell assemblies in analytical laboratories.
• Cleaning of ceramic filters, membrane housings, and lab-scale bioreactor parts exposed to proteinaceous or microbial fouling.
• Restoration of vintage optical components where mechanical scrubbing poses unacceptable risk of surface scratching.

FAQ

What is the recommended cleaning solution for use with the SK-18C?
Aqueous alkaline detergents (pH 9–11) are preferred for organic residue removal; neutral or mildly acidic solutions may be used for inorganic scale or rust inhibition—always verify compatibility with 304 stainless steel and substrate materials.
Can the SK-18C be operated without heating?
Yes—temperature control is fully independent of ultrasonic activation; users may run cold ultrasonic cycles for thermally sensitive components.
Is degassing required before initiating a cleaning cycle?
Degassing is not automated but strongly advised for viscous or high-surface-tension solutions; a 5–10 minute pre-degassing cycle at 25 kHz and 40% power improves cavitation efficiency.
How often should the transducers be inspected?
Visual inspection for delamination or discoloration is recommended every 500 operational hours; performance verification via aluminum foil test (ASTM E1754) should be conducted quarterly.
Does the unit include a lid or cover?
No—operation without a lid is standard; however, optional acrylic splash guards are available separately to reduce aerosol generation and noise emission in shared lab spaces.