KUDOS SK2210HP/SK3210HP/SK3310HP/SK5210HP Series Adjustable-Power Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The KUDOS SK-Series Adjustable-Power Heated Ultrasonic Cleaners are engineered for precision cleaning of delicate laboratory components—including glassware, pipette tips, surgical instruments, microfluidic devices, and analytical sample holders—where consistent cavitation intensity, thermal uniformity, and process repeatability are critical. These units operate on the principle of high-frequency piezoelectric transduction at a stable 53 kHz, generating controlled acoustic cavitation in aqueous or mild solvent media. Unlike fixed-power systems, the SK-Series incorporates digitally regulated ultrasonic power delivery across a continuous 40–100% range (in 1% increments), enabling method optimization for varying soil loads, substrate geometries, and material sensitivities. Integrated PTC heating elements maintain setpoint temperatures between 20 °C and 60 °C with ±1 °C stability, while ultrasonic energy actively promotes thermal homogeneity throughout the tank volume—reducing stratification and enhancing cleaning kinetics without mechanical agitation.

Key Features

• Digital backlit LCD interface with real-time display of set temperature, actual bath temperature, elapsed time, and active power level
• Programmable timer spanning 1 to 199 minutes, supporting both single-cycle and repeat-run protocols
• Intelligent dry-run protection: automatic power cutoff and audible/visual alarm when liquid level falls below transducer activation threshold
• Sound-dampening hinged lid reduces ambient noise by up to 15 dB(A) and minimizes solvent evaporation during heated operation
• 304 stainless steel tank construction ensures corrosion resistance, cleanability, and compliance with ISO 15190:2020 laboratory safety standards
• Manual inlet and drain fittings allow flexible integration into lab utility infrastructure without requiring permanent plumbing
• EMC-compliant design per IEC 61326-1; electrical safety certified to IEC 61010-1 for Class I laboratory equipment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SK-Series accommodates a broad range of sample formats—from microcentrifuge tubes and Petri dishes to volumetric flasks and reusable electrophoresis combs—without risk of surface pitting or etching, provided appropriate cleaning solutions (e.g., non-ionic detergents, low-concentration alkaline formulations) are selected. All models meet general requirements for GLP-compliant cleaning validation when operated within documented parameters. While not intrinsically designed for sterile processing, the combination of precise thermal control and reproducible cavitation enables validation against ASTM D4163 (standard practice for ultrasonic cleaning verification) and supports routine QC workflows aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.2.2 (method validation). The absence of programmable audit trails or electronic signatures means these units are intended for non-GMP environments unless integrated with external data logging systems.

Software & Data Management

These units operate via embedded firmware with no external software dependency. Parameter settings—including power level (%), temperature setpoint (°C), and timer duration (min)—are retained in non-volatile memory after power cycling. No USB, Ethernet, or RS-232 interfaces are provided; all configuration and monitoring occur locally via the front-panel LCD. For laboratories requiring traceable records, third-party temperature dataloggers (e.g., compliant with NIST-traceable calibration) may be deployed alongside the unit to capture bath temperature profiles over time. While native FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is not supported, the deterministic behavior of the control system—coupled with manual logbook documentation—satisfies baseline data integrity expectations for routine maintenance and preventive calibration logs.

Applications

• Pre-analytical preparation of HPLC vials, GC autosampler trays, and ICP-MS sample introduction components
• Removal of organic residues and particulate contaminants from optical lenses, cuvettes, and quartz crystal microbalances
• Decontamination of reusable biosafety cabinet accessories and centrifuge rotor inserts prior to autoclaving
• Supporting ASTM E2875-13 (standard guide for ultrasonic cleaning of medical devices) in research-grade reprocessing workflows
• Cleaning of MEMS devices and semiconductor wafers during R&D prototyping where aggressive solvents must be avoided
• Enhancing dissolution uniformity in pharmaceutical excipient testing by preconditioning dissolution vessels

FAQ

Is the ultrasonic frequency fixed or variable?
The operating frequency is fixed at 53 kHz across all SK-Series models. This frequency balances cavitation intensity and penetration depth for general-purpose laboratory cleaning tasks.
Can the unit be used without heating enabled?
Yes—temperature control is fully independent of ultrasonic operation. Users may run cold ultrasonic cycles (20 °C ambient setpoint) or disable heating entirely via the menu interface.
What is the maximum recommended liquid height for optimal performance?
For consistent cavitation field distribution, fill the tank to within 20 mm of the top rim. Overfilling may reduce transducer efficiency and compromise lid sealing.
Does the unit support continuous operation beyond 199 minutes?
No—the maximum single-cycle timer is 199 minutes. Extended cleaning protocols require manual restart or integration with external programmable timers.
Are replacement tanks or custom-sized transducers available?
KUDOS offers OEM-compatible spare tanks and service kits for select models, but transducer arrays are factory-calibrated and not user-replaceable without recalibration.