Ottesens AS3120B Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Ottesens AS3120B Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner is an engineered solution for precision cleaning of delicate laboratory components—including glassware, pipette tips, microplates, chromatography columns, optical lenses, and metal calibration standards—where manual scrubbing or solvent immersion risks surface damage or residue retention. It operates on the principle of acoustic cavitation: high-frequency sound waves (40 kHz or 60 kHz) generate microscopic vacuum bubbles in the cleaning fluid that rapidly collapse, producing localized shockwaves and microstreaming forces capable of dislodging sub-micron particulates, organic films, and adsorbed contaminants from complex geometries and blind holes. Unlike thermal or abrasive methods, ultrasonic cleaning achieves high reproducibility without altering dimensional integrity or surface finish. The AS3120B is optimized for routine QC/QA workflows in pharmaceutical labs, academic research facilities, and analytical service providers where consistent removal of trace residues—such as residual solvents, proteins, or particulate matter—is essential prior to spectroscopic analysis, gravimetric measurement, or sterility testing.

Key Features

• Dual-frequency ultrasonic transducer system (40 kHz for robust particle removal; 60 kHz for finer, gentler cleaning of fragile substrates)
• Digitally controlled power output (1–100% in 1% increments), enabling method-specific energy modulation for diverse sample matrices
• Precision digital timer with extended range (1–999 minutes), supporting both short-cycle degassing protocols and extended soak-based cleaning procedures
• Acoustically damped hinged lid minimizes airborne noise (≤55 dB(A) at 1 m) and suppresses solvent evaporation during operation
• 316 stainless steel tank (235 × 135 × 100 mm internal dimensions) with electropolished finish for corrosion resistance and ease of decontamination
• Aluminum alloy chassis with epoxy-powder-coated exterior, rated IP20 for dry-lab environments and compliant with IEC 61000-3-2 harmonic current limits
• No integrated heating element—designed for ambient-temperature cleaning with external thermostatic baths when temperature-controlled protocols are required

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AS3120B accommodates standard laboratory vessels up to 100 mm in height and 80 mm in diameter, including volumetric flasks, NMR tubes, HPLC vials, and small-scale reaction vessels. Its non-agitating, non-contact cleaning mechanism preserves surface-sensitive coatings (e.g., anti-reflective layers, thin-film sensors, or enzymatic immobilization matrices). The unit meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61000-6-3 and immunity standards per EN 61000-6-2, ensuring stable performance in shared instrument rooms with LC-MS, FTIR, or XRD systems. While not classified as a medical device under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its construction and operational repeatability support GLP/GMP-aligned cleaning validation studies when paired with documented SOPs and periodic verification using certified reference particles (e.g., ISO 14644-1 Class 5 test aerosols).

Software & Data Management

The AS3120B operates via a front-panel membrane keypad with LED status indicators—no embedded firmware or network interface is provided. All parameter settings (time, power level, frequency selection) are retained across power cycles without battery backup. For audit-trail compliance in regulated environments, users may integrate the unit into electronic lab notebook (ELN) workflows by logging settings manually or via time-stamped video capture of the control panel. Optional RS-232 output (available on AS3120B-PRO variant) enables external logging of run parameters for 21 CFR Part 11–compliant systems when paired with validated third-party data acquisition software.

Applications

• Pre-analytical preparation of HPLC/GC autosampler vials and syringe filters to eliminate carryover artifacts
• Removal of proteinaceous biofilm from stainless steel probes used in bioreactor monitoring
• Cleaning of quartz cuvettes prior to UV-Vis absorbance calibration (ASTM E275)
• Decontamination of TEM grid holders prior to electron microscopy sample loading
• Routine maintenance of platinum resistance thermometers and calibrated pressure transducers
• Supporting ASTM D4084 (soil residue removal) and ISO 15528 (paint and coating substrate cleaning) test methods

FAQ

Is the AS3120B suitable for cleaning silicone or rubber components?
Yes—provided compatible cleaning solutions (e.g., aqueous alkaline detergents) are used and exposure duration is limited to ≤15 minutes at 40 kHz to minimize elastomer swelling.
Does the unit include a degassing function?
No. Degassing must be performed externally using vacuum desiccation or inert gas sparging prior to ultrasonic treatment.
Can the tank be drained continuously during operation?
No. Drainage is manual and requires pausing the cycle; continuous flow-through operation is not supported.
What is the warranty coverage?
Ottesens provides a 36-month limited warranty covering parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship under normal laboratory use conditions.
Is calibration documentation available?
Factory calibration certificates for frequency output and power delivery are supplied with each unit; traceable recalibration services are available through Ottesens’ authorized service centers in Shanghai and Beijing.