Shumei CS-16 Ultrasonic Constant-Temperature Water Bath

Overview

The Shumei CS-16 Ultrasonic Constant-Temperature Water Bath integrates precise thermostatic control with high-intensity ultrasonic cavitation in a single compact benchtop unit. Engineered for laboratories requiring simultaneous temperature stabilization and acoustic cleaning, it operates on the principle of piezoelectric transducer-driven ultrasonic waves (typically at 40 kHz) that generate controlled microcavitation within aqueous or aqueous-compatible media. This physical cleaning mechanism—combined with programmable thermal regulation—enables reproducible sample preparation, solvent degassing, cell lysis support, and gentle yet effective removal of particulate contaminants from delicate instrumentation components, glassware, and precision hardware. Unlike standalone ultrasonic cleaners or basic water baths, the CS-16 maintains thermal uniformity across the entire 16 L tank volume while sustaining stable acoustic output—critical for protocols where temperature-dependent reaction kinetics or solubility must be tightly coupled with mechanical cleaning efficacy.

Key Features

• Integrated dual-function design: simultaneous ultrasonic cleaning (600 W nominal output) and precision temperature control (RT to 100 °C, ±0.5 °C accuracy)
• Stainless steel tank (16 L usable capacity) with reinforced corners and corrosion-resistant finish for long-term chemical exposure resilience
• Intelligent PID temperature controller with digital display, real-time setpoint adjustment, and over-temperature safety cutoff
• Adjustable ultrasonic duty cycle and continuous operation mode to accommodate sensitive samples or extended cleaning cycles
• Equipped with a removable stainless steel mesh basket and acoustic-dampening lid to minimize ambient noise and prevent splash contamination
• Drain valve positioned at the tank base for rapid, residue-free fluid evacuation—compatible with routine maintenance and solution exchange
• Programmable digital timer (0–99 h 59 min) supporting unattended operation with automatic shutdown
• Compliant with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CS-16 accommodates a broad range of sample formats—including beakers, flasks, cuvettes, surgical instruments, optical components, and printed circuit boards—provided they are compatible with aqueous or mild solvent-based cleaning media. Its temperature range supports both low-energy applications (e.g., enzyme rehydration at 37 °C) and high-efficiency contaminant removal (e.g., flux residue dissolution at 65–80 °C). The unit meets general-purpose laboratory safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards applicable to Class II electrical appliances. While not certified for sterile processing under ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 820, it is routinely deployed in pre-sterilization cleaning workflows compliant with ISO 15883-1 and AAMI ST33 guidelines when integrated into validated cleaning protocols.

Software & Data Management

The CS-16 operates via an embedded microcontroller interface with no external software dependency. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, ultrasonic activation status, timer countdown, and fault diagnostics—are displayed and adjustable through a front-panel LCD with tactile membrane keys. The system logs no audit trail or electronic records; therefore, manual logbook documentation is required for GLP/GMP environments. For laboratories requiring data capture, optional RS-232 or analog 4–20 mA output modules (sold separately) enable integration with SCADA systems or centralized lab monitoring platforms—subject to third-party validation per 21 CFR Part 11 if used in regulated quality control settings.

Applications

• Pre-analytical sample preparation: homogenization of suspensions, dispersion of nanoparticles, and dissolution of crystalline residues prior to HPLC or spectroscopic analysis
• Instrument maintenance: cleaning of pipette tips, electrophoresis combs, syringe filters, and chromatography column fittings
• Materials science: removal of polishing compounds from metallographic specimens or oxide layers from semiconductor wafers
• Pharmaceutical R&D: solvent degassing prior to formulation, excipient wetting studies, and dissolution testing support
• Academic teaching labs: demonstration of cavitation physics, temperature-dependent reaction rates, and multi-parameter process control principles

FAQ

Can the CS-16 operate below ambient temperature?
Yes—when equipped with an optional recirculating chiller module (not included), the unit supports sub-ambient operation down to approximately 5 °C, enabling cold ultrasonic cleaning for thermolabile biomolecules.
Is the ultrasonic frequency fixed or adjustable?
The transducer operates at a fixed nominal frequency of 40 kHz, optimized for broad-spectrum cavitation efficiency in aqueous media; frequency modulation is not supported.
What materials are compatible with prolonged exposure to the tank interior?
The 304 stainless steel chamber is resistant to dilute acids, alkalis, and common organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, acetone); prolonged use of chlorinated or halogenated solvents is not recommended without prior compatibility verification.
Does the unit include calibration documentation?
Factory calibration certificates for temperature sensor and timer accuracy are available upon request and may be supplied with purchase for traceable metrological assurance.
Can multiple units be synchronized for batch processing?
No native synchronization protocol exists; however, external PLC-based timing coordination is feasible using dry-contact relay outputs (available via optional I/O expansion kit).