SHUMEI KQ-500E Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The SHUMEI KQ-500E is a general-purpose benchtop ultrasonic cleaner engineered for reproducible, non-destructive cleaning of laboratory glassware, precision components, surgical instruments, and analytical sample preparation vessels. It operates on the principle of cavitation—generated by high-frequency (40 kHz) acoustic energy transmitted through a liquid medium—where rapid formation and collapse of microscopic vapor bubbles produce localized shear forces sufficient to dislodge particulate contaminants, organic residues, and biofilms without mechanical abrasion. Designed for routine QC labs, academic research facilities, and small-scale manufacturing cleanrooms, the KQ-500E delivers consistent energy distribution across its 22.5 L stainless steel tank (500 × 300 × 150 mm internal volume), enabling uniform cleaning efficacy in aqueous or mild solvent-based solutions. Its robust 304 stainless steel construction ensures long-term corrosion resistance, while the integrated PTC surface-mounted heater provides stable thermal control between 0 °C and 80 °C—critical for temperature-sensitive cleaning protocols such as protein residue removal or low-volatility solvent activation.

Key Features

• Fixed-frequency 40 kHz ultrasonic generation with auto-sweeping circuitry to minimize standing wave interference and enhance cleaning uniformity across the tank
• 500 W total acoustic output delivered via multiple standard 50 W piezoelectric transducers bonded to the tank base
• PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating system offering precise, self-regulating temperature control with 1000 W heating capacity
• Mechanical timer with 1–20 minute adjustable interval and automatic shutdown for repeatable process execution
• Integrated sound-dampening lid constructed from stainless steel to reduce ambient noise and prevent solvent evaporation during operation
• Manual fill-and-drain interface with ergonomic valves—compatible with standard lab water supply and waste lines
• Full 304 stainless steel tank and housing for chemical compatibility with common cleaning agents (e.g., alkaline detergents, isopropanol, acetone)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KQ-500E accommodates a wide range of sample geometries and materials, including volumetric flasks, pipette tips, HPLC vials, microscope slides, metal tooling fixtures, and ceramic substrates. Its open-tank design supports immersion of irregularly shaped parts up to 150 mm in height. While not certified for sterile processing under ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 820, the unit meets general electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment. Its temperature and time parameters align with ASTM D2295 (for adhesive bond cleaning verification) and USP guidelines for cleaning validation of analytical apparatus. The absence of programmable data logging or audit trail functionality means it is intended for non-GxP environments where manual recordkeeping suffices.

Software & Data Management

The KQ-500E features a fully mechanical control interface with no embedded microprocessor, firmware, or digital connectivity. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, timer duration, and power activation—are adjusted via analog dials and toggle switches. This architecture eliminates software validation requirements and ensures deterministic behavior across power cycles. No drivers, cloud synchronization, or remote monitoring capabilities are provided. Users maintain full traceability through manual logbooks recording batch number, solution composition, cycle time, and final rinse verification—consistent with GLP-compliant documentation practices for non-critical cleaning steps.

Applications

• Routine decontamination of GC/HPLC autosampler vials, syringe filters, and column frits prior to chromatographic analysis
• Removal of polishing compounds and oxide layers from optical lenses and semiconductor wafers
• Cleaning of reusable electrophoresis combs, gel trays, and electrode assemblies in molecular biology workflows
• Preparation of metal coupons for corrosion testing per ASTM G1–03
• Depyrogenation support for non-sterile pharmaceutical contact surfaces using validated hot-water cycles
• Restoration of antique instrumentation components where ultrasonic agitation replaces manual brushing

FAQ

Is the ultrasonic frequency adjustable?
No—the KQ-500E operates exclusively at 40 kHz. Multi-frequency models (e.g., 20/25/28/33/40 kHz) are available under separate SKUs but require hardware-level transducer reconfiguration.
Can this unit be used with flammable solvents?
Not recommended. The device lacks explosion-proof certification and uses non-intrinsically safe heating elements. Only aqueous or flash-point–>60 °C solvents should be employed.
Does it include a filtration system for recirculating cleaning solution?
No—solution filtration is not integrated. Users must manually replace bath fluid between batches to prevent cross-contamination.
What is the expected service life of the transducers under continuous daily use?
With proper maintenance (de-gassing before startup, avoidance of dry operation, and periodic descaling), transducers typically retain >90% nominal output after 5,000 operating hours.
Is the stainless steel tank electropolished?
No—the interior surface is mechanically polished 304 stainless steel (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm), suitable for most lab-grade cleaning applications but not classified as pharmaceutical-grade electropolished finish.