Shumei KQ3200V Benchtop Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Shumei KQ3200V is a benchtop ultrasonic cleaner engineered for precision cleaning of laboratory glassware, precision components, optical elements, and small instrumentation parts in research, quality control, and production environments. It operates on the principle of acoustic cavitation—generating high-frequency pressure waves (40 kHz) in aqueous or compatible solvent media to produce microscopic vacuum bubbles that collapse with localized energy release. This physical mechanism effectively dislodges particulate contaminants, organic residues, and biofilm from complex surface geometries—including blind holes, crevices, and microstructures—without mechanical abrasion or chemical aggression. Designed for routine, non-critical cleaning applications, the KQ3200V delivers consistent performance under controlled thermal and temporal parameters, supporting reproducible preparation of samples prior to analysis, calibration, or sterilization.

Key Features

• Benchtop footprint with compact external dimensions (410 × 260 × 380 mm) and an 8-liter stainless-steel tank (300 × 150 × 180 mm internal), fabricated from corrosion-resistant AISI 304 stainless steel for long-term durability and chemical compatibility.
• Dual 50 W piezoelectric transducers operating at a fixed frequency of 40 kHz, delivering a total nominal ultrasonic power output of 150 W; optimized for broad-spectrum contaminant removal across common lab substrates including borosilicate glass, quartz, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum.
• Integrated PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) surface-mount heating system (400 W) enabling precise temperature control from ambient up to 80 °C—critical for enhancing cleaning efficacy of waxy, viscous, or proteinaceous residues.
• Microprocessor-controlled digital timer with adjustable duration from 1 to 20 minutes, ensuring repeatable exposure time without operator dependency; automatic shutdown upon completion.
• Sound-dampening stainless-steel lid included as standard, reducing operational noise levels and minimizing solvent evaporation during heated cycles.
• Automatic frequency sweeping circuitry continuously adjusts drive signal phase to maintain optimal resonance between transducers and liquid load—improving energy transfer efficiency and extending transducer service life across varying fill levels and solution compositions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KQ3200V is suitable for cleaning a wide range of laboratory items including volumetric flasks, pipette tips, crucibles, filtration assemblies, watch glasses, and small electronic components. It supports aqueous detergents, ethanol, isopropanol, and other low-volatility solvents compatible with 304 stainless steel and PTC heater materials. While not certified for medical device reprocessing or ISO 13485 environments, the unit meets general-purpose laboratory safety standards per IEC 61010-1 (Electrical Safety for Laboratory Equipment). Its mechanical control interface and absence of network connectivity simplify validation protocols in GLP-compliant laboratories where audit trails and electronic records are not required.

Software & Data Management

The KQ3200V employs a fully embedded, non-programmable control architecture with no external software interface, cloud connectivity, or data logging capability. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, timer duration, and heater activation—are configured via front-panel mechanical dials and push-button controls. This design prioritizes reliability, electromagnetic immunity, and ease of IQ/OQ verification in regulated settings where deterministic behavior and minimal firmware dependencies are essential. No electronic recordkeeping or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features are implemented, aligning with its role as a utility-grade cleaning aid rather than a GMP-critical process instrument.

Applications

• Pretreatment of HPLC vials, GC autosampler inserts, and spectrophotometer cuvettes to eliminate carryover contamination.
• Cleaning of electron microscopy grids, TEM sample holders, and optical lenses prior to coating or imaging.
• Removal of solder flux, machining oils, and metal fines from precision-machined calibration standards and metrology fixtures.
• Routine decontamination of reusable pipette tips, microcentrifuge tubes, and electrophoresis combs in molecular biology workflows.
• Supporting ASTM D2621 (Standard Practice for Cleaning Plastic Parts Prior to Testing) and ISO 14644-1 (Cleanroom particle monitoring equipment preparation).

FAQ

Is the ultrasonic frequency adjustable?
No—the KQ3200V operates exclusively at a fixed frequency of 40 kHz. Frequency selection is not supported; multi-frequency variants (e.g., 25 kHz or 33 kHz) are available in other Shumei model lines.
Can the unit be used with flammable solvents?
No—this model lacks explosion-proof certification and should only be operated with water-based solutions or non-flammable, low-volatility solvents approved for use with PTC heaters and stainless-steel tanks.
Does it include a filtration system or recirculation pump?
No—filtration and continuous solution recirculation are not integrated. Users must manually replace cleaning solution between batches.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
Shumei provides a standard 12-month limited warranty covering material and workmanship defects. Technical documentation, spare transducer kits, and stainless-steel mesh baskets are available directly through authorized distributors.
Is the tank drain valve compatible with standard laboratory floor drain connections?
The manual drain outlet uses a 1/4-inch NPT thread; adapters for common lab drainage systems may be required and are not supplied with the base unit.