Truelab SB-100DT / SB-3200DT / SB-5200DT Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The Truelab SB-100DT, SB-3200DT, and SB-5200DT are CE-certified benchtop ultrasonic cleaners engineered for precision cleaning of delicate laboratory components—including glassware, pipette tips, filters, chromatography columns, optical lenses, and surgical instruments. These units operate on the principle of cavitation: high-frequency (40 kHz) ultrasonic energy generates microscopic vacuum bubbles in aqueous or solvent-based cleaning solutions; their implosive collapse produces localized shear forces that dislodge particulate contaminants, biofilms, and residual organic matter without mechanical abrasion. Designed for consistent performance across academic, pharmaceutical, clinical, and industrial QC laboratories, the DT series features a robust stainless-steel construction (304-grade inner tank, outer housing, and hinged sound-dampening lid), ensuring corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and long-term structural integrity under repeated thermal cycling and chemical exposure.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled operation with real-time digital display of elapsed time and bath temperature
• Non-volatile memory retains user-defined settings (time, temperature, power level) after power interruption
• Precise digital timer adjustable from 1 to 99 minutes with auto-shutdown functionality
• Heating system enables temperature control from ambient up to 80 °C—critical for enhancing detergent efficacy and accelerating contaminant solubilization
• Adjustable ultrasonic power output allows optimization for sensitive samples or heavily soiled loads
• Included stainless-steel mesh basket ensures uniform part suspension and protects surfaces from direct tank contact
• Integrated sound-dampening lid reduces airborne noise to <55 dB(A) at 1 m distance, meeting occupational safety guidelines for continuous lab use
• Manual drain valve facilitates safe, controlled solution disposal without tilting or lifting the unit

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DT series accommodates a broad range of sample geometries and materials—including borosilicate glass, fused silica, stainless steel, titanium, and polymer-based components—without risk of etching or deformation when operated within specified parameters. All models comply with EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive) and 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive), bearing the CE mark for safe deployment in regulated environments. The stainless-steel construction meets ISO 8573-1 (compressed air purity) and ASTM D4169 (performance testing of shipping containers) material compatibility benchmarks. While not classified as medical devices per FDA 21 CFR Part 820, these units support GLP/GMP-aligned cleaning validation protocols when integrated into documented SOPs for instrument reprocessing.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed via an embedded single-chip microcontroller (ARM Cortex-M0 architecture) with firmware supporting deterministic real-time control of transducer excitation, heater duty cycle, and sensor feedback loops. No external software or PC interface is required; all parameters are configured directly via tactile membrane keypad. Temperature is monitored using a calibrated PT100-class RTD sensor (±0.5 °C accuracy over 20–80 °C), and ultrasonic output is stabilized via automatic frequency tracking (±50 Hz resolution). The system logs no operational data internally, but supports audit-ready documentation through manual entry into lab notebooks or LIMS-integrated workflows. For validation purposes, users may perform periodic calibration checks per ASTM E1446 (Standard Practice for Calibration of Ultrasonic Cleaning Equipment).

Applications

• Pre-analytical preparation of HPLC vials, GC autosampler trays, and ICP-MS sample introduction components
• Removal of protein residues and nucleic acid carryover from electrophoresis combs, gel trays, and PCR plates
• Cleaning of MEMS devices, semiconductor wafers, and microfluidic chips prior to bonding or coating
• Decontamination of reusable PPE (e.g., face shields, goggles) in biosafety Level 2 facilities
• Routine maintenance of viscometers, refractometers, and optical sensors exposed to viscous or particulate-laden samples
• Supporting USP and environmental surface cleaning requirements for compounding pharmacies

FAQ

What cleaning solutions are compatible with the DT series?
Aqueous alkaline detergents (e.g., Alconox®, Liquinox®), ethanol/water mixtures, and isopropanol are routinely used. Avoid halogenated solvents (e.g., chloroform, carbon tetrachloride) due to potential transducer degradation and regulatory restrictions.
Can the unit be operated without the mesh basket?
Yes, though the basket is recommended to prevent direct contact between samples and the tank bottom, minimizing acoustic shadowing and ensuring uniform energy distribution.
Is the heating function independent of ultrasonic activation?
No—the heater operates only during active ultrasonic cycles to prevent uncontrolled temperature rise and ensure process repeatability.
How often should the cleaning solution be changed?
Solution replacement frequency depends on soil load and application; for general labware cleaning, change every 8–12 hours of cumulative operation or immediately upon visible turbidity or foam depletion.
Does the unit support continuous operation beyond 99 minutes?
No—the maximum single-cycle duration is 99 minutes; extended cleaning requires sequential program initiation, with ≥5-minute cooldown intervals advised between cycles to maintain transducer longevity.