ZiQi ZQ-20H 3L Benchtop Mechanical Knob-Controlled Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The ZiQi ZQ-20H is a benchtop, general-purpose heated ultrasonic cleaner engineered for reproducible, high-efficiency cleaning and sample preparation in academic laboratories, R&D centers, and industrial quality control environments. It operates on the principle of ultrasonic cavitation—where high-frequency sound waves (40 kHz) generate microscopic implosions in the cleaning liquid, producing localized pressures exceeding 1000 atm and temperatures above 5000 K at bubble collapse sites. This physical mechanism enables effective removal of particulates, oils, oxides, and organic residues from complex geometries—including precision parts, optical components, semiconductor wafers, and laboratory glassware—without mechanical abrasion or chemical aggression. The integrated heating system (adjustable from ambient to 80 °C) enhances cleaning kinetics by reducing surface tension and increasing solubility of contaminants, particularly beneficial for degassing, emulsification, homogenization, and cell lysis applications. Designed for stability and long-term operation, the unit features a seamless, welded-free stainless steel tank and robust mechanical controls for time and temperature—ensuring consistent performance under routine laboratory use.

Key Features

• Seamless one-piece stainless steel tank (304 grade), formed via deep-drawing to eliminate weld seams—minimizing corrosion risk and improving structural integrity and leak resistance.
• High-reliability ultrasonic transducers sourced from certified international suppliers, delivering stable 40 kHz output with minimal frequency drift over extended operation cycles.
• Mechanically actuated dual-control interface: rotary knob timer (1–30 min) and rotary knob temperature regulator (ambient to 80 °C), offering tactile feedback and immunity to electromagnetic interference common in shared lab environments.
• Integrated sound-dampening lid constructed from reinforced polymer with acoustic insulation layer—reducing operational noise to ≤55 dB(A) at 1 m distance, compliant with ISO 7779 and OSHA workplace noise guidelines.
• Passive thermal management system optimized for 3 L capacity; no forced-air cooling required—ensures quiet, maintenance-free operation while maintaining thermal stability within ±2 °C during prolonged heating cycles.
• Front-panel LED indicators for power status, heating active, and timer countdown—supporting unambiguous operational state recognition without software dependency.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZQ-20H accommodates a broad range of sample types and vessel formats, including beakers, Petri dishes, cuvettes, pipette tips, surgical instruments, printed circuit boards, and small metal components up to 240 × 135 × 100 mm (tank internal dimensions). Its non-aggressive cleaning mechanism preserves surface integrity of delicate substrates such as anodized aluminum, coated optics, and MEMS devices. While not certified for sterile processing per ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 820, the unit meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1) and low-voltage safety (EN 61010-1). All wetted surfaces comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards for short-term contact with aqueous solutions. For GLP/GMP-aligned workflows, users may implement manual logbooks for time/temperature settings and cleaning cycle documentation—though the device lacks electronic audit trail functionality.

Software & Data Management

The ZQ-20H is a hardware-only instrument with no embedded microprocessor, network interface, or data logging capability. All operational parameters are set manually via analog controls, eliminating firmware vulnerabilities, software validation burdens, and cybersecurity exposure. This architecture aligns with laboratories prioritizing simplicity, regulatory traceability via handwritten SOP records, and compatibility with legacy infrastructure. No drivers, firmware updates, or cloud connectivity are required. Users retain full ownership of process metadata through standardized lab notebook entries—facilitating straightforward 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with controlled document management systems.

Applications

• Pre-analytical sample preparation: removal of residual solvents, salts, and proteins from HPLC vials, GC liners, and ICP-MS nebulizers.
• Materials science: deburring of additive-manufactured metal parts, cleaning of sintered filters, and surface activation prior to coating or bonding.
• Life sciences: gentle disaggregation of tissue samples, bacterial cell wall disruption for plasmid extraction, and solvent-based resin removal from histology slides.
• Electronics manufacturing: flux residue removal from PCB assemblies, ultrasonic wire bonding pre-cleaning, and MEMS device rinsing prior to packaging.
• Quality assurance: verification of cleaning efficacy using ATP bioluminescence assays or gravimetric residue analysis per ASTM D2624 and ISO 14644-1 protocols.

FAQ

Is the ultrasonic power output adjustable?
No—the ZQ-20H delivers a fixed 120 W ultrasonic power output at 40 kHz. Power modulation is not supported; intensity control is achieved indirectly via solution composition, temperature, and immersion depth.
Can this unit be used with flammable solvents?
No—operation with acetone, ethanol, or other volatile organic solvents is strictly prohibited due to absence of explosion-proof construction, ventilation ports, or vapor monitoring systems.
Does the unit include a drain valve?
No—drain functionality is omitted in the ZQ-20H model. Emptying requires manual pouring or siphoning. Drain ports are available only on models ≥6 L (e.g., ZQ-30H and above).
What is the maximum recommended operating temperature for aqueous solutions?
80 °C is the upper thermal limit. Sustained operation above this threshold may accelerate transducer aging and compromise seal integrity.
Is a stainless steel basket included?
No—a stainless steel mesh basket is optional and sold separately (Part No. ZQ-BASKET-3L). The standard configuration includes only the sound-dampening lid.