ZiQi ZQ-40 10L Benchtop Mechanical Knob Ultrasonic Cleaner

Overview

The ZiQi ZQ-40 is a robust, benchtop ultrasonic cleaner engineered for reliable, repeatable cleaning of medium-to-large laboratory and industrial components. Operating on the principle of cavitation—where high-frequency sound waves (40 kHz) generate microscopic implosions in liquid media—the ZQ-40 effectively removes particulate contaminants, oils, oxides, and biological residues from surfaces with complex geometries. Its 10-liter stainless-steel tank provides ample volume for batch processing of larger parts or multiple small items, making it suitable for routine cleaning, degassing, solvent-based extraction, and cell disruption protocols where precise thermal control is not required. Designed for continuous operation in QC labs, R&D facilities, and maintenance workshops, the unit complies with general electrical safety standards for Class I equipment (IEC 61010-1) and features a mechanically stable architecture optimized for long-term durability under standard ambient conditions.

Key Features

• High-integrity 40 kHz transducer array using imported piezoelectric elements, delivering uniform energy distribution across the entire tank bottom.
• Seamless, one-piece deep-drawn stainless-steel tank (SUS304) with no weld seams—eliminating crevices that trap residue and enhancing corrosion resistance and structural longevity.
• Double-layer stainless-steel construction: inner tank and outer housing both fabricated from 1.2 mm thick SUS304, ensuring mechanical rigidity and resistance to chemical exposure.
• Mechanical timer with tactile knob interface (1–30 minute range), offering intuitive, non-electronic time control without microprocessor dependency—ideal for environments requiring minimal electronic interference or simplified validation.
• Integrated acoustic lid reduces operational noise by ≥15 dB(A) and minimizes solvent evaporation during extended cycles.
• Manual drain valve located at the tank base enables controlled, tool-free liquid disposal—compatible with standard lab floor drains and waste collection systems.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZQ-40 accommodates a broad range of sample types—including metal tools, glassware, ceramic substrates, printed circuit boards, and disassembled mechanical assemblies—provided they are chemically compatible with the chosen cleaning solution (e.g., aqueous alkaline, neutral, or mild organic solvents). It is not rated for use with flammable liquids above their flash point or highly corrosive media (e.g., concentrated HF or aqua regia) without external engineering controls. While the unit itself does not carry CE, UL, or UKCA certification, its design adheres to baseline safety expectations outlined in ISO 13850 (emergency stop provisions) and IEC 61010-1 (electrical safety for laboratory equipment). For regulated environments (e.g., GLP or GMP), users must validate cleaning efficacy per internal SOPs—no built-in audit trail or calibration certificate is provided due to its non-programmable architecture.

Software & Data Management

The ZQ-40 operates without embedded software, firmware, or digital interfaces. All functions are controlled exclusively via mechanical components: a rotary timer dial and a single power switch. Consequently, it produces no electronic data logs, requires no software installation, and is inherently immune to cybersecurity vulnerabilities or firmware obsolescence. This analog design simplifies qualification (IQ/OQ) in validated environments where traceability of manual settings suffices, and eliminates the need for 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records. Users record cycle parameters (duration, solution type, lot number) manually in lab notebooks or LIMS-compatible forms.

Applications

• Routine decontamination of reusable labware (beakers, crucibles, pipette tips, filters) prior to sterilization or analytical use.
• Removal of machining oils, polishing compounds, and metal fines from precision instrumentation parts and optical components.
• Assisted solvent extraction of plant metabolites or polymer additives where gentle agitation enhances mass transfer without thermal degradation.
• Cell lysis and homogenization of microbial or tissue samples in low-viscosity buffers—particularly effective when combined with enzymatic or detergent-based lysis protocols.
• Ultrasonic degassing of solvents (e.g., HPLC mobile phases) and casting resins to eliminate microbubbles prior to filtration or dispensing.
• Pre-treatment of substrates before coating, plating, or adhesion testing—ensuring surface cleanliness critical for interfacial bond strength.

FAQ

Is the ultrasonic power output adjustable?
No. The ZQ-40 delivers a fixed 240 W nominal power output at 40 kHz. Power modulation is not supported.
Can the unit be operated without the sound-dampening lid?
Yes, but operation without the lid increases audible noise levels and accelerates solvent evaporation—use is discouraged for prolonged cycles or in shared lab spaces.
What is the maximum recommended operating temperature of the cleaning solution?
The tank is not heated; ambient temperature operation only. Solutions should remain below 45 °C to prevent accelerated transducer aging and excessive vapor pressure buildup.
Does the ZQ-40 include a stainless-steel basket?
A basket is optional and sold separately. The standard configuration includes only the tank, lid, and manual drain valve.
How often should the transducers be serviced or replaced?
Under normal use with compatible solutions and regular tank cleaning, transducers typically exceed 5,000 hours of service life. No scheduled maintenance is specified; visual inspection for delamination or physical damage is recommended annually.