Ultrasonic bath (sonicator)
A stainless-steel tank of water vibrated by ultrasound. It is used to dissolve and extract samples, degas mobile phases and clean small glassware.
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemicals
- Food testing
- Electronics
- Jewellery and precision cleaning
Sonicator calibration procedures
Sonicator has no instrument calibration of its own in most labs. Its performance is controlled through qualification (below) and the system suitability or acceptance checks of each test that uses it.
Instrument qualification (DQ · IQ · OQ · PQ)
- 01
DQ — Design qualification
Defines tank size, frequency, power, heater range and timer needed for the methods.
- 02
IQ — Installation qualification
Records model, serial number, location, power supply and manuals.
- 03
OQ — Operational qualification
Checks timer, heater set point against a calibrated thermometer and ultrasonic activity (e.g. foil test).
- 04
PQ — Performance qualification
Shows that the method's sample preparation gives consistent recovery when sonicated in this bath.
Keep every Sonicator in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.