Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems
Installation teams in Lagos, Abuja, PH & Kano
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Pricing, lead-times & compliance in 24 hours
An ultrasonic cleaner is a device that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) transmitted through a cleaning solution to remove microscopic contaminants from the surface of delicate instruments. It is used extensively in hospital Central Sterile Services Departments (CSSD), operating theatres, dental clinics, and laboratories as the critical first step in the instrument sterilization process. Its clinical impact is immense; by effectively removing blood, tissue, and other bioburden from complex surgical tools, dental instruments, and endoscopes, it prevents cross-infection, ensures subsequent sterilization is effective, and extends the life of expensive instruments by avoiding damage from harsh manual scrubbing.
Entry-level, small-capacity (2-5 litre) tabletop ultrasonic cleaners start from NGN 250,000 to NGN 800,000. Mid-range, professional-grade units (10-30 litres) with essential features like heating and degassing range from NGN 1.2 million to NGN 4 million. Advanced, high-capacity floor-standing systems for large hospitals and CSSDs are priced from NGN 5 million to over NGN 15 million. Refurbished units from reputable brands can offer a 40-60% cost saving on these prices.
The final price you pay is driven by several factors beyond the sticker price. Key drivers include the tank capacity (litres), ultrasonic power (watts), operating frequency, and advanced features like sweep mode, heating, and degassing. The brand reputation (e.g., Branson, Elma) significantly impacts cost, as do included accessories like baskets and lids. Remember to account for cost drivers unique to Nigeria: fluctuating foreign exchange rates, international freight and insurance costs, customs duties, local delivery, installation, and mandatory user training. A comprehensive quote must break down every line item, from the unit itself to the cost of calibration and documentation.
For a detailed quote tailored to your facility's specific needs, contact Franance.
The cheapest, safely usable ultrasonic cleaners in Nigeria are typically small, 2-3 litre refurbished tabletop models starting from NGN 150,000, or new, unbranded imported units from NGN 250,000. These basic models will have minimum safe specifications, such as a stainless steel tank, a functional transducer, and a simple analogue timer. They are suitable only for very small clinics or non-critical applications.
Be aware of the significant limitations and hidden costs. The warranty is often a short 30-90 day "carry-in" policy, meaning you are responsible for the cost and logistics of returning it for repair. The initial low price almost never includes essential accessories like a basket, the cost of delivery, a voltage stabilizer (which is non-negotiable in Nigeria), or the correct enzymatic cleaning solution. These extras can add another NGN 100,000 - NGN 200,000 to your initial outlay, eroding the perceived savings.
Contact Franance to explore vetted, reliable entry-level options that won't fail prematurely.
The most affordable and best-value option for a professional facility is a bundled package featuring a 5-10 litre, mid-range unit with integrated heating and degassing functions, a stainless steel basket, a lid, an initial supply of cleaning concentrate, and a dedicated 2kVA voltage stabilizer, typically priced between NGN 900,000 and NGN 2.5 million. This approach prioritizes long-term value over the lowest initial purchase price.
Investing in a slightly more expensive but reliable, properly protected unit drastically reduces your 12-month operational costs. A cheap, unprotected unit failing can halt instrument reprocessing, potentially forcing the cancellation of surgical or dental procedures, which can cost your facility hundreds of thousands of Naira per day. The NGN 500,000 premium for a reliable bundle is easily recovered by preventing just one or two days of downtime in the first year.
Contact Franance to configure a high-value bundle that minimizes your total cost of ownership.
A new, 10-litre mid-range ultrasonic cleaner from a reputable brand like Elma or Branson typically costs between NGN 1.5 million and NGN 3.5 million, whereas a certified refurbished model with similar specifications will range from NGN 700,000 to NGN 1.8 million. The new unit offers a longer operational lifespan and a more comprehensive warranty, while the refurbished option provides significant upfront savings.
The choice depends on your budget and risk tolerance. A new unit guarantees the latest technology, a full 1-2 year manufacturer's warranty, and an expected lifecycle of 7-10 years. A high-quality refurbished unit, if sourced from a trusted vendor, can offer 80-90% of the performance for about 50% of the price, but with a shorter lifecycle (3-5 years) and a more limited warranty (typically 6 months). Lead times for refurbished units available locally are often shorter than importing a new one.
| Feature | New Ultrasonic Cleaner | Certified Refurbished Ultrasonic Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | NGN 1.5M - 3.5M (10L model) | NGN 0.7M - 1.8M (10L model) |
| Warranty | 1-2 years, comprehensive | 3-6 months, limited parts/labour |
| Lifecycle | 7-10 years | 3-5 years |
| Lead Time | 4-10 weeks (if imported) | 1-2 weeks (if local stock) |
| Condition | Pristine, latest software/features | May have cosmetic blemishes, older tech |
| Support | Full manufacturer and vendor support | Vendor-dependent support |
Contact Franance to get a comparative analysis and quotes for both new and certified refurbished options.
Contact Franance today for a comprehensive, no-obligation quote on new or refurbished ultrasonic cleaners, complete with installation, training, and support.
You can buy ultrasonic cleaners from specialized medical equipment suppliers located primarily in major commercial hubs like Lagos (specifically Ikeja, Surulere, and Lagos Island), Abuja (Wuse II, Garki), and Port Harcourt (Trans Amadi). However, simply finding a seller is not enough; you must rigorously verify their legitimacy and technical capacity before any transaction.
A credible supplier must be able to provide their Certificate of Incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), proof of in-house biomedical engineering support, and ideally, an authorization letter from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Ask for references from at least three other hospitals or clinics they have supplied and installed similar equipment for. Franance mitigates this risk for you by maintaining a network of pre-vetted suppliers. Our verification workflow includes confirming their CAC status, inspecting their technical workshop, verifying engineer certifications, and checking their track record for successful installations and after-sales support.
Let Franance connect you with our network of verified, reliable suppliers across Nigeria.
Franance is a verified, end-to-end procurement partner and supplier of ultrasonic cleaners, offering nationwide service coverage from Lagos to Maiduguri. We provide a complete solution that goes beyond just selling a box; we manage the entire procurement lifecycle, ensuring you receive a fully functional, compliant, and supported system tailored to your facility's needs and budget.
The best ultrasonic cleaner is one that matches your specific workload and instrument type. For a high-volume teaching hospital's CSSD, the best choice is a large, floor-standing automated system like the Tuttnauer T-Max series (NGN 8M - NGN 20M), which offers data logging and high throughput. For a private dental or surgical clinic, a highly reliable 5-10 litre tabletop model like the Elma Elmasonic S series is a top performer, providing excellent cleaning power and durability for NGN 1M - NGN 3M.
Your choice should be tiered based on your facility's scale and the complexity of the instruments you process.
Entry-Tier (Small Clinics, Dental Offices): Focus on reliability and simplicity. A 3-5 litre unit with a heater is sufficient. Look for robust construction over complex features.
Mid-Tier (General Hospitals, Surgical Centres): This requires more capacity and efficiency. A 10-30 litre benchtop unit with heating, a degas function for optimal performance, and a sweep frequency for uniform cleaning is essential. The Branson M-Series is a classic example in this tier.
Advanced-Tier (Teaching Hospitals, Large CSSDs): The priority here is throughput, automation, and traceability. Look for floor-standing units over 50 litres, with features like automatic detergent dosing, cycle data logging, and multi-chamber washing.
How to match tier to workload:
Comparing models effectively means looking beyond price and capacity to evaluate features that directly impact cleaning efficacy and workflow, such as ultrasonic power density (W/litre), heating capability, and cycle controls, against your facility's specific needs. A dental clinic has different requirements than a central sterile processing department.
Use this table as a guide to frame your comparison:
| Tier | Best for | Key Specs | Typical Lead-time | Maintenance Needs | Power Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Dental, Small Clinics | 2-5L Capacity, Basic Timer | 1-2 weeks (local) | Basic daily cleaning | 220V + 1kVA Stabilizer |
| Mid | General Hospitals | 10-30L Capacity, Heater, Degas | 4-8 weeks (import) | Daily cleaning, annual check | 220V + 2-3kVA Stabilizer |
| Advanced | Teaching Hospitals, CSSD | >50L Capacity, Automation, Data Log | 8-12 weeks (import) | Daily cleaning, Bi-annual PM | 3-Phase + Dedicated UPS |
The best and most reliable ultrasonic cleaner brands with a verifiable presence and support structure in Nigeria are Branson, Elma, and Tuttnauer. Branson (an Emerson company) is known for its robust and durable M and CPX series, which are workhorses in many labs and clinics. Elma, a German brand, is renowned for its precision and advanced features in the Elmasonic S and P series, ideal for delicate instruments. Tuttnauer is a leader in sterilization and offers integrated, high-capacity ultrasonic systems perfect for busy CSSDs.
These brands are recommended because they have a long-standing global reputation for quality, which translates to better reliability and a longer operational life. More importantly, their popularity means that experienced third-party biomedical engineers in Nigeria are more likely to be familiar with servicing them, and spare parts, while not always locally stocked, are easier to source through established supply chains compared to obscure, unbranded alternatives.
Ultrasonic cleaner prices in Nigeria fall into three main tiers, exclusive of shipping, installation, and accessories.
When you receive a quote, it's crucial to understand what is included. A "unit price" may be just the machine itself. A comprehensive "landed and installed" price should clearly itemize the cost of the cleaner, the basket/lid, international freight, insurance, customs duties, local delivery to your facility, installation, and training. For example, a unit with a NGN 1.5 million ex-works price could have a final installed cost of NGN 2.2 million after all logistical and service costs are added. Always be mindful that due to the volatility of the Naira, quotes are often valid for only 1-2 weeks.
The five specifications that have the most significant impact on clinical outcomes and ownership experience are Tank Capacity, Ultrasonic Power, Operating Frequency, Heating Capability, and the Degas function.
A common mistake is buying a unit with inadequate capacity, leading to workflow bottlenecks. For a small surgical centre, a 15-litre tank is a good starting point. Ultrasonic power, often measured in watts, determines cleaning intensity; a power density of 30-50 watts per litre is effective for most medical instruments. The operating frequency is critical; 40 kHz is the industry standard for medical applications, providing thorough yet gentle cleaning. A built-in heater that can reach 50-60°C is essential, as it dramatically increases the efficacy of enzymatic cleaning solutions. Finally, a degas function, which removes dissolved air from the water, can improve cleaning effectiveness by up to 30% and is a must-have feature for any professional-grade unit.
The physical installation of a tabletop ultrasonic cleaner is straightforward, involving unboxing and placing it on a level surface near a power outlet and water source, a process that takes 1-3 hours. However, a professional turnkey installation, which can cost between NGN 50,000 and NGN 150,000 if not included in a bundle, is far more comprehensive and essential for ensuring longevity and performance.
A turnkey process managed by a qualified engineer includes a site readiness assessment to confirm you have a stable workbench and appropriate power. The engineer will install and configure the required voltage stabilizer, commission the unit with the correct cleaning solution, and perform a performance verification test (like the "foil test") to confirm the transducers are operating correctly and there are no dead spots in the tank. The final, critical step is hands-on training for your staff on how to operate the machine, select cycles, and perform daily maintenance, followed by the handover of all manuals and an installation report.
Let Franance's certified engineers manage a complete, turnkey installation of your ultrasonic cleaner, ensuring it performs optimally from day one.
For units stocked locally in Nigeria, delivery timelines are typically 2-3 business days within Lagos and 5-10 business days for other states. For units that need to be imported, expect a 3-6 week timeline for air freight and 8-12 weeks for sea freight from the date of confirmed payment. These timelines account for international shipping, customs clearance, and inland transportation.
The logistics process for imported medical equipment is complex. Your supplier must handle securing any necessary import permits, preparing the Form M and PAAR documents, managing clearance at the port (Apapa, Tincan) or airport (MMA), and paying all requisite customs duties and levies. Ensure your quote clarifies who is responsible for these costs. All shipments must be fully insured from the warehouse of origin to your facility's doorstep to mitigate the risk of damage during transit. Franance manages this entire process, providing you with a single, all-inclusive cost and regular updates until the equipment is safely at your site.
Standard warranty coverage for a new ultrasonic cleaner in Nigeria is 12 months for parts and labour. However, you must clarify if this is an "on-site" warranty, where the engineer comes to you, or a "return-to-base" warranty, which requires you to ship the faulty unit back to the supplier at your own cost. Post-warranty service is typically offered via an annual Service Level Agreement (SLA), costing 10-15% of the unit's original purchase price.
An OEM-backed warranty is always preferable to a vendor-only warranty. A strong SLA should guarantee a technical response within 24-48 hours of a reported fault. Before purchasing, ask the vendor directly about their strategy for spare parts. A serious supplier will have common failure parts, like control boards and heating elements, in their local stock to minimize your downtime. Remote diagnostics are rare for these devices, making the availability of a skilled local engineer critical.
Certified refurbished ultrasonic cleaners from top-tier brands are available in Nigeria, with prices for mid-range models ranging from NGN 500,000 to NGN 2,500,000, representing a 40-60% savings compared to new units. Availability is often better than for new imports, with local suppliers holding stock of popular models.
It is crucial to understand the grade of refurbishment. "Cosmetically refurbished" means the unit has been cleaned and tested, while "functionally refurbished" or "certified refurbished" implies that key operational components, like the ultrasonic transducers or control board, have been tested and replaced if necessary. Always insist on a detailed technical report outlining the work done, the results of performance tests (like the foil test), and a minimum 6-month warranty on the replaced parts and labour.
You can verify the authenticity of an ultrasonic cleaner by checking its serial number with the manufacturer's official website or regional office. Insist on seeing the original shipping documents, including the bill of lading and customs clearance forms, which trace the unit's path from the factory. Physically inspect the unit for high-quality construction, such as seamless stainless steel tank welds, clear and professional branding (not stickers), and a comprehensive, well-written user manual.
Counterfeit or low-quality units often present several red flags. The most obvious is a price that seems too good to be true. Other signs include flimsy plastic casings, misspelled brand names, generic packaging with no manufacturer details, and sellers who operate only through social media with no physical address. A legitimate seller will always be able to provide an OEM authorization letter and welcome a physical inspection of the unit.
The most essential accessories you must purchase with your ultrasonic cleaner are a stainless steel mesh basket to hold instruments off the tank floor and a lid to retain heat, reduce noise, and prevent evaporation. The primary consumable is a specialized, low-foaming enzymatic cleaning solution designed for ultrasonic use. A basket can cost between NGN 30,000 and NGN 100,000 depending on size, while a 5-litre container of cleaning concentrate typically costs NGN 25,000 to NGN 60,000.
Your best strategy is to negotiate for these items to be included in the initial purchase price. A good supplier will bundle the main unit with its corresponding basket, a lid, and a starter bottle of cleaning solution. This prevents the frustration and delay of having a new machine that you cannot use because you are waiting for essential accessories to be delivered separately.
Most professional tabletop ultrasonic cleaners require a stable 220-240V, 50Hz, single-phase power supply. A typical 10-litre unit with a heater will draw between 500 and 800 watts. Due to the unreliable power grid in Nigeria, connecting the unit directly to a wall outlet is a recipe for disaster. A dedicated, high-quality 2kVA (2000VA) or larger voltage stabilizer or an online UPS is a non-negotiable requirement to protect the sensitive electronic control board from voltage spikes and sags.
Your facility's electrical setup must be prepared. This includes ensuring the outlet is properly earthed to prevent electrical shock and protect the equipment. For larger, floor-standing units, you may need a dedicated circuit installed by a qualified electrician. Before the unit is delivered, conduct a power audit at the intended location to ensure the supply is stable and correctly configured.
To ensure compliance, your ultrasonic cleaner must be sourced from a supplier who is registered with the Nigerian Medical Device Regulator (NMDR). The equipment itself should have documentation proving it meets international electrical safety and quality standards (e.g., CE marking), which is often a prerequisite for clearance by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). While NAFDAC registration is more common for consumables and reagents, they may require listing for new types of medical devices entering the country.
Your internal compliance, driven by your Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) committee, is equally important. You will need to maintain a dossier for the equipment that includes the purchase invoice, installation report, user manual, and a log of all maintenance and performance verification tests (like the foil test). This documentation is critical for hospital accreditation and for demonstrating that you are following best practices for instrument reprocessing.
Financing options for acquiring an ultrasonic cleaner include traditional asset financing loans from commercial banks, leasing from specialized finance companies, and integrated procurement financing from partners like Franance. Bank loans typically require a 20-30% down payment and can take 4-8 weeks for approval, with interest rates ranging from 20-28%. Leasing is often faster (2-4 weeks) and may not require a down payment, but the total cost over the lease term is higher.
NGOs can often access grant funding for specific projects, which can be used for capital equipment purchases. Franance offers a more flexible approach, providing tailored payment plans and financing solutions that can be structured around your facility's specific cash flow, often with faster approval times than traditional banks. We work with you to find the most capital-efficient way to acquire the technology you need without a massive upfront expenditure.
The 5-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for a mid-range, NGN 2 million ultrasonic cleaner is realistically between NGN 3.5 million and NGN 4.5 million. The initial purchase price is only about 50-60% of the total cost you will incur over the equipment's lifespan. The remaining costs are composed of power protection, consumables, and maintenance.
A typical breakdown over 5 years looks like this:
This calculation excludes the cost of electricity and staff time. Investing in a more durable machine or a comprehensive service contract can significantly lower your risk of expensive, unplanned repairs.
Tertiary and teaching hospitals require high-throughput, industrial-grade ultrasonic cleaners for their Central Sterile Services Departments (CSSD). The best options are large, floor-standing, multi-chamber units with a capacity of 50 litres or more. Key specifications include automated detergent dosing, rinse cycles, data logging for full traceability of each cleaning cycle, and robust stainless steel construction. Look for models like the Tuttnauer T-Max series or large-capacity systems from Crest Ultrasonics that are designed for continuous, heavy-duty use.
Private surgical centres, dental clinics, and diagnostic laboratories need a balance of performance, reliability, and footprint. The ideal choice is a professional-grade benchtop unit with a capacity of 5 to 15 litres. Essential features must include a powerful heater (up to 80°C), a degas function to ensure optimal cleaning performance, and a sweep frequency for uniform cleaning of delicate instruments. Highly recommended models include the Elma Elmasonic S-series or the Branson M-Series, which are known for their durability and effectiveness.
NGOs operating mobile clinics or in remote, off-grid locations need ultrasonic cleaners that are portable, durable, and have low power consumption. The best fit is a compact, 2-5 litre unit with a simple, robust interface. The unit must be paired with a reliable power solution, such as a pure sine wave inverter and a deep-cycle battery bank, or a small, efficient generator. Durability is paramount, so choose a model with a fully stainless steel body that can withstand the rigours of transport over rough terrain.
For point-of-use cleaning in critical areas like the operating theatre or ICU, a small, dedicated ultrasonic cleaner is recommended. A compact 3-5 litre unit allows for the immediate pre-cleaning of heavily soiled or complex instruments (e.g., laparoscopic tools, respiratory therapy equipment) right after use. This drastically reduces bioburden before the instruments are sent to the main CSSD, improving infection control and making the final sterilization process more effective. Its small footprint allows it to be conveniently placed on a countertop within the department.
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A dental ultrasonic cleaner in Nigeria costs between NGN 180,000 and NGN 950,000. A small 2.5-litre unit for a single-dentist practice in Port Harcourt might be at the lower end, while a multi-specialist clinic needing a 10-litre Branson M3800 with heating and degassing functions will be at the higher end. Always budget an additional 10% for specialized cleaning solutions and baskets.
You can buy medical ultrasonic cleaners from reputable suppliers in Ikeja, Surulere, and Lagos Island. Insist on authorized dealers for brands like Crest or Elma to guarantee warranty and after-sales support. For example, an authorized dealer will provide a certificate of conformity required for facility registration, unlike sellers on Jiji or Konga who may offer refurbished or non-compliant units.
The best brand depends on your specific need, but Crest, Branson, and Elma are top choices for Nigerian hospitals due to their durability and support. A large surgical department would benefit from a Crest CP1200D (approx. 12 litres) for its robust performance with complex instruments. For smaller labs, a 5.7-litre Branson M5800 offers reliable cleaning power and is widely serviced in major cities like Abuja and Lagos.
Yes, you can finance industrial ultrasonic cleaners through asset financing providers. For a large unit like a 30-litre Omegasonics PowerPro 6000, costing NGN 4-7 million, you can secure a lease-to-own plan. Companies like Franance work with healthcare facilities to structure payments over 18-36 months, allowing you to acquire the equipment without a large upfront payment and match costs to revenue.
Most tabletop ultrasonic cleaners (2-10 litres) require a standard 220-240V/50Hz supply, compatible with Nigerian outlets. For example, a popular 6-litre VEVOR model typically draws 180W for ultrasonic power and 300W for heating. It is crucial to use a surge protector or UPS, like a 1.5kVA unit, to protect the transducer and electronics from Nigeria's frequent power fluctuations, which can damage the unit.
Choose a size based on the largest instrument you clean and your daily volume. A dental clinic cleaning handpieces and forceps can use a 3-litre unit, but for surgical trays or multiple instrument cassettes, a 10-litre or larger model like the Elma S100H is necessary. Measure your largest cassette tray; the tank's internal dimensions must be at least 2-3 cm larger on all sides to allow for proper cavitation.
A new ultrasonic cleaner is always better as it comes with a full manufacturer's warranty and guaranteed performance. A new Branson M2800 ensures consistent cavitation frequency, critical for delicate instruments. Refurbished units from unknown sellers may have weakened transducers or faulty heaters, leading to incomplete sterilization pre-cleaning and potential NAFDAC compliance issues during inspections.
The typical lifespan is 5 to 7 years with proper maintenance. In a busy hospital like a teaching hospital in Kano, a heavy-duty Crest CP2600D used daily for surgical instruments can last over 7 years if the solution is changed daily and the unit is not run dry. Cheaper, unbranded models often fail within 2 years due to transducer delamination from overheating.
The most common issue is an old or incorrect cleaning solution, or an overloaded basket. First, change the solution and degas the new fluid for 5-10 minutes. If a Branson M3800 still cleans poorly, check if instruments are layered on top of each other, which blocks cavitation. Also, perform a foil test: a properly working unit should perforate a piece of aluminum foil within 60 seconds.
You do not need specific NAFDAC approval for the ultrasonic cleaner itself, but its use is a critical part of the instrument sterilization process which NAFDAC inspects. During an inspection, they will check your logbooks to ensure the cleaner is used correctly as a pre-sterilization step. Using a non-functional or improperly maintained unit can lead to a non-compliance report for your facility's infection control protocol.
You should change the cleaning solution daily or whenever it becomes visibly cloudy or dirty. In a high-volume dental clinic in Abuja, the solution in a 5-litre unit might need changing twice a day. Reusing contaminated solution redeposits bioburden onto instruments, defeating the cleaning purpose and creating a biofilm that autoclaves cannot penetrate, which is a major infection control failure.
A small, entry-level ultrasonic cleaner (2-3 litres) in Nigeria ranges from NGN 90,000 to NGN 250,000. A basic 2-litre digital model suitable for a small lab or a tattoo parlour can be found at the lower end. A more robust 3-litre Elma S30H with heating and sweep functions, ideal for a small dental practice, will be closer to the NGN 250,000 mark. Be wary of units below NGN 70,000 as they often lack durability.
Verify a supplier in Abuja by requesting their Certificate of Incorporation from the CAC and proof of authorization from the equipment manufacturer, like Branson or Crest. Ask for references from other hospitals or clinics in the FCT they have supplied. A legitimate supplier will readily provide documentation and references, while a questionable one will hesitate. This protects you from buying grey-market or counterfeit equipment.
Regular maintenance involves daily solution changes, weekly tank cleaning with a non-abrasive cloth, and an annual check of the transducer's performance. For a hospital-grade unit like a Crest CP1200D, the biomedical engineer should perform a foil test monthly to check for 'dead spots' in the tank, which indicate transducer degradation. Never use harsh chemicals or mineral acids to clean the stainless steel tank.
You can use tap water, but deionized or distilled water provides significantly better cleaning results. Tap water in cities like Lagos or Port Harcourt contains high mineral content that can leave spots on instruments and reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning solution. For critical applications like surgical instruments, using deionized water with a proper enzymatic cleaner is the standard protocol to prevent mineral deposits.
Degassing is the process of removing dissolved gases from a fresh cleaning solution, which is crucial for effective cleaning. You degas by running the cleaner for 5-10 minutes before adding instruments. A new solution in an Elma S100H is full of air bubbles that cushion the ultrasonic waves. Degassing removes these bubbles, allowing for maximum cavitation and ensuring instruments are cleaned thoroughly from the start.
Buying is better for smaller, affordable units under NGN 500,000, as the total cost is lower. For a large, expensive industrial unit like a 25-litre model costing over NGN 3 million, leasing is a smart option for a new clinic. Leasing through a provider like Franance conserves your initial capital for other critical startup costs, converting a large capital expense into a manageable monthly operational expense.
Installation is straightforward: place the unit on a level, stable surface away from dust, plug it into a surge-protected outlet, and perform an initial water test. For a new Branson M5800, fill the tank with water to the fill line, run it for 10 minutes to ensure the heater and ultrasonics work, and perform a foil test to confirm it's functioning correctly before its first use with instruments.
A loud or changing buzzing noise often indicates the unit is running with low water levels or the tank is empty, which can permanently damage the transducers. Immediately turn it off and check the solution level. If the level is correct, the noise could be from metal-on-metal contact between the basket and the tank bottom. Ensure the basket is properly positioned on its feet or side ledges.
Yes, imported ultrasonic cleaners must comply with SONCAP (Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme). Your supplier must provide a Product Certificate (PC) and a SONCAP Certificate (SC) for the shipment to clear customs. Without these, the equipment will be flagged by SON at the port of entry in Apapa, leading to significant delays and penalties. Always confirm your supplier handles SONCAP compliance.
The best solution is a neutral pH, enzymatic cleaner specifically formulated for medical instruments. These solutions effectively break down blood, tissue, and other bioburden without damaging stainless steel or delicate parts. Using a general-purpose detergent or a harsh chemical like bleach can cause corrosion and pitting on instruments, rendering them unsafe for use and leading to costly replacements.
A typical cleaning cycle for dental instruments is 5 to 15 minutes. For general cleaning of mirrors and probes, 5-7 minutes in a unit like an Elma S30H is sufficient. For heavily soiled instruments like extraction forceps or burs, a 10-15 minute cycle with the heater set to 50-60°C is more effective. Overly long cycles do not improve cleaning and can cause instrument wear over time.
Yes, you can repair faulty units, but only through qualified biomedical technicians who can source original parts. Common repairs include replacing a failed transducer or a faulty heating element. Attempting a DIY repair on a Crest unit, for example, often voids the warranty and can lead to further damage. It is more cost-effective to contact your original supplier for a referral to a certified technician in Lagos or Abuja.
Normal frequency operates at a fixed kilohertz (e.g., 40 kHz), which can create intense cleaning zones and 'dead spots'. Sweep frequency, a feature in advanced models like the Branson M-series, varies the frequency slightly (e.g., 38-42 kHz). This eliminates dead spots and ensures uniform, powerful cleaning across the entire tank, which is critical for cleaning complex instruments with crevices and hinges.
For a small lab, affordable and reliable options include 2-litre to 3-litre models from brands like VEVOR or generic digital cleaners, costing between NGN 90,000 and NGN 200,000. A VEVOR PS-20A (3.2L) offers digital controls and a heater at a budget-friendly price point. While not as robust as a Branson, it provides adequate performance for cleaning glassware and small lab tools if maintained properly.
An ultrasonic cleaner improves infection control by removing microscopic debris and bioburden from instrument surfaces that manual scrubbing cannot reach. This pre-cleaning step is critical because any remaining organic matter can shield microorganisms during the final sterilization in an autoclave. Using a unit like an Elma S100H ensures instruments are thoroughly clean, allowing steam or chemical sterilants to be fully effective.
The most essential accessories are a mesh basket and a beaker positioning cover. The basket prevents instruments from touching the tank bottom, which can damage both the instruments and the transducers. For cleaning small items like burs or crowns, using a glass beaker placed inside the main basket (using a beaker cover to hold it) is highly effective and prevents loss of small parts.
You can clean some plastics, but you must be cautious. Plastics like HDPE and polypropylene are generally safe. However, plastics like polycarbonate (PC) and polystyrene (PS) can be damaged or clouded by the cavitation process. Always check the plastic type and test a single item first. Use a lower temperature and a shorter cycle time to minimize the risk of damage to plastic components.
A new ultrasonic cleaner from a reputable brand like Branson or Crest, purchased through an authorized Nigerian dealer, typically comes with a 1 to 2-year manufacturer's warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, including the transducers and electronics. Cheaper, unbranded units sold online may offer only a 30-day or 90-day warranty, which is a significant risk for a critical piece of medical equipment.
Integrate it by establishing a clear protocol: Step 1 (1 day): Train staff on correct operation, solution mixing, and safety. Step 2 (1 day): Designate a specific area for the unit in your decontamination zone. Step 3 (Ongoing): Create a logbook to track usage, solution changes, and maintenance schedules, like monthly foil tests. This ensures consistent performance and compliance with infection control standards for facilities in Nigeria.