Branson Bransonic Series

Weak or Absent Ultrasonic Cleaning Action

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Asset Type

Ultrasonic Cleaner

Manufacturer

Branson

Model

Bransonic Series

What This Guide Helps With

Troubleshooting poor cavitation, weak cleaning, absent ultrasonic activity, improper loading, solution issues, or failed ultrasonic output.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

Confirm the ultrasonic cleaner is not being used for active instrument processing while troubleshooting.

Remove instruments from the tank before testing, and follow facility infection control procedures when handling contaminated items or cleaning solution.

Expected outcome: Troubleshooting is performed safely without interrupting instrument reprocessing or exposing staff to contaminated solution.

Verify the Reported Cleaning Problem

Ask staff what they observed:

Expected outcome: The issue is confirmed as weak or absent ultrasonic cleaning action rather than a timer, heater, drain, or user-process issue.

Check That the Unit Powers On and Starts a Cycle

Verify the Bransonic unit powers on normally and that the timer or cycle control starts as expected.

Observe whether the display, indicator light, or cycle status behaves normally during operation.

Expected outcome: The unit starts a cycle and appears to operate.

If the unit does not power on or cannot start a cycle, troubleshoot the power or control issue first and stop.

Confirm the Tank Has the Correct Solution Level

Inspect the tank and verify the liquid level is within the marked operating range.

Do not operate the ultrasonic cleaner with low solution level or an empty tank.

Expected outcome: The tank is filled to the proper level.

Why it matters: Low solution level can reduce ultrasonic energy transfer and may damage the unit.

Verify Proper Cleaning Solution Is Being Used

Confirm staff are using an approved ultrasonic cleaning solution at the correct dilution.

Check for plain water use, incorrect detergent, excessive concentration, expired solution, or solution that is visibly dirty.

Expected outcome: The tank contains fresh, properly mixed ultrasonic cleaning solution.

If replacing the solution restores cleaning performance, document the cause and stop.

Confirm the Solution Has Been Degassed

If the solution was recently changed, run the unit empty with only solution in the tank for several minutes to allow trapped air to clear.

Expected outcome: Ultrasonic action improves after degassing.

Why it matters: Fresh solution can hold air bubbles that reduce cavitation and make cleaning appear weak.

Inspect Loading and Basket Use

Verify instruments are placed in the basket and are not resting directly on the tank bottom.

Check for overloaded baskets, stacked instruments, closed hinges, heavy contact between items, or instruments blocking ultrasonic energy.

Expected outcome: Instruments are loosely arranged, fully submerged, open at hinges, and not touching the tank floor.

If correcting the load restores cleaning performance, document the user-process cause and stop.

Check for Items That Absorb or Block Ultrasonic Energy

Look for soft materials, absorbent items, silicone mats, towels, plastics, or incorrect accessories placed in the tank.

Expected outcome: Only appropriate instruments and approved accessories are present.

Why it matters: Incorrect items can absorb ultrasonic energy and reduce effective cleaning.

Listen for Normal Ultrasonic Activity

Start a cycle with the tank filled correctly and listen for the normal ultrasonic buzzing or hissing sound.

Avoid placing hands in the operating tank.

Expected outcome: A steady ultrasonic sound is heard during the active cycle.

If the timer runs but there is no ultrasonic sound, ultrasonic output failure is more likely after external causes are ruled out.

Perform a Basic Cavitation Check if Facility Procedure Allows

Use the facility-approved cavitation test method, such as a foil test or commercial ultrasonic activity indicator.

Place the test material according to facility procedure and run a normal cycle.

Expected outcome: The test shows consistent cavitation across the tank.

If the test passes, the device is producing ultrasonic activity and the issue may be related to solution, loading, exposure time, or instrument preparation.

Check for Uneven Cavitation Across the Tank

If testing shows activity in some areas but not others, repeat the test with fresh solution and a proper solution level.

Expected outcome: Cavitation should be reasonably consistent across the tank.

If dead zones remain after fresh solution and proper setup, internal transducer or generator issues may be present.

Inspect the Tank for Visible Damage

With the unit powered off and unplugged, inspect the tank for pitting, cracks, residue buildup, scale, discoloration, or signs of leakage.

Expected outcome: The tank is clean, intact, and free of damage that could affect ultrasonic performance.

If the tank is damaged or leaking, remove the unit from service.

Verify Cycle Time and Temperature Settings

Confirm staff are using an appropriate cycle time for the soil load and instrument type.

If the unit has heat, verify the selected temperature is appropriate and that staff are not expecting heat alone to perform ultrasonic cleaning.

Expected outcome: Cycle settings match facility reprocessing procedure.

Check for Unusual Heat, Smell, or Noise

During a safe test cycle, observe for abnormal buzzing, intermittent operation, burning smell, excessive heat, or unusual vibration.

Expected outcome: The unit operates consistently without abnormal odor, overheating, or erratic sound.

If unusual heat, odor, or intermittent ultrasonic operation is present, stop testing and remove the unit from service.

Retest After Correcting External Conditions

After confirming fresh solution, correct fill level, degassing, proper loading, and correct cycle settings, repeat the cavitation check.

Expected outcome: Ultrasonic cleaning action returns to normal.

If performance is restored, return the device to service after cleaning, inspection, and documentation.

If the Problem Persists

If weak or absent ultrasonic cleaning action continues after verifying power, solution level, detergent concentration, degassing, loading, basket use, cycle settings, and cavitation testing, common external causes have been ruled out.

The issue is likely internal, such as a failed ultrasonic generator, transducer problem, control output failure, wiring issue, or tank-related failure.

The device should be removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent for repair or bench evaluation.

Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting. Do not continue operating an ultrasonic cleaner that cannot demonstrate reliable cavitation.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not troubleshoot on an active patient or during active instrument processing that supports patient care. Do not release instruments for clinical use based on a questionable ultrasonic cycle. If cleaning action is weak or absent, move instrument processing to another approved ultrasonic cleaner and have the affected unit evaluated before reuse so therapy and clinical workflow continuity are protected.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Staff reported the Branson Bransonic ultrasonic cleaner was running but instruments remained visibly soiled after the cycle."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Troubleshooting found the tank solution was freshly changed but had not been degassed, resulting in weak cavitation during testing."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Degassed the solution, verified correct fill level and loading, repeated cavitation test successfully, and returned the ultrasonic cleaner to service."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

Final Thought

Weak ultrasonic cleaning should be approached logically before assuming internal failure. Confirm the basics first: solution, level, degassing, loading, basket use, and cycle settings. If proper setup does not restore cavitation, remove the unit from service and escalate for repair. Clear CCR documentation helps show whether the issue was process-related or equipment-related.

That is successful troubleshooting.

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