IKA T 50 digital ULTRA-TURRAX® High-Shear Disperser

Overview

The IKA T 50 digital ULTRA-TURRAX® is a high-performance, benchtop high-shear disperser engineered for reproducible homogenization, emulsification, and particle size reduction in laboratory-scale batch processes. It operates on the principle of rotor-stator shear, where rotational energy from a precision-balanced motor is transferred via a concentric shaft to a rotating dispersing element (rotor), generating intense hydrodynamic shear forces within the stator housing. This mechanism enables efficient disruption of agglomerates, uniform dispersion of solids into liquids, and formation of stable emulsions—particularly critical in formulation development for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, and nanomaterials. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the T 50 digital integrates robust mechanical architecture with digital control logic to deliver consistent torque delivery across its full speed range, independent of viscosity fluctuations—a key requirement for GLP-compliant method transfer and scale-up studies.

Key Features

• Digital LED speed display with real-time feedback and ±1% speed accuracy ensures traceable operational parameters for audit-ready documentation.
• Continuous (stepless) electronic speed control allows precise adjustment between 600 and 10,000 rpm, enabling optimization of tip speed (up to ~30 m/s with standard S50N-G45G dispersing tools) for diverse sample rheologies.
• Integrated electronic overload protection prevents thermal damage during extended operation or high-viscosity processing (up to 5000 mPa·s), supporting uninterrupted 100% duty cycle performance.
• Stainless steel dispersing tools—including ULTRA-TURRAX® G-series (e.g., G45G, G50F) and compatible accessories—are designed for rapid disassembly, autoclavability, and chemical resistance, facilitating cleaning validation per ISO 13485 and FDA-recommended practices.
• Smooth start-up sequence eliminates mechanical shock to samples and extends bearing life; error code display (e.g., E1 = overload, E2 = sensor fault) supports rapid troubleshooting without service intervention.
• IP20-rated housing meets basic electrical safety requirements for laboratory environments; compact footprint (115 × 355 × 139 mm) optimizes fume hood or laminar flow cabinet integration.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The T 50 digital accommodates batch volumes from 0.25 L to 30 L (water-equivalent), making it suitable for early-stage screening through pilot-batch preparation. Its rotor-stator geometry supports suspension of micron- and submicron-sized particles, dispersion of pigments, exfoliation of 2D materials (e.g., graphene oxide), and preparation of oil-in-water/water-in-oil emulsions. The system complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP20), IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions), and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its digital speed logging capability—when paired with external validated data acquisition software—supports alignment with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) for regulated QC/QA workflows.

Software & Data Management

The T 50 digital operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware-based data logging. However, its analog tachometer output (0–10 V DC proportional to rpm) and optional RS232 interface (via IKA Labworldsoft™ adapter kit) enable integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or SCADA platforms. Users may configure automated speed profiles, timestamped run logs, and electronic signatures when deployed with third-party compliant software meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements. All firmware updates are distributed exclusively through IKA’s authorized service network to maintain device integrity and regulatory traceability.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Preparation of nanoemulsions for oral drug delivery, wet milling of API suspensions, and excipient compatibility testing under shear stress.
• Materials Science: Exfoliation of layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), carbon nanotube dispersion in polymer matrices, and colloidal quantum dot stabilization.
• Food & Beverage: Development of plant-based dairy alternatives, homogenization of starch-protein gels, and viscosity profiling of functional ingredient blends.
• Coatings & Inks: Pigment deagglomeration in aqueous acrylic dispersions, rheological conditioning of UV-curable formulations, and stability assessment of pigment concentrates.
• Academic Research: Fundamental studies of shear-induced coalescence, breakup dynamics in turbulent liquid-liquid systems, and structure-property relationships in soft matter.

FAQ

Is the T 50 digital ULTRA-TURRAX® suitable for continuous (inline) processing?

No—it is strictly designed for batch-mode operation. Inline applications require IKA’s RO 2000 or LR series inline dispersers with integrated flow cells and pressure-rated housings.
Can the instrument be validated for GMP environments?

Yes—when used with documented IQ/OQ protocols, calibrated torque/speed verification standards (e.g., NIST-traceable tachometers), and controlled change management for dispersing tools, it supports equipment qualification per ISO 13485 and EU GMP Annex 15.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?

IKA recommends annual inspection of motor brushes, stator wear, and shaft runout by certified technicians; routine cleaning of dispersing tools and stator housing after each use is mandatory to prevent cross-contamination.
Does the device support variable torque control?

No—torque is load-dependent and unregulated; however, constant-speed regulation maintains consistent shear rate even as viscosity increases, ensuring repeatable process outcomes.
Are explosion-proof versions available?

Not for the T 50 digital platform. For ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 or 2 environments, users must select IKA’s EX-series instruments with certified intrinsically safe motors and sealed electronics.