IKA T 18 mini digital Solution ULTRA-TURRAX® Disperser System

Overview

The IKA T 18 mini digital Solution is a compact, high-performance benchtop disperser engineered for precise and reproducible batch processing of low-to-medium viscosity liquids in research, quality control, and pilot-scale laboratories. Based on the proven ULTRA-TURRAX® rotor-stator principle, it generates intense shear forces through controlled hydrodynamic cavitation and turbulent flow—enabling efficient homogenization, emulsification, dispersion, and particle size reduction down to the micrometer range. Its brushless DC motor eliminates carbon wear, ensuring stable torque delivery across the full speed range (3000–25,000 rpm), extended service life, and silent operation—critical for shared lab environments. The integrated TFT display provides real-time, glare-resistant visualization of speed, timer status, and operational mode, even at viewing distances up to 2 meters. Designed for space-constrained workstations, its footprint measures only 66 × 100 mm, with a total height of 186 mm—making it compatible with fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and modular lab furniture.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor delivering consistent torque output, zero carbon dust generation, and >10,000-hour service life under routine use conditions
• Stepless electronic speed control with ±3 % accuracy and LED/TFT dual-display feedback for traceable parameter monitoring
• Integrated digital timer (0–99 min 59 s) supporting unattended operation and process repeatability per GLP-aligned workflows
• Universal quick-fit chuck system enabling tool exchange in <10 seconds without tools—compatible with stainless steel (e.g., R 1826), PTFE-coated, and polymer dispersing tools
• USB-C interface compliant with USB 2.0 specifications for bidirectional communication with IKAlabworldsoft® software (v3.0+), supporting remote parameter setting, real-time data logging, and CSV export
• Robust aluminum housing rated IP30 per DIN EN 60529, certified for continuous-duty operation (100 % duty cycle) under ambient conditions of 5–40 °C and ≤80 % RH non-condensing

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The T 18 mini digital Solution is validated for aqueous and organic solvent-based systems with viscosities up to 2000 mPa·s. It accommodates sample volumes from 1 mL to 1.5 L in standard cylindrical or conical glass or plastic vessels (diameter ≥30 mm). Dispersing tools—including S 18 N-19 G (stainless steel, 19 mm Ø) and R 1826 (tapered, 26 mm Ø)—are autoclavable (121 °C, 20 min) and chemically resistant to common laboratory reagents (pH 1–14, alcohols, acetone, chloroform). Device firmware complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity). While not intrinsically safe, it meets CE marking requirements for laboratory electrical equipment (2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU) and supports audit-ready documentation when used with IKAlabworldsoft®’s 21 CFR Part 11-compliant optional module (user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails).

Software & Data Management

IKAlabworldsoft® v3.2+ provides full instrument integration via USB-C, enabling protocol-driven operation, multi-step method programming, and time-stamped parameter recording (speed, duration, timestamp, user ID). Raw data is stored locally in encrypted .ikl format and exportable as ISO/IEC 17025-compatible CSV files with metadata headers (instrument ID, calibration date, operator, ambient conditions). Software logs include automatic error detection (overload, thermal shutdown, communication timeout) and generate PDF reports compliant with internal QA templates. All firmware updates are digitally signed and delivered through IKA’s secure customer portal—ensuring integrity and version traceability per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 5.9.

Applications

This disperser is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical formulation (nanosuspension development, excipient wetting), food science (emulsion stability testing, ingredient hydration), materials chemistry (carbon nanotube dispersion in polymer matrices), cosmetics R&D (oil-in-water microemulsions), and academic colloid research (particle size distribution analysis via post-dispersion DLS or SEM). Its ability to achieve uniform energy input across small-volume samples makes it ideal for DoE (Design of Experiments) screening where statistical reproducibility is required between replicates.

FAQ

Is the T 18 mini digital Solution suitable for high-viscosity polymer melts?
No—it is optimized for low-to-medium viscosity fluids (≤2000 mPa·s); for viscoelastic melts, consider the IKA RW 20 or ULTRA-TURRAX® T 50 series.
Can the device be integrated into automated liquid handling platforms?
Yes—via TTL-level trigger signals (optional I/O module) and ASCII command protocol over USB-C for synchronization with robotic arms or PLC-controlled reactors.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the brushless motor?
No scheduled motor maintenance is required; annual visual inspection of bearings and chuck mechanism is advised per IKA Service Bulletin SB-2023-08.
Does the USB-C port support power delivery to external devices?
No—it is data-only; the port supplies no VBUS power beyond USB 2.0 specification (5 V, 500 mA max for enumeration).
Is calibration certification available for metrological traceability?
Yes—IKA offers factory-calibrated speed verification (NIST-traceable tachometer) with optional UKAS-accredited certificate (ISO/IEC 17025) upon request.