Leici HY-1 Vortex Mixer

Overview

The Leici HY-1 Vortex Mixer is a compact, benchtop vortex shaker engineered for rapid and reproducible homogenization of liquid, liquid-solid, and fine solid-solid samples in life science, clinical diagnostics, environmental testing, and industrial quality control laboratories. It operates on the principle of orbital oscillation—generating controlled circular motion at the sample interface via a rotating drive shaft with a fixed 4 mm orbit diameter. This mechanical excitation induces high-shear turbulent flow within tubes or vials, enabling efficient suspension, resuspension, emulsification, and reagent mixing without requiring magnetic beads or external agitation accessories. Designed for routine use in ISO 17025-accredited labs and GLP-compliant workflows, the HY-1 delivers consistent mixing performance across standard microcentrifuge tubes (0.2–50 mL), PCR strips, and small-volume conical tubes. Its fixed-speed architecture (2800 rpm) prioritizes operational simplicity and long-term reliability over variable speed complexity—making it especially suitable for standardized protocols where repeatability supersedes tunability.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (170 × 120 × 140 mm) optimized for crowded fume hoods and biosafety cabinets.
• Shaded-pole induction motor delivering stable 2800 rpm output with low electromagnetic interference and minimal thermal drift during extended operation.
• Dual-mode activation: momentary touch-start for brief mixing pulses (e.g., pellet resuspension), and continuous run mode for prolonged homogenization tasks.
• Ergonomic, non-slip rubber base with integrated anti-vibration feet to suppress lateral displacement and acoustic emission (<55 dB(A) at 1 m).
• Tool-free interchangeable platform adapters—including universal cup, 0.5/1.5/2.0 mL tube holders, and 15/50 mL conical rack—enabling rapid reconfiguration between sample formats.
• Compliance with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory environments; CE-marked for use in EU and UK markets.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HY-1 accommodates common single-use and reusable labware including polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes (0.2–2.0 mL), screw-cap Eppendorf-style tubes, PCR strip tubes, and small-volume glass vials. Its 4 mm orbital path ensures effective energy transfer even with viscous buffers (e.g., glycerol-containing lysis solutions) and low-volume samples (≥50 µL). While not designed for high-viscosity suspensions (>1000 mPa·s) or large-volume containers (>50 mL), it meets ASTM D3418 and ISO 8573-1 requirements for mechanical consistency in preparatory steps prior to downstream analysis (e.g., HPLC sample prep, ELISA plate priming, nucleic acid extraction). The device supports audit-ready documentation when integrated into FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned workflows via external loggers or LIMS linkage.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone analog instrument, the HY-1 does not incorporate embedded firmware, touchscreen interfaces, or digital connectivity. Its design follows the “zero-software” philosophy—eliminating validation overhead associated with electronic records, cybersecurity updates, or firmware version control. All operational parameters (speed, mode, duration) are manually set and verified by physical indicators (mechanical switch position, audible motor tone). For laboratories requiring traceability, users may pair the HY-1 with time-stamped video recording, manual logbooks, or third-party IoT sensors (e.g., Bluetooth-enabled RPM monitors) to satisfy internal SOPs or external accreditation audits (e.g., CAP, CLIA, ISO/IEC 17025).

Applications

• Routine resuspension of cell pellets, lyophilized reagents, and precipitated DNA/RNA.
• Homogenization of immunoassay reagents, enzyme conjugates, and antibody dilutions prior to plate loading.
• Pre-analytical preparation for environmental water testing (e.g., heavy metal extraction from filtered particulates).
• Blending of calibration standards and QC reference materials in pharmaceutical stability studies.
• Supporting ASTM D7212 (determination of lead in paint chips) and EPA Method 3050B (acid digestion of sediments) sample agitation steps.

FAQ

Does the HY-1 support variable speed control?
No—the HY-1 operates exclusively at a fixed 2800 rpm. Variable speed capability is available only on the HY-2 model.
Can the HY-1 be used with 50 mL conical tubes?
Yes, when equipped with the optional large-capacity adapter plate (sold separately), the HY-1 accommodates up to six 50 mL conical tubes simultaneously.
Is the HY-1 compatible with 24 V DC power supplies?
No—it requires AC mains input (100–120 VAC or 200–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) and does not support battery or low-voltage DC operation.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine cleaning of the platform surface and inspection of rubber gasket integrity every 6 months; no lubrication or motor servicing is specified by the manufacturer.
Does the HY-1 meet UL or CSA certification requirements for North America?
It carries CE marking per IEC 61010-1 but is not UL-listed or CSA-certified; institutions requiring UL/CSA compliance should consult local regulatory officers before deployment.