Yiheng B-500 High-Shear Probe Homogenizer
| Brand | Yiheng |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | B-500 |
| Price Range | USD 1,600 – 2,300 (approx.) |
| Instrument Type | Probe-Type Rotor-Stator Homogenizer |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 70×70×255 mm & 90×90×365 mm |
| Processing Volume | 100–5000 mL (with B-500/25G or B-500/25F dispersing heads) |
| Maximum Viscosity Handling | 10,000 mPa·s |
| Drive Motor | Brushless DC Motor |
| Display | LCD (D-Series only) |
| Speed Control | 7-step continuous adjustment |
| Material | 316L Stainless Steel Dispersing Heads |
| Safety Features | Overload protection, soft-start, safety interlock switch |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP-compliant lab environments |
Overview
The Yiheng B-500 High-Shear Probe Homogenizer is an engineered solution for reproducible, scalable dispersion, emulsification, and cell disruption in research and quality control laboratories. It operates on the rotor-stator principle—where a rapidly rotating probe (rotor) shears fluid against a fixed concentric sleeve (stator), generating intense hydrodynamic forces including cavitation, turbulence, and high localized shear rates. This mechanism enables efficient particle size reduction, homogenization of immiscible phases, and uniform suspension of nanomaterials or biological aggregates. Unlike overhead stirrers or magnetic mixers, the B-500 delivers controlled mechanical energy directly into the sample volume, minimizing thermal buildup and ensuring batch-to-batch consistency across volumes from 100 mL to 5 L. Its compact footprint and modular head design make it suitable for fume hood integration, biosafety cabinets, and regulated analytical workflows.
Key Features
- Brushless DC motor architecture ensures stable torque delivery across speed ranges, reduced electromagnetic interference, and extended operational lifetime (>10,000 hours MTBF).
- LCD digital display (D-Series models) provides real-time monitoring of rotational speed (rpm), elapsed time, and system status—enabling precise protocol replication and audit-ready parameter logging.
- Seven-step continuous speed adjustment (range calibrated per head geometry) allows optimization for low-viscosity solvents or highly viscous suspensions up to 10,000 mPa·s.
- Interchangeable 316L stainless steel dispersing heads—including B-500/25G (general-purpose) and B-500/25F (fine-emulsion)—share a common shaft interface, eliminating cross-contamination risk and reducing consumables inventory.
- Triple-layer safety architecture: electronic overload detection halts operation before thermal or mechanical stress exceeds rated limits; microswitch-activated safety interlock prevents activation unless probe is fully seated; programmable soft-start eliminates torque shock during initiation.
- Autoclavable probe assemblies (up to 121°C, 2 bar) support sterile processing in pharmaceutical development, microbiology, and vaccine formulation labs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The B-500 accommodates aqueous, organic, and semi-solid matrices—including polymer melts, ceramic slurries, liposomal formulations, tissue homogenates, and nanoparticle dispersions. Its stator geometry and tip velocity profile are validated for use with ISO 8504-2 (mixing equipment performance testing) and ASTM D3418 (viscoelastic characterization prep). All electrical components meet IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory equipment. The device supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation via external data capture (RS-232 or optional USB interface), and its parameter traceability aligns with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when integrated with compliant LIMS or ELN platforms.
Software & Data Management
While the base B-500 operates as a stand-alone instrument, D-Series units support ASCII-based serial communication protocols for integration with third-party lab automation systems. Timestamped speed/time logs can be exported for inclusion in electronic batch records. Optional firmware upgrades enable programmable multi-stage protocols (e.g., ramp-hold-cool cycles) and password-protected user profiles—critical for shared-core facilities requiring role-based access control. Audit trails generated during operation comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Preparation of stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions for food science, cosmetics, and topical drug delivery.
- Dispersion of carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in solvent media for advanced material synthesis.
- Routine lysis of bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells prior to protein extraction or nucleic acid isolation.
- Homogenization of soil, sediment, and biological tissue samples for environmental toxicity screening (OECD 207, 210).
- Viscosity-controlled blending of battery electrode slurries and catalyst pastes in energy storage R&D.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended operating temperature for the B-500 dispersing heads?
Standard 316L stainless steel heads are rated for continuous use up to 80°C; autoclaving at 121°C is permitted for sterilization only (non-operational).
Can the B-500 be used under inert atmosphere conditions?
Yes—when coupled with gas-tight reactor vessels and appropriate sealing adapters, the probe assembly maintains integrity under nitrogen or argon purge.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Speed calibration is performed using NIST-traceable tachometers; full metrological validation requires third-party service per ISO/IEC 17025.
How often should maintenance be performed?
Brushless motor maintenance is limited to annual visual inspection and bearing lubrication; stator-rotor clearance verification is advised after every 500 hours of operation.
Does the B-500 meet CE marking requirements?
The device complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; CE declaration is provided upon request with applicable test reports.
