VMA CN100 High-Shear Dispersion Mixer
| Brand | VMA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | CN100 |
| Power Rating | 7.5 kW |
| Drive Type | Variable-Speed Electric Motor |
| Height Adjustment | Motorized Vertical Lift System |
| Safety Compliance | EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC |
| Modular Rotor Systems | 5 Interchangeable Configurations (Standard Rotor, Vacuum Rotor, Bead Mill Rotor, Basket Mill Rotor, High-Viscosity Homogenizing Rotor) |
| Application Scope | Laboratory, Pilot-Scale, and Small-Batch Production Environments |
| Control Interface | Touch-Enabled Process Panel with Programmable Parameters |
Overview
The VMA CN100 High-Shear Dispersion Mixer is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible dispersion, homogenization, and particle size reduction in liquid-based formulations. Operating on the principle of rotor-stator hydrodynamic shear, the system generates intense localized velocity gradients within a precisely engineered gap between a high-speed rotating rotor and a stationary stator. As material is drawn axially into the working chamber, centrifugal acceleration forces it radially outward at velocities exceeding 25 m/s—subjecting suspensions, emulsions, and pastes to turbulent flow, cavitation, and laminar shear simultaneously. This multi-mechanism action enables rapid deagglomeration of pigments, uniform distribution of nanofillers, and stabilization of oil-in-water or water-in-oil systems. Designed for scalability from benchtop formulation to pilot-line validation, the CN100 bridges the technical gap between laboratory feasibility studies and early-stage process transfer—making it suitable for R&D laboratories, QC testing facilities, and small-batch manufacturing environments compliant with ISO 9001 and GLP-aligned workflows.
Key Features
- 7.5 kW continuous-duty motor delivering stable torque output across the full speed range (0–3,000 rpm), enabling consistent energy input regardless of viscosity changes during processing.
- Motorized vertical lift system with position memory and programmable descent profiles, ensuring repeatable immersion depth control and eliminating manual height calibration errors.
- Modular rotor-stator architecture supporting five interchangeable configurations: standard high-shear rotor, vacuum-compatible rotor (for oxygen-sensitive formulations), bead mill adapter (for wet grinding with ceramic or zirconia media), basket mill rotor (for coarse-to-fine inline milling), and high-viscosity homogenizing rotor (optimized for pastes >50,000 mPa·s).
- Integrated safety interlock system certified to EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, including guarded lifting mechanism, emergency stop circuitry, and automatic power cutoff upon lid opening or abnormal vibration detection.
- Touch-enabled process panel with intuitive icon-based navigation, real-time RPM and torque monitoring, up to 10 programmable process recipes, and USB data export for audit-ready traceability.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CN100 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—from low-viscosity solvents (100,000 mPa·s)—without requiring hardware modification. Its stainless-steel wetted parts (AISI 316L) meet FDA-compliant surface finish standards (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm), supporting applications in pharmaceutical excipient blending, cosmetic emulsion development, and food-grade pigment dispersion. The system supports compliance with ASTM D1210 (Hegman grind gauge correlation), ISO 787-22 (dispersion quality assessment), and USP (performance qualification of mixing equipment). When configured with vacuum capability, it satisfies requirements for moisture- and oxidation-sensitive APIs per ICH Q5C guidelines.
Software & Data Management
The embedded control firmware logs timestamped operational parameters—including actual RPM, torque load (% of max), elapsed time, and lift position—at 1 Hz resolution. All data are stored locally in CSV format and exportable via USB interface for integration into LIMS or MES platforms. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through user-level access control (admin/operator modes), electronic signature prompts for critical parameter changes, and immutable log files with SHA-256 hash verification. Optional Ethernet connectivity enables remote monitoring and centralized fleet management in multi-instrument lab environments.
Applications
The CN100 serves as a primary dispersion tool in formulation development for coatings (automotive clearcoats, architectural paints), inks (flexographic, UV-curable), cosmetics (sunscreen suspensions, silicone emulsions), adhesives (structural acrylics, pressure-sensitive tapes), battery slurries (NMC/LFP cathode dispersions), and pharmaceutical suspensions (nanocrystal stabilization, lipid nanoparticle pre-mixing). Its ability to replicate industrial-scale shear profiles at reduced volumes makes it especially valuable for DoE-driven optimization, stability screening under accelerated aging conditions, and regulatory submission batch documentation.
FAQ
What is the minimum batch volume the CN100 can effectively process?
Optimal dispersion performance begins at 500 mL in standard vessels; down to 250 mL with optional mini-rotor kits.
Can the CN100 be integrated into automated lab platforms?
Yes—RS-485 Modbus RTU and optional Ethernet/IP protocols support PLC-level integration for sequential process automation.
Is validation documentation available for GMP environments?
IQ/OQ templates, calibration certificates for torque and speed sensors, and material compatibility reports are provided upon request.
How often does the rotor-stator assembly require maintenance?
Under typical lab use (2–4 hours/day), inspection is recommended every 500 operating hours; wear-part replacement intervals exceed 2,000 hours with proper cleaning protocols.
Does VMA offer application-specific rotor geometry recommendations?
Yes—application engineers provide free dispersion protocol guidance based on rheological profiling and particle size distribution targets.
