STR4/2 Dual-Platform Rotating Bottle Mixer
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | STR4/2 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The STR4/2 Dual-Platform Rotating Bottle Mixer is an engineered laboratory mixing system designed for gentle, continuous, and reproducible end-over-end rotation of two standard 250 mL round-bottom flasks or reagent bottles. Based on the principle of controlled orbital tumbling—distinct from vortexing or magnetic stirring—this device ensures homogeneous suspension of particulates, uniform dissolution of solids, and consistent re-suspension of sedimented cultures without shear-induced damage. Its mechanical architecture prioritizes stability during extended operation, minimizing vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation while maintaining precise rotational symmetry across both platforms. The system is optimized for applications requiring low-shear agitation under ambient or controlled-environment conditions (e.g., incubator-integrated setups), and is commonly deployed in microbiology, analytical sample preparation, and pharmaceutical stability testing protocols.
Key Features
- Dual independent rotating platforms accommodate two 250 mL round-bottom flasks or standard-thread reagent bottles simultaneously
- Neck-ring clamping mechanism with dual compression washers ensures secure, slip-free fixation without glass stress or thread deformation
- Robust aluminum alloy frame with precision-machined bearing housings for long-term rotational stability and minimal runout
- Brushless DC motor drive delivering consistent speed performance over extended duty cycles (up to 72 h continuous operation)
- Adjustable tilt angle (±5°) to fine-tune mixing intensity while preserving laminar motion profiles
- IP20-rated enclosure suitable for cleanroom-adjacent lab environments; CE-compliant per EN 61000-6-2 and EN 61000-6-3
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The STR4/2 supports borosilicate glass (e.g., Pyrex® or equivalent) and chemically resistant polypropylene or HDPE bottles conforming to ISO 8536-1 and ASTM D2509 specifications. Bottle neck diameters ranging from 24 mm to 29 mm are compatible when used with the supplied interchangeable neck rings. No modification to vessel geometry or labeling is required. The system complies with general laboratory equipment safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and is routinely validated for use in GLP-compliant laboratories where mixing consistency must be documented per SOPs aligned with USP , ISO/IEC 17025, and EU GMP Annex 11 requirements for ancillary equipment qualification.
Software & Data Management
The STR4/2 operates as a standalone electromechanical device without embedded firmware or digital interface. Rotation is initiated manually via front-panel toggle switch; no software installation, network connection, or data logging capability is provided. This design eliminates cybersecurity exposure, reduces validation burden, and aligns with regulatory expectations for “dumb” ancillary devices in regulated environments where audit trails for mixing parameters are maintained externally (e.g., via lab notebook entries or LIMS-integrated batch records). For facilities requiring electronic record retention, optional third-party USB-based timers or external PLC-controlled relays may be integrated at the power-input level—subject to site-specific IQ/OQ validation.
Applications
- Re-suspension of lyophilized bacterial cultures prior to inoculation or viability assays
- Homogenization of immunoassay reagents containing latex beads or magnetic particles
- Extraction of analytes from solid matrices using solvent-based protocols (e.g., EPA Method 3550C)
- Preparation of calibration standards for ICP-MS or HPLC analysis where particle settling must be avoided
- Long-duration dissolution profiling under static incubation conditions (e.g., USP Apparatus 7 equivalents)
- Controlled mixing of radiolabeled tracers in nuclear medicine QC workflows
FAQ
Is the STR4/2 compatible with Erlenmeyer flasks?
No—only round-bottom flasks and straight-walled reagent bottles with standardized neck dimensions (24–29 mm OD) are supported. Conical flasks introduce unstable center-of-mass dynamics and are not recommended.
Can the unit be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes, provided ambient temperature does not exceed 40 °C and relative humidity remains below 80 % RH. Verify compatibility with incubator manufacturer regarding electromagnetic interference and condensation management.
What maintenance is required?
Annual inspection of bearing preload and washer integrity is advised. No lubrication is required; all moving components are sealed and pre-greased at manufacture.
Does the STR4/2 meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
As a non-data-generating device, it falls outside the scope of Part 11. Its use in Part 11-regulated processes requires procedural controls—not technical controls—to ensure traceability of mixing parameters.
Are replacement neck rings available for other bottle sizes?
Yes—custom neck ring sets (e.g., for 100 mL or 500 mL vessels) can be ordered separately under part numbers STR-NR-100 and STR-NR-500; lead time is typically 4–6 weeks from German distributor stock.
