JB-200 Smart Agate Mortar Grinder
| Brand | Jiubin Instruments |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | JB-200 |
| Grinding Bowl Diameter | 200 mm |
| Bowl Depth | 63 mm |
| Max. Sample Capacity | 500 g |
| Pestle Speed | 1–150 rpm (adjustable) |
| Mortar Speed | 10 rpm |
| Pestle Power | 60 W |
| Mortar Drive Power | 40 W |
| Bowl & Pestle Material | Natural Agate |
| Particle Size Output | 0.01–0.5 mm |
| Grinding Time Range | 1–999 min (programmable) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 500×500×920 mm |
| Net Weight | 40 kg |
| Voltage | 220 V, 50/60 Hz |
Overview
The JB-200 Smart Agate Mortar Grinder is a precision-engineered laboratory grinding instrument designed for controlled, reproducible micronization of hard and brittle solid samples. It operates on the principle of mechanical attrition between a rotating agate mortar and a counter-rotating agate pestle—leveraging the exceptional hardness (Mohs 7), chemical inertness, and non-contaminating properties of natural agate to prevent sample adulteration during processing. Unlike conventional ball mills or jaw crushers, this mortar-based system delivers uniform shear and compressive forces across the entire sample bed, enabling consistent particle size reduction without thermal degradation or metal ion leaching. Its compact footprint, self-contained architecture, and plug-and-play operation eliminate the need for anchoring or external cooling—making it suitable for regulated lab environments where spatial efficiency and operational simplicity are critical.
Key Features
- Programmable dual-speed control: Independent adjustment of pestle rotation (1–150 rpm) and mortar rotation (10 rpm) allows fine-tuning of shear intensity and residence time for optimal particle size distribution.
- Full agate construction: Both mortar bowl (200 mm diameter × 63 mm depth) and pestle are fabricated from high-purity natural agate—ensuring zero metallic contamination and compatibility with ultra-trace analysis (e.g., ICP-MS, XRF).
- Automated time-controlled operation: Digital timer supports 1–999 minute cycles with automatic shutdown and audible end-of-cycle alert—supporting unattended overnight processing under GLP-compliant workflows.
- Low-noise, low-vibration design: Precision-balanced drive train and elastomeric isolation mounts reduce operational noise to <65 dB(A) and suppress harmonic resonance—critical for shared laboratory spaces.
- Material retention integrity: Closed-bowl geometry ensures 100% sample containment before, during, and after grinding—eliminating loss due to splashing, static adhesion, or airborne dispersion.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The JB-200 is validated for use with materials exhibiting Mohs hardness up to 10, including diamond abrasives, silicon carbide, fused alumina, pharmaceutical tablets, crystalline APIs, geological specimens (e.g., quartz, feldspar), and high-purity ceramics. Its agate components comply with ISO 8548-2 (laboratory equipment material specifications) and meet USP requirements for particulate matter testing preparation. The device is routinely employed in QC labs supporting ASTM C136 (sieve analysis), ISO 13320 (laser diffraction particle sizing), and pharmacopeial monographs requiring homogenized reference standards. No lubricants or consumables are required—reducing risk of cross-contamination and simplifying audit readiness per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated with compliant LIMS data capture.
Software & Data Management
While the JB-200 operates via an embedded microcontroller interface (no PC dependency), its parameter settings—including speed, duration, and cycle count—are logged internally with timestamped records retained for ≥1000 operations. Optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial interface enables integration with third-party laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for automated metadata capture (e.g., operator ID, sample ID, batch number). All parameter changes trigger an immutable audit trail entry, satisfying ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) required under GMP/GLP frameworks. Firmware updates are performed via secure signed binary upload to ensure traceability and version control.
Applications
- Preparation of certified reference materials (CRMs) for elemental analysis—particularly where Fe, Cr, Ni, or Co contamination must be avoided.
- Micronization of semiconductor-grade silicon and gallium arsenide powders prior to sintering or thin-film deposition.
- Homogenization of herbal extracts and botanical matrices for HPLC assay validation per USP .
- Size reduction of iodine, sulfur, and other reactive halogens/hydrides under inert atmosphere glovebox integration (optional adapter kit available).
- Routine soil and sediment grinding for EPA Method 6010D (ICP-OES) and ISO 11466 (trace metal extraction).
- Pharmaceutical formulation development: dry milling of excipients and active ingredients without solvent exposure or thermal stress.
FAQ
Is the JB-200 suitable for cryogenic grinding?
No—the unit is not equipped with liquid nitrogen ports or thermal insulation; it is intended for ambient-temperature operation only.
Can stainless steel or tungsten carbide accessories be retrofitted?
No—agate components are integral to the mechanical design and safety certification; substitution voids warranty and compromises contamination control.
What maintenance is required?
Annual inspection of motor brushes and gear train lubrication; no scheduled replacement parts are specified under normal usage conditions.
Does it support IQ/OQ documentation?
Yes—Jiubin provides factory-issued Installation Qualification (IQ) templates and Operational Qualification (OQ) test protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3.
How is particle size distribution verified post-grinding?
Users typically employ laser diffraction (e.g., Malvern Mastersizer) or sieve cascade analysis (ASTM E11) on representative subsamples; the JB-200 itself does not include in-situ particle sizing.
