Cole-Parmer TR200D Rotating Tube Mixer
| Brand | Cole-Parmer |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | TR200D |
| Operating Temperature Range | 4–60 °C |
| Speed Control | Digital (2–40 rpm, 1 rpm resolution) or Fixed-Speed (20 rpm) |
| Adjustable Mixing Angle | 0–90° (horizontal to vertical) |
| Tube Capacity | Compatible with multiple tube sizes via interchangeable racks |
| Environmental Humidity Tolerance | 20–80% RH |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP-compliant laboratories |
Overview
The Cole-Parmer TR200D Rotating Tube Mixer is an engineered solution for consistent, low-shear sample homogenization in life science, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical quality control laboratories. Utilizing continuous unidirectional rotation around a fixed horizontal axis—adjustable from 0° (fully horizontal) to 90° (fully vertical)—this device enables controlled agitation that maintains cellular suspension, prevents sedimentation, and supports aerobic culture conditions without introducing vortexing or foaming artifacts. Unlike orbital shakers or vortex mixers, the TR200D applies gentle, predictable torque to tubes mounted on precision-machined racks, making it ideal for sensitive biological samples such as whole blood, bacterial cultures, immunoassay reagents, and chromatographic standards where phase separation must be avoided during incubation or storage.
Key Features
- Digitally programmable speed control (2–40 rpm, 1 rpm resolution) with memory retention for repeatable protocols
- Stepless angular adjustment from 0° to 90°, enabling optimization of mixing intensity based on sample viscosity and container geometry
- Tool-free rack installation and removal system compatible with six standardized tube rack configurations (including formats for 0.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes up to 50 mL conical tubes)
- Leak-resistant drip tray integrated into base housing to contain accidental spills and simplify decontamination
- Compact footprint and low-power consumption (24 V DC input) support deployment inside refrigerated chambers, CO₂ incubators, and cold rooms operating between 4 °C and 60 °C
- IP20-rated enclosure suitable for standard laboratory environments; conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TR200D accommodates a broad range of tube types—including polypropylene, glass, and borosilicate vessels—across diameters from 6 mm to 30 mm. Its modular rack system ensures secure clamping without deformation or slippage, even during extended operation cycles. All rack materials are autoclavable (121 °C, 20 min), supporting reuse under GMP and GLP workflows. The mixer is routinely employed in applications governed by USP , ISO 11737-1, and ASTM E2872 for microbial suspension uniformity testing. When paired with validated tube racks and documented operational parameters, the TR200D meets traceability requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when integrated with LIMS or ELN platforms.
Software & Data Management
While the TR200D operates as a standalone instrument with front-panel digital interface, its speed and angle settings can be logged manually or synchronized with external process documentation systems. For laboratories requiring audit-ready records, optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters enable integration with custom scripts or third-party data acquisition software. All parameter changes—including runtime, speed, and tilt position—are subject to operator-initiated entry and may be cross-referenced against batch logs for full procedural transparency. Firmware updates (when available) are distributed through Cole-Parmer’s technical support portal and require manual initiation to preserve configuration integrity.
Applications
- Homogenization of serum, plasma, and whole blood prior to hematology analysis
- Maintaining aerobic suspension of bacterial or yeast cultures during growth curve studies
- Reconstitution and dispersion of lyophilized reagents and calibration standards
- Equilibration of immunoassay plates and ELISA strip wells before optical readout
- Pre-incubation mixing of PCR master mixes containing temperature-sensitive enzymes
- Uniform dispersion of nanoparticles or liposomal formulations in preclinical formulation development
FAQ
Can the TR200D be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—the unit is rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures from 4 °C to 60 °C and relative humidity levels between 20% and 80%, making it compatible with standard humidified CO₂ incubators.
Is the angle adjustment mechanism calibrated or indexed?
The tilt mechanism features a vernier-style scale with 5° increments and fine-tuning capability; however, no factory calibration certificate is provided. Users may verify angle positioning using a digital inclinometer for critical SOP alignment.
Are replacement racks available for non-standard tube formats?
Cole-Parmer offers six cataloged rack variants; custom rack design services are not available directly from the manufacturer but may be sourced through authorized engineering partners under NDA.
Does the TR200D support timed run cycles?
No—the device lacks built-in timer functionality. External programmable timers or PLC-based control relays are recommended for scheduled start/stop sequences.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine cleaning of the drip tray and rack contact surfaces is advised. No lubrication or internal servicing is required; the brushless DC motor has a rated service life exceeding 20,000 hours under nominal load conditions.
