IKA T25 mini control ULTRA-TURRAX® Disperser

Overview

The IKA T25 mini control ULTRA-TURRAX® is a high-precision, benchtop disperser engineered for reproducible homogenization, emulsification, suspension, and particle size reduction in laboratory-scale applications. Operating on the principle of high-shear rotor-stator mechanical dispersion, it delivers controlled energy input through rapid rotation of interchangeable dispersing tools within a fixed stator geometry—generating intense hydrodynamic shear, cavitation, and turbulent mixing. Designed for low-to-medium viscosity samples (up to 2000 mPa·s), the instrument achieves peripheral speeds exceeding 20 m/s even with compact rotor diameters, enabling efficient micronization of particles and stabilization of oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions. Its brushless DC motor eliminates carbon dust contamination, ensures consistent torque delivery across the full speed range (600–25,000 rpm), and supports uninterrupted operation under continuous duty (100 % ED). The integrated temperature sensor (0–125 °C) and real-time digital display support thermal process monitoring—critical for heat-sensitive formulations in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and polymer research.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor with extended service life, low acoustic emission (75 dB(A) without dispersing tool), and zero maintenance related to brush wear or carbon residue.
• TFT graphical display with intuitive LED interface for simultaneous readout of speed, temperature, timer status, and system diagnostics—visible at distances up to 2 meters.
• Precise electronic speed control with analog potentiometer and digital feedback; speed deviation maintained within ±3 % above 3000 rpm and ≤±100 rpm below 3000 rpm.
• Integrated Pt100 temperature probe with 0.1 K resolution and ±1 K accuracy, enabling closed-loop thermal awareness during exothermic dispersion processes.
• Modular shaft assembly (13 mm diameter, 160 mm length) compatible with the full S25 series of ULTRA-TURRAX® dispersing tools (max. stator diameter: 18 mm), including stainless steel, PTFE-coated, and disposable plastic variants.
• Multi-protocol connectivity via RS232, USB-C, WiFi, and Ethernet—enabling remote parameter configuration, real-time data streaming, and audit-compliant logging.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The T25 mini control accommodates batch volumes from 1 mL to 1.5 L (water-equivalent), making it suitable for R&D-scale formulation development, QC testing, and small-batch pilot production. It complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP30 rating) for protection against solid objects ≥2.5 mm and is designed for use in standard laboratory environments (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH non-condensing). While not intrinsically rated for hazardous areas, its brushless architecture and absence of sparking components enhance operational safety in solvent-rich settings. The device supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through time-stamped, user-attributed parameter records when paired with IKA labworldsoft® software—facilitating traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements where electronic signatures and audit trails are implemented.

Software & Data Management

Equipped with native communication protocols, the T25 mini control integrates seamlessly with IKA labworldsoft®—a validated PC-based platform for method programming, real-time graphing, and export of CSV/Excel-compatible datasets. All operational parameters—including speed profile, temperature history, timer events, and error logs—are timestamped and stored with user ID attribution. USB-C and Ethernet interfaces permit direct connection to local networks for centralized instrument management, while WiFi capability enables secure cloud synchronization in validated IT infrastructures. Data exports retain full metadata (e.g., firmware version, calibration status, ambient conditions), supporting analytical method validation per ICH Q2(R2) and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Preparation of nanoemulsions, liposomal suspensions, and API nanosuspensions for oral or topical delivery.
• Food Science: Homogenization of dairy-based emulsions, plant protein dispersions, and functional ingredient suspensions.
• Materials Chemistry: Exfoliation of 2D materials (e.g., graphene, MXenes), dispersion of nanocellulose or carbon nanotubes in aqueous/organic media.
• Coatings & Inks: Stabilization of pigment dispersions, rheological conditioning of UV-curable resins, and particle size distribution narrowing.
• Academic Research: Fundamental studies on shear-induced aggregation kinetics, interfacial tension modulation, and colloidal stability mechanisms.

FAQ

Is the dispersing tool included with the T25 mini control unit?
No. Dispersing tools (e.g., S25N-10G, S25N-18F) are sold separately and selected based on sample volume, viscosity, and target particle size.
Can the T25 mini control be used for sterile processing?
Yes—when equipped with autoclavable stainless-steel dispersing tools (e.g., S25N-10G) and operated under aseptic hood conditions, provided all surface contact points are validated for sterilization compatibility.
Does the device support programmable multi-step protocols?
Yes, via IKA labworldsoft® software: users can define ramp-up/down profiles, hold times, temperature thresholds, and conditional triggers (e.g., pause on overtemperature event).
What is the maximum allowable operating temperature of the motor housing?
The instrument is rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C; internal thermal management prevents motor overheating under full-load conditions at 25,000 rpm.
How is calibration verified for speed and temperature measurements?
Speed calibration is factory-traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB); temperature calibration follows DIN EN 60751 using certified Pt100 reference probes—certificates available upon request.