CZGY SK-1 Vortex Mixer

Overview

The CZGY SK-1 Vortex Mixer is a compact, high-efficiency benchtop mixing device engineered for rapid and reproducible homogenization of liquid samples in standard test tubes and small-volume containers. It operates on the principle of eccentric rotational motion: a DC motor drives an off-center rubberized or sponge-tipped vortex head that imparts orbital oscillation to the tube base, generating controlled turbulent flow within the sample. This mechanism ensures effective suspension of precipitates, re-suspension of cell pellets, and uniform mixing of viscous or low-volume solutions without requiring caps to be loosened—minimizing contamination risk and evaporation loss. Designed for routine use in bioscience laboratories, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical QC labs, and academic teaching environments, the SK-1 delivers consistent mechanical energy transfer at a fixed frequency of 3200 rpm (53.3 Hz), with a precisely calibrated 5 mm orbital displacement optimized for compatibility with common 12–18 mm diameter tubes.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (approx. 120 × 120 × 140 mm) ideal for crowded fume hoods or laminar flow cabinets
• Brush-type DC motor with thermal overload protection enabling continuous operation up to 4 hours
• Single-position vortex head featuring replaceable elastomeric tip—designed for secure grip and minimal tube slippage during mixing
• Manual toggle switch with integrated LED power indicator for intuitive operation and status visibility
• Low-power consumption (30 W) supporting energy-efficient lab infrastructure requirements
• Robust ABS housing with non-slip rubber feet ensuring stability during high-frequency oscillation
• No external timer or microprocessor—reducing failure points and enhancing long-term reliability in high-throughput workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SK-1 accommodates standard cylindrical tubes with outer diameters ranging from 10 mm to 21 mm and lengths up to 200 mm—including 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes when placed upright and manually pressed onto the vortex head. Its mechanical design complies with EN 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), covering dielectric strength, creepage distance, and protective earth continuity. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP-specific validation protocols out-of-the-box, the mixer supports traceable operation when integrated into documented SOPs—particularly for applications requiring repeatable mixing steps in accordance with USP , CLSI EP25-A, or ISO 15189 pre-analytical procedures.

Software & Data Management

The CZGY SK-1 is a standalone analog instrument with no embedded firmware, digital interface, or data logging capability. It does not feature USB, Bluetooth, or RS-232 connectivity, nor does it support remote control or audit trail generation. As such, it aligns with laboratories maintaining legacy instrumentation fleets or those prioritizing simplicity, cost containment, and minimal IT integration overhead. Users record operational parameters (e.g., mixing duration, tube type, operator ID) manually in paper-based or LIMS-linked electronic lab notebooks. For regulated environments requiring FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, supplementary procedural controls—such as dual-operator verification logs or time-stamped video documentation—are recommended where critical mixing steps impact assay validity.

Applications

• Routine resuspension of bacterial or yeast cell pellets prior to lysis or plating
• Homogenization of immunoassay reagents, ELISA diluents, and antibody conjugates
• Pre-analytical mixing of whole blood, serum, plasma, or urine specimens prior to centrifugation or automated analyzer loading
• Blending of PCR master mixes, restriction enzyme reactions, and ligase buffers
• Dispersion of nanoparticles, liposomes, or microparticles in aqueous suspensions for characterization studies
• Teaching laboratory demonstrations of fluid dynamics, shear-induced dispersion, and mass transfer kinetics

FAQ

Is the SK-1 suitable for mixing hazardous or volatile solvents?
Yes—provided tubes are securely capped and compatible with the solvent’s chemical resistance profile. The absence of heat generation or sparking components makes it appropriate for non-explosive organic media under standard ventilation conditions.
Can the vortex head be replaced or customized?
Yes—the elastomeric tip is field-replaceable using standard industrial-grade sponge material and cyanoacrylate adhesive (e.g., ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate). CZGY provides dimensional specifications upon request for OEM-compatible reproduction.
Does the SK-1 meet international export certification requirements?
Units shipped outside China carry CE marking per EN 61010-1:2010 and include multilingual safety labeling (English/French/German/Spanish) compliant with EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). RoHS 3 compliance documentation is available upon order confirmation.
What maintenance is required for long-term performance?
Periodic inspection of the motor brush wear, cleaning of dust accumulation from ventilation slots, and replacement of the vortex tip every 6–12 months under daily use—depending on abrasion from tube glass or plastic contact surfaces.
Is technical support available for integration into automated lab workflows?
While the SK-1 lacks programmable I/O, third-party pneumatic or solenoid-based actuation modules can be retrofitted for semi-automated tube engagement in custom-built staging systems; CZGY provides mechanical mounting dimensions and load tolerance data for such adaptations.