Grant PTR-60 Programmable 360° Vertical Rotator Shaker

Overview

The Grant PTR-60 Programmable 360° Vertical Rotator Shaker is an engineered solution for precise, low-shear sample agitation in life science laboratories. Designed around Couette-type rotational dynamics and gravity-assisted tumbling mechanics, the PTR-60 delivers reproducible mixing across diverse biological matrices—including cell suspensions, immunoassay reagents, nucleic acid extraction buffers, and antibody conjugation mixtures. Unlike orbital shakers that induce centrifugal force gradients, the PTR-60’s vertically oriented 360° rotation ensures uniform sample exposure to gravitational vector reversal—critical for maintaining viability in sensitive primary cultures or preventing pellet resedimentation during long-duration incubations. Its compact footprint (215 × 215 mm platform) and 12 V DC power architecture enable seamless integration into CO₂ incubators, cold rooms, and biosafety cabinets without thermal load or electrical interference concerns.

Key Features

• Three programmable motion modes: continuous 360° vertical rotation (1–100 rpm), reciprocating tilt (15–90° amplitude), and pulsed vibration (1–5 s on/off intervals)
• Multi-step program capability: up to 125 sequential cycles per protocol, with independent timer settings for each mode segment
• High-resolution 2×16-character LCD interface supporting real-time rpm, elapsed time, remaining time, and active mode status
• Low-noise brushless DC motor delivering stable speed control (±1 rpm accuracy) and extended service life under continuous operation
• Chemically resistant anodized aluminum platform with integrated anti-slip silicone matting for secure tube retention
• UL/CE-compliant 12 V DC power supply enabling safe use inside temperature- and humidity-controlled enclosures

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PTR-60 accommodates standard microcentrifuge tubes (up to Ø15 mm), PCR strips, and small-volume assay plates without adapter requirements. Its gravity-driven mixing mechanism avoids foam generation or shear-induced denaturation commonly observed with high-frequency vortexing—making it suitable for ELISA plate coating, antigen-antibody equilibration, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) wash steps. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety and meets EN 61326-1:2013 electromagnetic compatibility standards. While not inherently GLP/GMP-certified, its deterministic timing architecture (1-second resolution, non-volatile program memory) supports audit-ready documentation when paired with lab information management systems (LIMS) that log timestamped run records.

Software & Data Management

The PTR-60 operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All parameters—including speed, angle, pulse duration, cycle count, and total runtime—are configured directly via front-panel membrane keys and stored in non-volatile memory. Each program retains full parameter integrity after power cycling. For traceability in regulated environments, users may integrate external data loggers via analog voltage output (0–5 V proportional to rpm) or employ time-stamped video monitoring synchronized to internal timers. The absence of wireless connectivity or cloud interfaces eliminates cybersecurity risks while preserving compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when manual logbook entries are maintained alongside device usage logs.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: gentle resuspension of adherent cells post-trypsinization and uniform distribution in cryopreservation media
• Molecular biology workflows: hybridization buffer mixing for Southern/Northern blotting, restriction enzyme digest incubation, and plasmid miniprep binding/wash steps
• Clinical diagnostics: consistent reagent homogenization in automated immunoassay platforms prior to optical density measurement
• Proteomics sample prep: reduction/alkylation reaction mixing under inert atmosphere with minimal oxidation risk
• Environmental microbiology: soil slurry homogenization for viable colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration without disrupting microbial aggregates

FAQ

Can the PTR-60 be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—the 12 V DC input and absence of heat-generating components allow safe installation within standard humidified CO₂ incubators; ensure adequate ventilation clearance around the base.
Is the rotation axis truly vertical, or does it permit adjustable tilt?
The primary 360° mode rotates strictly about a vertical axis; the reciprocating mode introduces controlled tilt (15–90°) relative to horizontal, but this is distinct from the vertical rotation function.
What is the maximum allowable tube fill volume for stable operation at 100 rpm?
For optimal balance and minimal tube migration, fill volumes should not exceed 70% of nominal capacity when operating above 70 rpm.
Does the device support external triggering or synchronization with other lab instruments?
No native digital I/O is provided; however, the analog rpm output signal can serve as a process monitor feed for third-party controllers or data acquisition systems.
How is calibration verified for regulatory submissions?
Grant Instruments provides factory calibration certificates traceable to UKAS-accredited standards; end-users may perform in-house verification using certified tachometers and stopwatch timing against programmed intervals.