Hanuo XH-B Vortex Mixer

Overview

The Hanuo XH-B Vortex Mixer is a compact, benchtop orbital shaker engineered for rapid and reproducible homogenization of small-volume liquid samples in standard laboratory containers. It operates on the principle of circular orbital motion—generating controlled, high-frequency agitation through eccentric rotation of the platform—which induces vortex formation in tubes and vials without requiring caps to be loosened or sample volumes to exceed safe fill levels. Designed for routine use in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, immunoassay preparation, and general wet-lab workflows, the XH-B delivers consistent mixing performance across diverse sample viscosities and container types—including 0.2–50 mL microcentrifuge tubes, culture tubes, conical centrifuge tubes, and small Erlenmeyer flasks. Its mechanical simplicity, absence of electronic speed control circuitry, and analog dial interface reflect a robust architecture optimized for durability, ease of maintenance, and long-term operational stability in shared-core laboratories.

Key Features

• Continuous-duty motor rated for uninterrupted operation under standard ambient conditions (15–30 °C, <80% RH)
• Circular orbital motion with 5 mm amplitude ensures efficient energy transfer to samples while minimizing splashing or aerosol generation
• Flame-retardant ABS housing meets UL 94 HB flammability classification requirements for laboratory equipment enclosures
• Analog speed dial provides intuitive, tactile feedback; calibrated scale corresponds to nominal rotational speeds between 2600 and 2800 rpm
• Non-slip rubberized platform surface enhances tube retention during high-speed mixing, reducing risk of displacement or tipping
• Low power consumption (12 W) supports energy-efficient operation in multi-unit lab environments
• Compact footprint (10 cm platform diameter) enables integration into crowded fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, or modular workstations

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XH-B accommodates standard polypropylene, polycarbonate, and glass tubes up to 50 mL capacity, including 0.2 mL PCR strips, 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, and 15/50 mL conical tubes. It is not intended for use with pressurized vessels, sealed ampoules, or volatile organic solvents without secondary containment. While the device itself carries no CE, UKCA, or FDA registration, its electrical design conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory equipment (Class I, Pollution Degree 2). Users operating in GLP- or GMP-regulated environments should validate mixing efficacy per SOPs—e.g., using dye diffusion assays or particle suspension uniformity tests—and document platform calibration annually against traceable tachometer references.

Software & Data Management

The Hanuo XH-B is a manually operated, non-programmable instrument with no embedded firmware, digital interface, or data logging capability. Speed selection is purely mechanical via the analog dial; no software drivers, USB connectivity, or remote control protocols are supported. Consequently, it requires no cybersecurity validation, does not generate audit trails, and is inherently compliant with environments where IT-controlled instrumentation is restricted (e.g., classified labs, certain pharmaceutical QC suites). For laboratories implementing 21 CFR Part 11–compliant workflows, manual entry of mixing parameters into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) is recommended, with operator initials and timestamping applied per procedure.

Applications

• Resuspension of pelleted cells, bacterial colonies, or lyophilized reagents prior to downstream analysis
• Homogenization of immunoassay reagents, ELISA coating solutions, and antibody dilutions
• Pre-mixing of PCR master mixes, restriction digests, and ligation reactions
• Routine vortexing of blood samples, urine specimens, and serum aliquots in clinical pathology workflows
• Dispersion of nanoparticles, colloidal suspensions, and polymer solutions during formulation development
• Supporting sample preparation for HPLC injection, mass spectrometry sample introduction, and flow cytometry staining protocols

FAQ

Is the XH-B suitable for mixing viscous samples such as glycerol solutions or agarose gels?
Yes—its high-torque mechanical drive maintains stable orbital motion at full speed even with moderately viscous loads (<100 mPa·s), though optimal vortex formation may require brief pre-wetting of tube walls.
Can the unit be used inside a cold room or refrigerated incubator?
Operation below 15 °C is not recommended due to potential ABS embrittlement and motor efficiency loss; condensation ingress may also compromise electrical insulation integrity.
Does the analog speed dial provide precise rpm control?
No—the dial offers relative adjustment only; absolute speed verification requires external optical tachometry. For applications demanding traceable speed accuracy, users should perform periodic verification per ISO/IEC 17025 calibration guidelines.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine cleaning with 70% ethanol or isopropanol; annual inspection of platform eccentric bushing wear and motor brush condition (if serviceable); no lubrication required under normal use.
Is the XH-B compatible with universal voltage inputs (e.g., 100–240 V)?
No—it is configured exclusively for 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz mains supply and must be used with appropriate step-down transformers in regions with 110–120 V infrastructure.