IKA T18 mini digital ULTRA-TURRAX® Compact Disperser

Overview

The IKA T18 mini digital ULTRA-TURRAX® Compact Disperser is a precision-engineered batch-type high-shear dispersing system designed for reproducible homogenization, emulsification, dispersion, and suspension of low-to-medium viscosity liquids in laboratory environments. Based on the proven ULTRA-TURRAX® rotor-stator principle—where fluid is drawn axially into the gap between a rapidly rotating rotor and a fixed stator, subjected to intense hydraulic shear, cavitation, and turbulent mixing—the T18 mini delivers consistent micron-scale particle size reduction without thermal runaway or excessive foaming. Its brushless DC motor ensures stable torque delivery across the full speed range (3000–25,000 rpm), eliminating carbon dust contamination and enabling silent, maintenance-free operation over extended service life. The compact footprint (66 × 186 × 100 mm) and vertical ergonomic design allow integration into fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, or crowded benchtop workflows where spatial constraints limit conventional disperser deployment.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor with 160 W output power and 210 W input rating—engineered for thermal stability, low acoustic emission (75 dB(A) without dispersing tool), and zero particulate shedding during operation.
• TFT LCD display with high-contrast graphical interface—enables clear parameter visualization at viewing distances up to 2 meters, supporting remote monitoring in shared lab spaces.
• Integrated digital timer with LED status indication—supports unattended batch processing with programmable run durations from 1 second to 99 minutes and 59 seconds.
• Full-speed stepless control with ±3 % rotational accuracy—ensures precise repeatability across method transfers and inter-laboratory validation studies.
• Universal S18 tool compatibility—accepts all IKA stainless steel and PTFE-coated dispersing tools (e.g., S18N-10G, S18N-19G, S18N-25G), enabling rapid adaptation to sample volume (1 mL–1.5 L), viscosity (up to 2000 mPa·s), and target particle size distribution.
• USB 2.0 interface compliant with IKA labworldsoft® v4.0+—enables real-time parameter logging, remote start/stop commands, audit-trail generation, and export of time-stamped speed/torque/timer data in CSV format for GLP/GMP documentation compliance.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The T18 mini is validated for use with aqueous, organic, and mildly corrosive liquid-phase systems—including buffer solutions, polymer dispersions, nanoemulsions, cell lysates, pigment suspensions, and pharmaceutical pre-formulations. Its IP30 ingress protection rating (per DIN EN 60529) confirms suitability for standard laboratory ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH non-condensing). All electrical components meet CE marking requirements under the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU). While not intrinsically safe for explosive atmospheres, its brushless architecture eliminates spark risk during routine operation. For regulated environments, the device supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when used with labworldsoft® configured with user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails.

Software & Data Management

IKA labworldsoft® serves as the certified software platform for bidirectional communication with the T18 mini. It provides multi-user role-based access control, configurable method templates, automatic timestamped data capture (speed, runtime, error codes), and export functionality compatible with LIMS and ELN systems. Raw measurement logs include ISO/IEC 17025-aligned metadata (operator ID, instrument serial number, calibration timestamp, environmental conditions). Firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS channels and require digital signature verification prior to installation—ensuring integrity and traceability per IEC 62443-3-3 cybersecurity guidelines for laboratory instrumentation.

Applications

• Routine homogenization of tissue samples and microbial cultures prior to DNA/RNA extraction.
• Preparation of stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions for food science and cosmetic formulation development.
• Dispersion of nanomaterials (e.g., graphene oxide, TiO₂, SiO₂) into aqueous or solvent-based carriers for colloidal stability assessment.
• Deagglomeration of pigment concentrates and ceramic slurries in R&D-scale coatings and ink development.
• Viscosity-independent particle size reduction in pharmaceutical suspensions meeting USP light scattering requirements.
• Batch-scale preparation of calibration standards for laser diffraction particle analyzers (e.g., Malvern Mastersizer).

FAQ

Is the T18 mini suitable for high-viscosity samples?
It is optimized for low-to-medium viscosity applications (≤2000 mPa·s); for viscosities exceeding this threshold, consider the IKA RW20 or ULTRA-TURRAX® T25 series with higher torque motors.

Are dispersing tools included with the base unit?
No—S18-series dispersing tools are sold separately to allow selection based on specific application requirements (e.g., volume, shear intensity, material compatibility).

Can the T18 mini be integrated into automated lab workflows?
Yes—via USB-serial emulation mode, it supports SCPI command sets for integration with third-party automation controllers (e.g., LabVIEW, Python pySerial scripts) and robotic liquid handlers.

What is the recommended calibration frequency?
IKA recommends annual speed verification using a traceable optical tachometer; full metrological calibration is available through authorized service centers accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.

Does the device support continuous operation under load?
Yes—the 100 % duty cycle rating permits uninterrupted operation at any speed within specification, provided ambient temperature remains within 5–40 °C and ventilation slots are unobstructed.