IKA T18 mini digital ULTRA-TURRAX® High-Speed Disperser

Overview

The IKA T18 mini digital ULTRA-TURRAX® is a compact, high-performance laboratory disperser engineered for precision homogenization, emulsification, dispersion, and suspension of low-to-medium viscosity samples. Based on the proven rotor-stator principle—where high shear forces are generated through relative motion between a rapidly rotating rotor and a fixed stator—the instrument delivers consistent mechanical energy input to break down aggregates, reduce particle size into the micrometer range, and stabilize heterogeneous systems. Its brushless DC motor eliminates carbon brush wear, ensuring long-term operational stability, reduced maintenance, and lower acoustic emissions (75 dB(A) without dispersing tool). Designed for benchtop use in analytical, QC, R&D, and teaching laboratories, the T18 mini digital supports reproducible batch processing under defined shear conditions, making it suitable for method development aligned with ISO 27307 (dispersion testing), ASTM D2196 (rheological behavior of non-Newtonian materials), and internal GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor delivering 160 W output power with extended service life and minimal thermal drift during prolonged operation
• Wide speed range of 3000–25,000 rpm with ±3 % accuracy and continuous electronic speed control via intuitive rotary dial
• TFT LED display enabling clear parameter visibility at distance and under varied lighting conditions
• Integrated timer function with LED readout for unattended operation up to user-defined durations
• Compact footprint (66 × 186 × 100 mm) and lightweight design (1.8 kg) optimized for space-constrained fume hoods or shared lab benches
• USB-C interface compliant with USB 2.0 standards for bidirectional communication with IKA labworldsoft® software
• IP30-rated housing (per DIN EN 60529) providing protection against solid objects ≥2.5 mm; suitable for standard laboratory environments
• Universal power supply (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) with low standby consumption (3 W) supporting global deployment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The T18 mini digital is validated for processing aqueous and organic liquid-phase samples with viscosities up to 2000 mPa·s and batch volumes from 1 mL to 1.5 L (water-equivalent). It accommodates a broad portfolio of ULTRA-TURRAX® dispersing tools—including stainless steel (e.g., S18N-10G, S18N-19G) and PTFE-coated variants—enabling application-specific optimization for shear-sensitive biopolymers, pigment dispersions, pharmaceutical suspensions, or food emulsions. All tools feature quick-lock coupling for tool-free installation and cleaning. The system complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity requirements), and its electrical safety conforms to IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous areas, its design supports integration into ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments when operated per manufacturer-specified protocols.

Software & Data Management

Via the USB-C port, the T18 mini digital interfaces with IKA labworldsoft® v4.x or later—a validated PC-based platform supporting remote parameter setting, real-time speed monitoring, and timestamped data logging. Logged parameters include actual speed, runtime, and motor load status. Export formats include CSV and PDF, facilitating traceability in regulated settings. Though the device itself does not embed audit trail functionality per FDA 21 CFR Part 11, labworldsoft® offers optional electronic signature modules and configurable user access levels to support ALCOA+ data integrity principles when deployed within GxP frameworks. All firmware updates are distributed via IKA’s secure customer portal and require manual initiation to preserve configuration integrity.

Applications

• Preparation of stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions for cosmetic, food, and agrochemical formulations
• Dispersion of nanoparticles (e.g., TiO₂, SiO₂) and carbon black in polymer matrices or solvents
• Homogenization of tissue lysates and cell suspensions prior to nucleic acid or protein extraction
• Rapid deagglomeration of pigments and fillers in coating and ink development
• Standardized sample conditioning for subsequent analysis by laser diffraction (ISO 13320), dynamic light scattering (ISO 22412), or rheometry
• Method transfer support between R&D and QC labs due to consistent shear profile across ULTRA-TURRAX® platforms

FAQ

Is the T18 mini digital compatible with all ULTRA-TURRAX® dispersing tools?

Yes—it accepts the full range of standardized ULTRA-TURRAX® tools with 13 mm shaft diameter, including S-series (stainless steel), PT-series (PTFE-coated), and specialized geometries for high-viscosity or heat-sensitive applications.
Can the device be used for continuous operation?

Yes, it is rated for 100 % duty cycle under specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH) and proper ventilation; however, thermal management must be ensured when operating above 15,000 rpm for >10 minutes.
Does the USB interface support firmware updates?

Firmware updates are performed exclusively via IKA’s offline update utility; the USB connection enables parameter logging and remote control but does not permit over-the-air updates.
What regulatory documentation is available?

IKA provides Declaration of Conformity (CE), EC Type Examination Certificate, and detailed technical files upon request for quality assurance audits.
How is calibration verified?

Speed calibration is factory-verified using traceable tachometric standards; users may perform periodic verification with an external optical tachometer—no field recalibration is required or supported.