IKA T25 Digital ULTRA-TURRAX® High-Performance Homogenizer

Overview

The IKA T25 Digital ULTRA-TURRAX® is a high-torque, probe-type rotor-stator homogenizer engineered for precision mechanical dispersion, emulsification, and cell disruption in laboratory-scale applications. Based on the proven principle of high-shear fluid dynamics—where rapid rotation of a precision-machined rotor within a fixed stator generates intense hydrodynamic cavitation and turbulent shear forces—the T25 Digital delivers reproducible particle size reduction and homogeneous sample preparation across diverse matrices. Its digital speed control and LED display enable real-time monitoring and repeatable parameter recall, essential for method transfer and regulatory compliance. Designed for batch processing only, the instrument operates continuously at rated load without thermal derating, supporting extended workflows in QC, R&D, and preclinical sample preparation.

Key Features

• Digitally controlled speed regulation from 3000 to 25,000 rpm with ±1 % accuracy and LED readout—enabling precise shear rate definition per ISO 2555 and ASTM D1893 protocols
• 500 W output power delivered through a robust, brushless motor architecture optimized for high-torque low-speed stability and high-speed transient response
• ULTRA-TURRAX® stainless-steel dispersing tools (e.g., S25N-10G, S25N-19G) featuring precision-ground rotors and interchangeable stators for scalable shear intensity
• Dual disposable tool options (10 mm and 19 mm tip diameters) certified for sterile, single-use operation in diagnostic and biopharmaceutical workflows
• Integrated electronic overload protection with fault-code display (e.g., E1 = overtemperature, E2 = motor stall) for predictive maintenance and operational safety
• Acoustically damped housing and balanced rotor assembly achieving ≤75 dB(A) noise emission without dispersing tool—reducing ambient lab disturbance
• IP20-rated enclosure suitable for standard laboratory environments (IEC 60529); compliant with EN 61000-6-3 (EMC) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The T25 Digital accommodates aqueous, viscous, and semi-solid samples—including microbial lysates, tissue homogenates, polymer dispersions, wastewater suspensions, and diagnostic reagent formulations. It supports operation under ambient, vacuum (with optional sealed vessel adapters), or pressurized conditions (up to 2 bar gauge) when integrated into jacketed reactors or glovebox systems. All wetted parts are constructed from 1.4404 (AISI 316L) stainless steel or medical-grade polymers, meeting USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity requirements. The instrument’s design facilitates cleaning validation per FDA guidance on equipment qualification, and its consistent speed delivery supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with external data loggers.

Software & Data Management

While the T25 Digital operates as a standalone unit with no embedded software stack, its analog speed signal output (0–10 V) and digital status interface (via optional RS232 module) permit integration into LIMS or ELN platforms. When used with IKA Labworldsoft® (v5.0+), users can remotely configure speed profiles, record runtime logs with timestamps, and generate audit-trail-ready reports satisfying 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records. All parameter changes are timestamped and user-ID tagged; system errors trigger automatic event logging for root-cause analysis during QA investigations.

Applications

• Pre-analytical sample prep for clinical diagnostics: homogenization of whole blood, biopsy tissues, and swab eluates prior to PCR or immunoassay
• R&D of nanoemulsions and colloidal dispersions—controlling droplet size distribution in pharmaceutical O/W formulations
• Environmental testing: standardization of suspended solids in wastewater effluent per ISO 5667-12
• Materials science: deagglomeration of carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, or ceramic nanoparticles in solvent-based slurries
• Food & beverage QA: viscosity stabilization trials and fat globule size analysis in dairy emulsions
• Academic research: mechanical lysis of Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli) and yeast (S. cerevisiae) for protein extraction

FAQ

Can the T25 Digital be used for continuous flow processing?
No—it is strictly designed for batch-mode operation. For continuous homogenization, consider IKA’s ULTRA-TURRAX® Tube Drive or inline systems such as the RW 20.
Is the instrument compatible with corrosive solvents like chloroform or THF?
Stainless-steel dispersing tools resist short-term exposure; however, prolonged contact with halogenated or strong organic solvents requires verification of material compatibility per ASTM D471 and use of chemically resistant disposable tips.
Does the T25 Digital meet GMP requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing?
It qualifies as a Class I laboratory support device under EU GMP Annex 15. Full qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) must be performed by the end user, including speed calibration traceable to NIST standards and cleaning validation per PDA TR29.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Motor brushes require replacement every 2,000 operating hours; dispersing tool bearings should be inspected annually or after 500 sterilization cycles. IKA-certified service centers provide torque calibration and vibration analysis.
Can speed profiles be saved internally?
No internal memory is provided. Profile storage and recall require connection to Labworldsoft® or third-party SCADA via analog/digital I/O.