IKA ULTRA-TURRAX® Tube Drive P Control Workstation

Overview

The IKA ULTRA-TURRAX® Tube Drive P Control Workstation is a precision-engineered, benchtop dispersing and homogenizing system designed for reproducible, scalable sample preparation in life science, pharmaceutical, and materials research laboratories. Based on high-shear rotor-stator hydrodynamic principle, the workstation delivers controlled mechanical energy transfer to samples contained within sealed, disposable tubes—enabling efficient dispersion, emulsification, cell lysis, particle size reduction, and homogenization without open-vessel handling. Its compact footprint, integrated programmable logic, and tube-based architecture eliminate manual pipetting or vessel transfer steps, significantly reducing operator exposure risk during processing of biohazardous, toxic, volatile, or highly sensitive biological matrices. The system operates under defined shear stress conditions governed by rotational speed, dwell time, and directional control—making it suitable for method development aligned with GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• High-performance brushless DC motor delivering 28 W output power and stable torque across the full 400–8000 rpm range, with ±3% speed accuracy and 10 rpm resolution
• Programmable bidirectional rotation with customizable forward/reverse timing sequences—critical for preventing vortex formation and enhancing particle break-up in viscous or fibrous suspensions
• Turbo Boost function enabling instantaneous acceleration to 8000 rpm for short-duration high-intensity homogenization cycles
• OLED display interface providing real-time feedback on speed, elapsed time, direction status, and program execution progress
• Integrated timer with memory retention—supports up to multiple user-defined protocols stored onboard for rapid recall and execution
• IP20-rated enclosure compliant with DIN EN 60529; designed for use in standard laboratory environments (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH)
• USB interface for firmware updates and optional data logging via IKA Labworldsoft® software suite
• 24 V DC power architecture ensuring electromagnetic compatibility and low-noise operation (≤50 dB(A) without dispersing tool)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ULTRA-TURRAX® Tube Drive P Control Workstation is validated for use with standardized conical-bottom and flat-bottom polypropylene tubes (0.5–50 mL), including IKA’s proprietary sterile, single-use dispersing tubes equipped with integrated rotor-stator elements. This closed-tube configuration meets biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) containment requirements per WHO and CDC guidelines, minimizing aerosol generation and cross-contamination risks. The system supports applications requiring adherence to ISO 13485 (medical device manufacturing), USP (sterile compounding), and EU GMP Annex 1 (aseptic processing). All operational parameters—including speed, duration, and reversal intervals—are fully traceable and auditable when paired with compliant software, satisfying documentation requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 electronic records validation.

Software & Data Management

When connected via USB to a Windows-based host PC running IKA Labworldsoft® v5.0 or later, the workstation enables remote parameter setting, real-time monitoring, and export of timestamped run logs in CSV format. Audit trail functionality captures operator ID, method name, start/stop timestamps, speed profiles, and error codes—supporting full ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) data integrity principles. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages are available for laboratory qualification under GxP frameworks, including instrument-specific test protocols aligned with ASTM E2500 and ISO/IEC 17025.

Applications

• Routine homogenization of tissue, plant, or microbial samples prior to nucleic acid or protein extraction
• Preparation of stable nanoemulsions and colloidal dispersions in formulation development
• Dispersion of nanomaterials (e.g., graphene oxide, metal oxides) in aqueous or organic media
• Cell disruption for intracellular metabolite profiling and subcellular fractionation
• Viscosity-dependent dispersion of pigments, fillers, and polymer additives in R&D labs
• QC testing of suspension uniformity and re-dispersibility in pharmaceutical oral suspensions

FAQ

What tube sizes are compatible with the ULTRA-TURRAX® Tube Drive P Control Workstation?
Standardized tubes from 0.5 mL to 50 mL are supported, including IKA’s certified single-use dispersing tubes with integrated rotor-stator geometry.
Can the system be integrated into automated liquid handling platforms?
Yes—via TTL-compatible trigger signals and USB command protocol, enabling synchronization with robotic arms and track-based sample handlers.
Is validation support available for regulated environments?
IKA provides IQ/OQ documentation templates, calibration certificates traceable to national standards, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance guidance upon request.
How does the bidirectional mode improve dispersion efficiency?
Alternating rotation disrupts laminar flow patterns, enhances radial mixing, and prevents particle agglomeration—particularly beneficial for high-viscosity or shear-thinning systems.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
No routine lubrication or mechanical adjustment is needed; only periodic visual inspection of the drive coupling and cleaning of external surfaces with ethanol or isopropanol is recommended.