Leici HY-1 Vortex Mixer

Overview

The Leici HY-1 Vortex Mixer is a compact, benchtop vortex shaker engineered for rapid and reproducible homogenization of liquid, liquid-solid, and fine dry powder samples in life science, clinical diagnostics, environmental testing, and industrial quality control laboratories. It operates on the principle of orbital oscillation—generating a controlled circular motion (4 mm orbit diameter) that induces vigorous vortex formation in tubes and vials, enabling efficient suspension, resuspension, and mixing without requiring manual agitation or extended incubation periods. Unlike orbital shakers or rocking platforms, the HY-1 delivers high-frequency mechanical energy directly to the sample container via a fixed cup platform, making it ideal for applications where speed, consistency, and minimal operator intervention are critical. Its design adheres to fundamental safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment (IEC 61010-1), with CE marking confirming conformity for use in EU-regulated environments.

Key Features

• Compact, ergonomic housing with streamlined profile—occupies minimal bench space (170 × 120 × 140 mm) while maintaining structural rigidity and vibration damping.
• Fixed-speed operation at 2800 rpm—optimized for rapid vortex initiation across standard microcentrifuge tubes (0.2–50 mL), PCR strips, and small conical vials; eliminates variability associated with user-adjusted settings.
• Shaded-pole induction motor—provides stable torque delivery, low electromagnetic interference, and maintenance-free operation over extended duty cycles.
• Dual-mode activation: momentary touch-start (for brief, precise mixing) and continuous run mode—selected via a single tactile switch for intuitive workflow integration.
• Interchangeable platform adapters—including universal cup, 0.5/1.5/2.0 mL tube holders, and optional deep-well plate supports—enabling compatibility with ISO-standard labware without tooling or recalibration.
• Low acoustic signature (<55 dB(A) at 1 m)—suitable for shared lab spaces and laminar flow hoods where noise-sensitive protocols are performed.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HY-1 accommodates common laboratory consumables including polypropylene and polycarbonate microtubes (0.2–50 mL), Eppendorf-style tubes, PCR strips, and shallow-well microplates. Its fixed-orbit geometry ensures consistent energy transfer regardless of fill volume (within recommended ranges), supporting protocols requiring uniform dispersion of reagents, cell pellets, magnetic beads, or lyophilized powders. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries CE marking for use in accordance with EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). While not certified for GMP or GLP environments out-of-the-box, its stable performance, absence of firmware-based controls, and mechanical simplicity support audit-ready documentation when integrated into validated workflows.

Software & Data Management

The HY-1 is a standalone electromechanical device with no embedded microprocessor, firmware, or digital interface. As such, it does not require software installation, network connectivity, or data logging capabilities—making it inherently compliant with IT security policies restricting networked peripherals in regulated labs. All operational parameters are fixed at manufacture, eliminating risks related to configuration drift, unauthorized firmware updates, or electronic record integrity concerns under FDA 21 CFR Part 11. For laboratories requiring traceability, usage logs may be maintained manually or integrated into LIMS via external timers or barcode-scanned work instructions.

Applications

• Routine resuspension of bacterial pellets, genomic DNA precipitates, and antibody-coated magnetic beads in immunoassay preparation.
• Homogenization of viscous samples prior to centrifugation or filtration—e.g., soil extracts, tissue lysates, and polymer solutions.
• Accelerated dissolution of solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges and cleanup steps in environmental residue analysis (EPA Method 500 series).
• Pre-analytical mixing in clinical chemistry workflows—including serum dilution, calibrator reconstitution, and QC material preparation.
• Supporting ASTM D7261-19 (standard test method for determination of total petroleum hydrocarbons in soil) through consistent aqueous-phase extraction agitation.

FAQ

Is the HY-1 suitable for mixing hazardous or volatile solvents?
Yes—provided containers are sealed and compatible with the solvent. The unit contains no ignition sources and meets Class II, Division 2 electrical safety requirements when operated within specified voltage and ambient conditions.
Can the HY-1 be used inside a cold room or refrigerated incubator?
It is rated for operation between 5 °C and 40 °C and relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing. Prolonged exposure below 10 °C may affect motor lubrication and elastomer seal longevity.
Does the HY-1 support variable speed control?
No—the HY-1 operates exclusively at 2800 rpm. Variable speed functionality is available only on the HY-2 model.
What maintenance is required?
None beyond periodic cleaning of the platform surface with 70% ethanol and visual inspection of the rubber cup for wear or cracking every 6 months.
Is calibration required or supported?
No formal calibration is defined for vortex mixers under ISO/IEC 17025 or CLIA guidelines. Users may verify performance using standardized dye-mixing time tests (e.g., bromothymol blue dispersion in water) as part of routine equipment verification.