Leici HY-2 Vortex Mixer
| Brand | Leici |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | HY-2 |
| Price | USD 115 (FOB Shanghai) |
| Speed Range | 0–2800 rpm |
| Operating Modes | Touch-Start / Continuous Operation |
| Oscillation Type | Circular Orbital (4 mm orbit diameter) |
| Housing Material | Flame-Retardant ABS |
| Amplitude | 4.5 mm (standard), 6 mm (with optional platform adapter) |
| Speed Indication | Analog Dial Scale |
| Input Voltage | 100–120 VAC / 200–240 VAC (dual-voltage version available) |
| Power Consumption | 60 W |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Motor Type | Shaded-Pole AC Motor |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 170 × 120 × 140 mm |
Overview
The Leici HY-2 Vortex Mixer is a compact, analog-controlled orbital shaker engineered for rapid and reproducible homogenization of liquid, liquid-solid, and dry powder samples in routine laboratory workflows. Utilizing circular orbital motion with a fixed 4 mm orbit diameter, the device generates consistent vortex formation across sample tubes—enabling efficient suspension, resuspension, and dispersion without introducing excessive shear or thermal load. Its design adheres to fundamental principles of orbital mixing physics: centrifugal acceleration combined with tangential displacement ensures turbulent flow initiation at low volumes (0.2–50 mL), making it especially suitable for applications where mechanical integrity of biomolecules or particulates must be preserved. Unlike digital mixers requiring software calibration or firmware updates, the HY-2 operates as a deterministic electromechanical system—ideal for GLP-compliant environments where traceability, simplicity, and operational transparency are prioritized over feature proliferation.
Key Features
- Robust shaded-pole AC motor delivering stable 0–2800 rpm speed range with smooth analog dial control—no digital drift, no firmware dependency
- Dual-mode operation: instant touch-activation for brief mixing pulses, or continuous runtime for extended homogenization protocols
- Flame-retardant ABS housing (UL94 V-0 rated) ensuring chemical resistance and electrical safety in shared lab environments
- Compact footprint (170 × 120 × 140 mm) optimized for benchtop integration—fits under standard fume hoods and within biosafety cabinet workspaces
- Interchangeable platform adapters (sold separately) supporting 0.2–50 mL tube formats including microcentrifuge tubes, culture tubes, and conical vials
- No maintenance required: sealed motor assembly, no brushes or lubrication points—designed for >10,000 hours of continuous service life
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HY-2 accommodates standard laboratory consumables including polypropylene, polycarbonate, and glass tubes up to 15 mL capacity. Its 4 mm orbital path ensures reliable vortex generation in tubes containing ≥0.5 mL volume; performance remains consistent across viscosity ranges from water (1 cP) to glycerol-water mixtures (<100 cP). The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets CE marking requirements for EMC (EN 61326-1) and Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU). While not certified for use in explosion-proof zones, its flame-retardant housing and non-sparking motor make it suitable for general chemistry and biological labs operating under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited quality systems.
Software & Data Management
The HY-2 is a standalone analog instrument with no embedded software, firmware, or data logging capability—eliminating cybersecurity risks, validation overhead, and software lifecycle dependencies. Speed settings are manually selected via calibrated dial scale (±5% full-scale accuracy), and mode selection is achieved through a single tactile rocker switch. This architecture aligns with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A guidance for “non-electronic records,” where manual operation logs (e.g., lab notebook entries documenting speed, duration, and tube type) constitute sufficient audit trail for routine QC testing in pharmaceutical, food safety, and environmental testing laboratories.
Applications
- Routine re-suspension of bacterial pellets, cell lysates, and immunoassay beads prior to centrifugation or analysis
- Homogenization of soil-water extracts and sediment suspensions in environmental monitoring per EPA Method 3050B
- Preparation of calibration standards and spiked recovery samples in clinical chemistry and toxicology labs
- Mixing of viscous reagents such as agarose solutions, enzyme buffers, and PCR master mixes
- Supporting ASTM D7261-16 (Standard Test Method for Determining the Stability of Emulsions by Vortex Mixing)
- Integration into automated sample prep workflows where external PLC-triggered start/stop signals replace manual actuation (via optional relay interface kit)
FAQ
Is the HY-2 compatible with international voltage standards?
Yes—dual-voltage versions support both 100–120 VAC (North America, Japan) and 200–240 VAC (EU, UK, Australia) input without internal modification.
Does the mixer include tube holders or adapters?
The base unit ships with a universal rubber cup platform; optional adapters for 0.2 mL PCR strips, 1.5 mL microtubes, and 15 mL conical tubes are available separately.
Can the HY-2 be used inside a cold room or incubator?
It is rated for operation between 5 °C and 40 °C ambient temperature and relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing—suitable for most refrigerated lab spaces.
What is the expected service life of the motor?
Rated for ≥10,000 hours of continuous operation under nominal load conditions; no scheduled maintenance intervals are specified.
Is calibration documentation provided with the instrument?
A factory-verified speed verification report (traceable to NIM China) is included; users may perform periodic verification using an optical tachometer per ISO/IEC 17025 Section 6.4.6.
