Shanghai Shiping SPH-401 Vortex Mixer

Overview

The Shanghai Shiping SPH-401 Vortex Mixer is a precision-engineered laboratory vortex shaker designed for rapid, reproducible homogenization of small-volume liquid samples in tubes and microplates. Utilizing a single-axis balanced orbital drive mechanism, the instrument generates consistent circular motion with a fixed 2 mm amplitude—optimized to induce turbulent mixing without splashing or foaming in standard centrifuge tubes (e.g., 0.5–50 mL). Unlike reciprocating or orbital shakers intended for culture flasks or multi-well plates, the SPH-401 operates on the principle of high-frequency vortex formation at the liquid-air interface, enabling efficient suspension of precipitates, resuspension of pellets, and uniform reagent dispersion. Its ambient-temperature operation makes it suitable for applications where thermal stability is critical—such as enzymatic reactions, DNA/RNA handling, immunoassay preparation, and cell lysis workflows where exothermic heating must be avoided.

Key Features

• Wide-speed range (50–2000 rpm) with digital LED display for real-time speed monitoring and precise manual adjustment
• High-reproducibility single-axis balanced drive system minimizing mechanical vibration transmission to adjacent equipment
• NSK-sourced double-row precision bearings ensure extended service life and rotational stability under continuous duty cycles
• Quenched and tempered 45# carbon steel shaft (220–250 HBW hardness) provides torsional rigidity and resistance to wear-induced speed drift
• Integrated 0–120 minute programmable timer with auto-shutoff function supports unattended batch processing
• Compact footprint (320 × 240 × 280 mm) and low power draw (40 W) enable integration into biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or benchtop laminar flow hoods
• Single-platform design accommodates up to 24 × 50 mL centrifuge tubes simultaneously, with load capacity validated to 10 kg at full speed

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPH-401 is compatible with common laboratory consumables including conical-bottom and round-bottom centrifuge tubes (0.5–50 mL), PCR tubes, microcentrifuge tubes, and shallow-well microplates (96-well format with adapter). Its non-heated, ambient-only operation eliminates risk of thermal denaturation—making it compliant with protocols requiring strict temperature control per ISO 15190:2020 (laboratory safety) and CLSI EP25-A (verification of sample mixing procedures). While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, its mechanical design and traceable component sourcing (e.g., NSK bearings, standardized electrical inputs) support GLP-aligned documentation for method validation in QC/QA labs. No CE, UL, or FDA 510(k) certification is claimed; users are advised to perform local electrical safety verification per IEC 61010-1 prior to deployment.

Software & Data Management

The SPH-401 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded firmware, network interface, or software dependency. All operational parameters—including speed setpoint, timer duration, and run status—are controlled via front-panel push-button interface and displayed on a 3-digit LED screen. This architecture ensures immunity to cybersecurity vulnerabilities, firmware corruption, or OS compatibility issues. For laboratories requiring audit trails, external data loggers (e.g., USB-connected thermohygrometers or RPM sensors) may be deployed in parallel. The device meets basic requirements for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when used in conjunction with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) that record operator ID, timestamp, and parameter settings manually entered during each run.

Applications

• Routine resuspension of bacterial pellets post-centrifugation in molecular cloning workflows
• Homogenization of viscous reagents such as glycerol stocks, restriction enzyme master mixes, and antibody conjugates
• Pre-analytical sample agitation prior to HPLC injection or ELISA plate reading to prevent sedimentation artifacts
• Standardized mixing of calibration standards and quality control materials in clinical chemistry labs
• Cell dissociation support for adherent cultures prior to trypsinization (when used with appropriate tube geometry)
• Quality assurance testing of tube seal integrity under dynamic shear stress conditions

FAQ

Is the SPH-401 suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator or refrigerated chamber?
No—the unit is rated for ambient temperature operation only (15–30°C) and lacks environmental sealing or condensation-resistant electronics.
Can the oscillation amplitude be adjusted?
No—the 2 mm orbital amplitude is mechanically fixed and not user-variable; this ensures consistency across instruments and simplifies method transfer.
Does the mixer include tube holders or adapters?
The base configuration includes a universal flat platform; optional accessories such as 50 mL tube racks (24-position) and microplate clamps are available separately.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Periodic inspection of bearing lubrication (every 12 months under daily use) and visual check of shaft concentricity using a dial indicator are recommended; no scheduled recalibration is necessary.
Is the power supply compatible with North American 120 V / 60 Hz mains?
No—the unit accepts only 200–240 V AC input; use with a properly rated step-up transformer is required for 120 V regions.