07 September 2010- One of the most widely used laboratory equipment is the laboratory mixer. This is one of the most popular mixing equipment used in laboratories, whether a pharmaceutical lab or a school lab. These mixers are need for proper mixing of different chemical mixtures and solutions, to emulsify and dissolve the samples in a proper way.
Types of Laboratory Mixers
There are few basic types of
laboratory mixers which we are discussing below:
- Single-stage rotor mixer: In this type of mixer, stationary stators are used. They turn an immersed rotor at high speeds. There are blades in the stator which pass each port and expel material at a very high speed into the surrounding mix.
- Multi-stage rotor mixer: Such mixers are used to increase the speed of shearing to produce smaller particle sizes and more homogeneous samples. They have 2 to 4 pairs of rotor/stator and the mixed material moves outward is introduced to a rapid, sequential shearing.
- Dual-shaft mixers: Dual shaft mixers use a three-wing or helical anchor. They produce flow and remove the mixed materials.
- Double-planetary mixers: They have a finger-shaped or rectangular blade to introduce samples.
Laboratory Mixer
Selection Tips
While selecting a laboratory mixer, the following performance specifications should be considered.
- Speed: The speed in a laboratory mixer is usually measured in revolutions per minute (rpm).
- Capacity: What is the total capacity, that is the volume, that the mixer can mix? It is measured in liters or gallons.
- Viscosity: This is measured in cycles per second (cps).
- Operating range & temperature.
Conclusion
Laboratory mixers while working or in operation always require continuous introduction of samples. Usually the samples are introduced in two ways, depending on the sample. They are of two types: continuous mixers and batch mixers. While the former needs continuous supply of the sample, the latter needs only a fixed amount of sample.
