Compressed Air Lab Homogenizers for Hazardous Areas
Certain laboratory environments can contain flammable vapors or gases that could be ignited by stray electrical sparks. Equipment used in such labs – such as explosion-proof refrigerators and freezers as well as explosion-proof electrical fixtures – require special design characteristics. The same applies electrically powered benchtop lab instruments such as lab homogenizers. The CAT Scientific solution is the XP28 compressed air lab homogenizer drive motor for use in hazardous areas.
Air-Powered Lab Homogenizers
Instead of electricity the drive motor for the CAT XP 28 is connected via an 8mm I.D. air hose to a source of clean, properly lubricated compressed air and operates at a pressure of 6 bar (90 psi) equivalent to 1/2 hp that drives the homogenizer rotor-stator assembly to a maximum 28,000 rpm. The speed of the rotor-stator generator is fully controllable by the lab technician by use of the stepless adjustable sliding switch. Generator speed depends largely on the viscosity and makeup of the media being processed and the purpose of the action.
Air Powered Homogenizer Dispersing Tools
CAT Scientific classifies dispersing tools as V for Viscous, N for low viscosity, F for fine and M for knife applications. These are described in our application table. Those suitable for the XP28 air powered homogenizer are identified as type T 6, 10, 17, 20 and 30, and G 20 and 30. They are suitable for processing sample sizes from 0.1 ml to 5 liters.
These dispersing tools are easily swapped out and changed using the separately ordered tools described in our video how to change homogenizer generators . Exercise caution because rotors and stators have extremely sharp machined edges.
Important Operating Tips for Air Powered Lab Homogenizers
Although light in weight and simple to operate, CAT compressed air-powered lab homogenizers should never be hand held when performing their function. Not only will the air hose tend to get in the way, operator’s attention can wander over the mixing cycle. The result could be a broken beaker or test tube, spilled sample and improper mixing.
That’s why the separately ordered mounting stand and bracket is an important accessory. It is designed to firmly support the drive motor, position the generator at the recommended level in the sample container and at a slight offset to avoid creating a vortex.
Likewise, precisely defined and carefully carried out cleaning and maintenance steps should be followed when using rotors and stators with an air-powered homogenizer. For hints on maintenance please visit our blog post on cleaning tips for CAT homogenizers. And reach out if you have further questions.