Our Homogenizer Tools are Interchangeable to Meet Changing Needs
The elegance of CAT Scientific’s laboratory homogenizers derives from their flexibility and supreme utility. No two particle size reduction tasks are exactly the same. Nor do all mixing tasks feature the same challenges.
The liquid medium, for instance, often ranges from a simple aqueous solution to a thick, viscous medium, such as an oil or polymer. We’ve made it easier to choose the appropriate interchangeable generator by assigning an identifying letter to individual units, which refers to the viscosity of the media it’s designed to handle best.
Fine (Aqueous), Normal, or Viscous
As always, a dispersion tool (homogenizer) consists of the shaft and its generator. The generator is inserted in a given drive shaft and locked into place. A generator consists of a stator and its internal rotor. Generators are designated F, N, or V, depending on the expected viscosity of the media you will be homogenizing.
To summarize:
Homogenizer tool = shaft + generator
Generator = stator + rotor assembly
Generator designations: labeled F, N, or V.
These letter designations depend on the anticipated viscosity of the medium to be homogenized. Rotor/stator combinations generally consist of rotor/stator pairs of the same letter designation. For example, the T20F Generator consists of a T20F stator with a T20 F rotor affixed within. The exception is the T20N Generator, which consists of a T20V stator with a T20F rotor.
“F” (for “fine”) denotes a normal aqueous medium. This medium obviously offers little resistance, and possesses only nominal viscosity. The next unit is labeled “N”, for “normal”. This actually consists of an “F” rotor combines with a “V” stator; the resulting “N” type generator is suitable for use with normal-viscosity media (e.g. the viscosity of room temperature olive oil). Finally, a “V” type generator consists of a V rotor in a V stator. This assembly handles thick, viscous media best. Think of the thickness of honey at room temperature.
Notes on Assembly/Disassembly and Routine Usage
Homogenizing tools always ship assembled. Disassembly is necessary after each use, to thoroughly clean all parts. Please note that the homogenizer should never be run unless it is immersed in liquid. Bearings and gaskets could be damaged if not operated in liquid as intended.
Also, when disassembling and reassembling generators (rotor/stator combinations), use care; these precision parts feature sharp stainless steel edges. Glove use is recommended when handling these sharp components.
Disassembly/reassembly is facilitated by specialized tools. These special tools include a socket wrench to to counter-hold the shaft. A rotor wrench is used to undo the rotor. These specialized tools must be ordered separately. Note that you must always unscrew the rotor first, before unscrewing the stator.