How to Specify a High Powered Lab Homogenizer
Lab homogenizers are relied on by R&D and pilot plant personnel to develop then refine processing guidelines used for commercial-scale production. Processing may involve blending, emulsifying, dispersing, cell disrupting, particle reduction and similar activities. Samples range from highly fluid liquids to more resistant viscosities, to fibers and in some cases, reducing particles to manageable size. As processing tasks toughen a high powered lab homogenizer should be specified.
Specification Criteria for High-Powered lab Homogenizers
While this post focuses on high powered lab homogenizers, specification criteria applies across the board. Lab homogenizers are offered in several ratings including
- wattage
- processing volume capability
- drive motor speeds
- ability to pair with accessories that broaden applications
We’ll look at a model that offers these performance options.
High-Powered Lab Homogenizer Close-up
The powerful 1700-watt X1740 lab homogenizer drive is used when research projects involve processing samples from 500 ml to 20 liters in volume. Designed for both research and pilot-plant applications it operates at user-controlled step-less speeds from 2,500 to 23,000 RPM with speed indicated on the LED display.
Important accessories included (unless declined by the purchaser) to support safe operating conditions are the recommended stand and crossover clamp for stability, and wrenches for switching out the rotor and stator assemblies.
The rotor-stator assemblies comprise the homogenizer generator, the part of a lab homogenizer that does the work.
Powerful Lab Homogenizer Handles Range of Sample Viscosities
The CAT X1740 high powered lab homogenizer can be used with the full range of CAT Scientific’s dispersing tools (generators) from 6 to 40 mm in diameter and immersion depths from 55 to 300 mm.
These are precision machined to handle four basic sample viscosities, and are designated as F for fine, N for low viscosity, V for medium viscosity and M for knife applications. The CAT dispersing tool application table categorizes recommended uses.
Switching out generator assemblies is simplified allowing researchers to process a variety of sample properties using the X1740 drive motor. Procedures for doing this are explained in our video how to change homogenizer generators . Rotors and stators have extremely sharp machined edges so be careful when handling them.
Comprehensive details on setting up, using and maintaining the CAT X1740 high powered lab homogenizer are found in the instruction manual.
Lab Homogenizer Accessories Improve Return on Investment
High powered lab homogenizers such as the CAT Scientific X1740 homogenizer drive motor has the ability to pair with accessories that broaden applications thereby helping you to improve your return on investment.
One example is the DK40 flow-through chamber accessory ideal for extending the exposure of samples to the homogenizing action, performing in-line and closed loop sample processing.
Why is this? When homogenizing using flasks the amount of sample exposure to homogenizing action is controlled by the speed of the drive motor and the length of time samples are processed in the flask. But when a flow-through chamber is used it can serve as a pump to constantly draw in then discharge the sample, either to the same beaker or to another destination.
The 5000 liter per hour DK40 flow-through chamber is equipped with a cooling jacket and is mounted directly to the X1740 homogenizer drive motor operating to 23,000 rpm. Both assemblies are firmly attached to a horizontal mounting plate. Restricting outflow extends exposure time in the chamber.
Another example, using the smaller DK30 flow through chamber for inline homogenizing , is an ideal means to achieve uniform cannabinoid (CBD, THC) potency throughout a batch and avoid hotspots. This high shear device is a perfect fit for infusing beverages, tinctures, carrier oils, syrups and low viscosity lotions. It easily processes volumes from 5 to 650 gallons.
Grinding Mill Processes Small Samples using High Power Lab Homogenizers
Reducing or pulverizing granular samples to a size that can be easily homogenized is a common challenge faced by R&D and pilot plant personnel.
For these tasks, a useful a accessory is the AX60 analytical mill. It is easily attached to the drive motor in much the same way as a standard rotor-stator homogenizer assembly.
The two-part unit is fabricated of stainless steel. The top portion of the assembly houses grinding blades powered by the drive motor; the lower grind mill chamber holds up to 180 cc of the sample to be pulverized. Top and bottom portions of the analytical mill are coupled then clamped together to provide a dust tight assembly.
Because the pulverizing mill generates heat a cooling system is incorporated in the design to circulate liquid nitrogen or chilled water. The cooling medium passes through inlet and outlet ports built into both the top and the bottom portions of the grinding chamber assembly.
Please feel free to contact us at any time for help in selecting the correct CAT homogenizer and accessories for your lab and pilot plant operations. A good way to start is filling out our homogenizer questionnaire.