Laboratory mixers are devices used in the lab to aid in the mixing process of chemicals and other substances. There are several types of laboratory mixers, which all employ different mixing methods, but the end goal is always similar: to ensure that the samples are properly mixed with the least amount of physical energy applied. They are a welcome break from the old practice of using your own hand to mix chemical samples.
Laboratory mixers have several applications in the laboratory setting. They are not only used for mixing purposes, but also for: dissolving, creating suspensions, emulsifying samples, facilitating the mixture of liquids and gasses (aerating), homogenizing and intensifying the rate of heat exchange.
Some of the most common types of laboratory mixers are:
Laboratory mixers have several applications in the laboratory setting. They are not only used for mixing purposes, but also for: dissolving, creating suspensions, emulsifying samples, facilitating the mixture of liquids and gasses (aerating), homogenizing and intensifying the rate of heat exchange.
Some of the most common types of laboratory mixers are:
Some of the very first laboratory mixers fall under the category of mechanical stirrers. The basic concept behind mechanical stirrers in quite simple; they are electrical devices that simulate the hand stirring movement by using an electric motor attached to a solid stirring equipment. The very first models however were not electrically powered and had a lever that had to be operated manually by hand. The new models take advantage of technological advances and use electricity.
The basic setup of all electronic stirrers is standard. There is a wide base that supports the machine and holds the container, which contains the sample to be stirred. A vertical stand holds the electric motor that is connected to the stirring device, which is suspended right above the container so that the actual stirrer is slightly submerged into the sample. The motor, when powered on, moves the stirred in a circular motion, which is then transferred to the sample and the mixing process is achieved.
The speed of the motor can be adjusted to suit different samples depending on their viscosity and the consistency you want to achieve in the final mixture. In recent years, hand held stirrers have been developed to handle smaller samples in test tubes but the principle remains the same.
The limitation of mechanical stirrers however is that they cannot be used for biohazardous material or samples that emit noxious fumes due to the lack of a protective lid. The advantage however is that they come in several sizes with some models capable of mixing thousands of liters, which makes them popular in industrial settings.
The basic setup of all electronic stirrers is standard. There is a wide base that supports the machine and holds the container, which contains the sample to be stirred. A vertical stand holds the electric motor that is connected to the stirring device, which is suspended right above the container so that the actual stirrer is slightly submerged into the sample. The motor, when powered on, moves the stirred in a circular motion, which is then transferred to the sample and the mixing process is achieved.
The speed of the motor can be adjusted to suit different samples depending on their viscosity and the consistency you want to achieve in the final mixture. In recent years, hand held stirrers have been developed to handle smaller samples in test tubes but the principle remains the same.
The limitation of mechanical stirrers however is that they cannot be used for biohazardous material or samples that emit noxious fumes due to the lack of a protective lid. The advantage however is that they come in several sizes with some models capable of mixing thousands of liters, which makes them popular in industrial settings.
The vortex mixer is a more technologically advanced laboratory mixer than the stirrer. The device features a pyramid shaped base that contains the electric motor connected to a rubber stand by a rotating shaft. The motor spins the rubber base rapidly in a circular motion. The sample to be mixed is then placed in a test tube, which is placed on top of the rotating rubber base. The circular motion creates a spiral shaped rotating motion (known as a vortex) which in turn facilitates the mixing process.
The advantage of the vortex mixer to the mechanical stirrer is the lack of direct contact between the mixing device and the actual sample. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination in subsequent samples being mixed on the same device.
The advantage of the vortex mixer to the mechanical stirrer is the lack of direct contact between the mixing device and the actual sample. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination in subsequent samples being mixed on the same device.