IKA CT.15 Cleaning tube, replacement cleaning tubes with caps (15 pieces), for T 25, 0020006595

Maximum efficiency and purity in sample preparation: the IKA CT.15 cleaning tubes

In modern analytical chemistry, strictly regulated pharmaceutical quality control and biological research, the consistent prevention of cross-contamination (carry-over) is the absolute foundation of reliable measurement results. When working with high-performance dispersers such as the tried-and-tested IKA T 25 series, tissues, powders or emulsions are broken down using extreme shear forces. Microscopically small residues of these samples inevitably remain in the narrow shear gap between the stator and rotor. To remove these contaminants safely, gently and completely after each homogenisation, IKA has established a systematic, hydrodynamic three-stage cleaning process. The IKA CT.15 cleaning tubes (MPN 0020006595) are the essential consumable component for this highly effective system. Supplied in an extremely practical and cost-effective pack of exactly 15 pieces, these high-quality cleaning tubes enable a seamless, uninterrupted and highly standardised workflow in laboratories with high sample throughput.

The perfect complement to the TS 25-3 cleaning system

The CT.15 set is the ideal, logical extension for all users who already utilise the IKA TS 25-3 Cleaning Tool (the robust tube holder) in their laboratory. The validatable cleaning process recommended by IKA consists of three consecutive phases: intensive pre-cleaning with a strong, sample-specific solvent; main cleaning with a suitable laboratory cleaning agent (surfactant); and final cleaning and rinsing with demineralised water. By purchasing this pack of 15, you can easily set up several of these 3-stage stations in parallel and keep them permanently stocked. Whilst a member of staff is still dispersing samples at Station A, freshly filled tubes are already ready for immediate cleaning at Station B. This forward-planning approach eliminates tedious waiting times at the laboratory sink, speeds up the entire analysis cycle enormously and relieves the burden on highly qualified laboratory staff in their daily routine tasks.

Health and safety through tightly-sealing caps

A major, often underestimated problem with the manual cleaning of dispersion tools in open beakers is occupational health and safety. The extremely high speeds of the drive motor inevitably generate fine aerosols and uncontrolled splashes during cleaning and dispersion. If the solvents used are volatile, irritant or toxic chemicals, this poses a significant health risk through inhalation or skin contact. Every single tube in the IKA CT.15 set is therefore supplied as standard with a precisely fitting, tight-sealing cap. These caps transform the cleaning process into a closed, absolutely safe system in an instant. Simply pierce the prepared opening with the shaft of the dispersing tool, and the splashing of hazardous substances into the laboratory environment or the fume cupboard is effectively and reliably prevented. This not only protects the health of your staff, but also safeguards expensive laboratory equipment and sensitive instruments in the immediate vicinity from aggressive chemical vapours.

Consistently prevent cross-contamination with dedicated tubes

Another enormous analytical advantage of this 15-piece set is the ability to clearly physically separate work processes. Even with the most thorough rinsing, plastic vessels can, over time, suffer microscopic scratches on their inner walls due to the high shear forces of the disperser or detached hard particles. Stubborn biofilms, denatured proteins or chemical residues can become trapped in these fine scratches. With a generous supply of 15 tubes, you can immediately and properly replace heavily worn vessels. Even more important for GLP compliance: you can designate specific tubes for particular solvents or certain sample types (e.g. ‘For RNA extraction only’ or ‘For high-fat samples only’). This strict, physical separation categorically prevents the cleaning solvent itself from becoming an invisible source of contamination for the next sample.

Unrestricted system compatibility and TCO optimisation

The IKA CT.15 cleaning tubes are 100 per cent tailored to IKA’s globally established T 25 ecosystem. They are fully compatible with the high-performance dispersing drives of the T 25 digital series, as well as the state-of-the-art T 25 easy clean digital and T 25 easy clean control ranges. Whether you use classic S 25 N standard tools, the S 25 KR series or the vacuum-tight KD tools – the geometry of the tubes is designed so that the tool rotates at the ideal distance from the bottom of the vessel, achieving a perfect hydrodynamic cleaning effect without damaging the vessel. This consistent and gentle maintenance also prevents premature wear of the sensitive plain bearings in the tools. A dispersing tool that is not manually scrubbed with hard brushes retains its precise gap geometry for significantly longer, which in turn guarantees consistent, highly reproducible particle sizes in your subsequent samples and drastically reduces your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for spare parts. With a total weight of just 0.3772 kg per packaging unit, the tubes are also ideal for storage and keeping on hand at the workplace.

Technical data

• Packaging unit: 15 pieces per pack
• Compatible drive motors: IKA T 25 digital, T 25 easy clean digital, T 25 easy clean control
• Intended use: Consumables for the 3-stage cleaning process (solvent, cleaning agent, demineralised water)
• Health and safety benefit: Includes caps to prevent hazardous aerosols and solvent splashes
• Weight (per pack): 0.3772 kg
• Material: High-quality, chemical-resistant plastic

Contents

• 15 x IKA CT.15 cleaning tubes
• 15 x tight-fitting caps to prevent splashing

(Please note: The sturdy tube holder (TS 25-3), as well as the dispersing drive and the dispersing tool, are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

If you are setting up this system in your laboratory for the first time, you will need the complete IKA TS 25-3 Cleaning Tool (which includes the tube holder) to ensure a secure, wobble-free stand. This pack of 15 is the perfect addition for replacing worn-out tubes or speeding up your workflow by operating multiple cleaning stations in parallel. If you have any questions regarding the implementation of SOPs for tool cleaning, please feel free to contact our procurement service. We will provide you with comprehensive advice on optimising your processes.