IKA MultiDrive MI 250 S grinding chamber, sealed, 250 ml, dry grinding, 0020112097

Precise dry grinding with pressure equalisation: the IKA MultiDrive MI 250 S grinding chamber

In modern laboratory analysis, the stringent quality control of food and animal feed, and materials research, the precise and loss-free preparation of samples from dry, hard or brittle materials is a core process engineering task. When raw materials such as fibrous wood, compact animal feed, frozen agricultural products or tough plastic pellets need to be ground, conventional open mills often reach their physical limits. When grinding extremely fine dusts or deep-frozen samples, excess pressure inevitably builds up inside the grinding vessel during the high-speed process. Without a professional seal, the finest sample material would escape uncontrollably into the laboratory environment, which not only leads to distorted analysis results due to sample loss but also poses a significant health risk (dust exposure) to laboratory staff. To solve this highly critical problem in dry milling elegantly, cleanly and safely, IKA has developed the highly specialised MultiDrive MI 250 S grinding chamber (MPN 0020112097). This robust, specially sealed grinding vessel significantly expands the analytical capabilities of your IKA MultiDrive universal mill and guarantees a dust-free, safe and reproducible batch process, even with extremely fine powders.

The innovative sealing and pressure equalisation system

The outstanding, eponymous technological feature of the MI 250 S (the ‘S’ stands for Sealed) is its completely redesigned sealing and pressure-equalisation system. Unlike simple, inflexible grinding jars, this 250-millilitre vessel is fitted with a highly innovative special seal. For example, when grinding brittle, frozen samples and the trapped gas expands significantly due to the inevitable grinding friction, this sealing system allows for controlled pressure relief directly via the lid. A special foam integrated into the system acts as a highly effective mechanical barrier. It retains the actual, fine powdered sample material absolutely securely and without loss inside the grinding chamber, whilst allowing the excess air pressure to escape safely and without risk. This system is invaluable for laboratories that handle extremely fine, volatile or toxic powders and must ensure absolute containment of their valuable sample material for subsequent analysis.

Brutal grinding power and versatile cooling options

Despite its sophisticated, precision sealing technology, the IKA MultiDrive MI 250 S is an uncompromising, robust powerhouse designed for heavy-duty grinding. A powerful beater made from extremely hard and wear-resistant grade 1.4034 stainless steel is included as standard. This high-speed rotating beater effortlessly pulverises samples with a feed particle size of up to 7 millimetres and a demanding maximum material hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. To effectively control the inevitable frictional heat generated during heavy-duty grinding processes – which could destroy sensitive analytes – the chamber offers two excellent cooling options: On the one hand, the grinding chamber can be actively cooled from the outside using water. On the other hand, the vessel is officially and safely approved for cooling the material directly inside the chamber by adding dry ice (solid CO₂) (cryogenic grinding). This is an essential technological requirement for processing temperature-sensitive plastics or frozen tissue, which would immediately melt, clump together or undergo chemical denaturation in the shear gap at normal room temperature.

FDA compliance, material quality and GLP-compliant cleaning

In regulated sectors such as food analysis or stringent pharmaceutical quality control, the requirements regarding material quality and the absolute prevention of cross-contamination (carry-over) are extremely high. The surfaces of the MI 250 S grinding chamber that come into contact with the medium are therefore made of high-quality, easy-to-clean grade 1.4301 stainless steel, sensibly complemented by robust silicone sealing elements. The entire material concept has been designed by IKA to be fully FDA-compliant (Food and Drug Administration), which guarantees completely safe use in the sensitive food and pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, the robust chamber is specifically approved for the processing of highly abrasive substances. According to IKA, the grinding chamber is cleaned manually. However, to make this process as safe, ergonomic and thorough as possible, the stainless steel beater can be completely dismantled in just a few simple steps. This allows you to ensure at all times that no hidden powder residues or hazardous biofilms accumulate beneath the beater, thereby fully supporting your GLP-compliant (Good Laboratory Practice) laboratory routine.

System integration and optimisation of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

As an original accessory, the MI 250 S grinding chamber is perfectly matched to the IKA MultiDrive basic drive unit (and MultiDrive control). With extremely compact dimensions of 160 x 180 x 160 mm and a weight of just 1.5 kg, the 250-ml vessel is highly ergonomic to handle and can be stored in a space-saving manner in a laboratory cabinet. By purchasing this highly specialised, sealed grinding vessel, you will greatly expand the range of applications for your existing mill. You will completely eliminate the need for costly investments in additional, expensive specialised mills for extremely fine powders or those requiring strict temperature control. If you require the absolute highest level of dust protection, material retention and temperature control for your demanding dry grinding of wood, plastics or animal feed, the IKA MultiDrive MI 250 S is the economically (TCO) and analytically perfect solution for your day-to-day laboratory work.

Technical data

• Useful volume: 250 ml
• Process type: Batch operation
• Special feature (S=Sealed): Special vessel seal with pressure equalisation via the lid and a foam barrier
• Max. feed particle size: 7 mm
• Max. material hardness: 5 Mohs
• Compatible drives: IKA MultiDrive basic (and MultiDrive control)
• Main application: Dry grinding (e.g. wood, animal feed, frozen products, plastics)
• Cooling options: Grinding chamber water-coolable; material to be ground can be cooled internally with dry ice
• Material (chamber): Stainless steel 1.4301
• Material (beaters): Stainless steel 1.4034
• Certification: Fully FDA-compliant
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 160 x 180 x 160 mm
• Weight: 1.5 kg

Contents

• 1 x IKA MultiDrive MI 250 S grinding chamber (sealed, 250 ml)
• 1 x standard stainless steel beater (already fitted, removable)

(Important note: The MultiDrive drive motor, which is essential, is not included!)

Individual requirements & accessories

To operate this sealed grinding vessel, you must have the IKA MultiDrive basic or MultiDrive control drive unit. Depending on the nature of your samples, IKA offers additional, optional tools for this vessel: For extremely hard or fibrous materials, the vessel can be fitted with a special stainless steel star knife or a hard metal beater. Our experienced procurement service will be happy to advise you on selecting the ideal grinding tools and configuring your IKA MultiDrive system.