IKA MultiDrive MI 250 T S grinding chamber with temperature sensor, sealed, 250 ml, 0020112098

Thermodynamic control for highly sensitive dry milling

In demanding materials research, toxicological analysis and pharmaceutical quality control, the dry grinding of hard, brittle or fibrous samples constitutes a physical stress test for the sample material. The conversion of kinetic rotational energy into mechanical comminution work (impact and shear forces) inevitably generates significant frictional heat within the grinding chamber. For thermolabile analytes – such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature-sensitive vitamins or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) – this uncontrolled rise in temperature is disastrous and leads to irreversible denaturation or outgassing. To completely eliminate this source of methodological error, IKA has developed the highly specialised MultiDrive MI 250 T S grinding chamber. The ‘T’ in the model name stands for the integrated temperature sensor. This high-tech chamber, with a capacity of 250 ml, transforms your mill into a process-monitored, analytically highly reliable grinding system.

Wireless RFID technology for seamless temperature monitoring

The technological heart of the MI 250 T S is the seamless, intelligent communication between the stainless-steel grinding vessel and the drive unit. A high-precision temperature sensor is built into the solid base of the vessel, continuously measuring the thermal stress on the sample in real time during the high-speed grinding process. Data transmission to the essential IKA MultiDrive control mill takes place entirely contactlessly via state-of-the-art RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology. This physical design is fundamental, as it completely eliminates error-prone sliding contacts or mechanical connectors that could corrode during rinsing. You can set a strict, sample-specific temperature limit via the drive’s display. As soon as the critical thermal threshold is reached, the electronics intervene proactively and either stop the drive or reduce the speed, long before any thermal damage can occur to your valuable sample.

Integrated containment: The ‘S’ stands for ‘Sealed’

In addition to temperature monitoring, the vessel resolves the biggest health and safety issue associated with dry milling: aerosol formation. The abbreviation “S” (Sealed) denotes the chamber’s innovative sealing and pressure-equalisation system. When extremely fine dusts are generated or samples are ground with the addition of dry ice (cryogenic grinding), massive overpressure builds up inside the vessel. In particular, the sublimation of solid CO₂ into gas causes the volume to increase abruptly. Without pressure relief, the vessel would leak or burst. The MI 250 T S features an intelligent pressure-equalising valve in the lid, combined with a special microporous foam barrier. This barrier retains 100 per cent of the microfine, often toxic sample material within the vessel (containment), whilst allowing the excess gas pressure to escape safely. This protects laboratory staff from hazardous dusts and simultaneously prevents quantitative loss of the analyte.

Powerful impact grinding and dual cooling options

Despite its sophisticated sensor technology, the MI 250 T S is a robust powerhouse based on the highly efficient impact principle (impact grinding). A solid beater made of extremely wear-resistant stainless steel (1.4034) effortlessly pulverises feed materials at high speed, with a particle size of up to 7 mm and a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. To keep the temperature as low as physically possible before the sensor even needs to intervene, the chamber offers two professional cooling methods: it can be actively cooled by circulating cooling water through an external jacket, or it can be filled directly with dry ice inside the chamber. The FDA-compliant, media-contacting surfaces made of stainless steel (1.4301) and chemically resistant silicone ensure absolute purity. For seamless, GLP-compliant (Good Laboratory Practice) decontamination, the crusher can be completely dismantled without the need for tools, which absolutely rules out dangerous cross-contamination (carry-over) during routine analyses.

Technical details

• Useful volume: 250 ml
• Process type & operating principle: Batch operation / Impact (impact milling)
• Special feature (T=Temperature): Integrated temperature sensor in the base of the vessel
• Data transmission: Wireless via RFID technology (wear-free)
• Special feature (S=Sealed): Sealed system with integrated pressure equalisation via the lid
• Aerosol protection: Special foam insert prevents the escape of fine dust
• Max. feed particle size: 7 mm
• Max. feed material hardness: 5 Mohs
• Compatible drive: IKA MultiDrive control only (essential for using the RFID temperature function)
• Cooling options: Chamber can be water-cooled externally; interior approved for direct dry-ice cooling (cryogenic grinding)
• Material (chamber): High-grade stainless steel 1.4301
• Material (beaters): Wear-resistant stainless steel 1.4034
• Seal material: Silicone
• Certification: Fully FDA-compliant for parts in contact with media
• Cleaning/hygiene: Stainless steel beaters can be completely dismantled for intensive cleaning
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 160 x 180 x 160 mm
• Weight: 1.5 kg

Contents

• 1 x IKA MultiDrive MI 250 T S grinding chamber (sealed, with temperature sensor, 250 ml)
• 1 x standard beater made of 1.4034 stainless steel (already fitted, removable)

(Important note: The essential IKA MultiDrive control drive unit is not included in the scope of delivery!)

Customised requirements & accessories

The MI 250 T S only activates its technological safety features when used in conjunction with the premium IKA MultiDrive control drive unit (the ‘basic’ version does not have an RFID receiver and cannot read temperature data). If you require a cutting rather than an impact action for extremely fibrous material (such as cellulose or tough plant fibres), the vessel can easily be fitted with the star knife, which is available as an accessory. Please feel free to contact our highly specialised procurement service at any time for a professional and technically sound configuration of your milling system.