IKA MultiDrive MI 400 S grinding chamber, sealed, 400 ml, dry grinding, 0020112099

Maximum safety and capacity for dry grinding: the IKA MultiDrive MI 400 S grinding chamber

In industrial materials research, agricultural analysis and the strictly regulated quality control of food and animal feed, the reproducible and absolutely loss-free preparation of samples from dry, hard or brittle materials is a fundamental core task. When tough raw materials such as fibrous wood, compact animal feed, frozen agricultural products or plastics need to be ground, conventional, open grinding vessels often reach their physical and health and safety limits. During the intensive comminution of extremely fine dusts or the processing of deep-frozen samples, the grinding energy and gas expansion inevitably cause a significant build-up of overpressure inside the grinding vessel. Without a professionally engineered seal, the finest sample material would escape uncontrollably into the laboratory environment as an aerosol. This not only leads to massively distorted analytical results due to measurable sample loss, but also poses a significant health hazard (dust exposure) to laboratory staff. To solve this highly critical problem in large-volume dry grinding elegantly and safely, IKA has developed the highly specialised MultiDrive MI 400 S grinding chamber (MPN 0020112099). This robust, specially sealed grinding vessel significantly expands the analytical capabilities of your IKA MultiDrive universal mill and guarantees an absolutely dust-free, safe and highly reproducible batch process on a generous 400 ml scale.

The 400-ml volume: the key to representative composite samples

The greatest and most decisive advantage of the MI 400 S over smaller models is its exceptionally generous working volume of up to 400 millilitres. In the analysis of heterogeneous natural materials – such as mixed animal feed, bark mulch or shredded plastic waste – an insufficient sample size is often the biggest obstacle to reliable results. A tiny sample simply does not reflect the overall composition of the batch. The IKA MI 400 S enables you to process large, statistically fully representative cross-sectional samples in a single, rapid grinding cycle. With a maximum permissible feed particle size of 7 millimetres, you also drastically minimise set-up and preparation times in your laboratory, as many samples no longer need to be pre-shredded – a time-consuming and error-prone process.

Innovative containment: the sealed pressure equalisation system

The “S” in the product name unambiguously stands for “Sealed”. The grinding chamber is equipped with a highly innovative, intelligent sealing and pressure-equalisation system. For example, when grinding brittle samples mixed with dry ice, and the trapped gas expands significantly due to the resulting kinetic grinding friction, this patented system enables controlled pressure relief directly via the chamber lid. A special foam material, integrated into the sealing system, acts as a highly effective mechanical barrier. It retains the fine, often toxic or highly valuable powdered sample material absolutely securely inside the grinding chamber (containment), whilst the excess, hazardous air pressure can be safely and harmlessly released into the environment.

Brutal grinding power and extreme cooling options

The IKA MultiDrive MI 400 S is an uncompromising powerhouse for heavy-duty impact and cutting comminution (impact operating principle). A powerful beater (standard beater) made from extremely hard and wear-resistant grade 1.4034 stainless steel is included as standard. This high-speed rotating beater, with a massive diameter of 81 mm, effortlessly crushes samples with a demanding maximum material hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale at speeds of up to 20,000 rpm. The circumferential speed reaches a staggering 85 m/s. To effectively control the inevitable frictional heat generated during such intensive comminution processes – which would inevitably destroy heat-sensitive analytes – the chamber offers two excellent professional cooling options: the grinding chamber can be actively cooled from the outside via a cooling jacket with circulating water. Even more important for research: the vessel is officially and safely approved for deep-freezing the material directly inside the chamber by adding dry ice (solid CO₂) (cryogenic grinding). This is the essential technological prerequisite for the successful processing of tough plastics or frozen natural substances, which would melt immediately at normal room temperature and block the grinding mechanism.

FDA compliance, GLP cleaning and system integration

In highly regulated sectors such as food analysis or pharmaceutical quality control, the absolute prevention of cross-contamination (carry-over) is of paramount importance. The surfaces of the MI 400 S grinding chamber that come into contact with the medium are made of high-quality, easy-to-clean grade 1.4301 stainless steel, effectively complemented by robust sealing elements made of chemically resistant silicone. The entire material concept has been designed by IKA to be fully FDA-compliant (Food and Drug Administration). Furthermore, the robust chamber is specifically approved for processing highly abrasive substances. To ensure thorough, GLP-compliant (Good Laboratory Practice) intensive cleaning, the heavy stainless steel beater can be completely dismantled in just a few simple steps. Weighing just 1.5 kg, this accessory is perfectly matched to the IKA MultiDrive basic and MultiDrive control drive units. If you require the very highest level of dust protection, representative sample quantities and temperature control for your demanding, high-volume dry grinding of wood, plastics or animal feed, the IKA MultiDrive MI 400 S is the perfect solution for your laboratory, both economically and analytically.

Technical data

• Maximum working volume: 400 ml
• Process type & operating principle: Batch operation / Impact
• Special feature (S=Sealed): Specially sealed design with integrated pressure equalisation
• Max. feed particle size: 7 mm
• Max. feed material hardness: 5 Mohs
• Speed range: 3,000 to 20,000 rpm (max. peripheral speed 85 m/s)
• Compatible drives: IKA MultiDrive basic and MultiDrive control
• Main application: Dry grinding (e.g. wood, animal feed, frozen products, plastics)
• Cooling options: Chamber can be cooled externally with water; material can be cooled internally with dry ice
• Material (chamber): High-grade stainless steel 1.4301
• Material (beaters): Wear-resistant stainless steel 1.4034 (Ø 81 mm)
• 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 400 S grinding chamber (sealed, 400 ml)
• 1 x standard beater made of 1.4034 stainless steel (already fitted)

(Important note: The MultiDrive drive motor, which is essential, is not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

To put this sealed 400 ml grinding vessel into operation, you will need the heart of the system: the IKA MultiDrive basic or MultiDrive control drive unit. Depending on the specific material properties of your samples, IKA also offers high-performance alternative grinding tools for this vessel, such as the special MultiDrive MI 400.2 star blade for extremely fibrous material. Our experienced procurement service will be happy to advise you in detail on selecting the ideal grinding tools and the bespoke configuration of your IKA MultiDrive milling system.