IKA MultiDrive MI 400 T S grinding chamber with temperature sensor, sealed, 400 ml, 0020112100

Thermodynamic process control for large-volume dry grinding

In demanding materials research, the toxicological analysis of heterogeneous substances and agricultural quality control, the large-volume dry grinding of hard or brittle sample matrices poses a significant physical challenge. The conversion of kinetic rotational energy into mechanical grinding work inevitably generates extreme frictional heat within the grinding chamber. For thermolabile analytes such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), this uncontrolled rise in temperature leads to irreversible denaturation. To completely eliminate this source of methodological error on a 400-millilitre scale, IKA has developed the highly specialised MultiDrive MI 400 T S grinding chamber. The “T” denotes the integrated temperature sensor. This generously dimensioned, high-tech chamber transforms your mill into a process-monitored, analytically highly reliable grinding system for representative average samples.

Wireless RFID technology for seamless temperature monitoring

The technological heart of the MI 400 T S is the seamless and intelligent communication between the solid stainless-steel grinding vessel and the drive unit. A high-precision temperature sensor is built into the solid base of the 400-ml vessel, continuously measuring the exact thermal load on the sample during the high-speed grinding process. Data is transmitted to the essential IKA MultiDrive control mill entirely contactlessly via wear-free RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology. This physical design is fundamental, as it completely eliminates the need for mechanical connectors, which could corrode during the rinsing process. You can set a strict, material-specific temperature limit via the drive’s control display. When this critical thermal threshold is reached, the electronics intervene proactively and stop the drive long before any thermal damage can occur to your valuable sample.

Large-volume containment: the ‘S’ stands for ‘Sealed’

In addition to sensor-based temperature monitoring, the vessel resolves the biggest health and safety issue associated with high-speed dry milling: uncontrolled aerosol formation. The abbreviation “S” (Sealed) refers to the chamber’s innovative sealing and pressure-equalisation system. When extremely fine dusts are generated or samples are ground with the direct addition of dry ice (cryogenic grinding), gas expansion creates massive overpressure inside the vessel. The MI 400 T S features an intelligent pressure-equalising valve in the lid, combined with a microporous foam barrier. This mechanical barrier retains 100 per cent of the microfine, often toxic sample material within the vessel (containment), whilst allowing excess CO₂ or air pressure to escape safely. This protects laboratory staff from respirable dust and prevents quantitative loss of the analyte.

Powerful grinding performance and dual cooling circuits

The MI 400 T S is an uncompromising powerhouse based on the highly efficient impact principle (impact grinding). The solid beater, supplied as standard and made from 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 material hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. To keep the temperature as low as physically possible before the electronic sensor even needs to intervene, the chamber offers two professional thermodynamic cooling methods. It can be actively cooled via an external cooling jacket through which water flows, or the material being ground can be deep-frozen directly inside the chamber by adding dry ice. The FDA-compliant, media-contacting surfaces made of stainless steel (1.4301) and chemically resistant silicone ensure absolute analytical purity. For seamless, GLP-compliant (Good Laboratory Practice) decontamination, the mill can be completely dismantled without the need for tools.

Technical details

• Maximum usable volume: 400 ml
• Process type & operating principle: Batch operation / Impact (impact milling)
• Special feature (T=Temperature): Integrated temperature sensor in the vessel base
• 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 (required for use of the RFID temperature function)
• Cooling options: External water cooling possible; 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 (Ø 81 mm)
• Certification: Fully FDA-compliant for all parts in contact with the product
• 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

Scope of delivery

• 1 x IKA MultiDrive MI 400 T S grinding chamber (sealed, with temperature sensor, 400 ml)
• 1 x standard beater made of 1.4034 stainless steel (already fitted, can be dismantled without tools)

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

Individual requirements & accessories

The thermal protection functions of the MI 400 T S can only be used in conjunction with the premium IKA MultiDrive control drive unit, as only this model is equipped with the necessary RFID receiver. If you need to process extremely fibrous material (such as cellulose or tough plastics) instead of hard, brittle samples, the vessel can be ideally upgraded with the separately available MultiDrive MI 400.2 star knife. Please feel free to contact our technical procurement service at any time for a professional and process-engineered design of your milling system.