IKA MultiDrive TC 1 protective housing for MT 150 and BT 250, 0020023489

Thermodynamic compensation and cryogenic cooling

In demanding molecular biology sample preparation, the high-speed mechanical disruption of tissue matrices inevitably leads to a massive thermodynamic load. At drive speeds of up to 30,000 revolutions per minute, the kinetic friction energy within the dispersion or grinding vessels is transformed into thermal energy (friction heat). This local exothermic reaction can denature heat-sensitive proteins, cause volatile metabolites to evaporate or destroy nucleic acid integrity. The IKA MultiDrive TC 1 protective housing acts as a thermodynamic insulator and cryogenic cooling chamber. It is physically designed to allow the direct use of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) in the annular space between the disposable vessel and the inner wall of the housing. The sublimation of the dry ice at -78.5 °C continuously removes the process heat generated from the rotating vessel and guarantees ice-cold, structure-preserving comminution of the sample matrix.

Kinetic containment and fracture prevention

Processing hard, brittle or abrasive samples in disposable thermoplastic vessels (such as the MT 150 or BT 250 tubes) carries an inherent mechanical risk at extreme rotational speeds. The impact of hard particles on the polymer wall generates microscopic stress cracks, which, in a worst-case scenario, can lead to sudden structural fracture (vessel rupture). The TC 1 housing acts here as a solid ballistic shield. As a sealed mechanical containment system, it absorbs the entire kinetic energy of any fragments and prevents biologically active or toxic sample material from being propelled into the laboratory environment as an aerosol or shrapnel.

Acoustic attenuation and system architecture

In addition to its thermodynamic and ballistic protective functions, the housing fulfils an important occupational health role. The aerodynamic turbulence and severe mechanical collisions within the grinding tubes emit high-frequency acoustic pressure waves. The high material density and the enclosed geometry of the TC 1 physically dampen these acoustic emissions and significantly reduce the sound pressure level at the workplace. The housing is fitted over the base station of the MultiDrive unit via a positive-lock mechanism and locked in place, enabling it to integrate seamlessly and vibration-free into the drive architecture.

Technical details

• Product type: Thermodynamic containment and cooling housing
• Process function: Cryogenic cooling chamber and ballistic shield
• Coolant compatibility: Approved for direct filling with dry ice (solid CO₂)
• Compatibility (vessels): Exclusively compatible with IKA MultiDrive disposable vessels (MT 150 and BT 250)
• Compatibility (drive): IKA MultiDrive basic and MultiDrive control
• Safety function: Kinetic absorption in the event of vessel rupture (aerosol and splinter protection)
• Acoustics: Significant reduction in high-frequency acoustic emissions
• Material: High-impact, cold-resistant polymer design
• Installation: Tool-free, form-fit locking onto the drive base

Contents of delivery

• 1 x IKA MultiDrive TC 1 protective housing

(Important note: The MultiDrive drive unit, the MT 150 / BT 250 single-use vessels and cooling media such as dry ice are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Customised requirements & accessories

The TC 1 protective housing is purely an infrastructural extension for the IKA MultiDrive system and offers no mechanical benefit of its own without the corresponding single-use vessels. To eliminate molecular cross-contamination in your workflow, you will need the appropriate Grinding Tubes (MT 150) for dry, brittle samples or the Blender Tubes (BT 250) for wet tissue homogenisation. When using dry ice in the housing, always take into account the thermodynamic expansion characteristics of sublimating CO₂ and observe the laboratory safety regulations for cryogenic gases. Please contact our procurement service at any time for the strategic procurement of consumables.