IKA R 1402 Dissolver (toothed disc), Ø 42 mm, for EUROSTAR 20 & T 50, 0001243300

Maximum shear forces for the most demanding dispersions: the IKA R 1402 Dissolver

In modern product development, the chemical industry, paint and varnish manufacturing, and sophisticated cosmetic formulation, the incorporation of fine powders into liquid media presents one of the greatest process engineering challenges. Whether these are colour pigments, high-molecular-weight thickeners, ceramic powders or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) – upon contact with the liquid surface, these solids almost invariably tend to agglomerate immediately. So-called agglomerates form, in which the outer particles are wetted but the inner core of the powder remains dry (often referred to as ‘fish eyes’). Conventional propeller or anchor agitators inevitably reach their physical limits here. They merely move these tough clumps in a circle through the vessel without breaking them up mechanically. The disastrous consequences are extremely prolonged process times, defective product textures, reduced colour intensity in paints, or incomplete release of active ingredients in cosmetic creams. It is precisely for this critical, highly complex problem area that IKA has developed the R 1402 Dissolver (MPN 0001243300). This highly specialised high-speed mixing tool shatters stubborn agglomerates in milliseconds and guarantees you absolutely homogeneous, lump-free and perfectly dispersed suspensions in record time.

The physics of fragmentation: the dissolver principle

The technological heart of the IKA R 1402 is its precisely calculated and balanced dissolver disc (toothed disc) with a diameter of 42 millimetres. Unlike agitators, which are primarily designed for circulation, this dissolver head generates immense local shear forces at extremely high speeds. The teeth on the outer edge of the solid metal disc, which are alternately curved upwards and downwards, cut through the liquid medium at high speed. Extreme turbulence, cavitation forces and enormous mechanical impact forces arise at the edges of these teeth. The powder-liquid mixture is accelerated radially outwards with immense force by the fluid dynamic profile, strikes the vessel wall and circulates back towards the agitator shaft. This raw, yet precisely controlled, kinetic energy literally tears the stubborn agglomerate structures apart into their tiny primary particles. It is only through this radial flow pattern and the extremely high energy input that solids which are difficult to wet can be completely broken down and permanently stabilised in the liquid phase.

The Trombe effect for perfect powder incorporation

Another key advantage of the IKA R 1402 Dissolver is the generation of a massive vortex, known as a ‘tromb’. When the dissolver rotates at high speeds, a powerful suction is created at the centre of the mixing vessel, reaching deep into the medium. If you now add your light, dusty powder to the surface of the liquid, it is immediately and directly sucked into the high-shear zone at the rotating toothed disc by this vortex. The powder does not float idly on the surface, where it could stick to the vessel wall, but is instantly wetted and integrated into the dispersion process. This feature is absolutely essential for a clean, efficient and loss-free laboratory workflow when preparing stock solutions or paint batches.

Seamless system integration and scale-up capability

The IKA R 1402 Dissolver, like the R 1405 Propeller, is characterised by its intelligent and resource-efficient cross-compatibility within the IKA product portfolio. It acts as a versatile mixing head for two completely different high-performance drives. You can operate it on the EUROSTAR 20 high-speed series laboratory stirrers (digital and control), but you must use the R 6000 precision stirring shaft, which acts as an adapter. Alternatively, the tool can be coupled to the powerful T 50 digital dispersing drive, for which the R 50 high-speed stirring shaft is required. Thanks to this modular design, laboratories can switch flexibly between gentle mixing (using the propeller) and aggressive dispersion (using the dissolver) without having to purchase entirely new equipment. With a vast certified working range from 0.25 litres up to an enormous 30 litres (based on water), this tool is the perfect companion for so-called scale-up. A formulation that you develop in R&D in a small 500-ml beaker can be seamlessly scaled up to a pilot scale of 20 or 30 litres using the same instrument, which guarantees the transferability and validity of your process data across different scales.

Hygiene, material quality and GLP compliance

When used continuously under harsh conditions with abrasive pigments, harsh chemical solvents or aggressive surfactants, a stirring tool must be extremely robust. The IKA R 1402 Dissolver is manufactured entirely from high-quality, corrosion-resistant and durable stainless steel. This premium material not only ensures an outstanding service life for the tool but also minimises unwanted metallic abrasion (contamination) in sensitive samples, which is of the utmost importance for trace analysis. The flow-optimised design of the toothed disc also prevents stubborn build-up of product residues in dead corners. Once the dispersion process is complete, the tool can be easily cleaned without leaving any residue under running water, in an ultrasonic bath or with suitable solvents. This is absolutely essential in strictly regulated quality management systems (such as GMP or GLP in the pharmaceutical industry) to completely rule out dangerous cross-contamination (carry-over) between different sample batches. With this original accessory from IKA, you are investing in maximum process reliability, the highest grinding performance and fully documentable quality in your laboratory.

Technical data

• Tool principle: Dissolver disc (toothed disc) for radial flow
• Rotor diameter: 42 mm
• Working range (H₂O volume): 0.25 l to 30 l
• Main application: Breaking up agglomerates, powder incorporation, high-shear dispersion
• Compatibility (stirrers): IKA EUROSTAR 20 high speed digital / control (only in conjunction with R 6000 stirrer shaft)
• Compatibility (dispersers): IKA T 50 digital (only in conjunction with the R 50 high-speed stirrer shaft)
• Material: High-quality, chemically resistant and low-wear stainless steel
• Sterilisability/sterility: No (the tool is non-sterile)

Contents

• 1 x IKA R 1402 Dissolver (toothed disc, Ø 42 mm)

(Important note: The R 1402 dissolver is a mixing head only. The essential intermediate shafts (R 6000 or R 50) and the relevant drive unit are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

To ensure you can use this powerful tool straight away, please check your existing system for the correct shaft. For users of the EUROSTAR 20 drive, the R 6000 precision stirring shaft is essential. If you are using the T 50 dispersion drive, please add the R 50 high-speed stirring shaft to your basket. If you have samples that are extremely sensitive to temperature and would overheat due to the high shear forces of the dissolver, we recommend the IKA R 1405 propeller as a gentler alternative. Our procurement service is always available to help you configure your stirring and dispersing system to the highest standard.