IKA ULTRA-TURRAX Tube Drive disperser, single-use homogeniser system, 0003646000

The IKA ULTRA-TURRAX Tube Drive disperser represents a unique, versatile system solution for the safe dispersion, stirring, homogenisation and grinding of sample materials in molecular biology, medical and pharmaceutical laboratories. When processing sensitive samples such as tissue structures, cell lysates or toxic substances, the absolute prevention of cross-contamination and the protection of the user are the primary considerations. This compact drive system operates with hermetically sealed, single-use sample vials, ensuring that the sample remains completely isolated throughout the entire process. For laboratory managers and procurement officers, the system offers uncompromising validity and process reliability in accordance with modern GLP guidelines, as time-consuming cleaning cycles and cleaning validations are completely eliminated.

Drive dynamics and kinetics of the universal single-use system

The mechanical operating principle is based on a highly efficient motor that delivers a continuously variable speed of 300 to 6,000 revolutions per minute. The kinetic energy is transmitted contact-free via a mechanical coupling to the integrated tools within the specialised single-use tubes. Depending on the type of vessel used (ST, DT or BMT), the system performs standard stirring tasks, high-shear rotor-stator dispersions or abrasive comminution using integrated glass or stainless steel balls (ball mill principle). The system handles sample volumes ranging from 2 to 50 millilitres and, thanks to its precise speed control, guarantees excellent reproducibility of transient test series.

Material-based barrier function and biosafety

The fundamental safety concept of the ULTRA-TURRAX Tube Drive is based on the physical separation of the drive unit and the sample chamber. The use of hermetically sealed tubes effectively prevents the formation of hazardous aerosols, the escape of odours or the contamination of the drive head by sample liquid. This makes the system ideally suited for use in pathology, infection biology and forensic analysis, where handling human pathogens or infectious agents demands the highest safety standards. The disposable vessels are made from chemically highly resistant, transparent plastic, ensuring continuous visual monitoring of the homogenisation process. After the process, the vessels can be used directly as storage containers or autoclaved.

Ergonomic housing design and infrastructure integration

The mechanical structure of the drive impresses with an extremely compact footprint of 100 by 160 millimetres and a height of just 40 millimetres, giving the system a minimal weight of 0.75 kilograms. The front panel features a clear LED display for the precise digital readout of the rotational speed, which eliminates reading errors in multi-user operation. Adjustments are made via an intuitive membrane keypad that is easy to clean and disinfect. The housing complies with protection class IP 20 and is optimised for use in safety cabinets, fume cupboards or in confined spaces, without restricting the laboratory’s infrastructural flexibility.

Technical details

Drive & Dispersion Technology

• Speed range: 300–6,000 rpm
• Speed display: LED / digital
• Maximum volume measurement (H₂O): 50 ml
• Minimum volume measurement (H₂O): 2 ml
• Speed adjustment: Continuously variable via membrane keypad

Motor & performance specifications

• Motor power consumption: 20 W
• Motor output: 17 W
• Overload protection: Integrated electronic cut-out

Design & Dimensions

• Housing dimensions (W x H x D): 100 x 40 x 160 mm
• Weight: 0.75 kg
• Protection class according to DIN EN 60529: IP 20
• Set-up: Benchtop unit with non-slip feet

Electrical Specifications

• Rated voltage: 100–240 V
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Power supply output voltage: 24 V DC

Contents

• 1 x IKA ULTRA-TURRAX Tube Drive base unit (MPN: 0003646000)
• 1 x plug-in power supply unit for universal power supply
• 1 x removal tool for plastic couplings
• 1 x operating instructions

Important note: The disposable sample tubes (tubes) required for operation – in the ST (stirring), DT (dispersing) or BMT (grinding) variants – are not included in the scope of delivery and must be ordered separately according to your specific application.

Individual requirements & accessories

To ensure the IKA ULTRA-TURRAX Tube Drive operates smoothly, we stock the full range of original IKA disposable tubes. ST tubes are suitable for standard mixing tasks, whilst DT tubes, featuring an integrated rotor-stator tool, are designed for intensive dispersion. For the mechanical comminution of dry or viscous samples, the BMT tubes with glass (G) or stainless steel (S) balls offer the optimal materials science solution. For sterile applications or certified purity levels, all tubes are also available in a ‘gamma-sterilised’ version. Please use our procurement service to configure your consumables to suit your requirements.