Most scientific laboratories require mixing different solutions and components constantly and thoroughly as part of experiments. In instances that demand the highest degrees of precision, manual mixing cannot offer the desired outcome. Hence, they choose to invest in various equipment and instruments that help in laboratory mixings, such as homogenizers, magnetic stirrers, glass rods, and vortex mixers.
Vortex mixers are a particular category of laboratory equipment that works by creating a vortex to mix two liquids in differently-sized tubes. It operates on an electrical current where the apparatus is rotated at a specific speed, usually controlled manually. Vortex mixers are the perfect equipment for mixing small volumes of sample solutions in a laboratory setting.
What are the Main Parts of a Vortex Mixer?
A technician must effectively know how to use different parts for the proper function of vortex mixers. Here are some of them –
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Main Switch – The main
switch is the start button that allows electrical current to flow through the
apparatus foroperating the vortex mixer. In simple words, it is used to control the
power of the
equipment.
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Operation Controller Button
–
This button is used for direct rotation or rotations while the sample vials are in
contact with the well/cup head.
Speed Controller Knob – It is a knob present in the front of the vortex mixer.
Turning the knob makes it possible to control the rotation speed of the device.
-
Motor – It is located
right below
the cup head and rotates in a circular motion. As the central part of the vortex
mixer, it is responsible for the vortex effect in the sample for effective sample
homogenization.
-
Well/Cup Head – The rubber
cup
head is found above the motor, used for holding tubes of liquid samples in place.
Since glass test tubes are used in the vortex mixture, the well/cup head is used to
keep them in place. It is typically made of a soft material, such as rubber.
What are the Applications of a Vortex Mixer?
Vortex mixers are used for an extensive range of scientific applications. Let’s take a quick look at them –
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Vortex mixers are used primarily
in the medical and clinical sectors for mixing and thawing samples.
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Vortex mixers are used for
suspending tissue or cell samples in cell culture and tissue analysis.
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When investigating enzymes and
proteins, a vortex mixer is essential for homogeneous sample mixing with buffer and
reagents.
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Vortex mixers are utilised for
mixing and heating samples in pharmaceutical laboratories.
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Vortex mixers can be employed in
universities and schools for the purpose of experiments and practical
demonstrations.
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Vortex mixers are used for sample
preparation and quality control testing in the industrial sector.
What are the Advantages of Using a Vortex Mixer?
Here are some of the critical benefits of a vortex mixer –
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Because the apparatus comes with
several speed options, technicians can manually set a desired speed and keep it
constant throughout the operation.
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Vortex mixers have the capacity
to hold up to a dozen vials. Depending on how many vials need mixing at once,
technicians can choose anywhere from one to twelve.
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Vortex mixers work with minimal
expertise and resources.
-
Vortex mixes can enhance and
ensure a dependable and effective mixing of samples.
How Are Vortex Mixers Different from Centrifuges?
Though both vortex mixers and centrifuges use centrifugal force to perform core functions, they are quite different from each other. Let’s take a closer look at them –
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Vortex mixers are used primarily
for single or multiple liquid samples using different types of accessories. On the
other hand, centrifuges are used to mix multiple liquid samples of different
volumes.
-
A vortex mixer in microbiology
lab is generally used for mixing liquids. However, a centrifuge’s primary purpose is
to separate different components present in a fluid.
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The overall size of a vortex
mixer is small and can fit on a benchtop. On the contrary, a centrifuge is much
bigger in size.
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The time taken to complete an
operation is much shorter for vortex mixers in comparison with centrifuges.
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In a vortex mixer, the generated
centrifugal force is smaller than in the case of centrifuges.
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In the case of a vortex mixer,
the movement happens mainly inside the tube’s content while the tube remains in a
fixed position, allowing the rotor to move.
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Vortex mixers don’t have a
feature that controls the overall temperature of a liquid sample. It’s not the case
with centrifuges because it’s possible to control the sample’s temperature
manually.
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Vortex rotators have an average
rotation speed range of about 100-3200 rpm. In the case of centrifuges, the average
rotation speed range is much higher, usually around 300-15000 rpm.