Improving the Laboratory Work Experience When Homogenizing With A Handheld Homogenizer
It is no secret to researchers who homogenize tissue samples as part of their regular laboratory routine that the job can be messy and loud, and produce results that are sometimes inconsistent. To improve the laboratory work experience, we took a fresh look at the factors that matter most to those who use our homogenizers. These factors include sample processing results, repeatability, ease of cleaning, product noise, time, ease of use, product weight, reliability and environmental impact.This analysis resulted in the creation of the new Omni THQ lightweight handheld rotor stator homogenizer with Whisper Drive™ technology. Mechanical shear homogenizers, also known as rotor-stator homogenizers are the product of choice for most tissue homogenization applications. They generally consist of a motor and a processing probe called a generator probe. As a knife spins within the stator, it creates a pumping action that pulls liquid into the open end of the generator probe. The probe then forces the liquid out through windows in the stator portion, which sets up a shearing action, much like a pair of scissors. It thereby works to reduce the particle size of sample being forced through the windows.The vast majority of today’s rotor-stator homogenizers are powered by motors that require carbon brushes to make them operate. This technology has been around for many years, and while it is quite suitable for occasional use, it has a number of drawbacks when compared to Whisper Drive™ technology brushless motor that drives the Omni THQ.
When compared to our Omni TH brush motor driven homogenizer, the Omni THQ uses 80% less electricity to drive a 7-mm generator probe. Since its motor is significantly smaller and lighter, the THQ weighs 34% less than the Omni TH, and by eliminating motor brush noise, the THQ is 80% quieter than the TH when both are running at 35,000 rpm. This sound level is roughly equivalent to the sound of a moderate rainfall. Since no brushes are used, no carbon dust is created and the motor is maintenance-free, making it more convenient for the user and providing a longer product warranty.
Improved accuracy and repeatability are other significant benefits of Omni’s Whisper Drive™ technology since the motor accurately maintains its set speed, while a brush motor’s speed will fluctuate as sample viscosity changes, or as sample particle size varies. With the THQ a digital display takes full advantage of this accuracy improvement.