The magic LAB® is a multifunctional small-scale laboratory machine that is built to handle mixing, wet milling, dispersing, and merging of powders into liquids. The magic LAB® is most regularly used for the advancement of new products or for improving current process methods, mainly in the cosmetic, chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. It is a suitable machine for nonstop, circulating and batch processing with interchangeable modules.
Several work parameters of the magic LAB® are similar to the parameters of the IKA 2000 inline production machines: DR, UTL, CMS, MHD, MK and MKO.
The magic LAB® ensures a dependable scale-up by offering the option to work with the same technique from development of formulation to large-scale production.
The standard in-line machine is fitted with the single-stage dispersing module ULTRA-TURRAX® UTL. It is designed for batch applications and can be modified for coarse to fine manufacturing of dispersions. The mixing time is decreased by up to 50% compared to a traditional stirrer. Based on the application, the standard unit can be altered rapidly with various working modules.
Optionally Available Modules for magic LAB®
The module DISPAX-REACTOR® DR converts the magic LAB® into a multi-stage high capacity dispersing machine for reduction of fine particle size. With just a single pass, the module DR can attain fine dispersions with a thin particle size distribution. It also ensures optimum homogeneity, which is a crucial pre-condition for extended stability of suspensions or emulsions.
The module CMS is used for solid/liquid mixing, which is particularly suitable to enhance liquids by powders in a recirculation procedure. It develops a vacuum at the powder inlet, sucking the powder straight into the mixing chamber of the machine. It enables a rapid, dust and lump-free inclusion and energy-efficient uniform mixing.
The module MHD is built for 100% continuous integration of powders into liquids. Using this module, the mixing relation of liquid and solid should be gravimetrically or volumetrically controlled. Based on the properties of the product, dispersions with viscosities ranging up to 50 Pas or solid contents up to 80% can be accomplished just after a single pass.
The modules Colloid Mill MK and Cone Mill MKO are applied for fine or wet milling of granular and hard raw materials or for the production of premium emulsions as well as for enhancing quality of finished dispersions. The MK module comprises of two cones with differently aimed flow channels located on their surfaces. The cones can be moved against each other to a minimum distance, varying flow capacity as well as friction. By modifying the milling gap, the particle size can be altered. The MKO module functions on the same standard as the MK module except the cones’ outlet area is coated with abrasion-resistant tungsten carbide. This results in an enlarged friction surface that enables to generate even finer suspensions at decreased flow.
The module ULTRA-TURRAX® UTC transforms the magic LAB® into a batch disperser when it is inverted and mounted onto a telescopic stand.
The magic LAB® can be extended to a Micro-Plant using a single or a multi-stage inline dispersing machine, as well as a colloid or cone mill. This is an improved solution for the progress of formulations and techniques, as well as for the determination of appropriate tool. Various procedure parameters such as shear rate, speed, pressure, temperature, and time can be enhanced.
There are two types of Micro-Plants offered by the company. The 1 ltr Micro-Plant is fitted with a single-walled open vessel and the 2 ltr Micro-Plant is fitted with a double-walled vessel with the possibility to heat or cool the product. The 2 ltr Micro-Plant has the provision for unique extensions for functioning with pressure/vacuum. Due to their massive flexibility, both sizes of Micro-Plants are fitted with circulation pipeline and three-way ball valve to select in-between discharge or recirculation.
Under continuous operation, the magic LAB® has a maximum working pressure of 2.5 bar and temperatures up to 80°C. In short-term operation, the seal materials can handle temperatures up to 120°C. With an engine power of 900 W, the standard configuration with the module UTL performs a throughput of 130 l/h and 26,000 revolutions per minute.
The operation and data display is linked to the magic LAB® by means of a connection cable. Parameters like torque, speed, and temperature can be fixed and recalled. The magic LAB® can be controlled through PC using labworldsoft® software.
The magic LAB® is provided in a mobile transport box with drawers and rollers for different modules, integrated power supply, telescope handle, as well as control and operation display.
Key Features
The main features of the magic LAB® are as follows:
- Flexibility and easy usage: a single machine suits several applications and a number of processes
- Optimal dispersing, mixing, and wet milling outcomes as the rotor tip speed can reach up to 40 m/s which leads to high energy input into the working area
- Simple cooling or heating of all modules
- Along with inline machines of 2000 series, seamless changeover of processes from laboratory to production while preserving the quality of the product
- Easy and rapid replacement of the modules as well as conversion to a full working plant
- User-friendly operation through the magic LAB® controller
- Practical transport and storage packaging
- Advanced carrying case houses all the modules, making it convenient for storage and transportation