Maintaining Your Bottom Mounted Mixer: Tips and Tricks

Maintaining Your Bottom Mounted Mixer: Tips and Tricks

Maintaining consistent mixing is essential for product quality, process efficiency, and successful scale-up in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, as it helps with a lot of other aspects, such as homogeneity, reaction kinetics, oxygen transfer, shear stress, and scaling-up. In-tank mixers help in achieving desired results in all these aspects.

IDEX Steridose, a reliable bottom-mounted in-tank magnetic mixer

The IDEX Steridose offers reliable, efficient mixing for critical biopharmaceutical processes. The in-tank mixers’ innovative design, magnetic coupling, and hygienic features make it a preferred choice for maintaining product quality and sterility.

Design and Construction of IDEX Steridose Magnetic Mixer

·       The Steridose magnetic mixer is specifically engineered for use in sterile and aseptic processes. It adheres to stringent quality standards required in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

·       Its bottom-mounted design ensures efficient mixing without the need for an external agitator shaft, minimising contamination risks.

·       Constructed from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, it is resistant to corrosion and compatible with various process fluids.

Magnetic Coupling capability of IDEX Steridose Magnetic Mixer

·       The Steridose mixer utilises a magnetic coupling system. The drive unit located outside the tank transfers torque to the impeller magnetically, eliminating the need for mechanical seals.

·       This design prevents product leakage, reduces maintenance, and ensures sterility.

Hygienic Impeller Design of IDEX Steridose Magnetic Mixer

·       The mixer features a hygienic impeller with smooth surfaces, minimising crevices where product residue or microorganisms could accumulate.

·       The impeller design promotes efficient mixing, even in high-viscosity solutions.

Single-Use and Reusable Options of IDEX Steridose Magnetic Mixer

·       Steridose offers both single-use and reusable impeller options. Single-use impellers are ideal for disposable bioreactors, while reusable impellers suit traditional stainless steel vessels.

·       The flexibility allows users to adapt to different process requirements.

Process Flexibility of IDEX Steridose Magnetic Mixer

·       The Steridose mixer can handle various applications, including cell culture, fermentation, buffer preparation, and media mixing.

·       Its scalability ensures consistent performance across different tank sizes.

Regular maintenance of your IDEX Steridose Magnetic Mixer

Neglecting maintenance can lead to unexpected downtime, compromised product quality, and costly repairs. By following a regular maintenance schedule, you’ll maximise the reliability and efficiency of your Steridose mixer. Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of your IDEX Steridose mixer.

·       Preventing Contamination: Regular cleaning and inspection help prevent product buildup, microbial growth, and contamination. Clean surfaces reduce the risk of impurities.

·       Impeller Integrity: Over time, impellers can experience wear, corrosion, or damage. Regular checks allow you to identify issues early and replace worn parts promptly. Damaged impellers may compromise mixing efficiency or introduce particles into the product.

·       Seal and Bearing Maintenance: The magnetic coupling system relies on seals and bearings. Proper lubrication and inspection prevent leaks and ensure smooth operation. Damaged seals can lead to product leakage or contamination.

·       Calibration and Alignment: Regularly calibrating the mixer ensures accurate speed and torque. Misalignment can strain components and affect mixing performance. Proper alignment extends the mixer’s lifespan.

·       Motor Health: The drive unit located outside the tank requires maintenance. Inspect motor components, check electrical connections, and address any issues promptly. A well-maintained motor ensures consistent torque delivery.

·       Documentation and Validation: Keep detailed records of maintenance activities. This aids in validation, compliance, and troubleshooting. Regular validation ensures the mixer meets industry standards.

General maintenance practices for your IDEX Steridose mixer

Proactive maintenance minimises unexpected issues and ensures reliable performance for your Steridose mixer. It also ensures the optimal performance and longevity of your IDEX Steridose mixer. Here are some essential practices:

Regular Cleaning

·       Use standard CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilise-in-Place) procedures for easy and reliable cleaning.

·       Focus on impeller surfaces, seals, and other critical components.

Bottom Mount Design Benefits

Steridose mixers have a bottom-mounted configuration, which offers several advantages:

·       Low-Level Mixing: Reduces the minimum mixing volume, increasing yields.

·       Ease of Maintenance: Fewer parts and easy impeller and drive unit removal.

Impeller Inspection and Replacement

·       Regularly inspect impellers for wear, corrosion, or damage.

·       Replace worn or damaged impellers promptly to maintain efficient mixing.

Seal and Bearing Maintenance

·       Check seals and bearings regularly. Proper lubrication prevents leaks and ensures smooth operation.

·       Address any issues promptly to avoid downtime.

Calibration and Alignment

·       Calibrate the mixer to ensure accurate speed and torque.

·       Proper alignment extends the mixer’s lifespan.

Motor Health

·       Inspect motor components, electrical connections, and cooling systems.

·       A well-maintained motor ensures consistent torque delivery.

Documentation and Validation

·       Keep detailed records of maintenance activities.

·       Regular validation ensures compliance with industry standards.

Specific maintenance considerations for bottom mounted mixers like IDEX Steridose

Proper maintenance ensures reliable performance and extends the life of your Steridose mixer. When maintaining bottom mounted mixers like the IDEX Steridose, consider the following:

Access and Removal

·       Bottom mounted mixers are installed inside the tank. Ensure easy access for inspection, cleaning, and impeller removal.

·       Use quick-release clamps or other mechanisms to facilitate impeller removal without draining the tank.

Impeller Inspection

·       Regularly inspect the impeller for wear, damage, or fouling.

·       Check for bent blades, corrosion, or the buildup of product residue.

Seals and Bearings

·       Bottom mounted mixers use magnetic couplings to transfer torque. Inspect seals and bearings for leaks or wear.

·       Proper lubrication ensures smooth operation.

Hygienic Design

·       Bottom mounted mixers should have a hygienic design with smooth surfaces to prevent product buildup.

·       Minimize crevices where contaminants can accumulate.

Motor Maintenance

·       The drive unit located outside the tank requires maintenance. Inspect motor components, electrical connections, and cooling systems.

·       Address any issues promptly to avoid downtime.

Documentation and Validation

·       Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities.

·       Regular validation ensures compliance with industry standards.

Conclusion

A well-maintained Steridose mixer contributes to efficient, safe, and reliable bioprocessing. Proper maintenance of your IDEX Steridose mixer is crucial for several reasons such as ensuring reliable performance, longevity, compliance, and top-notch product quality.