Ratek VM1 Vortex Mixer – User Manual
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Intended Use
This Vortex Mixer is intended for the purpose of agitating vessels containing liquid to create a vortex inside the vessel. The operator may load a
suitable article into the silicon rubber cup for the purpose of controlled agitation of the article.
The Vortex Mixer is
not
intended to provide direct-contact between itself and an unprotected medical, food, biological or medico- techno item. In all
cases the item should be enclosed in a suitable vessel as described below.
Suitable Articles For Use With This Vortex Mixer
•
Plastic or glass laboratory test tubes that are sealed and rated to withstand the intended velocity of agitation.
•
Plastic or glass laboratory sample vials, syringes or bottles that are sealed and rated to withstand the intended velocity of agitation.
•
An example of a suitable article would be a sealed plastic laboratory centrifuge tube filled with water and oil.
Unsuitable Articles For Use With This Vortex Mixer
•
Any item where the article is not sealed or during mixing may result in its contents coming into contact with the Vortex Mixer or the
Operator.
•
Items weighing more than 500 grams.
•
An example of an unsuitable article would be an open ended test tube filled with blood. The tube should be sealed with a suitable cap
or stopper.
Suitable Environments For The Vortex Mixer
The Vortex Mixer is intended for use in a clean laboratory environment only where adequate ventilation, a good power supply and provisions
for routine cleaning are available. The Vortex Mixer should not be used outdoors or in dirty, dusty, humid or windy environments. The
acceptable operating conditions are outlined further in this User Manual.
General Operation
•
The Vortex Mixer is plugged into an appropriate power source. It is powered by an alternating current power supply with protective
earth and with the appropriate receptacle, rated voltage and frequency for the country of its intended use. Further details on power
requirements are outlined in this User Manual.
•
A suitable article (as defined above) is placed into the silicon cup and held in place by the Operator or a laboratory retort clamp and
stand.
•
The Vortex Mixer is operated via a front panel interface consisting of an operating mode switch and a mixing speed control knob.
These controls allow the operator to set a required operating mode and agitation speed.
•
The Vortex Mixer should be operated strictly in accordance with the Operating Procedures outlined further in this User Manual.
Operator Responsibility – Safety Considerations
When operated in strict accordance with this User Manual, plus routine cleaning and maintenance being carried out, the product shall provide safe
operation for the operator. The operator should be aware of the following before installing and operating the product :
Conditions of Operation
*Note:
The term “Operator” referred to in this User Manual is the primary person who has been tasked to install, maintain and train in
the usage of this equipment. Other personnel shall be referred to as “Users”.
•
The operator shall be aware that the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired if the equipment is used with accessories
not provided or recommended by the manufacturer, is modified in any way or is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer.
•
The operator is responsible for ensuring all users of the product are qualified to do so, and are well versed in common safety
concepts. The product should only be operated by an adult who has read and understood this User Manual provided in the appropriate
language in its entirety.
•
Any user must be informed by the responsible operator of any potential hazards that may arise through the use of this equipment in
the course of their work, including any local environmental hazards not related directly to the Vortex Mixer. They should also be able
to demonstrate that they understand any preventative safety measures in operation prior to operating the equipment.
•
The operator shall agree to accept responsibility for the use of the equipment in accordance with this User Manual, and be fully aware
that the equipment is designed for commercial use.
•
It is assumed that the user and operator have had experience in a commercial environment, and had appropriate training in how to
perform their work safely in accordance with any local operational health and safety regulations. The operator and all users should be
well versed in local emergency procedures as per the workplace safety regulations in effect.
