MLM4

The ECE MLM (Minimix Laboratory Mixer) is the smallest, lightest, lowest cost jar tester system available. With a footprint of only 14” x 3”, a height of 7”, and a total weight of under 7 lb (3 kg), the Minimix system can go anywhere with ease.

The Minimix is not intended to be a substitute for full-featured jar tester systems such as our CLM models. It has been specifically designed for those users whose applications make its ultra-compact features important. Such users might include chemical sales representatives, consulting engineers, environmental scientists, water treatment plant troubleshooters, regulatory authorities, and others whose work involves travel to different locations and where transporting a larger unit may at times be a problem. Also, the smaller 500 mL jar size is often a significant advantage in off-site work, where available sample volumes are usually limited.

The Minimix system consists of two main components - the mixer unit, and the integrated four-jar sample container. In use, the jars are filled with water samples and the mixer unit simply placed on top of it. The mixer locks into place, and the whole assembly can be lifted and moved about if desired. There is no need to manipulate individual paddles, and no shaft binding resulting from water being deposited in bearings as paddle shafts are lifted through them.

After selecting the required mixer speed on the control panel dial, the mixer is started, chemicals are added, and the coagulation / flocculation sequence is carried out in the normal way. At the end of the flocculation period, the paddles are stopped and the flocs are allowed to settle. The mixer unit can be lifted out of the sample jars for this phase (it unlocks instantly) or left in place.

After the desired settling periods, subsurface sampling may be carried out using the miniature stopcock-based sampling ports provided on each jar compartment.

The Minimix is constructed from the same high-quality materials used in our other systems - epoxy coated PVC and aluminum housings, stainless steel paddles and shafts, long-lasting nylon gears, lifetime-lubricated oil-impregnated bronze bearings, and clear acrylic jar assembly.

Controls for the Minimix are about as simple as they could be - a power on/off switch, and a mixer speed adjustment control. Both of these are located on the right-side front panel of the mixer unit.

The mixer speed control is configured so that the scale is expanded towards the lower end of the speed range. This allows easier and more accurate adjustments at low speeds (20 to 100 rpm) where most jar testing work is carried out.

Speed adjustment accuracy using this direct-dial speed control is more than adequate for most jar testing applications.

The Minimix system is supplied in a rugged, lightweight molded plastic carrying case. The case can hold the mixer unit, jar assembly, and power supply with a useful amount of space left over. This space can be used for storage and transportation of other frequently used items such as chemical reagent bottles, dosing syringes, sample containers, or other equipment.

The carrying case is similar in size to an ordinary briefcase, about 17”x13”x5”.

With equipment, it weighs less than 8 lb (4 kg), including all Minimix components and typical accessories.