Microfluidics Microfluidizer LM20 User manual

©Copyright 2015 •All Rights Reserved •Printed in U.S.A.
LM20 Microfluidizer™ Processor
User Manual
90 Glacier Drive
Suite 1000
Westwood, MA 02090
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.microfluidicscorp.com

MANUAL.LM20 Revision C January 2023 Page 2 of 52
Important Information
◊This equipment is intended to operate between 50°F-80°F (10°C - 26°C).
◊The Microfluidizer processor is NOT designed to operate in an environment that contains explosive
fumes or other flammable or hazardous conditions.
◊This system is capable of normal operation under voltages listed on nameplate.
◊Equipment is capable of operation within a humidity range of 30% to 80% (noncondensing).
◊Equipment is capable of operation at altitudes up to 1000M above sea level.
◊Wear appropriate personal protection devices when operating and servicing equipment.
◊Read and understand this manual before operating equipment. Contact Microfluidics Customer
Service with any questions.
◊Equipment must be properly maintained and serviced.

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Contents
Important Information................................................................................................................................. 2
Revision History ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Model Specifications.................................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 8
1.1 Inside this Manual............................................................................................................................... 8
1.2 Disclaimers .......................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.1 Design Change.............................................................................................................................. 8
1.2.2 Reproduction ............................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.3 Shipping........................................................................................................................................ 8
1.3 Customer Support............................................................................................................................... 8
1.4 Warranty ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Chapter 2: Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 General Description ............................................................................................................................ 9
2.2 Major Components ............................................................................................................................. 9
2.3 Principle of Operation......................................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Component Descriptions ..................................................................................................................10
Chapter 3: Operation .................................................................................................................................. 12
3.1 Safety Warnings & Cautions .............................................................................................................12
3.2 Supplied Items...................................................................................................................................13
3.3 Items Not Supplied............................................................................................................................ 13
3.4 Site Preparation ................................................................................................................................ 14
3.4.1 Foundation ................................................................................................................................. 14
3.4.2 Clearances.................................................................................................................................. 14
3.5 Moving the Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 15
3.6 Utility Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 15
3.6.1 Electrical Supply ......................................................................................................................... 15
3.7 Environmental Requirements ...........................................................................................................15
3.7.1 Temperature ..............................................................................................................................15
3.7.2 Ventilation Requirements.......................................................................................................... 15
3.8 Preparing for First Use ...................................................................................................................... 15

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3.8.1 Hydraulic System........................................................................................................................ 15
3.8.2 Utility Hookups........................................................................................................................... 15
3.8.3 Assembly .................................................................................................................................... 16
3.8.4 Preparing Processor for Operation ............................................................................................16
3.9 Operating the Equipment .................................................................................................................16
3.9.1 Prime the Intensifier Pump........................................................................................................ 17
3.10 Cleaning and Storing the Equipment ..............................................................................................17
3.11 Using the Emergency Stop ..............................................................................................................18
3.12 Operator Interface ..........................................................................................................................18
3.12.1 Home Screen............................................................................................................................18
3.12.2 Info Screen ...............................................................................................................................19
3.12.3 Alarm Screen............................................................................................................................ 20
3.12.4 Language Screen ......................................................................................................................21
Chapter 4: Maintenance .............................................................................................................................22
4.1 Pump and Plunger Seal Assembly..................................................................................................... 22
4.1.1 Removing the Pump Body..........................................................................................................22
4.1.2 Removing the Bearing Retainer and Bearing............................................................................. 23
4.1.3 Removing the Plunger Seal and Back-Up Ring........................................................................... 23
4.1.4 Removing the Plunger................................................................................................................24
4.1.5 Cleaning Components ................................................................................................................ 25
4.1.6 Installing the Plunger .................................................................................................................25
4.1.7 Installing the Isolator ................................................................................................................. 25
4.1.8 Install New Plunger Seal and Back-Up Ring ............................................................................... 26
4.1.9 Install the Bearing and Bearing Retainer ...................................................................................26
4.1.10 Install the Pump Body .............................................................................................................. 26
4.2 Check Valve Maintenance................................................................................................................. 27
4.2.1 Cleaning with MPPC................................................................................................................... 27
4.2.1 Repairing Inlet Check Valve........................................................................................................ 28
4.3 Replacing Hydraulic Oil ..................................................................................................................... 29
4.3.1 Servicing Hydraulic Suction Strainer .......................................................................................... 29
4.4 High Pressure Connections .........................................................................................................30

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4.5 Charging Hydraulic Accumulator ................................................................................................30
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................ 32
5.1 Monitoring The Flow Rate .......................................................................................................... 32
5.2 Unplugging The Chamber(s)........................................................................................................32
5.3 Maintaining Connections & Fittings............................................................................................ 32
5.4 Symptom and Remedy Table.................................................................................................33
5.5 Fault Tree........................................................................................................................................34
5.6 Error Codes .................................................................................................................................... 37
Appendix A: Tool Kit ................................................................................................................................38
Appendix B: Options / Spare Parts........................................................................................................ 39
Appendix C: Drawings............................................................................................................................. 40
Appendix D: Fluid Compatibility Tables................................................................................................ 41
D.1 The Elastomers ............................................................................................................................. 41
D.2 The Plastics ...................................................................................................................................41
D.3 Table of Compatibility...................................................................................................................43
Appendix E: CE Information ...................................................................................................................50
Appendix F: Maintenance Schedule ..................................................................................................... 51

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Revision History
REVISION
DATE
DESCRIPTION OF CHANGES
A
2015
•Initial release
B
2020
•Updated based on design changes
C
Jan-2023
•Updated graphics (section 2.4)

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Model Specifications
Maximum Product Process Pressure (LM20-20)
20,000 psi (1,379bar)
Maximum Product Process Pressure (LM20-30)
30,000 psi (1,585bar)
Process/Hydraulic Pressure Ratio
21 : 1
Plunger Stroke Length
2.5" (6.35cm)
Plunger Seal Material
UHMWPE
Plunger Diameter
0.437” (1.1cm)
Approx. Stroke Displacement
0.375 in3 (6.0mL)
Min. Product Inlet Pressure
Gravity
Approximate Unit Dimensions (LxWxH)
26" x 33" x 23"
(66cmm x 84cm x 58cm)
Approximate Unit Weight
230lbs (104kgs)
Check Valve Torque
See Drawings
Electrical Supply (3 Phase)
208-230/460V, 60Hz OR
190-220/380-415V, 50Hz
Noise Level
<75dB TWA
Hydraulic Oil Capacity
1.25 Gal (4.7L)
Hydraulic Accumulator Nitrogen Charge (LM20-20)
1100 psi (75 bar)
Hydraulic Accumulator Nitrogen Charge (LM20-30
1400 psi (96.5 bar)
Maximum Hydraulic Oil Temperature
150 °F (65°C)
Minimum Sample Size (approximate)
12 mL
Maximum Ambient Air Temperature
50 – 80°F (10 - 26°C)

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Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Inside this Manual
This manual is intended as a guide for the operator of the LM20 MicrofluidizerTM Processor. It contains 5
chapters and 5 appendices. Chapter 1 gives an introduction to this manual and how to find additional
support, and includes our Warranty. Chapter 2 describes a general overview of the MicrofluidizerTM
Processor with a description of the specific parts of the machine for operation. Chapter 3 explains proper
installation and operation procedures. Chapter 4 contains a general description of the maintenance of the
LM20 MicrofluidizerTM Processor. Chapter 5 contains troubleshooting information which will help you
obtain the best possible results with your processor. The appendices include a parts list, fluid compatibility
tables, a drawings list, an options list, as well as the recommended maintenance schedule.
1.2 Disclaimers
Design changes and product improvements may subject information in this manual to change without
notice. Microfluidics reserves the right to change the design at any time, which may subsequently affect
the contents of this manual.
1.2.1 Design Change
Microfluidics will make every reasonable effort to ensure that this User’s Manual is up-to-date and
corresponds with your LM20 MicrofluidizerTM processor.
1.2.2 Reproduction
Neither this manual nor any part of it may be reproduced, photocopied, or electronically transmitted in
any way without the advanced written permission of Microfluidics International Corporation.
1.2.3 Shipping
Microfluidics is not responsible for damage to equipment occurring during shipping and only furnishes
replacement parts against a written purchase order. It is the customer’s responsibility to file a claim with
the carrier.
1.3 Customer Support
The information given here is general. Some applications may require additional procedure or equipment
modification. For further assistance, feel free to contact the Customer Service Department at Microfluidics
1-800-370-5452. Hours are 8:30 A.M.- 5:00 P.M., E.S.T., Monday through Friday.
1.4 Warranty
The sole warranty provided by Microfluidics International Corporation is contained in the "Microfluidics
Corporation Standard Terms and Conditions", Form M-5 provided at time of purchase.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Chapter 2 includes detailed information about the principle of operation, pneumatic power system, high
pressure intensifier, interaction chamber and auxiliary processing module, controls, and system
specifications.
2.1 General Description
Microfluidics’ LM20 MicrofluidizerTM Processor is designed for the high-performance micro-mixing of
emulsions and dispersions in a variety of industries. The LM20 model is specifically designed to suit
laboratory environments.
2.2 Major Components
The LM20 MicrofluidizerTM Processor is made up of the following major components:
•Hydraulic Power System, which drives the intensifier pump.
•High Pressure Intensifier Pump, which multiplies the pressure supplied from hydraulic power system
to an optimal operating level.
•Interaction Chamber (IXC) which is where size reduction of the product occurs; the product is
accelerated to a high velocity and is subjected to intense shear and impact.
•Auxiliary Processing Module (optional) to provide further control over processing of the product.
•Heat Exchanger (optional) to reduce the temperature of the product as it exits the system.
2.3 Principle of Operation
Power for the LM20 MicrofluidizerTM is generated by an on-board hydraulic power system. This system
supplies pressurized hydraulic oil to a single acting intensifier pump. The intensifier pump amplifies the
hydraulic pressure and transfers it to process the sample. Working pressures up to 30,000 (2069 bar) can
be achieved. During the suction stroke, the intensifier pump draws product from the inlet reservoir into
the pressure chamber via the inlet check valve. During the power stroke, the check valve closes and the
product stream is elevated to a constant pressure level. The pressurized product stream enters the
interaction chamber and passes through geometrically fixed micro channels, causing it to accelerate to
very high velocities. It is here that the product stream is acted upon by two primary forces, which bring
about the desired results:
•Shear - deformation of the product stream; occurring from contact with channel walls at high
velocity.
•Impact - collision; occurring when the high velocity product stream impinges upon itself.
A heat exchanger (optional) reduces the product stream temperature after product passes through the
Interaction Chamber.

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2.4 Component Descriptions
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10
11
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5