PerMix Vacuum & Pressure Vertical Paddle Mixer & Dryer Brings Berkely Team Into The Future Of Bio Research.

Why LBNL’s Bio-Research Lab Needs Next-Level Mixing

At Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, cutting-edge biology, materials, and synthetic biology research drives not just publications but real-world innovations. In such an environment, a “black box” mixer won’t cut it. The lab demands:

  • Sterility, chemical purity, and low contamination
  • Precise temperature control and gentle handling for sensitive biomolecules
  • Vacuum / low pressure / controlled atmosphere for drying or processing under inert or low-oxygen conditions
  • Excellent reproducibility and uniform mixing so that experiments can be trusted and scaled
  • Ease of cleaning, flexible capacity, and integration with auxiliary systems

When LBNL’s R&D team needed a mixer that could operate under vacuum and pressure with fine control and superior performance, they chose PerMix’s Dual Vertical Paddle Vacuum & Pressure Mixer & Dryer. That decision wasn’t just about brand reputation — it was about engineering excellence that aligns with mission-critical science.

What Makes the PerMix Dual Vertical Paddle Vacuum & Pressure Mixer & Dryer Fit the Bill

RequirementHow PerMix’s Mixer Answers ItWhy It Matters to LBNL-Level Research
Controlled vacuum / pressure environmentOperates under deep vacuum or slight positive pressure, enabling drying under low temperature, degassing, or processing under controlled inert atmospheres.Many biomaterials degrade at higher temperatures or in oxygen. The vacuum lowers boiling points, accelerating drying while protecting structure.
Vertical paddle geometry + dual paddlesCounter-rotating paddles in a vertical chamber lift and fold materials evenly, achieving uniform mixing even at low shear.Uniform mixing means no hotspots or dead zones, ensuring reliable research results.
Thermal control & jacketed vesselIncludes heated/cooled jackets and zones, providing precise temperature regulation even under vacuum.Many bio and chemical reagents have narrow thermal stability ranges. The ability to maintain constant, uniform temperature is essential.
Material compatibility & sanitary designAvailable in 316L stainless steel or Hastelloy, with polished sanitary finishes, minimal dead zones, and clean-in-place design.For biological work, avoiding cross-contamination and ensuring full cleanability is critical.
Gentle handling & optional choppersLow-shear paddle design prevents damage to fragile biomaterials, while optional choppers eliminate clumps when needed.Some formulations—like enzyme carriers or protein powders—require low mechanical stress.
Scalable, reproducible performanceThe same mixing principles scale from lab to pilot and full production with predictable results.Enables researchers to confidently move from small-batch trials to production runs.
Efficient drying & solvent recoveryVacuum drying removes moisture quickly and allows solvent vapor recovery.Saves energy and reduces environmental impact while maintaining material quality.
Compact footprint & flexibilityVertical orientation minimizes floor space and allows integration with auxiliary systems.Ideal for laboratories where every square foot counts.

PerMix’s Dual Vertical Paddle Vacuum & Pressure Mixer & Dryer is more than equipment — it’s a platform that empowers advanced bioprocessing, pilot-scale experimentation, and real-world innovation.

Real-World Performance

The system’s performance, as demonstrated in operation, highlights several key points:

  1. Smooth, continuous mixing under vacuum — Balanced drives and seals enable steady, efficient operation without turbulence.
  2. Active condensation and vapor control — Vacuum and condensation systems function seamlessly for moisture and solvent recovery.
  3. Uniform mixing at low fill volumes — Consistency remains even during small-batch R&D work.
  4. Clean design and accessibility — Inspection ports and clamps ensure ease of validation and maintenance.
  5. Controlled transitions between mixing and drying — Shifts between modes occur without manual intervention, enhancing workflow efficiency.

This real-world performance demonstrates the precision and reliability that laboratories like LBNL expect.

The Challenge of Advanced Bio-Research
At world-class institutions like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, pushing the frontiers of biology and materials science demands equipment that can match scientific ambition. When researchers needed a mixer that could perform mixing, drying, and pressure/vacuum control in one compact, hygienic package, they turned to PerMix USA’s Dual Vertical Paddle Vacuum & Pressure Mixer & Dryer.

Why Standard Mixing Falls Short
Traditional mixers — whether ribbon, plow, or open-air paddle — often fail when low-temperature drying, vacuum control, or sterility are required. They leave dead zones, create thermal gradients, and impose excessive shear. For research programs where reproducibility and purity are essential, such shortcomings cannot be tolerated.

How PerMix Answered the Call

  1. Vacuum and Pressure Control: Allows drying or reaction under controlled pressure and temperature, preserving delicate compounds.
  2. Vertical Paddle Dynamics: Ensures complete 3D mixing and folding without segregation.
  3. Thermal Jacket and Zones: Enables precise heating and cooling control across the vessel.
  4. Sanitary, Easy-Clean Design: CIP capability and access ports simplify validation.
  5. Scalability: Seamless transition from small lab batches to pilot runs.
  6. Efficiency: Faster drying cycles and solvent recovery reduce cost and environmental impact.

Impact at LBNL
For the Lawrence Berkeley Lab, the results are measurable:

  • Consistent, reproducible mixing results
  • Faster process development cycles
  • Lower contamination risk
  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Better utilization of lab space through vertical design

Conclusion: A Mixer That Matches the Mission
When top research institutions need reliability, performance, and precision, they turn to PerMix. The Dual Vertical Paddle Vacuum & Pressure Mixer & Dryer is not just built for production — it’s engineered for discovery.

Come see the PerMix difference for yourself.

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John
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