Analog rotary drum shaker

Quick Answer: The Analog rotary drum shaker is a compact tube rotator, set with a knob rather than a display, that turns a row of tubes end over end for gentle, continuous mixing of samples, reagents and suspensions.

Simple Control, Same Gentle Mixing

In the product photo, conical tubes are clipped in a row along a horizontal rotating shaft that runs the length of a white housing. As the shaft turns, each tube rolls over end to end, so its contents fold together slowly without the froth a shaker produces. The mixing action matches that of the Rotary drum digital shaker; what changes is the control.

An analog rotator is set by turning a knob to a position on a scale. There is no readout to copy into a method, but there are also fewer electronics to go wrong, and for most routine mixing the exact revolutions per minute matter less than keeping the contents moving. That makes the analog rotary drum shaker a sensible choice for teaching labs, sample reception benches and any bench where the rotator simply runs until the samples are needed.

When a practical does call for a stated speed, a stopwatch solves it: count the rotations of one tube over a minute at a given knob position, then mark that position. The speed range and the tube sizes the clips accept are not given in the title and should be agreed with the order.

Specifications

Where an Analog Rotator Fits

• Keeping student-prepared suspensions mixed during a class until each group is ready to sample
• Continuous mixing of reagent tubes whose contents settle on standing
• Blocking and washing small membrane strips in tubes during teaching western blots
• Rehydrating powders or gels slowly, where vigorous shaking would trap air

Care & Handling

• Turn the knob to minimum before switching on, then raise the speed once the tubes are secure.
• Push each tube fully into its clip so it cannot work loose as the shaft turns.
• Clean the shaft and clips with a damp cloth and mild detergent, keeping liquids away from the knob and switch.

Why Choose LabEquip

Schools, colleges and sample-reception benches that need reliable mixing without programming usually pick an analog rotator like this one. It sits alongside other rotators in General Lab Products; for mixed tube formats or larger orders, use the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a repeatable speed be set without a display?

Count how many turns one tube makes in sixty seconds with a stopwatch, then mark that knob position on the scale. Returning to the mark gives nearly the same speed on later runs.

Is the analog model less gentle than the digital one?

No. Both invert tubes end over end at slow speeds. The difference lies in control and record-keeping, not in how the samples are treated.

Which tubes can the shaft hold?

The photo shows conical centrifuge tubes clipped along the shaft. Other diameters depend on the clips supplied, so measure your tubes and check them against the clip size before ordering.

Can the rotator run all day?

Rotators are designed for long, continuous mixing, but motors still need air. Keep the vents clear, avoid covering the unit, and follow the duty guidance supplied with it for overnight use.

Why do tubes sometimes slip out of the clips?

Usually the tube is not pushed fully home, the clip has been stretched by larger tubes, or the speed was raised suddenly. Reseat the tube, replace tired clips and increase speed gradually.

Is it suitable for students to operate?

Yes, with supervision. There is one knob and an on/off switch, the speed is low and nothing heats up; students should keep hair and loose sleeves away from the turning shaft.

Last Updated: September 2026