IKA TWISTER SET 2 Dual-Position Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA TWISTER SET 2 is a dual-position, microprocessor-controlled magnetic stirrer engineered for precision, flexibility, and robust laboratory integration. Unlike conventional single-drive stirrers, the TWISTER SET 2 integrates two independently controllable stirring units within a compact, chemically resistant glass-top platform—enabling simultaneous, synchronized, or differentiated mixing of two samples under identical or distinct operational parameters. Its core actuation relies on high-efficiency brushless DC motors coupled with rare-earth magnet drive systems, delivering consistent torque across the full speed range (100–3000 rpm) while maintaining stability even at low-viscosity extremes (down to 0.005 L water) and high-load conditions (up to 5 L H₂O per position). The system operates on the Couette flow principle, where rotational energy from the rotating magnetic field induces laminar shear in the liquid phase via magnetic stir bars—ensuring reproducible mixing kinetics without mechanical shaft penetration. Designed for GLP-compliant environments, the TWISTER SET 2 supports traceable operation through optional digital interfaces and audit-ready parameter logging when paired with IKA LabWorld software.

Key Features

• Dual independent stirring positions with 135 mm center-to-center spacing—optimized for standard labware placement on benchtops or inside incubators.
• IP66-rated sealed glass workplate—fully washable under running water and rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C.
• 360° chemically inert LED glass display—provides intuitive, alphanumeric-free visual feedback of real-time speed, power demand, viscosity trend (% change), and operational status.
• Vessel recognition technology—automatically initiates stirring upon detection of compatible glass or plastic containers (e.g., beakers, flasks), eliminating manual start commands.
• Programmable bidirectional rotation—reverses motor direction at user-defined intervals to disrupt laminar boundary layers and enhance homogenization of viscous, particulate-laden, or non-Newtonian media.
• Modular expansion architecture—supports up to 16 TWISTER units via IKA HUB controller (required for ≥4 units), enabling centralized management of multi-station workflows.
• Master-slave synchronization—allows one unit (master) to control speed, direction, timer, and program execution across multiple slave units with sub-second latency.
• Optional real-time viscosity trend monitoring—calculates relative viscosity changes based on motor load feedback, supporting semi-quantitative assessment of polymer dissolution, gelation, or aggregation kinetics.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TWISTER SET 2 accommodates a broad range of vessel geometries and materials—including borosilicate glass beakers (20–1000 mL), polypropylene centrifuge tubes, and custom microtiter plate adapters—when used with compatible stir bars (10–30 mm length, PTFE- or PTFE-coated). Its IP66 enclosure meets DIN EN 60529 requirements for dust-tightness and protection against powerful water jets, making it suitable for humidified chambers, cold rooms, and wet-lab fume hood installations. For regulated quality control environments, optional RS232/USB connectivity enables integration into LIMS or ELN platforms compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with electronic signature and audit trail functionality via IKA LabWorld software. The device conforms to IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries CE marking for EMC and low-voltage directives.

Software & Data Management

When equipped with optional communication modules (RS232, USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi), the TWISTER SET 2 interfaces seamlessly with IKA LabWorld software—a validated desktop application supporting method storage, remote parameter adjustment, real-time data streaming, and export of time-stamped CSV logs. Each logged entry includes timestamp, setpoint speed, actual speed, motor current draw, detected viscosity trend, and operational mode (continuous, intermittent, reverse). Audit trails record user login, parameter changes, and session termination events—supporting ISO/IEC 17025 and GMP-aligned documentation requirements. Firmware updates are delivered via signed binary packages, ensuring integrity and version traceability across instrument fleets.

Applications

• Parallel reagent preparation in analytical chemistry workflows (e.g., buffer dilution, titrant conditioning).
• Cell culture media equilibration under controlled temperature and agitation in CO₂ incubators (leveraging IP66-rated thermal stability).
• Accelerated solubility testing of APIs during early-stage formulation development.
• Homogenization of nanoparticle suspensions prior to DLS or zeta potential analysis.
• Multi-vessel kinetic studies requiring synchronized or staggered agitation profiles (e.g., enzyme reaction monitoring across pH gradients).
• Teaching laboratories—demonstrating shear-dependent rheological behavior using calibrated glycerol/water mixtures.

FAQ

Can the TWISTER SET 2 operate inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—the IP66-rated housing and thermal design permit continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C and relative humidity ≤80 %, meeting typical incubator environmental specifications.

Is vessel recognition compatible with all container types?
Vessel recognition is optimized for standard cylindrical glassware (e.g., beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks) with diameters between 30–100 mm. Performance may vary with highly irregular shapes or non-conductive materials such as thick-walled polycarbonate.

What is required to expand beyond two stirring positions?
Expansion requires additional TWISTER standalone units (e.g., IKA part no. 0020112621) and an IKA HUB controller for configurations exceeding four positions. The HUB enables group assignment, acceleration ramp tuning, and synchronized program execution.

Does the viscosity trend function provide absolute viscosity values?
No—it delivers normalized, real-time relative changes (%) in motor load correlated with fluid resistance. Absolute viscosity quantification requires calibration against reference standards using a dedicated rotational rheometer.

Are firmware updates backward-compatible across TWISTER generations?
Firmware is version-locked to hardware revision identifiers. Updates are validated per model variant (e.g., TWISTER SET 2 v2.1.x) and distributed exclusively through IKA’s secure support portal with SHA-256 checksum verification.