IKA topolino mobil Portable Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA topolino mobil is a compact, battery-powered magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing in mobile and resource-constrained laboratory environments. Unlike conventional benchtop stirrers reliant on fixed power infrastructure, the topolino mobil employs a brushless DC motor to deliver stable rotational torque across its full speed range—enabling consistent vortex formation and homogeneous suspension of low-viscosity aqueous solutions up to 250 mL. Its operation is based on the principle of magnetic coupling: a rotating permanent magnet beneath the polypropylene work surface induces synchronous rotation of a ferromagnetic stir bar immersed in the sample vessel. This contactless drive mechanism eliminates mechanical wear, ensures silent operation, and supports sterile or sealed-vessel applications where shaft penetration is prohibited. Designed in accordance with IKA’s long-standing German engineering standards, the device meets essential safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements per DIN EN 60529 (IP20) and IEC 61000-6-3, making it suitable for general-purpose use in academic teaching labs, field-deployed QA/QC units, and modular analytical workstations.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor architecture—ensures maintenance-free operation, extended service life, and high-speed stability without carbon brush degradation
• Continuous speed control from 500 to 1800 rpm—adjustable via intuitive rotary dial with LED speed indication
• High-coercivity internal magnet system—prevents stir bar “jumping” even at maximum speed or during rapid acceleration/deceleration
• Lightweight (0.747 kg) and compact footprint (140 × 42 × 140 mm)—optimized for portability between fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and mobile lab carts
• Triple power configuration support—operates exclusively on user-supplied rechargeable AA cells, via included 9 V DC adapter, or in parallel hybrid mode for uninterrupted workflow during battery recharge
• Polypropylene (PP) work surface—chemically resistant to common solvents and acids; easy to decontaminate and autoclavable (surface only, not unit assembly)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The topolino mobil is validated for use with standard glass and plastic vessels (e.g., beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, centrifuge tubes) accommodating volumes from 10 mL to 250 mL of water-mimetic fluids (viscosity ≤ 10 mPa·s). It accommodates stir bars up to 30 mm in length—compatible with common PTFE- or glass-coated rods rated for temperatures up to 120 °C. While not certified for explosion-proof or intrinsically safe environments, its IP20-rated enclosure complies with general laboratory safety requirements under DIN EN 60529 for protection against solid objects >12.5 mm and vertically falling drops. The device conforms to EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. No GLP/GMP-specific audit trail or electronic record functionality is embedded, as the instrument operates without firmware-based data logging.

Software & Data Management

The topolino mobil is a stand-alone electromechanical instrument with no onboard microprocessor, firmware, or digital interface. Consequently, it does not feature software integration, USB connectivity, remote control protocols (e.g., RS232, LabVIEW drivers), or data export capabilities. All operational parameters—including speed setting and power mode—are manually selected and retained only while powered. This analog design intentionally prioritizes reliability, electromagnetic noise immunity, and compliance with environments where electronic interference must be minimized (e.g., near NMR spectrometers or electrophysiology rigs). Calibration is factory-set and non-user-adjustable; periodic verification against a calibrated tachometer is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 internal quality procedures.

Applications

• Routine dissolution testing of pharmaceutical powders in teaching laboratories
• Buffer equilibration and reagent homogenization in field-deployed environmental sampling kits
• Preparatory mixing prior to pH measurement, titration, or spectrophotometric analysis
• Cell culture media conditioning in biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) laminar flow hoods
• Low-power operation inside gloveboxes or inert-atmosphere enclosures where AC cabling is restricted
• Student-led experiments requiring independent, portable agitation without shared bench infrastructure

FAQ

What types of batteries are compatible with the topolino mobil?
Rechargeable alkaline or NiMH AA batteries (1.2–1.5 V per cell, total 9 V) are supported. Lithium primary AA cells are not recommended due to voltage regulation constraints.
Can the device operate while charging?
Yes—the topolino mobil supports concurrent operation using both the AC adapter and installed batteries (hybrid mode), enabling continuous use during battery top-up.
Is the work plate autoclavable?
The PP work surface may be removed and autoclaved at 121 °C for 20 minutes; however, the full unit—including electronics and housing—is not autoclavable or submersible.
Does the stirrer include overload or thermal protection?
Yes—a passive thermal cutoff integrated into the motor winding disables drive current if internal temperature exceeds safe operational limits (approx. 75 °C), resetting automatically upon cooldown.
What is the expected lifetime of the internal magnet assembly?
Under normal use conditions and within specified ambient temperature limits, the sintered neodymium magnet retains ≥95 % of initial field strength over a 10-year period, per IKA accelerated aging validation data.