IKA RH basic white Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RH basic white is a compact, entry-level magnetic stirrer with integrated heating, engineered for reliable performance in routine laboratory applications requiring precise temperature-controlled mixing. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany by IKA-Werke GmbH & Co. KG—a globally recognized leader in laboratory instrumentation—the RH basic white operates on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated beneath an enamel-coated steel heating plate. These fields induce synchronous rotation of PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bars immersed in the sample vessel, enabling homogeneous mixing without mechanical shaft penetration. Its robust architecture supports continuous operation under standard ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH), and its IP21-rated enclosure ensures protection against vertically falling solid objects—meeting essential safety requirements for general-purpose lab use.

Key Features

• Enamel-coated steel heating plate (Ø 135 mm) offering chemical resistance, thermal stability, and uniform heat distribution up to 320 °C
• Stepless speed control from 0/50 to 2000 rpm with analog dial interface—optimized for reproducible agitation across low- to medium-viscosity aqueous and organic media
• Independent analog temperature control with adjustable safety cutoff (100–360 °C), preventing thermal runaway during unattended operation
• Integrated 600 W heating element enabling rapid heating rates—up to 6 K/min when warming 1 L of water in a standard H15 beaker
• Compatibility with external Pt100 temperature sensors (e.g., ETS-D5 probe) for closed-loop, sensor-based temperature regulation with ±1 K accuracy
• Low-profile ergonomic design (160 × 100 × 250 mm, 2.8 kg) suitable for benchtop integration in QC labs, teaching laboratories, and preparative workflows
• No moving parts beyond the stir bar—minimizing maintenance, eliminating seal wear, and supporting GMP-aligned cleaning protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RH basic white accommodates vessels up to 15 L capacity (water-equivalent), including borosilicate glass beakers, flasks, and crystallization dishes. It supports stir bars up to 80 mm in length and is compatible with standard laboratory-grade PTFE-, ceramic-, or glass-coated magnets. While not equipped with digital connectivity (no RS232, USB, or analog output), its analog control architecture complies with fundamental electrical safety standards per DIN EN 60529 (IP21) and IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment. The device meets CE marking requirements and adheres to RoHS directives. Though not validated for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 environments due to lack of audit trail or user access control, it serves as a compliant tool for non-regulated preparation steps—including buffer formulation, reagent dissolution, and pre-analytical sample homogenization—in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The RH basic white operates exclusively via analog controls and does not incorporate embedded firmware, display interface, or data logging capability. Consequently, it does not support software-driven parameter programming, remote monitoring, or electronic record generation. All operational parameters—including setpoints for speed and temperature—are manually adjusted using calibrated dials and verified visually. This design prioritizes mechanical simplicity, long-term reliability, and ease of decontamination—making it especially suitable for environments where electromagnetic interference mitigation, cybersecurity constraints, or minimal validation overhead are critical. For users requiring traceable temperature profiles or automated protocol execution, IKA recommends upgrading to the RH digital series or integrating the RH basic white into larger process systems via external PLC-controlled relays and independent data loggers.

Applications

• Routine dissolution of powders and salts in volumetric flasks and beakers for standard solution preparation
• Temperature-assisted extraction procedures in environmental and food testing labs (e.g., Soxhlet pre-extraction mixing)
• Homogenization of culture media prior to autoclaving in microbiology and cell biology workflows
• Controlled heating and stirring during titration setup, calibration standard preparation, and pH adjustment
• Supporting ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) and ISO 787-11 (dispersion stability of pigments) sample conditioning steps
• Undergraduate and graduate teaching labs where intuitive operation, durability, and cost-effective scalability are primary selection criteria

FAQ

Does the RH basic white support external temperature feedback control?
Yes—it features a dedicated interface for IKA ETS-D5 or equivalent Pt100 sensors, enabling closed-loop temperature regulation with ±1 K accuracy.
What is the maximum recommended vessel size for stable operation?
For optimal thermal transfer and stir bar stability, use cylindrical glassware with base diameters ≤130 mm; the unit reliably handles up to 15 L of water in wide-mouth containers under controlled conditions.
Is the heating plate resistant to common laboratory solvents?
The enamel coating provides resistance to diluted acids, bases, and alcohols; however, prolonged exposure to halogenated solvents or strong oxidizers may compromise surface integrity over time.
Can the RH basic white operate continuously for extended periods?
Yes—its thermally optimized motor and heating circuitry are rated for uninterrupted duty cycles, provided ambient conditions remain within specifications (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH) and ventilation is unobstructed.
Does it meet GLP documentation requirements?
No—absent electronic parameter logging, user authentication, or audit trail functionality, it is intended for non-GxP preparatory tasks rather than final analytical sample handling in regulated quality systems.