IKA RH digital white Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RH digital white magnetic stirrer is an entry-level yet robust benchtop laboratory instrument engineered for reliable, temperature-controlled stirring of low-to-medium viscosity liquids in routine analytical, quality control, and teaching laboratories. Based on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated by a permanent magnet array beneath an enamel-coated ceramic plate, the device couples rotational energy to a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample—enabling contactless mixing without mechanical shaft penetration. Its integrated heating system employs resistive plate heating with precise digital PID control, supporting applications requiring simultaneous agitation and thermal conditioning up to 320 °C. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the RH digital white complies with IEC/EN 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and meets IP21 ingress protection requirements for dust and vertically falling droplets—ensuring operational integrity in standard lab environments.

Key Features

• Dual independent LED displays for real-time monitoring of speed (100–2000 rpm) and plate temperature (50–320 °C)
• Enamel-coated steel heating plate (Ø135 mm) offering chemical resistance, uniform heat distribution, and mechanical durability
• Adjustable safety temperature limits (100–360 °C) with automatic cut-off to prevent overheating and sample degradation
• ETS-D5 external temperature sensor interface enabling accurate medium-specific temperature feedback control (±1 K accuracy with compatible probe)
• Compact footprint (160 × 100 × 250 mm) and lightweight design (2.8 kg) for flexible placement on fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, or shared workbenches
• Compliance with global mains specifications: auto-switching 100–230 V, 50/60 Hz operation; total input power rated at 620 W
• No moving parts beyond the stir bar—minimizing maintenance, vibration, and contamination risk in sterile or sensitive workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RH digital white supports aqueous and organic solutions up to 15 L volume when used with appropriately sized stir bars (max. 80 mm length). Its enamel surface resists corrosion from common solvents, dilute acids, and bases—though prolonged exposure to strong oxidizers or HF-containing media is not recommended. The unit conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP21), IEC 61010-1 (safety), and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. While not certified for GMP or GLP-regulated environments out-of-the-box, its stable thermal and rotational performance—validated across multiple production batches—supports method transfer and documentation under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing protocols. No built-in audit trail or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features are present; users requiring electronic records must integrate external logging systems.

Software & Data Management

This analog-digital hybrid instrument operates without embedded firmware-based software or connectivity interfaces (no RS232, USB, or analog outputs). All parameter setting and status indication occur via front-panel push-button controls and dual LED readouts. Data recording—such as time-stamped temperature/speed logs or endpoint verification—is performed manually or via external thermocouple/data loggers connected through the ETS-D5 port. For laboratories implementing digital SOPs, the device may be incorporated into validated workflows using third-party Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) that support manual entry or serial-data bridging via optional interface modules (sold separately).

Applications

• Precipitation reactions and crystallization studies requiring controlled heating during agitation
• Buffer and reagent preparation in molecular biology and clinical chemistry labs
• Solubility testing of pharmaceutical excipients under elevated temperature conditions
• Standardization of titrant solutions where homogeneity and thermal stability are critical
• Teaching demonstrations of heat transfer kinetics and fluid dynamics in undergraduate chemistry curricula
• Pre-conditioning of polymer solutions prior to rheological or viscometric analysis

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended stirring volume for viscous samples?
For non-aqueous or high-viscosity media (e.g., glycerol, ethylene glycol), the effective stirring volume is reduced; we recommend ≤5 L for optimal vortex formation and thermal uniformity.
Can the RH digital white be used with Teflon-coated stir bars only?
No—standard magnetic stir bars with PTFE, glass, or polypropylene coatings are compatible; however, ferromagnetic core integrity must be preserved to avoid demagnetization above 300 °C.
Is external temperature sensing mandatory for accurate control?
No—plate temperature control is functional without an external probe, but medium temperature accuracy improves significantly (±1 K vs. ±5 K) when using an ETS-D5-compatible sensor immersed in the sample.
Does the unit support programmable ramping or multi-step protocols?
No—the RH digital white provides only manual setpoint adjustment; programmable heating/stirring profiles require external controllers or higher-tier IKA models (e.g., RCT basic or C-MAG HS series).
What is the typical heating rate for 1 L of water?
Approximately 6 K/min under nominal conditions (starting from ambient, no lid, standard 30-mm stir bar), though actual performance depends on container geometry, insulation, and ambient airflow.