IKA RET basic Heating Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RET basic Heating Magnetic Stirrer is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible heating and mixing of laboratory samples under controlled thermal and mechanical conditions. Based on the Couette flow principle, it utilizes a rotating magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet rotor beneath a thermally conductive stainless-steel heating plate to drive magnetic stir bars within vessels. This design ensures uniform torque transmission without mechanical coupling—eliminating seal wear, leakage risk, or contamination from shaft-driven systems. The device integrates resistive heating with closed-loop digital temperature regulation, enabling stable setpoint maintenance across a wide operational range (RT to 340 °C) while supporting unattended operation in compliance with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory management requirements.

Key Features

• Digital speed control with precise 50–1700 rpm adjustment and real-time RPM display
• Integrated Pt1000 temperature sensor (model PT 1000.60) supplied as standard for direct plate-surface monitoring
• Programmable safety temperature limit (50–360 °C), independently adjustable from operating setpoint
• DIN 12878-compliant socket for external contact temperature probes (e.g., ETS-D5), enabling sample-core temperature feedback control
• High-efficiency 600 W heating system with rapid thermal response (7 K/min in 1 L water)
• Robust stainless-steel heating plate (Ø 135 mm) with corrosion-resistant finish and uniform heat distribution
• IP 42-rated sealed housing for dust and splash protection—designed for long-term reliability in shared lab environments
• Visual safety indicators: active-heating warning icon and error-code display for fault diagnostics
• Included H100 protective film minimizes surface residue accumulation and simplifies cleaning between experiments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RET basic supports glass, stainless-steel, and polymer reaction vessels up to 20 L volume (water-equivalent). Its high-torque magnetic drive accommodates stir bars up to 80 × 10 mm (L × Ø), ensuring stable rotation even in viscous media (e.g., polymer solutions, suspensions, or molten salts). The unit complies with DIN EN 61010-1 for electrical safety and meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1. For regulated environments, its digital interface supports audit-ready operation when paired with optional ETS-D5 probe (±0.5 K accuracy), fulfilling traceability needs under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated into validated workflows. The fixed safety cutoff and overtemperature lockout align with ISO 15190:2020 laboratory safety standards.

Software & Data Management

While the RET basic operates via standalone front-panel controls, its architecture enables seamless integration into networked lab infrastructures. All parameter inputs—including speed setpoints, temperature targets, safety limits, and diagnostic codes—are logged locally in non-volatile memory. When used with optional IKA Labworldsoft-compatible interfaces (via RS232 or USB-to-serial adapters), users may export timestamped operation logs for QA documentation. The device supports GLP-compliant record retention through manual or automated screen capture of displayed values; no proprietary software installation is required for core functionality.

Applications

• Heating and homogenization of aqueous and organic reaction mixtures during synthesis (e.g., esterification, condensation, or hydrolysis)
• Preparation of calibration standards and reference materials requiring strict thermal stability
• Viscosity-dependent dissolution testing per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.9.35
• Controlled evaporation and concentration of solvents under inert atmosphere (when used with appropriate vessel caps)
• Thermal pre-conditioning of samples prior to rheological, spectroscopic, or chromatographic analysis
• Long-duration stability studies where unattended operation and thermal drift mitigation are critical

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended viscosity for reliable stirring with the RET basic?
The device is optimized for Newtonian fluids up to ~5,000 mPa·s at 25 °C using standard stir bars; performance in non-Newtonian media depends on geometry and shear history.
Can the RET basic be used with flammable solvents?
Yes—provided the heating plate surface temperature remains below the solvent’s flash point and the application environment adheres to ATEX/IECEx zone classification guidelines; always verify compatibility with local EH&S protocols.
Is external temperature probe calibration supported?
Yes: the DIN 12878 port accepts certified Pt1000 or thermistor-based probes; calibration certificates must be maintained per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.6.
Does the unit support programmable ramp-hold profiles?
No—the RET basic provides single-setpoint control only; for multi-stage thermal protocols, consider the IKA RCT basic or overhead stirrer systems with Labworldsoft integration.
How often should the heating plate surface be cleaned?
After each use involving volatile or particulate-laden samples; routine inspection for discoloration or residue buildup is recommended every 50 operating hours.