WIGGENS WHMAX / WHMAXFAB High-Power Separated Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | WHMAX / WHMAXFAB |
| Stirring Capacity | 0.25–1.0 L |
| Speed Range | 100–1200 rpm (WHMAX), 80–990 rpm (WHMAXFAB) |
| Drive Power | 40 W (WHMAX), 100 W (WHMAXFAB) |
| Soft-Start Duration | 10–60 s (adjustable) |
| MAXdrive Coupling Distance | 60 mm |
| FABdrive Coupling Distance | 150 mm |
| Enclosure Rating | IP68 (drive unit), IP20 (controller) |
| Operating Temperature | −10 to +50 °C (100% RH) / 0 to +40 °C (80% RH) |
| Power Supply | 48 V DC (drive), 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 1.5 A (controller) |
Overview
The WIGGENS WHMAX and WHMAXFAB are high-power, separated magnetic stirrers engineered for demanding laboratory and pilot-scale applications requiring robust torque delivery, precise speed control, and reliable operation under challenging physical constraints. Unlike conventional integrated magnetic stirrers, these systems adopt a physically decoupled architecture—comprising a high-torque drive unit and a dedicated digital controller—enabling flexible integration into custom reactor setups, glove boxes, incubators, or jacketed vessels with thick or multi-layered walls. The core principle relies on contactless magnetic coupling: rotating permanent magnets in the drive unit induce synchronized rotation of PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bars within the vessel via controlled magnetic flux transmission across non-magnetic barriers. This eliminates mechanical seals, reduces contamination risk, and supports sterile or hazardous environments. The WHMAX employs the MAXdrive system (60 mm maximum coupling distance), while the WHMAXFAB integrates the extended-range FABdrive technology (up to 150 mm), making it uniquely suited for stirred-tank reactors with double-walled insulation, vacuum jackets, or ceramic/glass thickness exceeding standard limits.
Key Features
- High-torque magnetic drive: 100 W nominal output power (WHMAXFAB) enables stable agitation of high-viscosity fluids (e.g., polymer solutions, cell culture media, slurries) up to 1000 mL without slippage or stall.
- Intelligent soft-start algorithm (10–60 s adjustable): Gradually ramps magnetic field intensity to ensure reliable capture, centering, and acceleration of stir bars—even at low volumes or in viscous media—minimizing vortex instability and splashing.
- QuickStop emergency braking: Halts rotation within <1.5 s upon manual activation or system-detected anomaly; automatically saves last operational parameters for seamless resumption.
- Real-time monitoring & self-diagnosis: Continuously verifies stir bar synchronization; triggers automatic repositioning and restart if misalignment, stalling, or rotational deviation (>±5% setpoint) is detected—critical for unattended overnight runs or opaque vessels.
- IP68-rated drive units: Fully sealed stainless-steel housing allows direct washdown, steam cleaning, and operation in high-humidity or splash-prone environments; compatible with ISO 14644 cleanroom protocols when installed with appropriate mounting hardware.
- Modular interface options: Optional analog (0–10 V, 4–20 mA), digital (RS232, USB, Ethernet), and OEM-ready signal outputs support integration into SCADA, PLC, or LIMS ecosystems; custom firmware (e.g., MIX Watch) available for advanced process logging and alarm escalation.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WHMAX/WHMAXFAB accommodates standard cylindrical, oval, or cross-shaped stir bars (5–30 mm length) across glass, stainless-steel, quartz, and borosilicate reaction vessels. Its extended coupling range permits use with double-jacketed reactors (e.g., Huber, Julabo), thick-bottomed crystallizers, and vacuum-insulated containers—common in API synthesis, enzymatic biotransformations, and materials science workflows. All drive units comply with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity). Electrical safety conforms to IEC 61010-1 (Class I, Pollution Degree 2). For intrinsically safe environments, explosion-proof variants (ATEX II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb / UL Class I Div 1 Group B, C, D) can be supplied per customer specification—fully documented with EU Declaration of Conformity and traceable calibration certificates.
Software & Data Management
The WHMAX/WHMAXFAB supports optional WIGGENS LabControl Suite—a Windows-based application enabling remote configuration, real-time speed/temperature logging (when paired with external probes), event-triggered data export (CSV, PDF), and audit-trail generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Critical parameters—including start/stop timestamps, speed deviations, brake events, and soft-start duration—are time-stamped and stored locally on the controller’s non-volatile memory (≥10,000 entries). RS232 and Ethernet interfaces permit bidirectional communication with third-party software (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, DeltaV), supporting automated SOP execution and electronic batch record (EBR) linkage in GMP-regulated QC labs.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical development: Homogenization of suspensions, dissolution testing under USP Apparatus 2 conditions, and buffer preparation in cGMP cleanrooms.
- Chemical synthesis: Exothermic Grignard or lithiation reactions in double-jacketed reactors where mechanical stirring poses leakage risks.
- Biotechnology: Oxygen-sensitive anaerobic cultures (e.g., Clostridia) requiring inert-atmosphere compatibility and minimal shear stress.
- Materials science: Dispersion of nanomaterials (CNTs, graphene oxides) in high-viscosity polymer melts prior to rheological characterization.
- Environmental testing: Long-duration BOD/COD sample mixing in sealed, temperature-controlled chambers with no access ports.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable wall thickness for vessel compatibility with WHMAXFAB?
For optimal torque transmission, the combined non-magnetic wall thickness (e.g., glass + jacket layer) should not exceed 150 mm. Performance validation is recommended for vessels >100 mm using a 25 mm stir bar and 500 mL glycerol (1000 mPa·s) at 400 rpm.
Does the system support GLP-compliant data integrity?
Yes—when equipped with LabControl Suite and Ethernet interface, all operational logs include user ID, timestamp, parameter values, and digital signature; audit trails meet ALCOA+ principles and are exportable for regulatory review.
Can the WHMAX be used in a CO₂ incubator?
The WHMAX drive unit (IP68) is rated for continuous operation at 100% relative humidity and 37°C; however, the WHMAXFAB controller (IP20) must remain outside the incubator—cabling through a dedicated feedthrough port is required.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate (traceable to PTB, Germany) verifying speed accuracy (±2 rpm at 200–1000 rpm) and soft-start timing tolerance (±0.5 s); on-site recalibration services are available globally.
What stir bar geometry delivers highest efficiency at 1000 mL volume?
A 30 mm cross-type stir bar (e.g., WIGGENS W-30X) provides optimal vortex formation and bottom-scraping action in tall-form vessels; bar orientation should align parallel to the drive unit’s magnetic axis for maximal coupling efficiency.
