DLAB MS-H220-V3 / MS-H220-V5 LCD Digital Hotplate Magnetic Stirrer with Integrated Water/Oil Bath

Overview

The DLAB MS-H220-V3 and MS-H220-V5 are precision-engineered digital hotplate magnetic stirrers featuring integrated water- and oil-bath heating capability. Designed for laboratory environments requiring simultaneous temperature control and homogeneous mixing, these units operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction—generating a rotating magnetic field that drives PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars within vessels placed directly above the heated bath. Unlike conventional hotplates or standalone stirrers, the MS-H220 series incorporates a dual-agitation architecture: an internal bath-level impeller ensures uniform thermal distribution across the heating medium (water or silicone oil), while the primary magnetic drive simultaneously rotates the sample stir bar—eliminating thermal gradients and mechanical lag between bath temperature and sample core temperature. This synchronized thermal-mechanical coupling is critical for applications involving temperature-sensitive reactions, crystallization studies, enzymatic assays, and solvent-based extractions where reproducible kinetic profiles depend on consistent thermal history and mixing intensity.

Key Features

• High-borosilicate glass bath vessel with stainless-steel base—resistant to thermal shock during rapid heating/cooling cycles and chemically inert toward common solvents and aqueous media.
• Brushless DC motor delivering quiet, maintenance-free operation with extended service life and no electrical arcing—essential for use in environments requiring intrinsic safety compliance.
• Two independent thermal safety circuits continuously monitor temperature sensor integrity, heater element continuity, and ground-fault conditions; automatic power cutoff occurs upon detection of open-circuit sensors, shorted wiring, or sustained overtemperature events beyond 350 °C.
• Residual heat warning system activates when surface temperature exceeds 50 °C—displaying persistent “HOT” flashing on the LCD even after main power disconnection, preventing accidental contact burns during post-operation handling.
• Forward/reverse rotation programmability enables optimized dispersion of viscous or particulate-laden samples; directional switching mitigates vortex instability and promotes radial homogenization in low-volume high-viscosity systems.
• IP21-rated enclosure provides protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for standard wet-lab benchtop deployment without additional splash guards.
• Integrated audible timer alert (3-tone beep) signals endpoint completion; heating ceases automatically at timer expiry while stirring continues—preserving sample integrity during controlled cooldown phases.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MS-H220 series accommodates round-bottom flasks up to 5 L (V5 model) and supports stir bars up to 40 mm in length, making it compatible with standard ASTM E2917-compliant glassware configurations. Its wide operating range (ambient to 220 °C) permits use with water, ethylene glycol, silicone oils (e.g., Dow Corning 200 Fluid), and other thermally stable bath media. The PT1000 external probe option allows direct immersion measurement inside reaction vessels—enabling closed-loop feedback control aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability requirements. All electronic subsystems comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety, including dielectric strength testing, creepage/clearance verification, and fault-condition analysis. The dual-redundant thermal monitoring architecture satisfies GLP/GMP risk mitigation expectations for equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), particularly in pharmaceutical QC labs subject to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity scrutiny.

Software & Data Management

While the MS-H220-V3/V5 operates as a stand-alone instrument without proprietary software dependencies, its LCD interface supports full parameter logging via optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (sold separately). When connected to validated laboratory data acquisition systems, real-time speed, temperature, timer status, and alarm flags can be timestamped and archived in CSV or XML formats compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). Audit trail functionality—including operator ID input, parameter change history, and event-triggered logs—is achievable through integration with third-party LIMS platforms supporting Modbus RTU or ASCII command protocols. Firmware updates are performed via secure bootloader mode, preserving configuration integrity across revisions.

Applications

• Kinetic studies of polymerization, hydrolysis, and condensation reactions under precisely controlled thermal and shear conditions.
• Preparation of nanoparticle dispersions and colloidal suspensions requiring extended stabilization periods at elevated temperatures.
• Extraction protocols (e.g., Soxhlet alternatives) using high-boiling-point solvents such as chlorobenzene or diphenyl ether.
• Calibration of reference thermometers and viscosity standards across defined temperature ramps (e.g., ASTM D445, ISO 3104).
• Cell culture media pre-warming and buffer equilibration prior to sterile filtration or bioreactor inoculation.
• Accelerated stability testing per ICH Q1A(R3), where uniform thermal exposure across replicate vials is mandatory.

FAQ

Can the MS-H220-V5 accommodate a 5 L round-bottom flask without compromising thermal uniformity?
Yes—the Ø240 × 135 mm bath geometry and 1300 W thermal output ensure stable temperature distribution across the full volume when used with appropriate bath fluid volume (≥3.5 L) and proper stir bar selection.
Is the PT1000 sensor included by default or optional?
The PT1000 external temperature probe is an optional accessory; the unit ships with internal NTC sensing only. External probe integration requires activation via menu setting and correct calibration offset entry.
Does the timer function support pause/resume operation?
No—the timer is non-interruptible once initiated; however, users may reset and reprogram before expiration without powering down the device.
What is the minimum recommended bath fluid volume for optimal thermal response?
For the MS-H220-V5, ≥3.5 L of bath medium is advised to maintain thermal inertia and minimize overshoot during ramping; lower volumes increase susceptibility to localized boiling or thermal stratification.
Are replacement glass bath vessels available as spare parts?
Yes—DLAB supplies OEM-certified high-borosilicate replacements (P/N: MS-H220-BATH-V5-G) with batch-specific dimensional validation reports available upon request.