DLAB EcoStir Square-Plate Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The DLAB EcoStir Square-Plate Magnetic Stirrer is a compact, single-position benchtop instrument engineered for precise and reproducible mixing in low-to-medium viscosity aqueous and mildly aggressive chemical solutions. It operates on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath the chemically resistant PET-coated square plate induces synchronous rotation of a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample vessel. Designed for ambient-temperature applications without integrated heating, the EcoStir delivers consistent rotational torque across its full speed range (300–2000 rpm), making it suitable for routine homogenization, dissolution, titration support, and electrochemical cell preparation where thermal stability is not required but mechanical reliability is critical.

Key Features

• Square-shaped working surface (120 × 115 mm) optimized for stable placement of standard round-bottom flasks, beakers, and rectangular cuvettes—enhancing spatial efficiency in crowded lab environments.
• Brushless DC motor ensures maintenance-free operation, extended service life, and minimal electromagnetic interference—critical for concurrent use with sensitive pH meters or potentiostats.
• PET-coated plate provides broad chemical resistance against dilute acids, bases, alcohols, and common organic solvents; surface hardness and low surface energy prevent adhesion of residues during repeated cleaning cycles.
• Integrated electrode holder with adjustable clamp accommodates standard pH electrodes (e.g., BNC-shelled glass electrodes), ORP sensors, conductivity probes, and dissolved oxygen sensors—enabling real-time monitoring during stirring without manual stabilization.
• Low-profile, lightweight design (0.3 kg) and dual-voltage compatibility (100–240 V AC) allow seamless deployment in mobile labs, field stations, teaching laboratories, and ISO-classified cleanrooms where space and power flexibility are constrained.
• Graduated speed dial enables repeatable setting recall; IP21-rated enclosure protects internal electronics from vertically falling drips and solid objects ≥12.5 mm—meeting basic laboratory environmental protection requirements per DIN/EN 60529.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EcoStir supports vessels up to 1.5 L capacity (water-equivalent) and accommodates stir bars up to 40 mm in length. It is validated for use with borosilicate glass, polypropylene, and PTFE-lined containers under ambient conditions. While not rated for sterilization or autoclaving, its PET surface withstands repeated wiping with 70% ethanol, isopropanol, or 0.1 M NaOH—supporting GLP-aligned cleaning protocols. Certified to CE, cTUVus, and FCC standards, the unit complies with essential safety and EMC requirements of the EU Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU). Its construction adheres to DIN/EN 60529 (IP21) for personnel and equipment protection in non-hazardous indoor laboratory settings.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone analog-controlled instrument, the EcoStir does not incorporate digital connectivity, firmware, or data logging capabilities. Speed selection is performed manually via calibrated rotary dial—eliminating software validation dependencies and ensuring uninterrupted operation in regulated environments where electronic audit trails are not mandated. This architecture aligns with USP guidance for “Category A” instruments (non-critical, non-data-generating devices), reducing qualification burden in QC/QA workflows. No 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is applicable; however, the absence of embedded software simplifies periodic verification and eliminates cybersecurity maintenance obligations.

Applications

• Electrochemical analysis: Stable suspension of reference electrodes and continuous stirring during potentiometric titrations, pH calibration, and redox potential measurements.
• Environmental testing: Homogenization of water samples prior to filtration, nutrient extraction, or heavy metal digestion per EPA Method 200.7 and ISO 5667-3.
• Pharmaceutical QA: Dissolution support for placebo formulations, buffer equilibration, and excipient dispersion during pre-formulation studies.
• Food & beverage R&D: Yeast propagation media agitation, enzymatic reaction mixing, and sensory sample preparation under controlled ambient conditions.
• Academic instruction: Undergraduate chemistry and biology labs requiring robust, intuitive stirring platforms for kinetic experiments and serial dilution workflows.

FAQ

Does the EcoStir include a heating function?
No. The EcoStir is a non-heating magnetic stirrer designed exclusively for ambient-temperature mixing. For temperature-controlled applications, DLAB offers the EcoStir-Heat series with integrated PTC heating elements.
Can the stirrer operate on battery or USB power?
No. It requires AC mains input (100–240 V). However, its low 7.2 W power draw enables compatibility with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and portable inverters in off-grid setups.
Is the PET plate surface autoclavable?
No. PET degrades above 70 °C and is not compatible with steam sterilization. Clean using lint-free wipes and mild detergent or alcohol-based disinfectants.
What stir bar size is recommended for optimal performance at 2000 rpm?
A 30 mm elliptical or cylindrical stir bar (e.g., DLAB SB-30) provides best vortex stability and torque transfer in 500–1000 mL volumes at maximum speed.
Does DLAB provide calibration documentation or traceable certificates?
Speed accuracy is factory-verified against NIST-traceable tachometers. Certificate of Conformance (CoC) is supplied with each unit; ISO/IEC 17025 calibration reports are available upon request through authorized service centers.