IKA RW11 Basic Electric Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RW11 Basic Electric Stirrer is a compact, benchtop mechanical stirrer engineered for precision mixing and dispersion tasks in academic, quality control, and routine laboratory environments. Utilizing a brush-type DC motor with optimized torque delivery at low speeds, the RW11 operates on the principle of direct mechanical coupling between the motor shaft and the stirring element—enabling consistent rotational agitation without feedback control or electronic speed regulation. Its design prioritizes simplicity, robustness, and chemical compatibility: the unit features a chemically resistant glass housing that withstands exposure to common solvents, acids, and bases encountered during sample preparation, buffer formulation, dissolution testing, and reagent homogenization. With a maximum rated stirring volume of 2 L (water-equivalent) and capability to handle media up to 100 mPa·s viscosity, the RW11 serves as a foundational tool for low-to-medium shear mixing where closed-loop speed stability or temperature integration is not required.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (86 × 175 × 89 mm) and lightweight construction (0.39 kg) for flexible placement on fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, or shared lab benches
• Glass enclosure offering high optical clarity and resistance to corrosion from aqueous and mildly aggressive chemical environments
• Mechanically robust chuck system with 4 mm shaft clamping capacity and integrated 10 mm support sleeve for secure vertical alignment of stirring rods
• Continuous-duty operation with nominal output power of 1 W at the stirring shaft, ensuring thermal stability during extended use
• IP42-rated enclosure providing protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm and vertically falling water droplets—suitable for standard indoor laboratory conditions
• Four-color coded housing variants (red, blue, yellow, green) enabling visual identification and equipment segregation across workflows or user groups

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RW11 Basic is compatible with standard laboratory glassware including beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, and cylindrical vessels up to 2 L capacity. It supports interchangeable stirring elements—including the included R1001 flat-blade impeller and optional R1002 helical impeller—for tailored flow profiles (radial vs. axial). The device complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP42), IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), and EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive). While it does not incorporate temperature sensing or regulatory-grade audit trails, its passive architecture aligns with GLP-aligned workflows where manual process documentation and operator verification are standard practice.

Software & Data Management

The IKA RW11 Basic operates as a standalone analog instrument without digital interface, embedded firmware, or connectivity options. Speed is manually adjusted via a calibrated rotary dial; no speed display, memory presets, or data logging functionality is provided. This design intentionally eliminates software dependencies, reducing validation burden in regulated settings where instrument qualification focuses on mechanical performance verification (e.g., torque consistency, speed repeatability across setpoints) rather than electronic record integrity. Users maintain full traceability through procedural documentation—consistent with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when applied within a documented quality system.

Applications

• Homogenization of aqueous solutions, buffers, and culture media in microbiology and molecular biology labs
• Preliminary mixing of suspensions and emulsions prior to high-shear processing or particle size analysis
• Dissolution testing of pharmaceutical tablets under USP Apparatus II (paddle)–compatible configurations using R1001 impellers
• Preparation of calibration standards and reference materials requiring gentle, non-aerating agitation
• Teaching laboratories for fundamental fluid dynamics demonstrations and viscosity comparison exercises

FAQ

Does the RW11 Basic support speed feedback or digital speed readout?
No. Speed is controlled manually via an analog dial; no tachometric sensor or digital display is integrated.
Can the RW11 Basic be used with hot plates or temperature-controlled baths?
It is not designed for direct integration with heating devices. The unit lacks thermal isolation or temperature-rated components beyond ambient operation (5–40 °C).
What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the RW11 Basic?
Routine inspection of chuck tightness, shaft concentricity, and housing integrity is advised before each use. No scheduled lubrication or recalibration is required due to its brush-motor, non-feedback architecture.
Is the RW11 Basic compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements?
As a non-measuring device (i.e., no metrological function), it falls outside scope of ISO/IEC 17025 calibration mandates—but its mechanical performance may be verified per internal SOPs for equipment suitability.
Are replacement parts such as R1001 impellers available separately?
Yes. IKA-certified consumables—including R1001 (flat blade), R1002 (helical), R103 support stands, and compatible shafts—are distributed globally through authorized channels and carry full traceability documentation.