IKA RCT Basic (Safety) Heating Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RCT Basic (Safety) Heating Magnetic Stirrer is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible, and unattended thermal mixing in academic, industrial, and quality control laboratories. Based on the proven Couette flow principle, it delivers consistent torque transmission via high-strength magnetic coupling between the internal rotor and external stir bar—enabling homogeneous dispersion and temperature equilibration across volumes up to 20 L of aqueous media. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the unit integrates a robust aluminum heating plate with advanced thermal management architecture, including dual-mode heating control (direct plate heating + sensor-regulated feedback), ensuring rapid heat-up rates (6.5 K/min for 1 L H₂O) and stable setpoint maintenance within ±1 K when used with the included PT1000.60 probe. Its compliance with DIN EN 60529 (IP42) guarantees protection against solid ingress and limited water splashing—critical for long-term reliability in demanding benchtop environments.

Key Features

• High-torque, brushless DC motor delivering continuous operation at speeds from 50 to 1500 rpm with stepless adjustment and LED digital speed readout
• Independent dual-control system: simultaneous real-time monitoring and regulation of both heating plate temperature (RT–310 °C) and sample temperature (via external PT1000 sensor)
• Programmable safety temperature limit (50–360 °C) with audible/visual alert and automatic thermal shutdown upon exceedance
• DIN 12878-compliant sensor port enabling integration with external temperature controllers (e.g., IKA ETS-D5) for GLP/GMP-compliant process validation
• Hotplate surface temperature warning indicator and numeric error code display for immediate fault diagnostics
• Anodized aluminum heating plate (Ø135 mm) offering uniform thermal distribution, corrosion resistance, and mechanical durability
• Compact footprint (160 × 85 × 270 mm) and lightweight design (2.5 kg) optimized for space-constrained fume hoods or shared instrumentation benches

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RCT Basic (Safety) accommodates standard laboratory glassware (Erlenmeyer flasks, beakers, round-bottom flasks) up to 20 L capacity using stir bars up to 80 mm in length. Its sealed electronics housing and IP42-rated enclosure meet IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment. The device supports regulatory workflows under ISO/IEC 17025, USP , and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated software and audit-trail-enabled controllers. All temperature and speed parameters are traceable via front-panel LED display; no proprietary firmware or cloud dependency is required for basic operation, simplifying qualification in regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

While the RCT Basic (Safety) operates as a standalone instrument without mandatory software, its DIN 12878 interface enables seamless connection to IKA’s Labworldsoft™ platform or third-party SCADA systems for remote parameter logging, alarm notification, and electronic batch record generation. When used with certified PT1000 sensors and calibrated reference thermometers, temperature data satisfies ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) for audit readiness. The absence of internal memory or wireless connectivity ensures full data sovereignty and eliminates cybersecurity concerns common in networked lab devices.

Applications

• Precipitation reactions requiring controlled heating and agitation (e.g., crystallization of APIs under GMP conditions)
• Buffer preparation and pH adjustment in molecular biology workflows
• Viscosity reduction of polymer solutions prior to filtration or injection
• Standardization of calibration standards for spectrophotometry and titration
• Accelerated stability testing per ICH Q1A(R3) guidelines using defined thermal profiles
• Preparation of homogeneous suspensions for particle size analysis (e.g., laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering)

FAQ

Can the RCT Basic (Safety) operate unattended overnight?
Yes—the adjustable safety temperature circuit, hotplate overheating protection, and automatic cut-off functionality comply with DIN 12878 and enable supervised unattended operation under institutional safety protocols.
Is the PT1000.60 sensor included with the unit?
Yes, one calibrated PT1000.60 temperature probe is supplied as standard equipment for direct immersion sensing.
What is the maximum allowable ambient humidity for continuous use?
The unit is rated for operation at up to 80% relative humidity (non-condensing) within 5–40 °C ambient conditions, per EN 60529.
Does the device support external temperature feedback control?
Yes—via the DIN 12878 port, the unit accepts analog input from external PT1000 sensors, enabling closed-loop control independent of plate surface temperature.
How is calibration verified for regulatory submissions?
Users may perform field verification using NIST-traceable reference thermometers and tachometers; IKA provides optional calibration certificates (ISO/IEC 17025-accredited) upon request.