IKA TURBOTRON® RKG-00-Bo ATEX Explosion-Proof Mechanical Stirrer

Overview

The IKA TURBOTRON® RKG-00-Bo ATEX is a mechanically controlled, explosion-proof laboratory and pilot-scale stirrer engineered for reliable operation in hazardous environments classified under ATEX Directive 95/98/EC. Designed for use in Zone 1 (2G) gas atmospheres with a maximum surface temperature rating of T3 (≤200 °C), this unit complies with EN 60079-0 and EN 60079-7 standards for intrinsic safety and flameproof enclosure construction. Its core function is mechanical agitation—transferring torque from a robust AC motor through a precision-machined gear train to a rotating shaft—enabling consistent shear input into low- and medium-viscosity Newtonian or near-Newtonian fluids. Unlike electronically controlled stirrers, the RKG-00-Bo employs a purely mechanical speed adjustment mechanism, eliminating potential ignition sources associated with variable-frequency drives or digital controllers. This architecture ensures operational stability across extended duty cycles, particularly where electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) or electrical noise sensitivity is a concern in adjacent instrumentation.

Key Features

• ATEX-certified design (Category 1G, T3) for safe deployment in explosive gas atmospheres per Directive 95/98/EC and harmonized EN standards
• Fully mechanical speed regulation—no electronics in the hazardous zone; smooth, stepless adjustment via calibrated dial
• Shaft and all wetted components manufactured from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel (DIN 1.4404), ensuring compliance with FDA-relevant material requirements for pharmaceutical and fine chemical applications
• Modular impeller interface supporting rapid tool exchange—compatible with standardized ISO 2164–compliant agitator elements including marine propellers, Rushton turbines, disc dissolvers, centrifugal mixers, flat-blade paddles, and anchor-type scrapers
• Optional protective shaft guard minimizes operator exposure during operation and meets ISO 13857 safety clearance guidelines
• Integrated overload protection prevents motor stall damage during high-torque mixing events or viscous batch transitions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RKG-00-Bo is validated for use with freely flowing liquids ranging from water-like viscosities (1–10 mPa·s) up to approximately 5,000 mPa·s under optimized impeller selection and vessel geometry. It is not intended for highly non-Newtonian, thixotropic, or paste-like materials requiring high-shear dispersion or vacuum-rated sealing. All contact surfaces conform to DIN 1.4404 (equivalent to ASTM A240 S31603) and are passivated per ASTM A967. The device supports GLP-compliant documentation workflows when paired with IKA’s optional mechanical logbook accessories. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant due to its analog control architecture, it satisfies GMP Annex 15 verification prerequisites for equipment qualification (IQ/OQ) in non-critical process steps involving blending, dissolution, or pre-emulsification.

Software & Data Management

As a fully mechanical stirrer, the RKG-00-Bo does not incorporate embedded firmware, data logging, or digital connectivity. Its operation requires no software installation, driver configuration, or cybersecurity validation—making it suitable for air-gapped laboratories or facilities with strict IT governance policies. Speed settings are manually recorded using external calibration logs traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB or NIST). For users requiring audit-ready records, IKA offers supplementary mechanical counter modules and calibrated tachometer kits compatible with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services. No firmware updates, remote access, or cloud synchronization capabilities are present—eliminating risks associated with obsolescence, cyber intrusion, or regulatory nonconformance related to electronic record integrity.

Applications

• Preparation of aqueous and organic-phase solutions in ATEX-regulated synthesis labs (e.g., solvent-based API crystallization, catalyst slurry homogenization)
• Batch blending of flammable solvents and monomers prior to polymerization in pilot reactors
• Dissolution testing of solid dosage forms under USP conditions where spark-free agitation is mandated
• Mixing of heat-sensitive reagents in exothermic reactions where electronic controller thermal drift could compromise reproducibility
• Stirring of cleaning-in-place (CIP) formulations in pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing zones
• Replacement unit for legacy RW 28 basic and RW 47 D systems in EU-based facilities requiring updated ATEX certification

FAQ

What ATEX zone classifications does the RKG-00-Bo support?
It is certified for Zone 1 (2G) gas environments with temperature class T3 (maximum surface temperature ≤200 °C), per ATEX Directive 95/98/EC.
Can the RKG-00-Bo be used in pressurized reactors?
No—it is designed exclusively for open or vented, non-pressurized vessels. Sealing against pressure is not part of its mechanical specification.
Is 316L stainless steel compliant with FDA or EP requirements for pharmaceutical contact?
Yes—316L (DIN 1.4404) meets USP Class VI biocompatibility criteria and is widely accepted for indirect product contact in GMP environments.
Does the unit include speed calibration documentation?
Factory calibration certificates are provided upon request and may be traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) standards.
How is maintenance performed without compromising ATEX integrity?
All service procedures follow IKA’s ATEX-compliant maintenance manual (document ID: RKG-00-Bo-MAN-ATEX-EN); only authorized personnel with Category 1G competency may perform internal inspections.