IKA RCT Basic Heating Magnetic Stirrer System

Overview

The IKA RCT Basic Heating Magnetic Stirrer System is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for reliable, repeatable thermal and mechanical agitation of liquid samples in research, quality control, and production environments. Based on the proven Couette flow principle, it employs a rotating magnetic field generated by a high-efficiency permanent magnet drive to rotate ferromagnetic stir bars within vessels—enabling contactless mixing without compromising system integrity or introducing contamination risks. Integrated resistive heating of the aluminum alloy plate provides rapid, uniform thermal energy transfer, while dual-mode temperature control—comprising both built-in sensor feedback and optional external PT1000 probe input via DIN 12878 interface—ensures accurate setpoint tracking across diverse media viscosities and vessel geometries. Engineered for unattended operation, the system meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements and features adaptive thermal cut-off, overtemperature alarms, and error-code diagnostics—making it suitable for extended overnight protocols under GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• High-torque brushless motor delivering stable rotation from 50 to 1500 rpm with ≤5% speed deviation at full load
• Aluminum heating plate (Ø135 mm) with 600 W output, achieving up to 6.5 K/min heating rate in 1 L water (H15 beaker)
• Dual temperature control architecture: internal NTC sensor + external PT1000 input (e.g., ETS-D5) for enhanced accuracy (±1 K)
• Adjustable safety circuit (50–360 °C) with visual and audible high-temperature warning
• LED digital display showing real-time speed, set temperature, actual plate temperature, and fault codes
• IP42 ingress protection rating ensures resistance to splashing water and solid particulates during routine lab use
• DIN 12878-compliant sensor port enables traceable, calibrated external temperature monitoring per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements
• Energy-optimized design consuming ~20% less power than comparable units without compromising performance

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RCT Basic supports standard laboratory glassware including round-bottom flasks (up to 2 L), beakers (up to 20 L), and jacketed reactors. Its strong magnetic coupling accommodates stir bars up to 80 mm in length (e.g., IKAFLON® 20/30/40 series), ensuring effective mixing even in viscous or dense suspensions. The unit complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP42), IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), and EU RoHS directives. When paired with certified PT1000 probes and validated SOPs, it supports temperature-critical applications aligned with USP , ASTM E29, and ISO 17025 documentation standards.

Software & Data Management

While the RCT Basic operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument without direct PC connectivity, its hardware-level design facilitates integration into regulated environments. All temperature and speed settings are retained in non-volatile memory after power cycling. Error logs—including overheating events, sensor disconnection, or motor stall—are displayed as numeric codes (e.g., “E02” for probe failure) for immediate troubleshooting. For audit readiness, users may manually record operational parameters alongside batch IDs; when deployed with external data loggers (e.g., connected via DIN 12878 interface), time-stamped temperature profiles can be archived for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned review.

Applications

• Precipitation and crystallization studies requiring precise thermal ramping and homogeneous nucleation
• Buffer and reagent preparation under controlled thermal conditions for molecular biology workflows
• Accelerated stability testing of pharmaceutical formulations per ICH Q1A(R2)
• Chemical synthesis involving exothermic or endothermic reactions monitored via external probe feedback
• Viscosity-dependent dissolution testing in QC labs supporting USP and
• Cell culture media conditioning where sterility and shear-sensitive handling are critical

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended volume for consistent stirring?
The system is rated for up to 20 L of water-equivalent viscosity in wide-mouth containers; optimal performance is achieved with volumes between 0.5 L and 5 L using appropriately sized IKAFLON® stir bars.
Can the RCT Basic be used with non-magnetic vessels such as stainless steel or ceramic?
No—it requires diamagnetic or paramagnetic vessel walls (e.g., borosilicate glass, polypropylene); ferromagnetic materials disrupt the magnetic field and prevent effective bar rotation.
Is calibration of the built-in temperature sensor possible by the user?
The internal NTC sensor is factory-calibrated and not field-adjustable; however, external PT1000 probes (e.g., ETS-D5) support user-performed two-point calibration traceable to national standards.
Does the unit meet requirements for unattended operation in certified laboratories?
Yes—its adjustable safety circuit, automatic shutdown on fault detection, and IP42 enclosure satisfy baseline criteria for无人值守 (unmanned) operation under ISO/IEC 17025 and GMP Annex 11 guidelines.
What accessories are included in the standard kit?
The kit includes: RCT Basic main unit, PT1000.60 temperature probe, three IKAFLON® stir bars (20/30/40 mm), ETS-D5 electronic contact thermometer, H16V and H38 support rods, H44 clamp head, and H100 protective film for the heating plate.