IKA RH Basic Series Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RH Basic Series Magnetic Stirrer is an entry-level, CE-compliant benchtop instrument engineered for reliable, low-maintenance stirring and heating of laboratory samples in routine analytical, quality control, and teaching environments. Based on the proven principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath a non-magnetic plate induces synchronous rotation of a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample—the RH Basic delivers consistent torque transfer without mechanical shaft penetration. Its integrated stainless steel heating plate operates via resistive heating with precise thermal feedback control, enabling stable temperature maintenance across aqueous and low-viscosity organic media. Designed for operational robustness rather than high-end programmability, this model prioritizes mechanical simplicity, thermal safety redundancy, and long-term repeatability under continuous 8-hour shifts in ISO 17025-accredited labs or GLP-regulated settings.

Key Features

• Stainless steel heating plate (DIN 1.4301) with corrosion-resistant surface and uniform thermal distribution
• Dual-safety thermal cutoff: fixed hardware limit at 400 °C prevents overheating even during controller failure
• Smooth-start DC motor with low-noise operation and minimal vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation
• Analog speed control dial (0–6 scale) offering intuitive, tactile adjustment within 150–1,500 rpm range (RH Basic 1)
• Integrated thermal protection circuitry compliant with EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and EN 61000-6-4 (emission) standards
• Compact footprint (168 × 220 × 105 mm) optimized for fume hood integration and multi-unit bench arrangements
• IP21-rated enclosure providing protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for general lab use per IEC 60529

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RH Basic 1 supports stirring of up to 5 L of water-equivalent media (e.g., buffers, saline solutions, dilute acids/bases, ethanol/water mixtures) using standard PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars up to 40 × 8 mm. It is not recommended for highly viscous fluids (>500 mPa·s), abrasive suspensions, or exothermic reactions requiring active cooling. The device complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU. While it lacks digital audit trail functionality, its analog interface meets basic documentation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for non-critical preparatory steps when used within validated SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The RH Basic Series operates exclusively via manual analog controls and does not incorporate microprocessor-based logic, USB connectivity, or data logging capabilities. No proprietary software, drivers, or firmware updates are required or supported. All operational parameters—including speed setting and plate temperature—are set and monitored directly on the unit. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity risks associated with networked lab equipment and ensures deterministic behavior under electromagnetic interference common in shared instrumentation suites. For laboratories requiring traceable parameter records, external digital thermometers or RPM meters (e.g., handheld laser tachometers calibrated per ISO/IEC 17025) may be employed alongside standard operating procedures.

Applications

• Preparation of standard solutions and calibration blanks in environmental and pharmaceutical QC labs
• Homogenization of reagent mixtures prior to titration, spectrophotometry, or pH measurement
• Temperature-controlled dissolution testing of solid dosage forms (as auxiliary heating/stirring stage)
• Buffer equilibration in molecular biology workflows (e.g., electrophoresis buffer warming)
• Student laboratory exercises in general chemistry and biochemistry curricula
• Supporting role in ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) and USP (dissolution apparatus qualification) where mechanical consistency—not real-time data capture—is the primary requirement

FAQ

Is the RH Basic Series compatible with corrosive solvents such as concentrated HCl or nitric acid?
No. While the stainless steel plate resists mild corrosion, direct contact with aggressive mineral acids may degrade the surface over time. Use chemically resistant stir bars and secondary containment (e.g., borosilicate beakers) for such applications.
Can the unit maintain ±1 °C temperature stability at 300 °C?
At elevated setpoints (>250 °C), typical steady-state deviation is ±5 °C due to ambient heat loss and lack of PID fine-tuning. For tighter control, consider the IKA RCT Basic or HS series with digital regulation.
Does the analog speed scale correspond to linear rpm increments?
No. The 0–6 dial is empirically mapped; actual rpm increases nonlinearly with dial position. Users should verify rotational speed with a calibrated tachometer if quantitative reproducibility is critical.
What is the expected service life under daily 6-hour operation?
With proper cleaning and avoidance of thermal shock, the motor and heater assemblies demonstrate >10,000 hours MTBF based on IKA’s internal accelerated lifetime testing per DIN EN 60068-2-6.
Is replacement of the heating element possible in the field?
No. The heating module is potted and non-serviceable. Units exhibiting thermal drift or failure beyond warranty must be returned to authorized service centers for refurbishment or replacement.