SiLe B11-1 / B11-2 / B11-3 5L Benchtop Heated Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The SiLe B11-1, B11-2, and B11-3 series are precision-engineered benchtop heated magnetic stirrers designed for consistent thermal control and reliable mechanical agitation in academic, industrial, and quality control laboratories. These instruments operate on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated by a permanent magnet array beneath a thermally stable ceramic-coated stainless steel plate, which couples with PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bars immersed in the sample vessel. The integrated PID temperature controller ensures stable thermal regulation across the full range from ambient to 330 °C—enabling applications such as solvent reflux, polymer dissolution, catalyst activation, and accelerated reaction kinetics studies. Unlike basic stir-only units, the B11 series incorporates dual independent control loops: one for precise rotational speed (0–1700 rpm) and another for accurate surface heating—both digitally monitored and maintained with high reproducibility over extended operation cycles.

Key Features

• Dual-function digital interface with separate LED displays for speed (rpm) and plate temperature (°C), enabling real-time parameter monitoring without cross-interference.
• Robust black electroplated stainless steel heating plate (Φ140 mm) offering excellent thermal uniformity, corrosion resistance, and safe operation up to 350 °C surface temperature—compatible with borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and quartz vessels.
• High-torque DC motor delivering 40 mN·m torque at low speeds, ensuring stable rotation even with viscous media (e.g., glycerol, ethylene glycol, or polymer solutions) up to 5 L volume in standard cylindrical beakers.
• 600 W heating element with stepless analog power adjustment and adaptive PID feedback, minimizing overshoot and maintaining ±2 °C accuracy within the 100–300 °C operating band under typical lab conditions.
• Compact footprint (280 × 160 × 110 mm) and lightweight design (3.8 kg) facilitate integration into fume hoods, glove boxes, or multi-instrument workstations without compromising accessibility or stability.
• Included accessories: One adjustable-height support rod (dual-length configuration), and a matched set of chemically inert magnetic stir bars optimized for 1–5 L volumes.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The B11 series accommodates standard laboratory glassware including flat-bottomed beakers (up to 6000 mL capacity), Erlenmeyer flasks, and jacketed reactors when used with appropriately sized stir bars. Its temperature range supports common organic solvents (e.g., toluene, DMF, DMSO), aqueous buffers, and molten salt systems below decomposition thresholds. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 for hazardous area use, the unit conforms to general-purpose electrical safety requirements for laboratory equipment in non-explosive environments. It is suitable for routine QC testing under GLP-compliant workflows where instrument calibration logs, operational parameters, and maintenance records are retained per internal SOPs. No embedded data logging or audit trail functionality is provided; manual recording of setpoints and durations is required for regulatory traceability.

Software & Data Management

The B11-1/B11-2/B11-3 operates via standalone hardware controls—no external software, drivers, or connectivity interfaces (USB, Bluetooth, RS-232) are included or supported. All operational parameters are set and verified directly on the front-panel interface. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, integration with third-party environmental monitoring systems (e.g., DeltaTrak, DicksonOne) may be achieved using optional external PT100 probes connected to compatible data loggers. The absence of firmware-based configuration ensures long-term operational consistency and eliminates version compatibility concerns during instrument lifecycle management.

Applications

• Preparation of homogeneous reagent solutions and calibration standards in analytical chemistry labs.
• Controlled heating and mixing during synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanoparticle precursors.
• Viscosity-reduction treatment of high-molecular-weight polymers prior to filtration or spectroscopic analysis.
• Standardized dissolution testing of pharmaceutical excipients under USP guidelines (when paired with validated vessel geometry and stir bar positioning).
• Cell culture media pre-warming and pH buffer equilibration in biosafety cabinets.
• Accelerated aging studies of adhesives and coatings under elevated temperature and shear stress conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended vessel diameter for optimal stirring performance?
For consistent vortex formation and heat transfer, use cylindrical vessels with diameters between 80 mm and 130 mm—aligned with the 140 mm plate diameter and standard 5 L beaker geometry.
Can the B11 series be used with corrosive acids such as concentrated HNO₃ or HF?
Only with appropriate containment: the plate surface is chemically resistant to mild acids, but direct contact with strong oxidizers or hydrofluoric acid requires secondary containment (e.g., silicone mat or ceramic tray) and strict adherence to local chemical hygiene plans.
Is calibration documentation provided with shipment?
Factory calibration certificates are not included by default; however, users may perform field verification using NIST-traceable RTD probes and tachometers—procedures outlined in the operator manual’s maintenance section.
Does the unit meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards for shared lab environments?
Yes—it complies with EN 61326-1:2013 for laboratory measurement and test equipment, minimizing interference with adjacent sensitive instrumentation such as balances or spectrophotometers.
Are replacement stir bars available in custom geometries or materials?
SiLe offers standard PTFE-coated elliptical and cylindrical stir bars; custom orders (e.g., PTFE/glass composite, high-temp samarium-cobalt magnets) can be arranged through authorized distributors with minimum order quantities.