GLTlab S-2-20 Ultra-Thin Dual-Station Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The GLTlab S-2-20 is an ultra-thin, dual-station magnetic stirrer engineered for high-efficiency, low-profile integration into modern laboratory workspaces—particularly where vertical clearance is constrained, such as under fume hoods, inside cold rooms, or on crowded benchtops. Unlike conventional magnetic stirrers with bulky housings and elevated control panels, the S-2-20 features a minimalist 32 mm profile, enabling seamless placement beneath standard lab equipment without obstructing line-of-sight or compromising ergonomic access. Its core operation relies on precisely controlled rotating magnetic fields generated by high-duty-cycle brushless DC motors, each independently driving a 20 L stirring station via rare-earth neodymium magnets. Designed for continuous duty in ambient environments (15–30 °C), it supports stable agitation of low-to-medium viscosity liquids—including aqueous buffers, culture media, reagent solutions, and polymer precursors—without thermal input or mechanical coupling.

Key Features

• Ultra-low profile (32 mm height) for installation in space-limited environments: cold rooms, laminar flow cabinets, and under-shelf mounting configurations.
• Dual independent stirring stations, each rated for up to 20 L volume (total 40 L), with synchronized or asynchronous speed control.
• Wide speed range: 100–2000 rpm, adjustable in 10 rpm increments via rotary encoder with LED digital display for repeatable setpoint recall.
• Brushless DC motor architecture ensures low heat generation, minimal electromagnetic interference, and extended service life (>20,000 h MTBF).
• DC-powered operation (12 V input) enables flexible deployment using external portable power banks—verified compatibility with 8000 mAh lithium-polymer units delivering ≥24 h continuous operation at 500 rpm in refrigerated conditions (4–8 °C).
• Non-slip silicone-coated base and recessed magnet wells provide secure positioning of flasks and beakers during prolonged agitation cycles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The S-2-20 accommodates standard laboratory glassware including round-bottom flasks (50 mL–5 L), graduated cylinders, and wide-mouth containers with flat, non-magnetic bases. It is compatible with common stir bars (lengths 20–80 mm; diameters 6–12 mm) made from PTFE-coated stainless steel or ceramic-core variants. While not equipped with integrated heating, its ambient-only operation meets ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for temperature-controlled mixing protocols where thermal stability is critical—such as QC testing of pH-sensitive formulations or pre-analytical sample homogenization prior to HPLC or ICP-MS analysis. The device complies with CE marking directives (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU) and conforms to RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU) material restrictions.

Software & Data Management

The S-2-20 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded firmware or network interface. All operational parameters are manually configured and retained locally via non-volatile memory—supporting GLP-compliant audit trails when used in conjunction with lab notebook documentation or electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems. No software installation or driver dependency is required. For laboratories implementing 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, external validation protocols may be applied to define user access controls, parameter lockout functions, and electronic record retention—consistent with FDA guidance for non-computerized laboratory instrumentation.

Applications

• Long-duration mixing of cell culture media and buffer stocks in cold rooms (4 °C) without condensation-induced electrical risk.
• Parallel preparation of multiple reagent batches in quality control labs, minimizing cross-contamination through physical separation of stations.
• Pre-homogenization of suspensions prior to particle size analysis (e.g., laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering).
• Controlled agitation during titration setup, dissolution testing, or enzymatic reaction incubations requiring precise rotational consistency.
• Field-deployable mixing in mobile labs or biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) containment carts where AC outlet availability is limited.

FAQ

Can the S-2-20 be operated inside a refrigerator or cold room?

Yes. Its DC-powered design and absence of internal heating elements allow safe, continuous use at temperatures between 4 °C and 30 °C. Verified performance includes 24-hour uninterrupted operation at 500 rpm using a certified 12 V, 8000 mAh portable power bank.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?

The unit includes factory calibration against NIST-traceable tachometric reference, with certificate provided upon request. End-user recalibration is supported using optical tachometers per ASTM E1577-22 guidelines.
Does it support external triggering or analog signal input?

No. The S-2-20 is a manually operated instrument without programmable logic, RS-232, USB, or 0–10 V analog interfaces. Integration with automated workflows requires external relay control or PLC-based actuation.
What is the maximum viscosity it can handle at full 20 L capacity?

At 2000 rpm, optimal performance is achieved with Newtonian fluids up to 500 mPa·s (e.g., 1% CMC solution). For viscosities exceeding 1000 mPa·s, recommended operating speed is ≤800 rpm to maintain vortex stability and torque consistency.
Are replacement stir bars and power adapters available through GLTlab?

Yes. GLTlab supplies certified PTFE-coated stir bars (20 mm to 80 mm), 12 V/3 A switching power adapters, and cold-rated silicone base pads as optional accessories under part numbers STB-SERIES and ADP-12V3A-CR.