GLTlab SS-9N Nine-Position Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The GLTlab SS-9N Nine-Position Magnetic Stirrer is an engineered solution for high-throughput laboratory environments requiring simultaneous, independent thermal and mechanical control across multiple samples. Designed around a robust ceramic-coated aluminum hotplate architecture, the unit operates on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated by embedded coil arrays beneath each individual stirring zone. These fields induce torque on PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bars placed in vessels, enabling contactless, low-shear mixing without mechanical drive shafts or seals. Unlike single-position stirrers, the SS-9N integrates nine discrete, electrically isolated heating and stirring zones—each with dedicated speed and temperature regulation—allowing parallel processing under identical or independently optimized conditions. Its compact footprint (330 × 340 × 84 mm) and lightweight construction (3 kg) facilitate integration into fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, and shared benchtop workspaces without compromising structural stability or thermal uniformity.

Key Features

• Nine independent stirring positions with individual digital speed and temperature controls, minimizing cross-talk and enabling method replication across replicates.
• Ceramic-coated aluminum heating plate offering rapid thermal response, uniform surface temperature distribution (±2 °C at 100 °C), and chemical resistance to common solvents and aqueous reagents.
• Precision DC motor control delivering stable rotational speeds from 150 to 2000 rpm with <±2% speed deviation under load, suitable for low-viscosity solvents and moderate-density suspensions.
• Integrated over-temperature protection and auto-shutdown circuitry compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment.
• Front-panel LED display with intuitive button interface supporting real-time parameter monitoring, setpoint recall, and timed operation up to 99 hours 59 minutes.
• Low electromagnetic interference (EMI) design ensures compatibility with nearby analytical instrumentation including pH meters, conductivity probes, and balance systems.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-9N accommodates standard laboratory glassware including 25–1000 mL beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, and cylindrical reaction vessels with flat-bottom geometry. Each position supports stir bar lengths from 20 to 50 mm and diameters up to 8 mm, ensuring effective vortex formation in volumes up to 1 L per station. The device meets CE marking requirements and conforms to ISO/IEC 17025 general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories—particularly relevant when used in method development or QC workflows governed by ASTM D7267 (standard test method for viscosity of polymer solutions using capillary viscometers) or USP (light scattering measurements requiring homogenized sample preparation). While not intrinsically rated for hazardous area use, its non-sparking design and sealed electronics make it appropriate for general-purpose organic synthesis, buffer preparation, dissolution testing, and microbiological media conditioning under standard GLP conditions.

Software & Data Management

The SS-9N operates as a standalone instrument without proprietary software dependencies. All operational parameters—including speed, temperature, and runtime—are locally stored in non-volatile memory and retained after power cycling. For laboratories implementing electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS integration, the unit supports manual data logging via timestamped operator entries. Though it lacks USB or RS-232 connectivity, its consistent performance profile enables traceable process documentation aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when paired with audit-trail-enabled ELN platforms. Calibration verification can be performed using NIST-traceable thermocouples and tachometers during routine IQ/OQ protocols.

Applications

• High-throughput buffer and reagent preparation across clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical QA/QC, and academic research labs.
• Parallel dissolution testing in solid dosage form development per USP , where consistent agitation rate and bath temperature are critical for sink condition maintenance.
• Cell culture media equilibration prior to sterile filtration, ensuring homogeneous nutrient and gas distribution before incubation.
• Chemical synthesis screening involving catalyst activation, precipitation reactions, or crystallization kinetics studies requiring multi-condition comparison.
• Environmental sample digestion protocols (e.g., EPA Method 3050B) where controlled heating and agitation accelerate acid-based metal extraction from soil matrices.

FAQ

Is the SS-9N compatible with stainless steel or coated stir bars?**
Yes—PTFE-, glass-, or epoxy-coated stir bars are recommended for chemical inertness; uncoated stainless steel bars may be used in non-corrosive, low-pH applications but are not advised for prolonged exposure to halides or strong oxidizers.
Can all nine positions operate at different temperatures simultaneously?**
No—the SS-9N features a single-zone heating system with uniform surface temperature; while speed is independently adjustable per position, temperature is applied uniformly across the entire 330 × 300 mm plate.
What is the maximum recommended viscosity for reliable stirring at 2000 rpm?**
For optimal performance and motor longevity, the unit is validated for Newtonian fluids up to approximately 1000 mPa·s at full speed; higher viscosities require reduced rpm and larger-diameter stir bars.
Does the unit include a stir bar retrieval tool or accessory kit?**
No—stir bar handling tools, vessel stands, and custom stir bar sets are available separately through GLTlab’s accessories catalog.
Is service calibration documentation provided with shipment?**
A factory-issued certificate of conformance is included; full calibration certificates traceable to national standards require optional purchase and on-site verification by authorized service personnel.