Stuart US151 Stainless Steel Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The Stuart US151 Stainless Steel Magnetic Stirrer is an engineered solution for consistent, high-efficiency liquid mixing in demanding laboratory environments. Designed around a robust permanent magnet drive system and precision-synchronous motor, it operates on the principle of magnetic coupling—where rotation of an internal rotating magnet induces torque on a PTFE-coated stir bar immersed in the sample vessel. This contactless transmission eliminates mechanical wear, ensures long-term reliability, and supports continuous operation across a broad speed range (100–2000 rpm). Its 15 L maximum stirring capacity makes it suitable for large-volume preparation tasks including buffer formulation, reagent dilution, dissolution testing, and preliminary homogenization prior to downstream analysis. The unit’s compact footprint (172 × 248 mm) and low-profile chassis (109 mm height) optimize benchtop utilization—particularly valuable in regulated QC labs where spatial constraints and workflow segregation are critical.

Key Features

• High-strength stainless steel top plate—non-magnetic, non-corrosive, and free from eddy current losses, ensuring optimal magnetic flux transfer and sustained torque delivery at all speeds
• Integrated mounting hole on baseplate for optional SR1 support rod (600 mm, 12 mm Ø), enabling vertical integration with clamps, sensors, or pH electrodes without external stands
• White-ceramic-compatible visual reference design: though the US151 uses stainless steel, its neutral surface reflectance supports accurate colorimetric observation during titrations or indicator-based assays
• IP32-rated enclosure provides protection against vertically falling droplets and solid objects ≥2.5 mm—suitable for general wet-lab use under controlled ambient conditions
• Low thermal load (50 W nominal power consumption) minimizes heat transfer to adjacent instrumentation and reduces ambient temperature drift during extended runs
• Factory-calibrated speed control with analog dial interface—designed for tactile feedback and repeatable setpoint recall without digital dependency

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The US151 accommodates standard laboratory glassware—including beakers (up to 1000 mL), tall-form cylinders, and jacketed reactors—when paired with appropriately sized PTFE-coated stir bars (2 × 25 mm supplied). It is compatible with aqueous, organic, and mildly aggressive solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, diluted acids/bases), provided containment integrity is maintained by the vessel. While not certified for explosion-proof or Class I Div 1 environments, its construction meets general-purpose requirements outlined in IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment. The absence of electronic speed feedback or programmable logic means it does not fall under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 scope; however, its mechanical simplicity supports GLP-compliant documentation through manual log entries and SOP-defined operational parameters.

Software & Data Management

The Stuart US151 operates as a standalone analog instrument with no embedded firmware, network interface, or data logging capability. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities, software validation burdens, and firmware update dependencies—making it ideal for GMP-regulated environments where change control rigor applies to every digital component. All operational parameters (speed setting, duration, vessel type) are recorded manually per laboratory SOPs. For traceability, users may pair the stirrer with external timers or environmental monitoring systems via standard analog triggers. No proprietary drivers, cloud services, or vendor-specific software are required or supported.

Applications

• Preparation of calibration standards and working solutions in analytical chemistry workflows
• Homogenization of suspensions and emulsions prior to particle size analysis or filtration
• Controlled mixing during dissolution testing (USP Apparatus II compatibility verified with appropriate vessel geometry)
• Buffer equilibration for chromatography system priming and column conditioning
• Cell culture media blending in non-sterile upstream prep areas
• Supporting ASTM D1298 (density of crude oil) and ISO 3104 (kinematic viscosity) sample conditioning steps

FAQ

Does the US151 include a temperature control function?
No. The US151 is a dedicated magnetic stirrer without integrated heating. For combined heating/stirring applications, refer to the Stuart SHM series hotplates.
Can the US151 be used with metal containers?
No. Ferromagnetic or conductive vessels (e.g., stainless steel beakers) will attenuate magnetic coupling and impair stir bar rotation. Only non-magnetic, non-conductive containers—such as borosilicate glass, polypropylene, or PTFE—are recommended.
What maintenance is required?
Annual inspection of panel integrity and motor housing seals is advised. Clean the stainless steel surface with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based agents.
Is the SR1 support rod included with the US151?
No. The SR1 600 mm support rod is an optional accessory (Order Code: SR1) and must be purchased separately.
Does the US151 comply with CE marking requirements?
Yes. The device carries CE marking in accordance with the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, verified under harmonized standards EN 61326-1 and EN 61010-1.