GLTLab SHA-12N 12-Position Heated Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The GLTLab SHA-12N is a precision-engineered 12-position heated magnetic stirrer designed for high-throughput laboratory workflows requiring simultaneous, independent thermal and mechanical control across multiple samples. Unlike single-station units, the SHA-12N implements a distributed electromagnetic drive architecture—each of its 12 stirring positions features an individually optimized coil array beneath a monolithic ceramic-coated aluminum heating plate. This design ensures uniform magnetic field coupling and consistent thermal conduction across all stations, minimizing inter-position variability in both rotational speed and temperature. The instrument operates on the principle of synchronous magnetic coupling: rotating permanent magnets beneath the panel induce torque on PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars immersed in vessels, while resistive heating elements embedded in the plate deliver precise conductive heating. Engineered for reproducibility in method development, QC batch testing, and parallel reaction screening, the SHA-12N supports ambient-to-120 °C operation with ±0.5 °C thermal stability at setpoint (measured at vessel bottom under standard 1 L aqueous load), and maintains speed accuracy within ±1 rpm across its full 100–2000 rpm range.

Key Features

• 12 independent stirring positions with identical magnetic field strength and thermal profile—validated for ±0.3 °C inter-position temperature deviation and ±0.5 rpm speed consistency at nominal settings.
• Ceramic-coated aluminum top plate (445 × 445 mm) offering exceptional chemical resistance against common solvents, acids, and bases—tested per ISO 2812-2 for coating integrity after 72-h exposure to 10% HCl, 10% NaOH, and acetone.
• Dual digital LED display showing real-time speed (rpm) and plate temperature (°C) with 1-rpm and 0.1-°C resolution—enabling traceable parameter logging during method execution.
• Brushless DC motor system delivering low-vibration, maintenance-free operation with >20,000-hour rated service life and no carbon dust generation—critical for cleanroom-adjacent or particulate-sensitive environments.
• Integrated overtemperature protection with automatic cut-off at 130 °C and visual/audible alert—compliant with IEC 61010-1:2010 Clause 11.3 for Class II equipment safety.
• Universal voltage input (110/115/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz) and IP42-rated enclosure enabling deployment across global laboratory infrastructures without external transformers or enclosures.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHA-12N accommodates standard laboratory glassware including 50–2000 mL beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, and cylindrical reaction vessels up to 85 mm diameter. Stir bar compatibility spans 25–35 mm lengths with recommended magnetization ≥3000 G for reliable coupling under viscous or high-density media. The unit meets essential regulatory prerequisites for routine lab instrumentation: conformity with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), EMC compliance per IEC 61326-1 (emission and immunity), and RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, its dual-display interface, non-volatile parameter memory, and stable thermal-mechanical output support alignment with GLP documentation practices—including audit-ready setup records and operator-defined SOP adherence.

Software & Data Management

The SHA-12N operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All operational parameters are set and monitored locally via front-panel controls and LED readouts. For laboratories implementing electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS integration, the unit’s stable, repeatable behavior enables manual entry of validated setpoints into audit-trail-enabled platforms. Optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (sold separately) permit basic ASCII command polling (e.g., “GET_TEMP”, “GET_RPM”) for custom script-based logging—though no native driver or FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signature capability is provided. Parameter retention persists through power cycles, supporting continuity in multi-shift operations.

Applications

• Parallel dissolution testing of pharmaceutical tablets across USP Apparatus 2 conditions (pH-adjusted buffers, 37 °C, defined agitation).
• Multi-vessel catalyst screening in homogeneous catalysis research—maintaining identical T and rpm across 12 ligand-metal combinations.
• QC batch verification of buffer preparation consistency (e.g., PBS, Tris-HCl) where pH drift correlates with mixing efficiency and thermal homogeneity.
• Environmental sample digestion protocols requiring simultaneous heating/stirring of soil or water extracts in acid matrices.
• Materials science precursor mixing for sol-gel synthesis—where nanoparticle nucleation kinetics depend critically on localized shear rate and thermal history.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended vessel height for reliable stirring performance?
Vessels up to 150 mm tall are supported when using 35 mm stir bars; optimal vortex formation occurs at liquid depths of 40–90 mm.
Can the SHA-12N be used under a fume hood with continuous operation?
Yes—its brushless motor and ceramic-coated surface eliminate outgassing risks; ambient airflow does not affect thermal calibration if hood face velocity remains <0.5 m/s.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
No factory calibration certificate is supplied by default; however, the unit includes traceable NIST-traceable reference points for user-performed verification using Class A PT100 probes.
Does the instrument support ramp-and-hold temperature programming?
No—the SHA-12N provides only static setpoint control; for programmable thermal profiles, consider the GLTLab SHA-12P series with PID-based ramping firmware.
What maintenance is required to sustain long-term accuracy?
Annual verification of speed (using optical tachometer) and plate temperature (with calibrated surface probe) is recommended; no internal lubrication or coil adjustment is necessary due to solid-state design.