GLTLab SHA-15N 15-Position Digital Programmable Heating Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The GLTLab SHA-15N is a high-density, digitally controlled 15-position heating magnetic stirrer engineered for reproducible, parallel sample processing in quality control laboratories, pharmaceutical development, and academic research settings. It operates on the principle of magnetic coupling—where rotating permanent magnets beneath the ceramic-coated aluminum plate induce synchronous rotation of PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars immersed in vessels—enabling contactless, low-shear mixing across all 15 positions simultaneously. Unlike analog or single-station units, the SHA-15N integrates independent digital speed and temperature regulation per channel via microprocessor-based feedback control, eliminating cross-channel drift and ensuring uniform thermal and hydrodynamic conditions essential for comparative kinetic studies, dissolution testing, or buffer equilibration protocols.

Key Features

• Fifteen independently controllable stirring zones arranged in a compact 3×5 grid, each supporting up to 2 L volume with consistent torque delivery across the full 100–2000 rpm range
• Ceramic-coated aluminum heating plate (345 × 645 mm) offering exceptional thermal uniformity (±2.5 °C at 100 °C), chemical resistance to common solvents and acids, and long-term surface integrity under repeated thermal cycling
• Brushless DC motor architecture delivering maintenance-free operation, silent performance (<45 dB(A)), and stable speed control with resolution of 1 rpm and repeatability better than ±1% of setpoint
• Dual LED display showing real-time speed and temperature for both master setpoint and active monitoring—no menu navigation required for routine operation
• Programmable heating ramp rate (~5 °C/min) and overtemperature cut-off safeguard (125 °C hardware limit) compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory equipment
• RS-485 interface with Modbus RTU protocol support enables integration into centralized lab automation systems, LIMS, or programmable logic controllers for scheduled or event-triggered operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHA-15N accommodates standard laboratory glassware including beakers (50–2000 mL), Erlenmeyer flasks, and cylindrical reaction vessels. Stir bar compatibility spans 25–35 mm lengths with diameters from 4–8 mm—optimized for viscosity ranges up to 10,000 mPa·s (water-glycerol mixtures). The unit meets EN 61326-1 (EMC for laboratory use) and carries CE marking. Its design supports GLP-compliant workflows: dual digital displays eliminate manual transcription errors; optional timer function provides auditable start/stop timestamps; and when paired with external data loggers, it satisfies traceability requirements aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records.

Software & Data Management

While the SHA-15N operates as a standalone instrument, its RS-485 port allows bidirectional communication with host software for remote parameter setting, real-time data streaming (speed, temp, status), and alarm logging. Compatible with LabVIEW™, Python (PySerial), and MATLAB® environments, it supports script-driven batch protocols—e.g., “ramp to 85 °C at 3 °C/min, hold 15 min, then reduce to 25 °C at 2 °C/min while maintaining 600 rpm.” Audit trails generated by connected systems can include operator ID, timestamp, and parameter change history—critical for regulated environments requiring full process documentation.

Applications

• Parallel dissolution testing of solid dosage forms under USP and Ph. Eur. 2.9.3 conditions
• Buffer preparation and pH equilibration across multi-well assay plates in biologics QC labs
• Accelerated stability studies requiring identical thermal-mechanical stress profiles across replicates
• Synthesis pre-conditioning of catalyst slurries prior to flow chemistry injection
• Environmental sample digestion (EPA Method 3050B) with simultaneous heating/stirring of 15 acid-treated matrices
• Cell culture media warming and homogenization prior to sterile filtration

FAQ

Is the SHA-15N compatible with corrosive reagents such as concentrated HCl or NaOH solutions?

Yes—the ceramic coating on the aluminum plate exhibits high resistance to short-term exposure to 1 M aqueous acids and bases. For prolonged use, we recommend placing borosilicate glass inserts between vessel and plate.
Can individual positions be deactivated without affecting others?

Yes. Each of the 15 positions has independent on/off control via front-panel keys or Modbus command, enabling selective activation for partial-load experiments.
Does the unit support calibration verification per ISO/IEC 17025?

The SHA-15N includes built-in self-diagnostics and supports external verification using NIST-traceable RPM and temperature probes. Calibration certificates are available upon request.
What is the maximum ambient temperature for continuous operation?

Rated for uninterrupted duty at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C with relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing, provided minimum 10 cm rear clearance is maintained for convection cooling.
Is firmware update capability available?

Firmware updates are delivered via USB-to-RS485 adapter and executed through GLTLab’s proprietary configuration utility—version history and update logs are retained for audit purposes.