HsiangTai BT-400HD High-Torque Brushless DC Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | HsiangTai |
|---|---|
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Model | BT-400HD |
| Max. Mixing Volume | 20 L |
| Speed Range | 0–4000 rpm |
| Torque | 7.5 kgf·cm (0.74 N·m) |
| Motor Type | Brushless DC |
| Power Supply | AC 110/220 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Timer Range | 0–99 h 59 min (digital display) |
| Dimensions (W×L×H) | 122 × 250 × 278 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 kg |
| Safety Features | Overload protection, thermal cutoff, fuse protection |
| Torque Display | Dual-mode — 5-step LED bar (20%/40%/60%/80%/100%) + digital numeric readout |
| Shaft Design | Hollow stainless steel shaft with vertical adjustment |
| Clamp Capacity | Accepts stir rods ≤ Ø10 mm |
| Optional Accessories | Spring-loaded lift assembly, stainless steel paddle impellers (e.g., No.15, Ø80 mm), support stands, base plates |
Overview
The HsiangTai BT-400HD is a high-torque, brushless DC-powered mechanical stirrer engineered for demanding laboratory mixing and dispersion tasks requiring stable rotational control across variable viscosity regimes. Unlike conventional AC-motor stirrers, its brushless DC motor delivers consistent torque output without commutator wear, enabling extended operational life and precise speed regulation under load fluctuations. The device operates on the principle of direct-drive rotary motion transmission via a hollow stainless steel shaft—designed to accommodate vertically adjustable stir rods up to Ø10 mm—ensuring mechanical stability during high-viscosity blending (e.g., polymer solutions, suspensions, or viscous emulsions). With a maximum rated torque of 0.74 N·m and a speed range of 0–4000 rpm, the BT-400HD supports reproducible agitation in vessels up to 20 L, making it suitable for R&D-scale formulation development, QC sample homogenization, and preparative chemistry workflows where torque compensation and speed retention are critical.
Key Features
- Brushless DC motor delivering high efficiency, low electromagnetic interference, and maintenance-free operation over extended duty cycles.
- Dual-mode torque monitoring system: simultaneous 5-segment LED bar indicator (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%) and real-time digital torque readout (in kgf·cm or N·m units) for process transparency and method validation.
- Intelligent torque compensation algorithm automatically adjusts power delivery when viscosity changes occur, maintaining set speed within ±2% deviation—essential for non-Newtonian fluid handling.
- Digital timer with 1-second resolution, programmable from 0 to 99 hours 59 minutes; retains settings after power interruption.
- Hollow stainless steel shaft with micrometer-style vertical adjustment mechanism for precise immersion depth control and optimal shear profile optimization.
- Integrated safety architecture: dual-stage thermal cutoff, electronic overload detection, and replaceable fuse—compliant with IEC 61010-1 Class II requirements for laboratory electrical equipment.
- Universal voltage input (AC 110/220 V, 50/60 Hz) enables global deployment without external transformers.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BT-400HD accommodates standard laboratory glassware including beakers, flasks, and jacketed reactors (up to 20 L volume). Its Ø10 mm universal clamp accepts common stir rods (e.g., PTFE-coated, glass, or stainless steel) and optional impellers such as the No.15 flat-blade paddle (Ø80 mm), supporting laminar-to-turbulent transition studies. The unit meets CE marking requirements per EN 61326-1 (EMC) and EN 61010-1 (safety). While not intrinsically rated for hazardous area use, its robust enclosure design and isolation safeguards make it appropriate for general-purpose wet chemistry labs operating under GLP-aligned quality systems. It supports traceable operation when integrated with validated SOPs referencing ASTM D1893 (standard test method for viscosity of asphaltic materials using rotational viscometers) or ISO 3219 (polymer solution rheology standards).
Software & Data Management
The BT-400HD operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded microcontroller-based data logging or PC interface. All operational parameters—including speed, torque percentage, elapsed time, and fault status—are displayed locally via high-contrast LED indicators. For audit-trail compliance in regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical manufacturing under FDA 21 CFR Part 11), users must implement external documentation protocols: manual entry into lab notebooks, integration with LIMS via analog/digital signal outputs (optional add-on modules available separately), or synchronization with time-stamped video recording systems during critical mixing steps. Firmware updates are not applicable; hardware revisions follow formal change control procedures documented in HsiangTai’s Technical Bulletin TB-BT400HD-R3.
Applications
- Homogenization of high-viscosity polymer melts and thermoplastic formulations prior to rheological testing or extrusion trials.
- Preparation of uniform colloidal suspensions (e.g., TiO₂ in aqueous media) for particle size analysis or coating development.
- Controlled dissolution testing of solid dosage forms in USP Apparatus II (paddle) configurations when mounted on compatible bath platforms.
- Emulsion stabilization studies involving phase inversion temperature (PIT) protocols requiring precise thermal–mechanical coupling (when used with external temperature-controlled baths).
- Batch-wise reagent mixing in analytical sample preparation workflows where repeatability and absence of metallic contamination are essential.
FAQ
Does the BT-400HD support RS-232 or USB connectivity for remote control?
No. The BT-400HD is a manually operated benchtop unit without serial or digital communication ports. Remote triggering requires third-party relay interfacing.
Can the unit operate continuously for 24 hours?
Yes—provided ambient temperature remains below 35°C and the load does not exceed 85% of maximum torque for extended periods. Thermal protection will activate if internal coil temperature exceeds 90°C.
Is the stainless steel shaft corrosion-resistant in acidic or alkaline solutions?
The shaft is made of AISI 304 stainless steel, offering good resistance to mild acids and alkalis at room temperature. For aggressive media (e.g., concentrated HCl or NaOH >10%), use PTFE-sheathed stir rods and avoid direct shaft immersion.
What calibration documentation is provided with the instrument?
A factory-verified performance certificate is included, listing speed accuracy (±15 rpm at full scale), torque linearity (±3% FS), and timer deviation (±0.5 sec/hour). NIST-traceable calibration is available upon request as a paid service.
Are replacement fuses and brushes required for routine maintenance?
No brushes are present due to the brushless motor design. Only the 3.15 A slow-blow fuse (type GMA) requires periodic replacement in case of electrical fault—no scheduled maintenance intervals apply.
