IKA EUROSTAR 20 high speed control Overhead Stirrer

Overview

The IKA EUROSTAR 20 high speed control is a microprocessor-driven overhead stirrer engineered for precision mixing, dispersion, and homogenization tasks in research laboratories, quality control environments, and pilot-scale development workflows. Utilizing a brushless DC motor architecture, it delivers high torque stability across its full speed range (0/150–6000 rpm), enabling consistent shear input for low- to high-viscosity fluids—including polymer solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and viscous reaction media up to 10,000 mPa·s. Its overhead configuration eliminates magnetic coupling limitations and ensures mechanical reliability during extended operation (100 % duty cycle rated), while the integrated temperature monitoring system—based on a calibrated PT1000 sensor compliant with DIN EN 60751 Class A—supports thermally sensitive protocols such as exothermic reaction control or temperature-dependent viscosity profiling.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor with 125 W continuous output power and 20 N·cm maximum torque—designed for low maintenance, silent operation, and long-term rotational stability
• TFT color display with multilingual interface (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese) supporting real-time visualization of speed, torque, temperature, timer, and error codes
• High-resolution speed control with ±1 rpm setting accuracy and traceable measurement deviation (±1 % above 300 rpm; ±3 rpm below)
• Integrated torque trend analysis function—enabling indirect viscosity tracking via torque vs. time curves for process characterization and endpoint detection
• Wireless remote operation via WH 11 controller (up to 150 m line-of-sight range), supporting full parameter adjustment and status monitoring without physical access to the unit
• Dual digital interfaces (RS232 and USB) for bidirectional communication with PCs—enabling automated experiment scripting, parameter logging, firmware updates, and compliance-ready data export
• Programmable timer (1–6000 min) with automatic shutdown and intermittent mode for controlled agitation cycles
• Comprehensive safety architecture including overload protection, thermal cutoff, stall detection, and user-configurable safety lockout

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EUROSTAR 20 accommodates standard laboratory vessels from 50 mL beakers to 20 L reactors, compatible with glass, stainless steel, and chemically resistant polymer containers. Its modular shaft and clamp system supports interchangeable impellers (e.g., paddle, propeller, anchor, and dissolver types) and custom geometries. The device conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission), IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), and IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use). Temperature measurement meets DIN EN 60751 Class A specifications, ensuring metrological traceability for GLP and ISO/IEC 17025-aligned workflows. Optional integration with LabX or custom LIMS platforms supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when paired with validated software configurations.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and instrument control are supported through IKA’s proprietary Labworldsoft software (v5.0+), which provides real-time graphing of speed, torque, temperature, and time; customizable protocol templates; and CSV/Excel export with timestamped metadata. All parameters—including setpoints, measured values, alarms, and system events—are logged with millisecond resolution and stored locally or streamed to network drives. Firmware updates are performed securely via USB or RS232, with version rollback capability and cryptographic signature verification. For regulated environments, optional electronic signature modules and user role-based access control (admin/operator/auditor) can be deployed to satisfy GMP and FDA audit requirements.

Applications

• Kinetic studies requiring precise shear rate control in catalytic reactions or enzymatic hydrolysis
• Preparation of nanosuspensions and colloidal dispersions where particle agglomeration must be minimized via controlled energy input
• Viscosity mapping of thermosetting resins during cure profiling (combined with external oven or jacketed vessel)
• Batch consistency validation in pharmaceutical excipient blending and suspension formulation
• Method development for ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) or ISO 2555 (aqueous polymer solutions) using torque-derived rheological surrogates
• Long-duration stability testing under constant agitation at elevated temperatures (e.g., accelerated aging of emulsions)

FAQ

What is the maximum permissible viscosity for continuous operation?
The EUROSTAR 20 is rated for continuous stirring of media up to 10,000 mPa·s at speeds ≥300 rpm, provided ambient temperature remains within 5–40 °C and cooling airflow is unobstructed.
Can the unit operate in inert or vacuum environments?
The base unit is not rated for vacuum or explosive atmospheres (ATEX); however, the motor housing is IP40-rated for dust resistance, and shaft sealing compatibility with glovebox feedthroughs can be evaluated case-by-case with IKA Engineering Support.
Is temperature calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—the PT1000 sensor is supplied with individual calibration certificate referencing DIN EN 60751 Class A tolerances, and field recalibration is supported using certified reference baths per ISO/IEC 17025 procedures.
How is firmware updated, and is version history retained?
Firmware updates are performed via USB or RS232 using signed binaries; the device logs all update events (date, version, operator ID) in non-volatile memory, accessible via Labworldsoft or direct serial query.
Does the wireless controller require pairing or battery replacement?
The WH 11 controller operates on two AA batteries (typical lifespan: 12 months at moderate use) and pairs automatically upon power-up—no manual pairing or driver installation is required.