IKA EUROSTAR 200 digital Overhead Stirrer

Overview

The IKA EUROSTAR 200 digital is a high-performance overhead stirrer engineered for precision, reliability, and long-term stability in demanding laboratory environments. Designed around a brushless DC motor architecture, it eliminates carbon brush wear—ensuring consistent torque delivery, extended service life, and minimal maintenance across continuous operation cycles. Its dual-range speed control (6–400 rpm and 30–2000 rpm) supports both low-shear mixing of sensitive suspensions and high-torque dispersion of viscous media up to 100,000 mPa·s. The microprocessor-controlled closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors actual shaft speed against the setpoint and dynamically adjusts power output to maintain speed constancy—even during viscosity fluctuations or load transients. This real-time regulation is critical for reproducible process development, scale-up studies, and GLP-compliant formulation work where rotational consistency directly impacts reaction kinetics, particle suspension uniformity, and emulsion stability.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor delivering 84 W continuous mechanical output and peak torque of 200 N·cm in low-speed range—optimized for high-viscosity applications including polymer solutions, pastes, and ceramic slurries.
• Dual independent speed ranges (I: 6–400 rpm; II: 30–2000 rpm) selectable via front-panel toggle, enabling precise matching of shear profile to rheological behavior of the sample.
• Stepless speed control with ±1 rpm accuracy above 300 rpm and ±1% below—validated per internal calibration routines traceable to manufacturer standards.
• Hollow stainless-steel stirring shaft (10.3 mm internal diameter) allows insertion of temperature probes, pH electrodes, or sampling needles without interrupting agitation—supporting in situ monitoring during batch reactions.
• Robust die-cast aluminum housing with thermoplastic coating provides mechanical rigidity, thermal dissipation, and resistance to common lab solvents and cleaning agents.
• Integrated safety circuit automatically halts operation upon motor stall, thermal overload, or abnormal current draw—meeting essential requirements of IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and basic functional safety expectations for Class I laboratory equipment.
• IP40-rated enclosure ensures protection against solid objects ≥1 mm; suitable for standard laboratory bench use but not rated for wet or washdown environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EUROSTAR 200 digital accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—from aqueous buffers and organic solvents to non-Newtonian fluids such as xanthan gum solutions, methylcellulose gels, and silicone-based compounds. Its 0.5–10 mm universal hex clamp accepts standard ISO 8573-compatible stirring elements (e.g., propeller, anchor, and helical impellers), while the hollow shaft design facilitates concurrent parameter monitoring. Though not certified for hazardous area use (ATEX/IECEx), the unit complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP40), electromagnetic compatibility directives (2014/30/EU), and low-voltage safety standards (2014/35/EU). It supports audit-ready workflows under GLP and GMP frameworks when integrated into documented SOPs—particularly where speed traceability, operational continuity, and environmental condition logging are required.

Software & Data Management

This model operates as a standalone instrument without digital connectivity (no RS232, USB, or analog output interfaces). All operational parameters—including set speed, real-time status, and error codes—are displayed on the integrated 7-segment LED panel. While no proprietary software or data export capability is included, its stable speed regulation and mechanical repeatability make it compatible with external data acquisition systems via third-party sensors (e.g., torque transducers, inline viscometers) connected through auxiliary signal conditioning hardware. For regulated environments requiring electronic records, users may document settings and runtime manually within LabVantage, Empower, or similar LIMS platforms following ALCOA+ principles.

Applications

• Batch synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates under controlled shear conditions.
• Preparation of homogeneous catalyst suspensions for heterogeneous hydrogenation.
• Mixing of high-solid-content battery electrode slurries prior to coating trials.
• Dispersion of nanomaterials (e.g., graphene oxide, metal oxides) in polymer matrices.
• Long-duration stability testing of cosmetic emulsions and food-grade dressings.
• Environmental sample homogenization for EPA Method 3550C (extraction of semivolatile organics).

FAQ

Does the EUROSTAR 200 digital support external communication protocols?
No. It lacks RS232, USB, or analog output interfaces and functions exclusively as a manually operated, locally controlled device.
Can it operate continuously for 24 hours?
Yes. Rated for 100% duty cycle under ambient conditions of 5–40 °C and ≤80% relative humidity, provided adequate ventilation is maintained around the base housing.
What is the maximum permissible viscosity for sustained operation?
Up to 100,000 mPa·s at low speeds (Range I), assuming appropriate impeller geometry and thermal management of the sample.
Is the hollow shaft compatible with all standard temperature probes?
It accepts any rigid probe with an outer diameter ≤10.3 mm; however, users must verify chemical compatibility and mechanical clearance with their specific sensor model.
Does IKA provide calibration certificates with this unit?
Factory calibration is performed pre-shipment; formal ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration certificates are available separately upon request and subject to additional lead time and cost.