IKA EUROSTAR 60 control Overhead Stirrer

Overview

The IKA EUROSTAR 60 control is a high-performance overhead stirrer engineered for precision mixing and dispersion tasks in research laboratories, quality control environments, and pilot-scale process development. Designed around a brushless DC motor architecture, it eliminates carbon brush wear, ensuring long-term speed stability, low maintenance, and consistent torque delivery across its full operational range (30–2000 rpm). Its core measurement principle relies on real-time digital torque sensing combined with closed-loop speed regulation—enabling accurate rheological characterization of non-Newtonian fluids under controlled shear conditions. The unit integrates direct shaft torque monitoring (±6 N·cm deviation), programmable timing (1–6000 min), and optional temperature feedback via a calibrated PT1000 sensor (Class A per DIN EN 60751), supporting thermally coupled mixing protocols essential for polymer dissolution, catalyst activation, or crystallization studies.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor delivering 131 W mechanical output power and up to 60 N·cm maximum torque—optimized for high-viscosity applications up to 50,000 mPa·s
• Infinitely variable electronic speed control with ±1 rpm setting resolution and traceable speed accuracy (±1 % above 300 rpm)
• Hollow stainless-steel stirring shaft (11 mm internal diameter) permitting insertion of temperature probes or pH electrodes during stationary operation
• Integrated multilingual TFT display showing real-time values for speed, torque, temperature, and elapsed time—with error code diagnostics for rapid troubleshooting
• RS232 and USB interfaces enabling bidirectional communication with LIMS or laboratory automation platforms; supports GLP-compliant data export and remote parameter scripting
• Robust cast-aluminum housing with thermoplastic coating rated IP40 (DIN EN 60529); designed for continuous 100 % duty cycle operation within ambient conditions of 5–40 °C and ≤80 % RH
• Wireless control capability via included WH 11 handheld unit (operational range up to 150 m line-of-sight), allowing safe operation in fume hoods or behind safety shields

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EUROSTAR 60 control accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—from low-viscosity aqueous solutions to highly structured gels, pastes, and molten polymers—using standard anchor, paddle, or propeller impellers clamped within the 0.5–10 mm collet. Its hollow shaft design enables simultaneous thermal monitoring without compromising mechanical integrity. The system complies with key international standards including DIN EN 60751 (RTD accuracy), DIN EN 60529 (IP40 ingress protection), and IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions). When paired with validated temperature sensors and configured with audit-trail-enabled software, it meets foundational requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness in regulated GMP/GLP workflows.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and instrument control are supported through IKA’s proprietary labworldsoft® platform (v5.0+), which provides secure user-level access control, electronic signature support, and automated generation of timestamped CSV or PDF reports—including torque vs. time trends, speed profiles, and temperature correlation plots. All measurements—including torque transients during viscosity ramp tests—are sampled at ≥10 Hz and stored with metadata (operator ID, method name, ambient conditions). USB and RS232 outputs allow integration into enterprise-wide data systems compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation traceability requirements.

Applications

• Controlled-rate emulsification of pharmaceutical suspensions and topical formulations
• High-shear dispersion of nanomaterials in solvent-based media
• Thermally monitored polymerization reactions requiring precise agitation-torque feedback
• Batch homogenization of food-grade viscous matrices (e.g., sauces, dairy concentrates)
• Accelerated stability testing under defined shear and thermal stress profiles
• Method development for ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) and ISO 2557 (plasticizer migration in PVC compounds)

FAQ

What is the maximum permissible viscosity for continuous operation?
The EUROSTAR 60 control is rated for continuous operation with media up to 50,000 mPa·s at 20 °C when using appropriately sized impellers and maintaining adequate heat dissipation.
Can the unit be integrated into a networked laboratory infrastructure?
Yes—via RS232 or USB, it supports ASCII command protocol for remote start/stop, parameter upload/download, and real-time data streaming to central servers or SCADA systems.
Is the PT1000 temperature sensor supplied with calibration certificate?
The included H 67.60 sensor meets DIN EN 60751 Class A tolerances; a manufacturer’s calibration certificate is provided as standard, with optional UKAS-accredited certification available upon request.
Does the stirrer support automatic ramp-and-hold speed programming?
Yes—up to 10 user-defined speed ramps with dwell times can be programmed directly on the device or via labworldsoft®, including torque-triggered pause functions.
What safety mechanisms prevent motor damage during overload?
The system features dual-stage electronic overload protection: instantaneous current limiting (<10 ms response) and thermal cutoff with automatic cooldown recovery—both logged in the internal event history.