IKA RH basic Economical Heated Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RH basic is an economical yet rigorously engineered heated magnetic stirrer designed for routine laboratory applications requiring reliable thermal control and consistent mechanical agitation. Built upon IKA’s decades-long heritage in precision laboratory motion control, the RH basic employs a permanent magnet drive system coupled with a high-efficiency stainless steel–copper composite heating plate to deliver rapid, uniform heating and stable rotational torque across its full speed range. Its operating principle relies on synchronous rotation of a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample, driven by a rotating magnetic field generated beneath the work surface. The unit integrates passive thermal regulation via a calibrated analog temperature setting dial and supports external temperature feedback when used with compatible contact sensors (e.g., ETS-D5), enabling closed-loop temperature control within ±1 K accuracy under defined conditions. Designed for robust daily use in teaching labs, QC environments, and preparatory workflows, the RH basic meets essential safety and performance benchmarks including DIN 12878 compatibility for standardized heating block integration and compliance with CE directives for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility.

Key Features

• High-power 600 W heating system with stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304) plate and copper sub-layer for rapid thermal response and long-term corrosion resistance
• Analog speed control via precision turning knob, offering continuous adjustment from 100 to 2000 rpm with smooth motor start-up (no abrupt acceleration)
• DIN 12878-compliant heating sleeve interface for seamless connection to external electronic thermometers such as the IKA ETS-D5
• Adjustable safety temperature limit (100–360 °C) to prevent overheating during unattended operation or viscosity shifts
• Sturdy M10 threaded mounting hole on base for secure attachment of support rods and clamping accessories
• Optimized magnetic field geometry supporting stir bars from 20 mm to 80 mm in length, ensuring stable coupling up to 15 L aqueous volume (H₂O, 20 °C)
• Compact footprint (160 × 100 × 250 mm) and lightweight design (2.8 kg) for flexible benchtop deployment
• IP21 ingress protection rating per DIN EN 60529, suitable for standard laboratory environments with controlled humidity (≤80% RH) and ambient temperatures between 5–40 °C

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RH basic is validated for use with low- to medium-viscosity liquids including aqueous solutions, buffers, organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate), and heat-transfer oils up to 50 cSt. It accommodates standard PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bars meeting ISO 8573-1 dimensional guidelines. While not intended for highly viscous polymer melts or abrasive suspensions, it maintains reproducible performance across common preparation tasks such as buffer equilibration, reagent dissolution, and pre-heating prior to analytical injection. The device conforms to DIN 12878 for mechanical and thermal interface specifications, ensuring interoperability with certified temperature probes and auxiliary heating blocks. As a CE-marked instrument, it satisfies EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU requirements. No FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or GLP/GMP audit trail functionality is provided, consistent with its classification as a general-purpose utility instrument.

Software & Data Management

The IKA RH basic operates exclusively via analog controls and does not incorporate digital microprocessor logic, embedded firmware, or data logging capabilities. Consequently, it lacks USB, RS232, or analog output interfaces and does not support software-based parameter programming, remote operation, or electronic record generation. All operational settings—including speed setpoint and temperature dial position—are manually configured and visually indicated via engraved scales. This architecture prioritizes operational simplicity, electrical noise immunity, and long-term reliability over connectivity features. Users seeking traceable temperature profiles or automated protocol execution should consider IKA’s digital counterparts (e.g., RCT basic or RET cordless series), which integrate compliant data handling aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices.

Applications

• Standard solution preparation in pharmaceutical QC labs (e.g., dissolution media conditioning per USP <711>)
• Heating and homogenization of culture media in microbiology workflows
• Pretreatment of samples prior to titration, spectrophotometry, or chromatographic analysis
• Controlled warming of calibration standards and reference materials
• Basic synthesis support in academic organic chemistry laboratories
• Viscosity-independent mixing of low-density emulsions and colloidal dispersions

FAQ

Does the RH basic support external temperature probe feedback for precise control?

Yes — when connected to a compatible DIN 12878-compliant sensor such as the IKA ETS-D5, the unit enables direct-in-medium temperature monitoring and improved thermal stability.
What is the maximum recommended viscosity for reliable stirring at 15 L volume?

For optimal performance at full capacity, dynamic viscosity should remain below 50 mPa·s (e.g., water at 20 °C = 1.0 mPa·s; 50% glycerol/water ≈ 35 mPa·s).
Is the heating plate surface resistant to chemical splashes?

The 1.4301 stainless steel surface offers good resistance to mild acids, bases, and alcohols; however, prolonged exposure to halogenated solvents or strong oxidizers is not advised.
Can the RH basic be operated continuously for extended periods?

Yes — rated for continuous duty under specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH); thermal cut-off and safety limiter provide redundant protection against sustained overload.
Does it meet any international quality management standards?

While not certified to ISO 9001 or ISO/IEC 17025, the RH basic is manufactured in accordance with IKA’s internal quality assurance protocols and bears CE marking confirming conformity with applicable EU harmonized standards.