IKA RH basic Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RH basic Magnetic Stirrer is an entry-level yet robust benchtop instrument engineered for reliable, repeatable heating and stirring of laboratory samples in chemical synthesis, quality control, and preparative workflows. Based on the well-established Couette flow principle, it employs a rotating magnetic field generated by a high-torque permanent magnet drive beneath a thermally conductive stainless steel–copper composite heating plate to rotate magnetic stir bars within vessels. Its design conforms to DIN 12878 for compatibility with standardized contact temperature probes (e.g., ETS-D5), enabling external sensor feedback for precise closed-loop thermal regulation—critical for reaction reproducibility and method transfer across GLP-compliant environments.

Key Features

• High-efficiency heating system delivering up to 600 W output, ensuring rapid thermal response—achieving ~6 K/min heating rate for 1 L water under standard conditions.
• DIN 12878-compliant heating plate (Ø135 mm, material grade 1.4301 stainless steel with copper sublayer) optimized for uniform heat distribution and mechanical durability.
• Adjustable safety temperature limit (100–360 °C) with independent hardware-based cutoff, providing fail-safe thermal protection independent of controller logic.
• Smooth motor start-up sequence minimizes initial torque shock, reducing risk of stir bar ejection or vessel displacement during startup.
• M10 threaded mounting hole integrated into base for secure attachment of support rods—essential for stable overhead accessory integration (e.g., condensers, pH electrodes).
• Wide speed range (100–2000 rpm) combined with strong magnetic coupling enables effective agitation of viscous media and large-volume batches up to 15 L (H₂O equivalent).
• Compact footprint (160 × 100 × 250 mm) and lightweight construction (2.8 kg) facilitate flexible placement in fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, or shared lab benches.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RH basic accommodates standard laboratory glassware—including beakers, flasks, and crystallization dishes—up to 15 L capacity when used with appropriately sized stir bars (max. 80 mm length). Its IP21 ingress protection rating meets DIN EN 60529 requirements for limited protection against vertically falling solid objects and dripping water, suitable for general-purpose dry-lab use. While not equipped with digital communication interfaces (RS232/USB), its analog thermal control architecture supports traceable operation under ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM E2915 guidelines when paired with calibrated external sensors. The device operates within defined environmental limits (5–40 °C ambient, ≤80 % RH), ensuring long-term stability of both motor performance and thermal calibration.

Software & Data Management

The RH basic is a standalone analog-controlled instrument without embedded software, data logging, or network connectivity. Temperature and speed settings are adjusted via calibrated mechanical dials; no firmware, drivers, or PC-based configuration tools are required. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity concerns and ensures uninterrupted operation in regulated settings where validation of digital systems would otherwise necessitate extensive documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11. Users relying on electronic recordkeeping may integrate the unit into broader workflows using externally validated data acquisition systems connected via the ETS-D5 interface for real-time temperature monitoring and archival.

Applications

• Controlled heating and homogenization of reagent solutions prior to titration or spectroscopic analysis.
• Supporting reflux and distillation setups where consistent thermal input and mechanical agitation are prerequisites.
• Preparation of culture media, buffer solutions, and polymer dispersions requiring uniform thermal history.
• Method development in pharmaceutical QC labs where thermal ramp profiles must be reproducible across equipment generations.
• Teaching laboratories emphasizing fundamental principles of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and instrumentation safety protocols.

FAQ

Does the RH basic support external temperature probe feedback for PID control?
Yes—it features a dedicated ETS-D5 interface that accepts certified contact temperature sensors, enabling sensor-based temperature regulation with ±1 K accuracy.
Is the heating plate surface chemically resistant?
The 1.4301 stainless steel surface offers good resistance to common laboratory solvents and aqueous solutions but is not resistant to halogenated acids or molten alkalis; prolonged exposure to aggressive agents may compromise passive oxide layer integrity.
Can the unit operate continuously for extended periods?
Yes—the RH basic is rated for unattended intermittent operation under specified ambient conditions; however, continuous maximum-power heating (>300 °C) for >4 hours is not recommended without periodic thermal duty-cycle assessment.
What stir bar size is optimal for 15 L volume?
For efficient mixing at full capacity, a dual stir bar configuration (e.g., two 60–80 mm elliptical bars) is recommended to maintain vortex symmetry and avoid dead zones in tall-form vessels.
Does IKA provide calibration certificates or IQ/OQ documentation?
As a Class A general-purpose instrument, the RH basic ships with factory verification data; formal IQ/OQ protocols and accredited calibration certificates are available upon request through authorized IKA service partners.