IKA RH basic Magnetic Stirrer with Heating

Overview

The IKA RH basic Magnetic Stirrer with Integrated Heating is a compact, robust benchtop instrument engineered for precision mixing and temperature-controlled sample conditioning in routine laboratory workflows. It operates on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath the ceramic-coated stainless steel heating plate induces synchronous rotation of a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample. Heat transfer occurs via conduction through the composite (stainless steel 1.4301 + copper) plate, optimized for rapid thermal response and uniform surface temperature distribution. Designed for reproducibility and long-term stability, the RH basic meets DIN 12878 specifications for heating sleeves and supports external temperature feedback via the ETS-D5 interface—enabling closed-loop control when paired with immersion sensors. Its 2 W brushless motor delivers consistent torque across the full speed range, while the analog control architecture ensures operational simplicity without software dependency.

Key Features

• Stainless steel 1.4301 heating plate with copper sublayer for enhanced thermal conductivity and mechanical durability
• Analog speed control via calibrated rotary knob (100–2000 rpm), with mechanical speed indication via fixed scale
• Independent analog temperature control (50–320 °C) with coarse setting dial and integrated overtemperature safety circuit (adjustable 100–360 °C)
• DIN 12878-compliant heating sleeve interface for integration with contact thermometers (e.g., ETS-D5)
• External Pt100 sensor input for direct sample temperature monitoring and feedback-driven thermal regulation
• Gradual motor start-up to prevent splashing and ensure stable stir bar engagement
• M10 threaded mounting hole on base for secure attachment of support rods or clamping systems
• IP21-rated enclosure suitable for standard laboratory environments (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RH basic accommodates vessels up to 15 L volume (water-equivalent), compatible with glass, stainless steel, and PTFE-lined containers. Stir bar length support spans 20–80 mm, enabling effective mixing across low- to medium-viscosity liquids—including aqueous solutions, organic solvents, buffer systems, and silicone oils (e.g., M50 in H1500 vessels). Its design conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP21) for protection against vertically falling solid objects and limited ingress of moisture. The heating system complies with DIN 12878 for standardized thermal interfaces, facilitating traceable calibration practices under GLP conditions. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant due to its analog control architecture, the device supports audit-ready documentation when used with validated external temperature loggers and manual SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The RH basic operates as a standalone analog instrument with no embedded firmware, touchscreen, or digital connectivity. All parameter settings—speed and temperature—are manually adjusted and visually indicated via fixed-scale dials. This architecture eliminates software validation requirements and reduces failure modes associated with microprocessor-based controllers. For laboratories requiring electronic data capture, the ETS-D5 sensor interface enables connection to external data loggers or SCADA systems capable of reading Pt100 resistance values. Temperature and speed logs must be recorded manually or via third-party hardware; no internal memory or USB export functionality is provided. This design prioritizes reliability, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with legacy lab infrastructure.

Applications

• Buffer preparation and pH adjustment in molecular biology and cell culture workflows
• Solubilization and homogenization of reagents in analytical chemistry sample prep
• Controlled heating and stirring during titration, crystallization, or polymer dissolution studies
• Pre-incubation of enzymatic reaction mixtures prior to kinetic assays
• Supporting ASTM D2196 and ISO 2557-2 viscosity sample conditioning protocols
• General-purpose mixing in QA/QC labs where GxP documentation relies on operator-recorded parameters

FAQ

Does the RH basic support digital communication protocols such as RS232 or USB?
No. The RH basic is an analog-only instrument with no digital interface, firmware, or data output capability.
Can it maintain temperature setpoints with ±0.5 °C accuracy?
Accuracy depends on sensor placement and vessel geometry; with an immersed Pt100 sensor and proper calibration, typical deviation is ±1.5 °C under steady-state conditions in 1 L water.
Is the heating plate resistant to strong acids or halogenated solvents?
The stainless steel 1.4301 surface offers good general corrosion resistance but is not chemically inert—direct exposure to concentrated HCl, HF, or brominated solvents should be avoided.
What is the expected service life of the motor under continuous operation?
Rated for >20,000 hours at nominal load; brushless construction eliminates wear-related maintenance intervals.
Does IKA provide factory calibration certificates for this model?
Calibration documentation is available upon request as an optional add-on service—not included standard with shipment.