IKA RH digital Digital Heating Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RH digital is a precision-engineered digital heating magnetic stirrer designed for routine and demanding laboratory applications requiring simultaneous temperature control and homogeneous mixing. Based on the Couette flow principle, it employs a rotating magnetic field beneath a thermally conductive stainless steel–copper composite plate to drive magnetic stir bars within vessels—enabling contactless torque transmission while maintaining thermal stability and mechanical robustness. Unlike basic analog units, the RH digital integrates digital speed and temperature regulation with independent safety-critical thermal circuitry, making it suitable for extended unattended operation in QC labs, synthesis workflows, and method development environments compliant with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 frameworks.

Key Features

• Digital dual-control interface with LED display for simultaneous real-time monitoring of setpoint and actual values for both speed (rpm) and plate temperature (°C)
• Stainless steel 1.4301 heating plate with integrated copper sublayer for uniform heat distribution and rapid thermal response (6 K/min heating rate for 1 L water)
• 600 W high-power heating output, enabling efficient temperature ramping up to 320 °C—ideal for viscous media, solvent reflux, or polymer dissolution protocols
• Independent adjustable safety temperature circuit (100–360 °C), physically isolated from the main control loop, meeting DIN EN 60529 IP21 requirements for protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects ≥12.5 mm
• Speed range of 100–2000 rpm with ±50 rpm setting resolution, optimized for reproducible agitation across low- to medium-viscosity samples (e.g., aqueous buffers, organic solutions, emulsions)
• ETS-D5 external temperature sensor port supporting Pt100-based contact probes for accurate sample-core temperature feedback—critical for USP compounding or ASTM D445 viscosity calibration setups

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RH digital accommodates standard laboratory glassware including beakers (up to 2 L), round-bottom flasks (up to 3 L), and custom reaction vessels—provided magnetic stir bars are appropriately sized (RS1 accessory set includes 10 stir bars ranging from 10 × 3 mm to 40 × 8 mm). Its 15 L maximum stirring capacity (in water) reflects performance under laminar-to-transitional flow conditions; actual volumetric limits depend on medium viscosity, vessel geometry, and required homogeneity. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and supports audit-ready documentation when used with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant LIMS-integrated software platforms (via optional RS232 or USB data logging modules).

Software & Data Management

While the RH digital operates as a standalone instrument, its ETS-D5 interface and analog output signals enable integration into centralized lab automation systems. When paired with IKA LabWorld software (via optional USB adapter), users can log time-stamped speed/temperature profiles, export CSV-formatted datasets for statistical process control (SPC), and generate electronic records traceable to operator ID and timestamp—facilitating compliance with GMP Annex 11 and ISO 13485 quality system requirements. All parameter changes are recorded with date/time stamps and user identifiers where authentication is enabled.

Applications

• Buffer and reagent preparation in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics labs
• Solvent-assisted crystallization studies requiring precise thermal ramping and nucleation control
• Catalyst suspension and heterogeneous reaction mixing in organic synthesis
• Calibration of viscometers and density meters using thermostated reference fluids
• Stability testing of pharmaceutical suspensions per ICH Q5C guidelines
• Preparation of nanoparticle dispersions where shear-sensitive aggregation must be minimized via controlled rpm ramping

FAQ

Can the RH digital maintain temperature accuracy at the sample core?
Yes—when used with an ETS-D5 Pt100 probe immersed directly in the sample, the system regulates plate power based on actual solution temperature rather than surface reading, achieving typical deviations ≤±1.5 °C across the 50–320 °C range.
Is the unit suitable for use with corrosive solvents like concentrated acids or halogenated organics?
The stainless steel 1.4301 plate offers good resistance to mild corrosion; however, prolonged exposure to aggressive media (e.g., aqua regia, fuming nitric acid) requires chemical-resistant stir bars and secondary containment—consult IKA’s Chemical Compatibility Guide before deployment.
Does the RH digital support protocol recall or multi-step programming?
No—the RH digital is a single-setpoint instrument without onboard program memory; for multi-stage thermal/mixing sequences, integration with external programmable controllers or LabWorld software is recommended.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term calibration stability?
Annual verification using NIST-traceable temperature and tachometer standards is advised; cleaning the plate surface with non-abrasive ethanol wipes after each use prevents residue buildup that may impair thermal coupling.