Leici JB-13 Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The Leici JB-13 Magnetic Stirrer is a compact, benchtop laboratory instrument engineered for precise, low-noise agitation of liquid samples in beakers, flasks, and other standard glassware. It operates on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet or electromagnetic drive beneath the work surface induces rotation in a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample. Unlike mechanical stirrers with exposed shafts or gears, the JB-13 eliminates physical contact between the drive mechanism and the vessel, thereby ensuring contamination-free operation, minimal maintenance, and high operational reliability. Designed specifically for routine mixing tasks in academic teaching labs, QC environments, and small-scale R&D workflows, the JB-13 delivers consistent rotational performance across its full speed range without thermal drift or torque loss. Its lightweight polycarbonate housing and PET control panel contribute to long-term dimensional stability and resistance to common laboratory solvents and cleaning agents.

Key Features

• Brushless electromagnetic drive system ensures zero mechanical wear, extended service life, and near-silent operation at all speeds.
• High-contrast LCD display provides real-time feedback of current rotational speed (rpm), eliminating guesswork during method development or SOP execution.
• Dual-mode stirring: unidirectional rotation for standard homogenization; periodic rotation (forward-reverse cycling) to prevent vortex formation and improve suspension uniformity in viscous or particulate-laden media.
• Bi-directional motor control enables user-selectable clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation—critical for optimizing dissolution kinetics or avoiding asymmetric sedimentation in heterogeneous mixtures.
• Intuitive keypad interface allows fine-grained speed adjustment in discrete increments, supporting both rapid ramp-up and precise endpoint targeting.
• Programmable digital timer (0–999 minutes) supports unattended operation and enhances repeatability in time-sensitive protocols such as reagent aging, enzyme incubation, or buffer equilibration.
• IP65-rated enclosure provides full protection against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets—enabling safe use in wet lab zones, fume hoods, or shared instrumentation areas where splash exposure is routine.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The JB-13 is compatible with standard magnetic stir bars (typically 10–40 mm length, coated in PTFE or glass), and supports vessels up to 1 L capacity when used with appropriately sized stir bars and optimized geometry. While it does not incorporate integrated heating, its non-thermal design makes it suitable for temperature-sensitive applications—including cold-room operations or integration with external chillers or cryostats. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets CE marking requirements for EMC (EN 61326-1) and low-voltage directives. Its construction materials conform to RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. Though not certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations, its sealed architecture supports GLP-aligned documentation practices when deployed within validated laboratory workflows.

Software & Data Management

The JB-13 operates as a standalone hardware device with no embedded firmware update capability or PC connectivity. All operational parameters—including speed setpoint, direction mode, and timer duration—are configured locally via front-panel controls and retained in volatile memory only during active use. No audit trail, data logging, or electronic record functionality is provided, aligning the instrument with basic Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) expectations for non-critical mixing steps. For regulated environments requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, users must implement external procedural controls (e.g., written SOPs, manual log entries, or integration into LIMS-managed task sequences) to ensure traceability of stirring conditions.

Applications

• Routine dissolution testing of pharmaceutical powders and tablets in USP Apparatus II–compatible vessels.
• Preparation of calibration standards and stock solutions in analytical chemistry laboratories.
• Homogenization of cell culture media prior to sterile filtration or dispensing.
• Mixing of polymer precursors, colloidal suspensions, and nanoparticle dispersions where shear sensitivity demands gentle, consistent agitation.
• Supporting titration workflows by maintaining reagent homogeneity during endpoint detection.
• Educational demonstrations of fluid dynamics, viscosity effects, and magnetic field interactions in undergraduate physics and chemistry curricula.

FAQ

Does the JB-13 include a built-in heater?
No. The JB-13 is a non-heating magnetic stirrer. For combined stirring and heating, consider Leici’s compatible hotplate-stirrer models (e.g., JB-50 series).
What is the maximum recommended vessel diameter for stable operation?
For optimal coupling efficiency and minimal wobble, use vessels with flat, non-magnetic bases ≤120 mm in diameter.
Can the timer be paused or reset mid-cycle?
Yes—the timer may be interrupted and reprogrammed at any time using the keypad; elapsed time is not stored upon power interruption.
Is the unit suitable for use with organic solvents?
The PC housing and PET panel exhibit broad chemical resistance; however, prolonged exposure to chlorinated or aromatic solvents (e.g., chloroform, xylene) is not recommended without protective shielding.
Does the JB-13 support RS-232 or USB communication?
No. It is a manually operated instrument with no digital interface or remote control capability.