Titan MS-0517 Economic Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The Titan MS-0517 Economic Magnetic Stirrer is a compact, benchtop laboratory instrument engineered for reliable and consistent mixing of low-to-medium viscosity liquids in research, quality control, and teaching laboratories. It operates on the principle of magnetic coupling: a rotating permanent magnet or electromagnetic drive beneath the work surface induces synchronous rotation of a PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample vessel. This non-contact method eliminates mechanical shaft seals, minimizing contamination risk and enabling operation under sealed or inert-atmosphere conditions. Designed for routine applications—including buffer preparation, reagent dissolution, homogeneous suspension formation, and gentle heating-assisted mixing—the MS-0517 delivers stable rotational performance across its full speed range without significant torque drop at higher setpoints. Its thermally stable ceramic-coated plate supports safe, uniform heat distribution when used with optional integrated heating (note: the base MS-0517 model is non-heating; heating variants are available separately under distinct model numbers).

Key Features

• Robust DC motor-driven magnetic drive system ensuring long-term operational stability and low maintenance requirements
• Precise analog speed control via calibrated rotary dial, offering repeatable setpoint selection from 150 to 2500 rpm in fine increments
• Chemically resistant ceramic top plate (Al₂O₃-based) rated for continuous use up to 300 °C surface temperature—compatible with standard borosilicate glassware and common lab solvents
• Compact footprint (140 × 120 × 85 mm) optimized for crowded fume hoods and shared bench spaces
• Integrated anti-slip silicone feet and reinforced ABS housing for vibration damping and mechanical durability
• No external power supply required—operates directly from 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz mains with internal wide-range switching power conversion

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MS-0517 accommodates standard cylindrical and conical vessels ranging from 10 mL test tubes to 5 L beakers or Erlenmeyer flasks, provided appropriate stir bar geometry (e.g., cross-shaped or oval bars) and size (typically 20–50 mm length) are selected for optimal vortex formation and radial flow. It is compatible with aqueous solutions, organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, chloroform), and mild acidic or basic media—subject to chemical resistance limits of the stir bar coating. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 Ed.3 for hazardous area use, the unit complies with general safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment per GB 4793.1–2007 (equivalent to IEC 61010-1:2010). It supports GLP-aligned documentation practices through manual log entry of operating parameters (speed, duration, vessel type); however, it does not incorporate electronic audit trail or user authentication features.

Software & Data Management

The Titan MS-0517 is a standalone, manually operated instrument with no embedded microprocessor, digital display, or connectivity interfaces (e.g., USB, RS-232, Bluetooth). All operational parameters are set and monitored visually via the analog speed dial and mechanical indicator needle. Consequently, no proprietary software, firmware updates, or data export functionality is provided. Users maintain process records externally—via laboratory notebooks, LIMS entries, or spreadsheet logs—recording speed setting, runtime, vessel volume, and observed mixing behavior. This design prioritizes simplicity, reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility in environments where digital interference must be minimized (e.g., near NMR spectrometers or electrophysiology rigs).

Applications

• Preparation of standardized calibration standards and reference solutions in analytical chemistry workflows
• Homogenization of cell culture media, agarose gels, and enzymatic reaction mixtures prior to incubation
• Accelerated dissolution testing of pharmaceutical excipients and active ingredients under ambient or elevated temperature conditions
• Blending of polymer precursors and solvent-based coatings in materials science prototyping
• Supporting ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) and ISO 787-17 (dispersion stability of pigments) pre-test sample conditioning steps
• Undergraduate teaching labs for demonstrating fluid dynamics principles, mass transfer limitations, and shear-sensitive system behavior

FAQ

Does the MS-0517 include a built-in heater?
No—the MS-0517 is a non-heating magnetic stirrer. Titan offers separate heated stirrer models (e.g., MS-H series) with PID-controlled plate temperatures up to 350 °C.
What stir bar size is recommended for 5 L mixing?
A 40–50 mm oval or cross-type PTFE-coated stir bar is optimal for 5 L volumes in wide-mouth containers; ensure aspect ratio (length:diameter ≥ 4:1) to prevent tumbling at high speeds.
Is the unit suitable for viscous samples like glycerol or polymer solutions?
It is rated for low-to-medium viscosity liquids (< 500 mPa·s at 25 °C); highly viscous or particle-laden suspensions may require specialized high-torque stirrers or overhead mixers.
Can the MS-0517 be used inside a glovebox or anaerobic chamber?
Yes—its sealed housing and lack of ventilation grilles allow safe integration into inert-atmosphere enclosures; verify compatibility of stir bar material (e.g., PTFE vs. samarium-cobalt) with your gas environment.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
With proper load matching and periodic cleaning, the DC motor and magnetic drive assembly are rated for ≥ 10,000 hours of cumulative operation under standard laboratory conditions.