Variomag Immersion Multi-Position Magnetic Stirrer (60-Position, 40 W Model)

Overview

The Variomag Immersion Multi-Position Magnetic Stirrer (Model 50088011) is a high-integrity, fully submersible laboratory stirring platform engineered for simultaneous, independent agitation of up to 60 samples in aqueous or non-corrosive liquid environments. Designed for integration into standardized water bath systems—including the compatible Plexiglas bath (Cat. No. 11372, 27.5 L capacity)—this unit operates on the principle of magnetic coupling: rotating permanent magnets beneath a sealed stainless-steel surface induce synchronous rotation of PTFE-coated stir bars placed within individual vessels. Its immersion-rated architecture eliminates external mechanical linkages, ensuring zero contamination risk and enabling continuous operation under full submersion—critical for long-duration kinetic studies, dissolution testing, and parallel sample preparation in regulated QC/QA workflows.

Key Features

• IP68-rated hermetic enclosure: Fully dust-tight and submersible to 1 m depth for uninterrupted operation in water baths or humid enclosures.
• Stainless steel housing (AISI 304): Chemically resistant to common solvents, acids, and saline solutions; passivated surface minimizes corrosion and facilitates cleaning under GLP-compliant protocols.
• 60-position configuration: Uniform magnetic field distribution across all positions ensures consistent torque delivery—even at low speeds (100 rpm) and with minimal sample volumes (as low as 10 mL).
• Wide speed range (100–2000 rpm): Enables precise control for both gentle homogenization and high-shear dispersion, validated across viscosity ranges typical of aqueous buffers, cell culture media, and polymer solutions.
• Four-tier programmable power output (4–40 W in 4 W steps): Optimizes energy transfer efficiency while preventing vortex collapse or splashing in low-volume microtubes or deep-well plates.
• RS232 serial interface (40 W model only): Supports remote command execution, real-time parameter logging, and synchronization with LIMS or ELN platforms—fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with audit-trail-enabled software.
• Thermal stability: Certified operational range of –10 to +56 °C in ambient air and 0 to +50 °C in direct water contact—validated per IEC 60529 and EN 61000-6-3 EMC standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Variomag 50088011 accommodates standard laboratory vessels including 0.5–2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 12–96-well plates (with compatible stir bar inserts), and custom glass or polypropylene vials up to 10 mL volume. Its uniform magnetic field profile maintains rotational stability regardless of vessel geometry or fill level—eliminating positional bias in multi-sample assays. The device conforms to CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC and 2014/35/EU LVD), ISO 9001:2000 quality management requirements, and IP68 ingress protection per IEC 60529. It is routinely deployed in environments adhering to USP , ISO 13485, and GMP Annex 1 guidelines where equipment traceability, environmental resilience, and repeatable mechanical performance are mandatory.

Software & Data Management

The 40 W variant includes native RS232 communication capability supporting ASCII command protocol (e.g., “SPEED=1500”, “POWER=28”, “TIME=300”). When integrated with validated third-party control software—or custom-developed applications—the system records timestamped speed, power, and runtime parameters with millisecond resolution. All command logs include operator ID, session start/stop timestamps, and checksum-verified data packets—enabling full audit trail generation required for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. No proprietary drivers or cloud dependencies are required; communication is serial-port-native and interoperable with Windows/Linux-based lab automation frameworks.

Applications

• High-throughput dissolution testing per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.9.3 protocols.
• Parallel reagent mixing in molecular biology workflows (e.g., PCR master mix preparation, enzymatic digestions).
• Cell suspension maintenance during incubation or staining procedures.
• Accelerated stability studies requiring temperature-controlled agitation across multiple timepoints.
• Calibration verification of viscometers and rheometers using standardized Newtonian fluids.
• Environmental sample homogenization prior to ICP-MS or HPLC analysis.

FAQ

Is the Variomag 50088011 suitable for use inside CO₂ incubators?

Yes—its rated operating temperature extends to +56 °C in air, and its sealed construction prevents condensation ingress. However, verify compatibility with incubator humidity levels (>95% RH) and confirm absence of volatile organic compounds that may degrade elastomer seals.
Can stir bars from other manufacturers be used with this unit?

Yes, provided they are PTFE- or glass-coated, diameters ≤6 mm, and lengths ≤30 mm. Optimal performance is achieved with stir bars matching the vessel aspect ratio (e.g., 10 mm × 2 mm for 10 mL vials).
Does the RS232 interface support Modbus RTU or only ASCII commands?

The interface implements a proprietary ASCII command set only. Modbus RTU is not supported; integration requires parsing of human-readable strings via standard serial terminal libraries (e.g., PySerial, LabVIEW VISA).
What is the maximum allowable water bath depth for full submersion?

Per IP68 certification, the unit is rated for continuous operation at depths up to 1 meter for durations exceeding 30 days—provided bath temperature remains within 0–50 °C and no abrasive particulates are present.
How is calibration verified for speed accuracy?

Speed is controlled via precision stepper motor driver with closed-loop feedback. Factory calibration is traceable to NIST-standard tachometers (±1 rpm tolerance at 1000 rpm); users may perform in-house verification using optical tachometers aligned to stir bar rotation under defined load conditions.