WIGGENS atexMIXdrive ATEX-Certified Electromagnetic Induction Magnetic Drive Stirrer

Overview

The WIGGENS atexMIXdrive is an intrinsically safe, ATEX-certified electromagnetic induction magnetic drive stirrer engineered for continuous, maintenance-free operation in hazardous environments classified under Zone 1 and Zone 2 (gas atmospheres). Unlike conventional magnetically coupled or motor-driven stirrers, the atexMIXdrive employs contactless electromagnetic induction—eliminating mechanical wear, brush arcing, and rotor-stator friction—thereby fulfilling the stringent safety requirements of explosive atmospheres where ignition sources must be rigorously controlled. Its core principle relies on a high-efficiency, low-heat-generation induction coil array beneath a fully sealed stainless-steel top plate, generating a rotating magnetic field that drives proprietary high-torque ceramic-coated stir bars without physical coupling. Designed for integration into regulated laboratory workflows—including GLP-compliant QC labs, pharmaceutical process development suites, and chemical synthesis fume hoods—the atexMIXdrive operates reliably at ambient temperatures up to 40 °C and relative humidity ≤80%, with full submersion capability in water baths, oil baths, and CO₂ incubators without thermal drift or condensation risk.

Key Features

• ATEX-certified design (II 2G Ex mb IIC T4) compliant with Directive 2014/34/EU and harmonized standards IEC 60079-0 and IEC 60079-11—validated for use in flammable gas environments including hydrogen, ethylene, and acetylene-class atmospheres.
• True maintenance-free operation: no brushes, no gears, no lubrication required; lifetime-rated induction drive system with >100,000 h MTBF under continuous duty.
• IP68-rated hermetic enclosure: AISI 316L stainless steel housing with polyurethane (PUR) sealing gaskets ensuring resistance to corrosion, organic solvents, and repeated sterilization cycles.
• Intelligent soft-start algorithm (10–60 s adjustable) dynamically optimizes magnetic field ramp-up to center and capture stir bars across viscosity ranges—from aqueous solutions (1 mPa·s) to silicone oils (>10,000 mPa·s)—without splashing or vortex instability.
• Real-time speed monitoring with deviation alarm: integrated Hall-effect sensors continuously compare actual vs. set RPM; deviation >±3% triggers audible/visual alert and optional relay output.
• QuickStop emergency braking: hardware-level deceleration (<0.5 s) activated via front-panel button or external signal, preserving sample integrity during unexpected events.
• Modular controller architecture: compatible with WIGGENS 99200 (basic safety interface) and 99300 (full SIL2-capable control unit with audit trail and password-protected parameter locking).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The atexMIXdrive supports standard PTFE-, glass-, and ceramic-coated stir bars (diameters 8–25 mm, lengths 20–80 mm), with optimal performance verified for volumes from 1 mL to 10 L in borosilicate glass, stainless-steel, and pressure-rated vessels. It meets material compatibility requirements per ASTM D543 and ISO 10993-5 for non-cytotoxicity in pharmaceutical applications. All electrical interfaces conform to EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and EN 61000-6-4 (emission) standards. The device is suitable for use under USP Analytical Instrument Qualification (AIQ) protocols and supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data logging when paired with optional Ethernet/USB-enabled controllers and validated MIX Watch software.

Software & Data Management

Optional digital integration includes analog (0–10 V / 4–20 mA), serial (RS232), and network (Ethernet) interfaces for centralized lab automation systems (e.g., LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager). The MIX Watch add-on module enables autonomous stir bar health monitoring: real-time detection of misalignment, stalling, or rotational asymmetry—triggering automatic re-centering sequences or safe shutdown. Audit-trail-enabled controllers log timestamped events (start/stop, speed changes, alarms, QuickStop activations) with user ID attribution, supporting GMP/GLP traceability requirements. Firmware updates are performed via signed .hex files to prevent unauthorized modification.

Applications

• Explosive atmosphere synthesis: Grignard reactions, lithium-aluminum hydride reductions, and nitration processes conducted in ventilated gloveboxes or explosion-proof enclosures.
• Long-term unattended stirring: overnight polymerizations, enzymatic assays, and cell culture media equilibration in CO₂ incubators (0–5% CO₂, 37 °C) with zero self-heating.
• High-integrity QA/QC: dissolution testing per USP , buffer preparation for biologics manufacturing, and reference standard homogenization under Annex 1 sterile conditions.
• Material science: dispersion of nanomaterials (CNTs, graphene oxide) in high-viscosity resins under inert atmosphere.
• Calibration laboratories: stable, low-drift stirring for certified reference material (CRM) homogeneity validation per ISO Guide 35.

FAQ

Is the atexMIXdrive suitable for use inside a Class II biological safety cabinet?
Yes—its sealed IP68 construction, absence of internal fans or heat-generating components, and 48 V DC low-energy operation make it compatible with BSC airflow dynamics and containment integrity requirements.
Can it operate continuously at 40 °C ambient temperature in high-humidity conditions?
Yes—rated for continuous operation at 0–40 °C and ≤80% RH; all internal electronics are conformally coated, and thermal management is passive via conductive dissipation through the stainless-steel base.
Does the device support speed profiling (ramp-up/down sequences)?
Speed profiling is available via the 99300 controller with MIX Watch software; pre-programmed multi-step protocols (e.g., 200 rpm → 800 rpm over 120 s) can be stored and recalled with GLP-compliant execution logs.
What stir bar geometries are validated for 10 L mixing?
For optimal torque transfer at maximum volume, WIGGENS recommends elliptical ceramic-coated stir bars (Ø12 × L60 mm) or dual-loop designs (Ø16 × L80 mm), both tested per DIN EN ISO 17025 stirring uniformity criteria.
Is third-party calibration documentation provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt), including speed accuracy (±1.5% FS), temperature stability (±0.3 °C), and ATEX conformity test reports.