WIGGENS Sensorturn Automated Petri Dish Rotating Platform
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | Sensorturn |
| Rotation Speed Range | 14–110 rpm |
| Adjustable Rotation Period | 150 s per revolution |
| Dish Compatibility | Ø ≤ 100 mm (Ø 150 mm optional) |
| Rotation Direction | Clockwise |
| IR Sensor Detection Range | 5–50 mm |
| Operation Time Settings | 1–25 s or 5–125 s |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 109 × 59 × 130 mm |
| Weight | 670 g |
| Construction | Stainless Steel Housing |
| Sterilization | UV- and flame-compatible |
| Included | Integrated IR sensor |
Overview
The WIGGENS Sensorturn Automated Petri Dish Rotating Platform is an engineered solution for standardized, hands-free rotation during microbiological inoculation, streaking, spread-plating, and colony isolation procedures. Designed around precision mechanical control and operator ergonomics, the Sensorturn employs a brushless DC motor coupled with microprocessor-regulated speed control to deliver consistent angular velocity across its operational range of 14–110 rpm. Unlike manual or timer-based turntables, the Sensorturn integrates real-time activation logic via either footswitch or proximity-sensing infrared (IR) detection—enabling immediate start/stop functionality without physical contact. This eliminates variability introduced by inconsistent hand motion or timing delays, directly supporting reproducible colony distribution and improved assay fidelity in ISO 17025-accredited labs, GLP-compliant quality control environments, and academic research workflows requiring high inter-operator repeatability.
Key Features
- Programmable rotational speed (14–110 rpm) with fine-tuned adjustment for optimal agar surface coverage during liquid inoculum dispersion
- Configurable single-revolution timing (fixed at 150 seconds), ensuring uniform dwell time for consistent bacterial film formation
- Integrated IR sensor with adjustable detection distance (5–50 mm), enabling non-contact activation within standard biosafety cabinet workflows
- Stainless steel enclosure (AISI 304-grade), certified for repeated sterilization via UV-C irradiation (254 nm) or brief flame exposure—compatible with BSL-2 containment protocols
- Compact footprint (109 × 59 × 130 mm) and low mass (670 g) allow seamless integration onto laminar flow hoods, benchtop incubators, or automated colony-picking stations
- Clockwise-only rotation optimized for right-handed users and standard Petri dish orientation conventions in European and North American laboratories
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Sensorturn accommodates standard Petri dishes up to Ø 100 mm; an optional Ø 150 mm rotating platform (Order No. 7.000.150) extends compatibility to larger formats used in environmental microbiology and industrial QC. All accessories—including stainless steel inoculating loop holders (Ø 0.6–1.0 mm, L = 245 mm), glass and stainless steel triangular spreaders, and custom-fit silicone anti-slip mats—are manufactured to EN 14850 and DIN 12878 specifications. The device meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and carries CE marking for conformity with EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). Its materials and surface finish comply with USP for pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel components.
Software & Data Management
The Sensorturn operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument with no embedded firmware or digital interface. As such, it requires no software installation, network connection, or data logging capability—making it inherently compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 controls where electronic records are not generated. For laboratories implementing ALCOA+ data integrity principles, the absence of electronic audit trails simplifies validation: only mechanical calibration (verified via tachometer against nominal rpm settings) and physical usage logs are required. Optional footswitches (stainless steel, plastic mini, or desktop variants) provide traceable manual intervention points when documented in SOPs.
Applications
- Standardized spread-plating of bacterial suspensions for CFU enumeration per ISO 4833-1 and AOAC 977.27
- Uniform inoculation of chromogenic agar media (e.g., CHROMagar™, Oxoid Brilliance™) for differential colony morphology analysis
- Preparation of gradient plates for antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) following CLSI M07-A11 guidelines
- High-throughput colony isolation in synthetic biology workflows involving CRISPR-edited strains
- Training platforms for undergraduate microbiology labs emphasizing technique standardization and contamination minimization
FAQ
Is the Sensorturn compatible with anaerobic workstations?
Yes—the unit’s passive IR activation and lack of internal batteries or wireless modules prevent electromagnetic interference and enable safe operation inside gloveboxes equipped with O₂ sensors.
Can the rotation direction be reversed?
No. The motor and gear train are configured exclusively for clockwise rotation to maintain alignment with international pipetting and streaking conventions.
What maintenance is required?
Annual verification of rotational speed accuracy using a calibrated optical tachometer is recommended; no lubrication or internal servicing is needed due to sealed brushless motor architecture.
Does the IR sensor function through acrylic or glass barriers?
The sensor is designed for direct line-of-sight activation; performance degrades significantly behind transparent barriers thicker than 2 mm due to IR absorption and scattering.
Are replacement parts available globally?
All accessories—including IR sensor modules, stainless steel trays, and spreader holders—carry WIGGENS global part numbers and are stocked by authorized distributors in EEA, North America, and APAC regions under ISO 9001-certified supply chains.
