XH-50E Digital Temperature-Controlled Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The XH-50E Digital Temperature-Controlled Magnetic Stirrer is an integrated laboratory instrument engineered for simultaneous precise heating and magnetic agitation of liquid samples in glass or metal vessels. It operates on the principle of contact-based thermal transfer—using a resistively heated stainless steel bath—and electromagnetic coupling between a rotating permanent magnet drive and a submerged PTFE-coated stir bar. This dual-function architecture enables uniform thermal distribution and consistent fluid dynamics within reaction volumes ranging from 10 mL to 1000 mL. Designed for long-duration operation under controlled thermal conditions, the XH-50E supports applications requiring stable setpoint maintenance (e.g., kinetic studies, solubility testing, catalyst activation), where both thermal homogeneity and mechanical mixing integrity are critical. Its modular construction separates the heating bath from the electronic control module, facilitating routine cleaning, solvent compatibility verification, and maintenance access without system disassembly.

Key Features

• Digitally displayed dual-parameter interface showing set temperature, real-time bath temperature, and elapsed operating time—enabling reproducible protocol execution and manual log recording.
• Continuously variable power output (100–800 W) allows fine-tuned thermal input matching sample thermal mass and heat loss characteristics.
• Contact-type temperature sensing (Pt100 or equivalent thermistor) ensures direct measurement at the bath–vessel interface, minimizing thermal lag and improving closed-loop responsiveness.
• Stainless steel (AISI 304) heating bath provides corrosion resistance against common aqueous and organic media, as well as structural stability up to 300 °C surface temperature.
• PTFE-coated magnetic stir bars included—chemically inert, thermally stable to 300 °C, and magnetically robust for consistent torque transmission across viscosity ranges typical of low-to-medium molecular weight solutions.
• Separable bath and controller design simplifies decontamination, reduces cross-contamination risk between experiments, and supports rapid setup changes in shared lab environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XH-50E accommodates standard laboratory glassware including round-bottom flasks (25–1000 mL), beakers, and jacketed reactors compatible with external bath immersion. It is suitable for use with water, ethanol, ethylene glycol, silicone oil, and other non-aggressive heat-transfer fluids. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 or UL 61010B for hazardous location use, its construction meets general-purpose laboratory safety expectations per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A guidelines for equipment qualification. The absence of moving parts beyond the drive magnet minimizes mechanical failure modes, supporting GLP-aligned operational consistency when paired with documented calibration procedures for temperature sensors and power delivery verification.

Software & Data Management

The XH-50E operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded microprocessor or data logging capability. All parameter settings—including temperature setpoint, elapsed time, and power level—are manually configured via front-panel controls and visually confirmed via LED display. For laboratories requiring audit trails or electronic record retention, integration with external data acquisition systems (e.g., USB-connected thermocouple loggers or LabVIEW-compatible DAQ modules) is feasible using the analog temperature output signal (if equipped) or optional third-party sensor interfaces. No firmware updates, user accounts, or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features are implemented; therefore, it aligns with basic GMP Annex 11 principles only when used in conjunction with procedural controls for parameter verification and operator training documentation.

Applications

• Chemical synthesis workflows requiring temperature-controlled reflux or dissolution steps (e.g., esterification, polymerization initiation).
• Pharmaceutical formulation development involving solubility mapping across defined thermal gradients (USP <1058> analytical instrument qualification context).
• Biological buffer equilibration prior to chromatography or electrophoresis, ensuring pH and ionic strength stability.
• Materials science dispersion protocols for nanoparticle suspensions in polar solvents, where shear-sensitive agglomeration must be minimized.
• Educational laboratory instruction in physical chemistry, emphasizing Arrhenius kinetics and heat transfer fundamentals.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended operating temperature for continuous use?
The stainless steel bath is rated for sustained operation at up to 300 °C surface temperature; however, prolonged exposure above 250 °C may accelerate aging of internal insulation and reduce long-term thermal accuracy.
Can the XH-50E be used with corrosive solvents such as concentrated acids or halogenated organics?
The AISI 304 stainless steel bath offers moderate resistance to dilute acids and alcohols but is not recommended for hydrochloric, nitric, or brominated solvents without secondary containment or custom bath liners.
Is calibration traceability available for the built-in temperature sensor?
No factory calibration certificate is supplied; users must perform periodic verification using NIST-traceable reference thermometers per ISO/IEC 17025 Section 6.5 requirements.
Does the instrument support external timer or relay control signals?
No native digital I/O ports are provided; automation requires retrofitting with industrial timers or PLC-linked solid-state relays interfaced to the mains power input.
What stir bar sizes are compatible with the magnetic drive system?
Standard lengths from 20 mm to 50 mm are supported; optimal performance is achieved with PTFE-coated bars having aspect ratios between 3:1 and 5:1 (length:diameter), magnetized axially for maximum coupling efficiency.