If you’re wondering what magnetic stirrers are, read on to learn more about this laboratory device’s features. They use a rotating magnetic field to make a stir bar spin rapidly, stirring a liquid. Various technical parameters can be controlled using the stir bar’s magnetic field, including speed, temperature, and the desired mixing action. For those who don’t know much about magnetic stirrers, the basic principles are simple:
Various Technical Parameters
There are two basic types of magnetic stirrers, hot plate, and cold plate. Both have the same purpose: stirring. The difference lies in the design of the stirrer. Hot plate stirrers use a hot plate and have a heating element, while cold plate stirrers do not. Both types of stirrers require different kinds of heating equipment. Magnetic stirrers are generally more expensive than hot plates but are still excellent workhorses requiring minimal maintenance and recalibration. Magnetic stirrers are similar to standard hot plate stirrers, but they contain an electromagnet beneath the surface of the plate. This produces a magnetic field across the surface of the plate and causes a stirring bar to spin at a pre-defined speed. Magnetic stirrers do not contain a heating element.
During the design stage, the mathematical model of the system is generated. Various technical parameters were determined to aid subsequent design studies. The frequency of supply voltage is controlled using a PIC-based control circuit. The structure of the double-rotating electromagnetic stirring system and the physical conditions that affect the double-axis rotation of the magnetic stir bar are explained. The result is a more homogeneous stimulating process.
Silent Operation
Choosing the proper magnetic stirrer for your laboratory requires a lot of consideration. Many models are on the market, and some are more noise-sensitive than others. For example, a programmable magnetic stirrer by CAT Technologies can be operated silently. These stirrers feature a programmable control panel with on/off power and motor RPM. You can also select when the stirring magnet should work in increments of 15 rpm. In addition, several models have a programmable timer, which allows you to set the speed for a particular experiment.
A magnetic stirrer is a piece of essential equipment for industrial research and product development laboratories. It is an efficient way to mix solvents, paints, and low-viscosity industrial adhesives. In addition, the silent operation of magnetic stirrers can reduce noise in the laboratory by preventing vibrations and jar rattles from causing vibration. Most models are also compact, which means they take up less counter space.
Versatility
Magnetic stirrers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and impellers. Because the stirring impeller lies on the bottom of the vessel, its rotation creates a vortex characteristic of this type of stirrer. These devices suit many applications involving low shear, heat transfer, and liquid-liquid blending. However, the more excellent RPM range of overhead stirrers makes them suitable for use with samples that change in properties over time.
Magnetic stirrers are available in small, single, and multi-place models. Many are equipped with temperature probes. They are also suited for use in sealed systems. They also offer easy cleaning, as there are no rotating parts or lubricants. Unlike other stir devices, magnetic stirrers are easier to clean. Furthermore, no moving parts or lubricants could wear down the stirrer, so there is no risk of abrasive particles damaging the Teflon coating.
Cost
Whether you’re looking to stir up a small sample, a large batch, or a mixture of both, you’ll find magnetic stirrers suitable for your needs. Magnetic stirrers are often built into hot plate designs and range in price from $200 to $900. Prices will increase as the units feature stronger magnets, better controls, and higher-quality materials. At the upper end of the price range, overhead stirrers cost $1,000 to $5,000. They offer superior mixing capability, volume capacities, and more vigorous agitation for highly viscous liquids.
While the cost of magnetic stirrers varies significantly, the quality and features of these devices are unmatched. Magnetic stirrers are typically made of hard plastic to prevent interference with the magnetic characteristics of their internal components.