A magnetic stirrer is used in labs to make sure that the liquid samples are uniform in terms of consistency as well as temperature. With the help of a rotating magnetic field, the stir bar is moved around for liquid samples in a magnetic stirrer. Mixing of the samples is done properly by it through agitation. According to the type of sample that is being stirred, the speed of the magnetic field can be controlled as per the requirement.
A magnet that is positioned under the container holding the stir bar magnet creates an attraction between the two magnets. This magnet at the bottom is rotated through the motor that it is usually connected to. This stir bar magnet will rotate inside the container only if the two magnets are sufficiently near enough. For heating the samples along with mixing them, you can even make use of a hot plate in combination.
Magnetic Stirrer’s Use:
A magnetic stirrer is used in performing biological and chemical studies involving the mixing of two components. It may be used with either solid or liquid specimens to create a uniform liquid combination. Bacterial growth medium and chemical synthesis are two examples of the applications.
What to keep in mind when buying a magnetic stirrer?
- Chemical compounds and organic solvents might pose a threat to your laboratory's safety. At medium to high temperatures, conventional heating and stirring tools may cause the fumes to catch fire.
- Stirring laboratory hot plates, sitters, etc., are available in a variety of sizes and combinations to suit your needs. These range from tiny, single-vessel units to big, multi-unit plates with a high carrying capacity.
- The combination of stir and drive magnets determines the stirring efficiency. The perfect combination relies upon the size and shape of the driving and stir bar, the distance between them, the size of the vessel and the required stir speed, as well as the viscosity of the solution you're working with. In order to stir more viscous fluids, a unit with a stronger magnetic coupling strength is required.
- The highest level of accuracy and stability can be provided by digital heating along with stirring equipment having electronic feedback controls. This is when precision and stability of the control temperature and stirring speed are important.
Magnetic Stirrer's Varieties:
Magnetic stirrers are categorized based on their size, design, and intended use. The finest magnetic stirrer should successfully mix viscous liquids and must not detach the bar from the motor magnet.
Magnetic Stirrer Integrated with a Timer:
A magnetic stirrer equipped with a timer assists in automatically shutting down the motor after a certain duration. Once the pre-selected timeframe has expired, a built-in timer automatically switches the stirrer off. This saves from any accidents.
Magnetic Stirrers for Heavy-Duty:
These stirrers have a large capacity for mixing. Furthermore, they also exhibit excellent chemical resistance along with being quite robust. They can be considered as an optimal instrument in terms of obtaining precise data in labs.
Mini Magnetic Stirrer:
These magnetic stirrers are tiny and take up less room in the laboratory. They have electronic controls enabling users to handle the speed. The stirrer's speed regulator regulates the RPM. It withstands dangerous and corrosive substances in the laboratory.