IKA R 1405 propeller, Ø 45 mm, for EUROSTAR 20 & T 50, 0001289800

The perfect combination of high speed and sample protection: the IKA R 1405 propeller

In modern process engineering, chemical synthesis, cosmetics development and sophisticated food technology, laboratory technicians and researchers face a physical dilemma on a daily basis: how can low- to medium-viscosity liquids be mixed quickly and homogeneously at extremely high speeds without the resulting frictional energy causing thermal degradation of the sample? Many conventional stirring elements and dispersing tools generate enormous shear forces during high-speed applications, which inevitably lead to a rapid and uncontrolled rise in temperature within the medium. For temperature-sensitive biological samples, volatile solvents or complex emulsions that would break down immediately if exposed to heat, this is an absolute deal-breaker. IKA has developed the highly specialised R 1405 propeller (MPN 0001289800) specifically for this critical set of requirements. This smart stirring tool offers you the unique opportunity to operate at maximum speeds whilst simultaneously reducing the thermal stress on your valuable product to an absolute, barely measurable minimum.

Top-class fluid dynamics: the axial flow pattern

The physical secret behind the outstanding efficiency of the IKA R 1405 propeller, which has a precisely calculated diameter of 45 millimetres, lies in its specific aerodynamic blade geometry. Unlike radial agitators, which hurl the medium against the vessel wall with brute force, generating significant frictional heat, this propeller creates a purely axial flow pattern. This means that the liquid flows are pumped through the entire vessel volume parallel to the agitator shaft, from top to bottom (or vice versa, depending on the direction of rotation). The result is a massive circulation capacity with surprisingly low shear forces. This gentle yet highly effective circulation reliably prevents solids from settling at the bottom of the vessel (suspension) and ensures excellent, rapid heat exchange within the sample. The molecular chains in your liquid are gently mixed rather than being mechanically broken up, which preserves the viscosity and texture of the end product to premium quality.

Unrivalled system compatibility: one tool, two worlds of equipment

Another outstanding economic advantage of the IKA R 1405 propeller is its smart cross-compatibility within the IKA equipment portfolio. Laboratory budgets are often limited, and the purchase of dedicated accessories for each individual base unit unnecessarily ties up financial resources and valuable storage space. The R 1405 ingeniously bridges the gap between two completely different classes of equipment. On the one hand, it is the perfect stirring element for the high-speed laboratory stirrers of the EUROSTAR 20 high speed series (digital and control). On the other hand, it can be seamlessly coupled as an alternative mixing head to the high-performance T 50 digital dispersing drive (as an alternative to the R 1402 dissolver). (Please note: to mechanically connect the propeller head to the respective motor, you will need the appropriate intermediate shaft. For the EUROSTAR 20, this is the R 6000 precision stirring shaft; for the T 50 drive, it is the R 50 high-speed stirring shaft. These shafts act as adaptors and power transmitters). This enormous versatility enables you to significantly increase the utilisation (return on investment) of your existing IKA equipment.

Scalability from laboratory to pilot scale

When a new product is being developed in the research and development (R&D) department, this usually takes place in small beakers. If the formulation works, the process must be scaled up to pilot scale quickly. The R 1405 propeller supports this critical scale-up process perfectly. With a specified, extremely wide operating range from 0.25 litres up to a massive 30 litres (based on the viscosity of water), a single tool covers the entire process from the initial small-scale feasibility study in a test tube right through to the production of a pilot batch in a large stainless-steel laboratory reactor. You do not need to change the geometry of the stirrer as the volume increases, which ensures the reproducibility of your experimental data and drastically minimises sources of error during scale-up (scale-up factor).

Material quality, cleaning and integration into your QM system

Manufactured from high-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel, the IKA R 1405 propeller effortlessly withstands aggressive chemicals, harsh solvents, acids and alkalis. The smooth surfaces and flow-optimised edges without dead corners ensure that no product residues can become trapped. The impeller can be cleaned quickly, safely and with absolutely no residue after use, which is essential in GMP-regulated environments, in pharmaceutical research or in the food industry to prevent dangerous cross-contamination. Choosing this original IKA accessory means investing in decades of trouble-free service life, fully reproducible mixing results and the highest level of process reliability during every audit. It is the ultimate tool for users who want to extract the maximum mixing performance from their IKA high-speed drives without compromising on sample integrity.

Technical data

• Rotor diameter: 45 mm
• Working range (H₂O volume): 0.25 l to 30 l
• Flow pattern: Axial (high mixing performance, minimal shear forces)
• Thermal properties: Designed for minimal temperature rise in the medium
• Applications: Ideal for liquids with low to medium viscosities
• Compatibility (stirrers): IKA EUROSTAR 20 high speed digital / control (only in conjunction with R 6000 stirrer shaft)
• Compatibility (dispersers): IKA T 50 digital (only in conjunction with high-speed stirrer shaft R 50)
• Material: High-quality, chemically resistant stainless steel
• Sterilisability/sterility: No (tool is supplied unsterile)

Contents

• 1 x IKA R 1405 propeller (Ø 45 mm)

(Important note: The R 1405 propeller is a mixing head only. The essential shafts (R 6000 or R 50) and the drive motor are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

To put this high-performance tool into operation, you will need the precisely matching adapter shaft, depending on the drive motor used. Are you using the EUROSTAR 20? Then don’t forget to add the R 6000 precision stirring shaft to your basket. Do you work with the T 50 disperser? Then the R 50 high-speed stirring shaft is the right choice. We’d be happy to help you configure your system correctly. Simply contact our expert procurement service for personalised advice on your stirring process.