IKA RET control-visc magnetic stirrer with heating and balance, 0005020000

Electromagnetic kinematics and rheological trend metrology

The physical mixing of structurally viscous or Newtonian fluids requires the precise transfer of rotational energy through a closed system. The IKA RET control-visc generates a powerful, rotating alternating electromagnetic field that synchronises the magnetic stirrer bar in the reaction vessel at a frequency of 50 to 1,700 revolutions per minute. The fundamental analytical innovation of this system is the cybernetic measurement of the torque trend. Without having to insert a mechanical viscometer into the medium, the control electronics detect the phase shift between the rotating magnetic field and the asynchronous slip of the stirring bar, which is induced by the fluid’s flow resistance. This real-time analysis of dynamic viscosity changes enables the seamless monitoring of complex macromolecular polymerisation, cross-linking or crystallisation processes on the TFT display.

Thermodynamic cascade control and heat transfer

The reaction kinetics of chemical syntheses are directly proportional to the absolute temperature. The RET control-visc transfers thermal energy via a solid heating plate made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel (grade 1.4301). With a heating power of 600 watts, the system raises the surface temperature to up to 340 °C. To eliminate the thermodynamic lag between the heating plate and the reaction medium, the system operates using a complex PID cascade control system. By integrating an external PT-100 or dual PT-1000 temperature sensor directly into the fluid, the cybernetic algorithm measures the isochoric heat flux. The PID system proactively reduces the heating power before the defined setpoint is reached. This physically eliminates thermal overshoot and protects thermolabile molecular matrices from irreversible denaturation.

Gravimetric integration and system cybernetics

In traditional workflows, the precise formulation of buffer solutions or chemical syntheses requires the physical separation of gravimetry and thermodynamics. The RET control-visc integrates high-precision strain gauges directly into the mechanical architecture of the chassis, enabling the entire footprint to function as a metrologically accurate balance (measuring range up to 5,000 g). This integration of balance, heater and stirrer at a cybernetic hub enables the gravimetric dosing of solids or solvents directly into the reaction vessel whilst under active stirring. Seamless digital documentation of temperature, speed and viscosity vectors is transferred via the RS-232 and USB interfaces to external Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for GLP/GMP-compliant audit trails.

Technical details

Thermodynamics & Heating Technology

• Heating power: 600 W
• Heating temperature range: Room temperature + preset up to 340 °C
• Base material: Solid stainless steel (grade 1.4301)
• Heating rate control: Anticipatory PID cascade control (prevents overshoot)
• Temperature setting and display resolution: 0.1 K

Metrology & Control Engineering

• Viscosity measurement: Relative torque trend detection (Torque Trend)
• Gravimetric function: Integrated balance (measuring range: 10 – 5,000 g)
• Balance resolution: 1 g
• Temperature sensor interface: PT 100 / PT 1000 (DIN 12878 connection)
• pH metrology: Integrated BNC interface for direct connection of a pH probe
• Cybernetic interface: High-resolution TFT display

Kinematics & Mechanics

• Speed range: 50 – 1,700 rpm
• Motor power input / output: 22 W / 12 W
• Speed setting and display resolution: 10 rpm
• Maximum stirring volume (H₂O): 20 litres
• Maximum stir bar length: 80 mm

Chamber infrastructure & dimensions

• Base dimensions: Ø 135 mm
• System dimensions (W x H x D): 160 x 85 x 270 mm
• Weight: 2.7 kg

Safety & Environmental Conditions

• Adjustable safety range: 50 – 380 °C (hardware shut-off)
• Permissible ambient temperature range: 5 – 40 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 80 %
• Protection class (according to DIN EN 60529): IP 42 (protected against dripping water)

Electrical & Connectivity

• Voltage / Frequency: 220 – 240 V / 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: max. 650 W
• Data interfaces: USB, RS 232, Bluetooth

Contents of delivery

• 1 x IKA RET control-visc magnetic stirrer
• 1 x PT 100.70 temperature probe
• 1 x magnetic stirring bar (IKA FLON)
• 1 x protective cover (H 104)
• 1 x USB cable and mains lead

(Important note: Support rods and cross-sockets for mechanically securing the PT 100 probe in the reaction vessel are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Custom requirements & accessories

The RET control-visc is a precision thermodynamic instrument. In order to activate the PID cascade control, the supplied PT-100 probe must be positioned hydrodynamically correctly within the flow vortex. To achieve this, vertical locking using an IKA support rod (H 16 V) and cross-sleeve (H 44) is essential, as contact between the probe and the hot vessel wall (heat conduction through the glass) immediately compromises the cybernetic control loop. For the disruption of magnetic field lines in asymmetrical vessels, we offer specific magnetic stirring bars (e.g. elliptical geometries) via our procurement service.