IKA RET control-visc white, magnetic stirrer with balance, enamelled hotplate, 0005030000

Electromagnetic kinematics and rheological trend metrology

The physical mixing of structurally viscous fluids requires the precise transfer of rotational energy through a closed system. The IKA RET control-visc white generates a powerful alternating electromagnetic field that synchronises the magnetic stir bar in the reaction vessel at speeds of 50 to 1,700 revolutions per minute. The fundamental analytical innovation is the cybernetic measurement of the torque trend. The control electronics continuously record the phase shift between the rotating magnetic field and the asynchronous slip of the stirring bar, induced by the flow resistance of the medium. This real-time analysis of dynamic viscosity changes enables the seamless monitoring of complex macromolecular polymerisation or crystallisation processes on the TFT display, without the need to connect a mechanical viscometer.

Amorphous enamel matrix and optical colorimetry

The process-related modification of the ‘white’ edition lies in the materials science architecture of the work surface. The stainless steel plate is coated with a high-purity, glass-hard enamel matrix (ceramic coating). This amorphous silicate structure is extremely inert towards highly aggressive chemical reagents (such as halogens or strong acids), which would corrode conventional metal surfaces. However, the key metrological advantage of the white surface is the maximisation of optical contrast. In visual, colorimetric titrations or enzymatic assays, the low-reflection white background enables the precise identification of microspectroscopic colour changes long before they would be detectable against a metallic background. Thermodynamic energy transfer (600 W, up to 340 °C) is controlled in parallel by an anticipatory PID cascade control system in combination with a PT-100 sensor to physically eliminate thermal overshoot.

Gravimetric integration and system cybernetics

In traditional workflows, the precise formulation of syntheses requires the spatial separation of gravimetry and thermodynamics. The RET control-visc white 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 allows solvents to be dosed gravimetrically directly into the reaction vessel whilst under active stirring. Seamless digital documentation of temperature, speed, pH (via an integrated BNC interface) and viscosity data 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: Stainless steel with high-purity, white technical enamel (ceramic coating)
• Heating rate control: Anticipatory PID cascade control (prevention of temperature 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 in the event of overheating)
• Permissible ambient temperature range: 5 – 40 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 80%
• Protection class (according to DIN EN 60529): IP 42

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 white magnetic stirrer (enamelled plate)
• 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!)

Customised requirements & accessories

The RET control-visc white is the instrument of choice for laboratories that frequently handle highly chemically aggressive substances or need to precisely detect colorimetric transition points visually. To make full use of the PID cascade control, the PT-100 probe must be positioned freely within the flow vortex. To achieve this, please obtain the IKA support rod (H 16 V) and the cross-sleeve (H 44). Direct mechanical contact between the probe and the hot enamelled or glass wall would immediately compromise the cybernetic control loop. Please contact our procurement service at any time for the strategic procurement of laboratory accessories and specific pH probes.