IKA RO 10 Multi-position Magnetic Stirrer without Heating, 10 Stirring Positions in a 90 Mm Grid, 24 V, 0003691000

Not every routine task in the laboratory requires a heating function; often, the only requirement is reliable, synchronised and uniform stirring at room temperature across multiple positions. The IKA RO 10 (0003691000) is the pure stirring variant of the multi-position series: 10 stirring positions in a 90-millimetre grid without heating, powered by an external 24-volt power supply rather than direct mains voltage, with a speed deviation of 0 per cent between positions.

Common coil drive without heating function

Like the heated RT models, the RO 10 utilises silent coil drive technology, which drives all 10 stirring positions collectively rather than via individual motors. According to the data sheet, the speed variation between the positions is 0 per cent; the speed range extends from 0 to 1,200 revolutions per minute, which is slightly higher than that of the heated RT models at 1,000 revolutions per minute.

Operates via an external 24-volt power supply

Unlike the RT 10 and RT 15, which are powered directly from a 230-volt mains supply, the RO 10 runs via an external power supply unit delivering 24 volts DC and drawing a current of 1,000 milliamps. The power supply unit itself accepts an input of 100 to 240 volts and has a power consumption of 24 watts. This design is typical for devices without a heating load, where the lower overall power consumption allows for a low-voltage supply.

Stainless steel mounting surface and anti-slip film

The work surface is made of 1.4301 stainless steel and measures 190 x 470 millimetres in a 90-millimetre grid, providing 10 positions. A removable, transparent anti-slip film is included in the Scope of delivery and ensures that vessels do not slip on the smooth stainless steel surface. Stirring rods measuring 25 to 30 millimetres in length are suitable for the individual positions.

Silent drive with no mechanical wear

As with the heated RT models, the coil drive technology generates the rotating field for all 10 positions electronically, without any mechanically moving drive elements at each stirring point. Combined with the enclosed, compact design, this results in a low-maintenance unit for continuous batch processing, where, unlike with multiple individual motors, there are no wear parts at each stirring point that require monitoring.

Typical applications

As a pure stirring variant without a heating function, the RO 10 is technically suitable for:

• Parallel stirring processes without temperature requirements, such as homogenisation or dissolution at room temperature
• Routine laboratories where a heating function is not required and purchase costs are a consideration
• Environments with low-voltage requirements, such as in certain training situations
• Batches of samples up to 0.4 l per position with uniform, synchronised speed
• As a supplement to existing heating sources such as separate water baths

Selection guide: with or without heating

The most important decision within the multi-station series is whether heating is required:

If heating is required in addition to stirring, the RT 10 or RT 15 are the right choice. If stirring alone is sufficient, the RO 10 saves on both the initial purchase cost and ongoing electricity costs compared to the RT models, and even achieves a slightly higher maximum speed range.

Differences between the RT 10 and RT 15

The IKA RT 10 shares the same 10 stirring positions on a 90-millimetre grid as the RO 10, but also features a heating function with a total power output of 375 watts and is powered directly from a 230-volt mains supply rather than via an external power supply unit. The IKA RT 15 offers a further 5 stirring positions, including heating, for larger batches, also in a 90-millimetre grid and with the same 0 per cent speed deviation. Anyone who only needs to stir but requires more than 10 stations should weigh up this requirement against two RO-10 units or an RT-15 solution with an unused heating function.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1 x IKA RO 10 multi-position magnetic stirrer without heating (0003691000)
• 1 x removable transparent anti-slip film

Stirring rods for the individual positions are not included in the Scope of delivery and must be purchased separately if required.

Use, installation, maintenance and disposal

With an IP 40 protection rating, the RO 10 is protected against solid foreign objects from 1 millimetre in size; it is not splash-proof, so the unit should be operated on a dry, level surface. The stainless steel base is chemical-resistant and easy to clean; the transparent anti-slip film can be removed and replaced as required. As the unit is powered by an external 24-volt power supply, the cable should be checked regularly for damage. At the end of its service life, as an electrical appliance, the device must not be disposed of with household waste but must be placed in the separate collection scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment; the manufacturer’s WEEE registration number is DE 66784213.

Investment rationale: When it pays to do without heating

If stirring is carried out exclusively at room temperature, or if a heat source is already available elsewhere, such as a separate water bath, the RO 10 offers a lower purchase cost than the RT 10 with the same number of stations, without compromising on stirring performance or synchronisation between the stations. Operating electricity consumption is also correspondingly lower due to the absence of the heating load. If it is foreseeable that heating will also be required, switching directly to the RT 10 is generally more cost-effective than retrofitting at a later date, as a heating function cannot be retrofitted to an RO unit.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Suitable original accessories are available for the RO 10 as required, such as magnetic stirring bars in various shapes, beaker lids and a stirring bar remover, as well as certificates and documentation for IQ/OQ qualification. Through our procurement service, we also assist you with spare parts and the standardised kitting of multiple production workstations. Further information and contact details can be found at lt-laborhandel.com/service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the RO 10 powered by 24 volts rather than direct mains voltage?
As there is no heating load, a low-voltage supply via an external power supply unit, which accepts 100 to 240 volts at the input, is sufficient.

Can a heating function be retrofitted at a later date?
No, the RO 10 is designed purely as a stirring unit; for heating requirements, the RT 10, which has an identical design, is available.

Do all 10 stirring positions really run at the same speed?
Yes; according to the data sheet, the speed variation between the positions is 0 per cent.

Is the external power supply included in the Scope of delivery?
The unit operates on 24-volt DC with a current draw of 1,000 milliamps; we can provide the identification number of the supplied power supply on request; the power supply itself accepts 100 to 240 volts at the input.

What is the anti-slip mat for?
It prevents containers from slipping on the smooth stainless steel work surface and can be removed if required.

Why is the speed range on the RO 10 higher than on the RT 10?
According to the data sheet, the speed range of the RO 10 extends up to 1,200 revolutions per minute instead of 1,000; this is a model-specific difference that exists independently of the lack of a heating function and may be useful for very low-viscosity media.

Is the RO 10 suitable for use alongside a separate water bath?
Yes, as it does not have its own heating function, the RO 10 can be combined well with a separately temperature-controlled water bath or circulating thermostat.

Can the RO 10 be combined with an RT model?
Both series of units can be operated independently of one another, for example where some workstations require heating whilst others only need stirring.

How should the RO 10 be disposed of correctly?
As an electrical appliance, it should be taken to a collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment rather than disposed of with household waste; the manufacturer’s WEEE registration number is listed in the section on ‘Use, Installation, Maintenance and Disposal’.