IKA RW 47 digital, mechanical stirrer, 200 L, 0004050000

Macro-rheology and industrial power transmission

The homogenisation of highly viscous, non-Newtonian polymers or paste-like suspensions on an industrial pilot plant scale (up to 200 litres) requires the application of high and absolutely constant torque. The IKA RW 47 digital is the most powerful electromechanical overhead agitator in the series and utilises a robust, two-stage spur gear transmission. This kinematic architecture enables the drive to generate an extreme mechanical torque of up to 3,000 Ncm (30 Nm) at the shaft. This massive reduction ratio across two defined speed ranges (57 – 275 rpm and 275 – 1,300 rpm) is absolutely essential from a process engineering perspective in order to overcome the enormous fluid dynamic flow resistance in media with a dynamic viscosity of up to 100,000 mPa·s, without driving the drive to thermal saturation (stall current).

Three-phase kinematics and fluid mechanics

To maintain this kinetic energy continuously, the system does not operate on the standard mains supply but utilises a three-phase asynchronous motor (400 V high-voltage current). This power infrastructure guarantees an extremely high starting torque and absolutely slip-free operation, even when temporary viscosity peaks occur (e.g. due to exothermic cross-linking reactions in the reactor). A mechanical through-shaft (for stirrer shafts up to 13 mm) allows for stepless vertical adjustment of the vortex flow pattern directly within the reactor. This is essential, as the flow profile shifts significantly due to hydrodynamic effects at batch volumes of 200 litres and varying fill levels, and the propeller’s active shear zone must be precisely calibrated to the physical phase boundary.

System statics and metrological monitoring

The application of 3,000 Ncm in 200 litres of highly viscous media induces massive asymmetrical radial and bending moments on the equipment structure. A conventional bench-top stand would instantly lead to a catastrophic resonance failure due to these rotational forces. The 16 kg agitator must be mounted on a floor-anchored telescopic stand. Metrological process control is ensured via the digital LED display. This visual feedback of the actual rotational kinematics forms the fundamental basis for GLP-compliant reproducibility and the fluid-mechanical scale-up of laboratory assays to pilot scale.

Technical details

Kinematics & Mechanics

• Maximum stirring volume (based on H₂O): 200 litres
• Maximum viscosity of the medium: 100,000 mPa·s
• Maximum torque at the stirring shaft: 3,000 Ncm (30 Nm)
• Gearbox architecture: Two-stage mechanical industrial spur gearbox
• Kinematics (Gear I, 50 Hz): 57 – 275 rpm (maximum torque)
• Kinematic range (Gear II, 50 Hz): 275 – 1,300 rpm (focus on turbulence)
• Chuck clamping range: 3.0 – 16.0 mm
• Mechanical hollow shaft (through-shaft): Yes (internal diameter 13.0 mm when stationary)

Metrology & Control Technology

• Speed display: Digital LED display
• Speed control: Stepless mechanical friction wheel drive
• Adjustment resolution: Continuous (analogue adjustment wheel)

Motor & Power Consumption

• Motor type: Three-phase induction motor (high-voltage)
• Motor power input / output: 513 W / 370 W

System infrastructure & dimensions

• System dimensions (W x H x D): 145 x 465 x 358 mm
• Machine weight: 16.0 kg
• Mounting design: Integrated flange for floor stand
• Housing material: Solid die-cast aluminium (powder-coated)

Safety & Environmental Conditions

• Thermal safety device: Integrated overload protection (temperature sensors in the motor windings)
• Permissible ambient temperature range: 5 – 40 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 80 %
• Protection class (to DIN EN 60529): IP 54 (protection against dust and splashing water)

Electrical & Connectivity

• Voltage: 3 x 400 V / 3 x 230 V (three-phase alternating current / high-voltage current)
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: max. 513 W

Contents of delivery

• 1 x IKA RW 47 digital mechanical stirrer
• 1 x chuck key
• 1 x high-voltage mains cable (three-phase)

(Important note: Floor stands, cross-sockets and flow-specific stirring tools are essential for operation and are not included in the scope of delivery! Due to the massive torsional forces, mounting on a standard bench stand is physically impossible and extremely dangerous.)

Custom requirements & accessories

The RW 47 digital converts 400-volt high-voltage power into immense rotational energy. Due to its own weight (16 kg) and the enormous lateral forces, the motor unit must be mounted on an industrial floor stand (e.g. IKA R 474 or R 472). For the fluid-mechanical mixing of 200 litres at extreme viscosities, the use of macro-tools positioned close to the vessel wall, such as the anchor agitator (R 1331), is essential to eliminate dead zones within the reactor. Please contact our procurement service at any time for the tribologically and statically correct configuration of your pilot plant infrastructure.