Stirrers and hot plates are one of the most common equipments used in laboratories. While their basic uses remain the same, they are available in different sizes, volume and functionalities depending on the scale and nature of experiments.
Here are some useful tips to consider for choosing the right stirrers and hot plates for the laboratory.
Accuracy and Stability
If you are conducting some basic and low-end experiments, you can easily rely on analog stirrers. However, when the nature of experiments is complex and requires precision to the point and highly reliable results, digital stirrers are the best option.
There is also a magnetic hot plate stirrer when you need to get a homogenous liquid mixture by mixing either solid or liquid components. The uses of magnetic stirrer are common in chemistry and biology labs. The most important benefit of a magnetic stirrer is that it lowers the risk of contamination. The magnetic stirrer principle and uses comprise a rotating magnetic field that causes a stirrer bar immersed in the liquid to spin and stir.
Volume
From small, single-vessel units to multi-unit and large capacity units, the stirrers and hot plates are available in different sizes and configurations. It is advisable to buy the ones that suit your laboratory needs.
Material for Range and Uniformity
The materials from which stirrer hotplates are made of are also instrumental in defining the range and uniformity of its results. For instance, ceramic ones are known for chemical resistance and ideal for experiments involving corrosive chemicals. However, they are not recommended if you require heating evenly over the plate surface. Aluminium stirrer hotplates are known for consistent temperature all over the plate but offer lower visibility of the sample. So, choose a stirrer hot plate depending on operating temperatures, Celsius and power requirements.
Viscosity
The shape and size of the drive magnet and stir bar and distance between them, size of the vessel, stirring speed and viscosity of the solution also make a difference to the efficiency of stirring a solution. If you are stirring more viscous solutions, it is advisable to use a unit with greater magnetic coupling strength.
Environment
Stirrers and hot plates are bound to emit fumes of varying degrees. If they are not of good and sturdy quality, there could be an explosion in the lab, leading to human injuries and hazards to the entire laboratory. So, make sure you buy only explosion-proof equipment.
Choose the best quality stirrers and hot plates from Science Equip Laboratory Equipment Supplies.
Also read: How Well You Know Your Laboratory Equipment
