Hot plates and magnetic stirrers are essential parts of any lab since they help with the fundamental heating and mixing of chemicals and materials. There are many types and different Shapes for both
First of all, let’s understand what are Magnetic Stirrers and Hot Plates?
Hot plates: In a lab, hot plates are used as a source of heat to evenly heat fluids and substances. Because there is no open flame, only a heated plate, they are regarded considerably safer than traditional Bunsen burners.
Magnetic stirrers: In most laboratories, a magnetic stirrer is a must-have piece of equipment. Several operations need stirring of the solution for it to dissolve properly. When you need to mix little amounts of anything, magnetic stirrers are usually your best choice. If you need to mix big amounts of material, overhead stirrers are a better option.
Process of stirring is needed for:
Before analysis, mixing of solid materials in the liquid solution, mixing the solution with different chemicals, catching up with the required variable rotation speed in the preparation method, and making sure the sample is homogeneous.
What is a laboratory Hot Plate made of?
Laboratory Hot plates differ from each other concerning the materials and various temperature control plans. To meet a wide range of requirements, many different types of hot plates have been designed.
Materials used:
Glass: Another simple plate to see your sample through is glass. There is less heat transported beyond the glass, so the risk of burns is less if other parts of the hot plate are contacted. It’s simple to clean, corrosion-resistant, and warms quickly.
Ceramic:
Ceramic can withstand high temperatures and is corrosion resistant. One should be cautious because if harshly or wrongly handled there could be cracks. The bright tint of its surface makes it much simpler to see samples and solutions for changes in reactions. Because of the bright tint of its surface, it is much simpler to see samples and solutions for changes in reactions.
Aluminum:
Aluminum, being a good heat conductor, rapidly heats the hot plates made from this material.
Important note:Whenever some materials are corrosive, an Aluminum plate is not suggested to be used for the hot plates. Corrosive material causes corrosion and rust if exposed to Aluminum. But after the plates made from these are cooled, they are quite simple to clean.
Advantages and disadvantages of a Laboratory Hotplate
Advantages:
Easily portable
Easy to use
Many laboratory procedures are supported
Cost-effective
Disadvantages:
Extra items such as tongs or gloves need to be brought to avoid burns while removing hot materials.
These plates should be kept away from flammable materials so safety should be given importance with great details.
Types of Magnetic Stirrers:
Magnetic Stirrers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Multi-Position Magnetic Stirrers:
The multi-position magnetic stirrer helps you mix multiple solutions and reagents at the same time. Characteristics:Perfect for buffer preparation as pH and temperature probes is supported,Powerful,Saves space
Individual Magnetic Stirrers:
For purposes of safety, limitation in area, or risk of contamination, few specific processes have the requirements of individual mixing of solutions. Individual magnetic stirrers take different amounts of solutions. Some can hold 200 ml while others can hold 10,000 ml
Characteristics:The RPM range support could be from 0 to 1500. They have a wide range of usage for analytical purposes. Rotation speed can be maintained on its own even during adding additional reagents.
Magnetic Hot Plate Stirrer- Advantages and Disadvantages:
A hot plate with the addition of a magnetic is a magnetic hot plate stirrer. A magnetic can be generated around the hot plate by rotating the magnet at different speeds. A solution is heated as well as mixed simultaneously when used with a magnetic stir bar.
Advantages
Adjustments of temperature can be done easily. Prep work time is saved as there is no need for any employee to stir manually.
Solutions do not take much time to mix because of heating as well as mixing done at the same time.
Being two in one, bench space is minimized.
The time taken for the agitation of the solution can be tracked easily.
Disadvantages
• 4 Liters is the maximum capacity.
• More investments need to be for these than other instruments.
Take the time to assess your process of work before deciding whether to purchase a hot plate or a hot plate magnetic stirrer. When considering the various possibilities, safety should be noted. Hot plates are inexpensive on their own but if you add extra features then the utility of them would increase and make it more beneficial. Investing in two-in-one equipment is a good one to make.
How to buy
There are very many manufacturers and sellers in the industry. But it is important that you follow these steps:
Service – Choose a company that provides service on the products
Warranty– Choose the one who will give you responsibility for a variety of things
Reliability – Choose a company with extensive experience and years of experience in the field
