This document describes the VWR Advanced Hotplate-Stirrers, Hotplates, and Stirrers, providing detailed information on their function, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance. These devices are intended for general laboratory use.
Function Description
The VWR Advanced Hotplate-Stirrers are versatile laboratory instruments designed for both heating and stirring liquids. The Hotplate models provide heating functionality, while the Stirrer models offer stirring capabilities. The Hotplate-Stirrers combine both functions, allowing for simultaneous heating and stirring of samples. They feature precise control over temperature and stirring speed, making them suitable for a wide range of laboratory applications.
Important Technical Specifications
The VWR Advanced Series offers several models with varying specifications:
Round Top Hotplate-Stirrer:
- Overall dimensions (L x W x H): 26.7 x 17.3 x 12.7 cm
- Top plate dimensions: Ø 13.5 cm
- Top plate material: Aluminum
- Electrical (50/60 Hz): 230 volts: 4.6 amps: 1058 watts
- Fuses: 10A time-delay, 5x20mm, 250VAC
- Temperature range: Ambient +5° to 380°C
- Temperature stability of top plate*: ± 3% > 100°C, ± 2% ≤ 100°C
- Temperature stability with temperature probe**: ± 1% > 100°C, ± 1°C ≤ 100°C
- Stir capacity: 10 L
- Speed range: 60 to 1600 rpm
- Speed stability: ± 2%
- Weight capacity: Up to 19.9 kg
- Ship weight: 2.3 kg
* 5.1 cm diameter center of top plate
** 800 mL of water in 1 L flask, 38 mm stir bar, 150 rpm and 50°C, 23°C ambient, 20 cm SS probe
18x18 Hotplate-Stirrer (Ceramic Top):
- Overall dimensions (L x W x H): 30.7 x 22.4 x 12.2 cm
- Top plate dimensions: 17.8 x 17.8 cm
- Top plate material: Ceramic
- Electrical (50/60 Hz): 230 volts: 6.0 amps: 1380 watts
- Fuses: 10A time-delay, 5x20mm, 250VAC
- Temperature range: Ambient +5° to 500°C
- Temperature stability of top plate*: ± 3% > 100°C, ± 2% ≤ 100°C
- Temperature stability with temperature probe**: ± 1% > 100°C, ± 1°C ≤ 100°C
- Stir capacity: 10 L
- Speed range: 60 to 1600 rpm
- Speed stability: ± 2%
- Weight capacity: Up to 18.1 kg
- Ship weight: 3.5 kg
* 5.1 cm diameter center of top plate
** 800 mL of water in 1 L flask, 38 mm stir bar, 150 rpm and 50°C, 23°C ambient, 20 cm SS probe
18x18 Hotplate-Stirrer (Aluminum Top):
- Overall dimensions (L x W x H): 30.7 x 22.4 x 12.2 cm
- Top plate dimensions: 17.8 x 17.8 cm
- Top plate material: Aluminum
- Electrical (50/60 Hz): 230 volts: 6.0 amps: 1380 watts
- Fuses: 10A time-delay, 5x20mm, 250VAC
- Temperature range: Ambient +5° to 340°C
- Temperature stability of top plate*: ± 3% > 100°C, ± 2% ≤ 100°C
- Temperature stability with temperature probe**: ± 1% > 100°C, ± 1°C ≤ 100°C
- Stir capacity: 10 L
- Speed range: 60 to 1600 rpm
- Speed stability: ± 2%
- Weight capacity: Up to 18.1 kg
- Ship weight: 3.4 kg
* 5.1 cm diameter center of top plate
** 800 mL of water in 1 L flask, 38 mm stir bar, 150 rpm and 50°C, 23°C ambient, 20 cm SS probe
18x18 Hotplate:
- Overall dimensions (L x W x H): 30.7 x 22.4 x 12.2 cm
- Top plate dimensions: 17.8 x 17.8 cm
- Top plate material: Ceramic
- Electrical (50/60 Hz): 230 volts: 6.0 amps: 1380 watts
- Fuses: 10A time-delay, 5x20mm, 250VAC
- Temperature range: Ambient +5° to 500°C
- Temperature stability of top plate*: ± 3% > 100°C, ± 2% ≤ 100°C
- Temperature stability with temperature probe**: ± 1% > 100°C, ± 1°C ≤ 100°C
- Weight capacity: Up to 18.1 kg
- Ship weight: 2.8 kg
* 5.1 cm diameter center of top plate
** 800 mL of water in 1 L flask and 50°C, 23°C ambient, 20 cm SS probe
18x18 Stirrer:
- Overall dimensions (L x W x H): 30.7 x 22.4 x 12.2 cm
- Top plate dimensions: 17.8 x 17.8 cm
- Top plate material: Ceramic
- Electrical (50/60 Hz): 230 volts: 0.5 amps: 115 watts
- Fuses: 5A quick-acting, 5x20mm, 250VAC
- Stir capacity: 10 L
- Speed range: 60 to 1600 rpm
- Speed stability: ± 2%
- Weight capacity: Up to 18.1 kg
- Ship weight: 3.5 kg
25x25 Hotplate-Stirrer:
- Overall dimensions (L x W x H): 42.2 x 28.6 x 12.2 cm
- Top plate dimensions: 25.4 x 25.4 cm
- Top plate material: Ceramic
- Electrical (50/60 Hz): 230 volts: 7.0 amps: 1610 watts
- Fuses: 230 volts: 10A time-delay, 5x20mm, 250VAC
- Temperature range: Ambient +5° to 500°C
- Temperature stability of top plate*: ± 3% > 100°C, ± 2% ≤ 100°C
- Temperature stability with temperature probe**: ± 1% > 100°C, ± 1°C ≤ 100°C
- Stir capacity: 13 L
- Speed range: 60 to 1600 rpm
- Speed stability: ± 2%
- Weight capacity: Up to 18.1 kg
- Ship weight: 5.7 kg
* 5.1 cm diameter center of top plate
** 800 mL of water in 1 L flask, 38 mm stir bar, 150 rpm and 50°C, 23°C ambient, 20 cm SS probe
Usage Features
The VWR Advanced Series units are designed for ease of use with intuitive controls and clear display indicators.
Device Setup:
- Display Screen: Provides visual feedback on current settings and status.
- Standby Indicator: Illuminates when the unit is in standby mode.
- Left Knob (Hotplate-Stirrers/Hotplates): Controls temperature and navigates the settings menu.
- Right Knob (Hotplate-Stirrers/Stirrers): Controls stirring speed.
- External RTD Probe Port: Allows connection of an external temperature probe for precise sample temperature control.
- Fuse: Protects the unit from electrical overloads.
- Power Entry Module (PEM): Connects the power cord to the unit.
- Threaded Knob for Accessory Rod: Used to attach support rods for external probes or other accessories.
- Standby Switch: Toggles the unit between active and standby modes.
Display Indicators:
- Heater Temperature (L): Shows the current heater temperature or external probe temperature when connected.
- Heater Indicator (M): Illuminates when the heater is active.
- Heat Setting Indicator (N): Illuminates when displaying the heat setting.
- Single Point Calibration Icon (O): Indicates when single point calibration is active.
- External Probe Icon (P): Illuminates when an external probe is connected.
- Hot Top Caution Indicator (Q): Illuminates when the heater temperature is ≥ 40°C.
- Speed Setting Indicator (R): Illuminates until the stirrer reaches the set speed.
- Speed Setting (S): Displays the current stirring speed setting.
- Stirrer Indicator (T): Illuminates when the stirrer is running.
Operation:
- Getting Ready: Units display software version, electrical power, and frequency upon startup before entering the main operating screen or standby mode.
- Standby Mode: Controlled by a rocker switch. All heating and stirring functions turn off in standby. If the heater temperature is above 40°C, the hot top caution indicator and current temperature remain displayed.
- Controlling the Stirrer: The right knob (D) adjusts the speed setting (S). Press and hold to turn the stirrer on/off. The stirrer indicator (T) blinks while ramping to speed and remains illuminated once the setpoint is reached.
- Controlling the Top Plate Heater: The left knob (C) adjusts the heat setting (L). Press and hold to turn the heater on/off. The heater indicator (M) illuminates when active, and the hot top caution indicator (Q) activates above 40°C.
- Using the External Probe: Connects to the RTD probe port (E). The display (L) then shows the external probe temperature. An E7 error occurs if the setpoint is too high for the sample, and an E4 error if the probe is removed while heating. These errors can be cleared by cycling the standby switch.
- Settings Menu: Accessible by pressing and holding the left knob (C). Features include:
- Single Point Calibration (CAL): Improves heater accuracy at user-selected temperature points (up to 3 for plate, 3 for probe). The process involves setting a target temperature, measuring with a secondary device, and adjusting the unit's reading.
- System Settings (SYS): Allows configuration of additional features like enabling/disabling the beeper, changing power recovery settings, and resetting to factory defaults.
- Beeper Control: The beeper can be enabled or disabled to prevent audible alerts during various operations (starting/stopping heater/stirrer, reaching set temperature, starting SPC).
- Power Recovery Setting: An optional feature that automatically restarts heater and stirrer functions after a power disconnect. By default, this is off, requiring manual restart.
- Reset to Factory Default Settings: Clears all single point calibration temperatures, turns off power recovery, and re-enables the beeper.
Maintenance Features
The VWR Advanced Series units are designed for durability and minimal maintenance.
- General Maintenance: No lubrication or technical user maintenance is required beyond keeping surfaces clean.
- Cleaning:
- Ceramic Tops: Remove burnt-on deposits with a scraper. Clean with a non-abrasive cleaner and a damp paper towel, then wipe with water and dry.
- Aluminum Tops: For dust and dirt, use a damp cloth with soap and water. For stubborn deposits, use a flat-edge wooden spatula. For tougher stains, a mixture of white vinegar and water can be used. Abrasive pads or cleaners are generally not recommended for aluminum surfaces to prevent scratching. If necessary, baking soda with a moist cloth can be used. Avoid steel wool.
- Troubleshooting: A comprehensive table is provided for common problems, causes, and remedies (e.g., missing fuse, RTD errors, stirring issues, probe errors, over/under temperature). Most issues can be resolved by the user, but for persistent problems or specific error codes (E1, E2, E3, E6, E8, E9, E10), contact VWR technical service.
- Warranty: VWR provides a two-year warranty against defects in material and workmanship from the date of delivery. The warranty does not cover damage from accident, abuse, misuse, misapplication, ordinary wear and tear, or failure to perform required maintenance.