Top 6 Criteria for Selecting an Overhead Stirrer
Introduction
Choosing an overhead stirrer isn't easy. A search reveals an overwhelming number of options that often don't even differentiate by application.
No single article can finalize your choice of overhead stirrer (there are too many factors at play). But if you keep these key six criteria in mind as you conduct your product research, then you're on your way to a wise choice.
The 6 key criteria
1. Stirring speed
Given in revolutions per minute (rpm), this will vary by model. Most laboratory stirrers provide a speed range, such as 12-to-1800 rpm or 40-to-6000 rpm, but there are some single speed options. Check which speeds are needed for your process and purpose of stirring. A digital display of speed is an asset if accuracy and repeatability of the speed are needed.
2. Volume
The stirrer’s volume capacity should meet or exceed your maximum batch size. Volumes can be 2 L, 25 L, 200 L and anywhere in between. Maximum volumes typically assume water viscosity unless specified by the manufacturer.
3. Torque
Torque is the rotational force used to turn the impeller, commonly reported in Newton centimeters (N∙cm) or inch ounces (in-oz). The higher the torque the better the stirrer is able to sustain impeller rotation in higher viscosity mixtures and when using larger diameter impellers.
A small increase in an impeller diameter (and speed) will cause a great increase in the power required for mixing, as shown in a simplified version of the power equation:
Power = rpm3 x Diameter5
The extra power needed for any increase in diameter and speed will impact your torque needs. Remember to take this into account.
4. Viscosity
This refers to dynamic viscosity, which is the fluid’s “thickness” when stirring. It is an important factor for stirrers mixing batches with viscosities greater than water, or viscosities that change during the mixing. Higher viscosity mixing will require greater torque from the stirrer motor, and you want to ensure your stirrer can maintain its rpm under changing viscosity conditions.
Be sure the overhead stirrer is able to handle the maximum viscosity of your batches. Viscosity is reported in centipoise (cP or cps) or millipascal seconds (mPa∙s). If you do not know the exact viscosity of your products, online viscosity tables of fluids can help provide an estimate.
5. Options
There are numerous features which may be important to your facility and application. Stirrer chucks offer a range of diameters so ensure your impeller shafts will fit into the chuck. Stirrers with through shafts make adjusting the impeller to an optimal height in the vessel easy, and even provide an easy way to move the impeller up out of the way for quick changes to mixing vessels.
Reversible models offer stirring in both clockwise (standard) and counter clockwise directions. Other features to consider are digital torque and speed display, zero torque, timer, a light, programmable mixing including automatic shutdown, data logging, and external control by a computer.
6. Operation & safety
Stirrer controls should be clear and intuitive to operate, especially with multiple users. Is the stirrer designed for continuous use? Is the stirrer maintenance free, or does it require scheduling for service? Some facilities require verification of the speed and torque readings by calibration.
Stirrers with overload or overheat protection automatically shut down to protect the electronics if mixing conditions are outside of operational range. Is there guarding available to shield from spinning chuck and/or shaft?
Review the safety standards that have been certified for the stirrer, such as CSA, UL, CE, FCC. Be sure to check what is required for stirring equipment in your facility.
Conclusion
Determining these key criteria will narrow your options to a manageable number, to help select the overhead stirrer that is best suited to your needs.
If you'd like advice & support with your overhead stirrer purchase, we're happy to help. Reach out to us at hello@growinglabs.com or 1-833-476-9420. We've helped thousands of purchasers supply and equip their laboratories both time- and cost-effectively.
(Information above provided by Caframo.)