One device that is proving to be helpful in laboratories is a magnetic stirrer. It can perform essential tasks in the background while allowing you to take care of other issues. Most scientists agree that it is must-have lab equipment. The magnetic stirrer is a stand containing a rotating magnet and a tiny bar magnet. The small bar magnet is typically covered in plastic, and the stand has a rotating magnet. Therefore, this entire setup helps in creating a rotating magnetic field.
The magnetic stirrer is used in various applications in different industries. However, the primary task is to either mix or stir fluid samples. This is very important in the chemical and food industry, where it creates convenience. It can also be used in other sectors such as biotechnology.
Uses of a Magnetic Stirrer
A magnetic stirrer is also referred to as a magnetic stir plate. Multiple firms and people conducting biological and chemical experiments use it. If you have samples that need to be mixed, then you need a magnetic stirrer. Also, since the device is small, it does not take up much space in the lab, and using it is also easy.
Benefits of a Magnet Stirrer
As noted by 2mag, one of the most significant benefits of a magnetic stirrer is that it reduces the risk of contamination. That is because you are only placing an inert magnet bar in the sample fluid. In addition, cleaning and maintenance are easy. A manual and magnetic stirrer are different.
A magnetic stirrer is essential in the process of mixing a sample for a long time. For instance, the sample needs to be placed on this device for a long time in a protein dialysis process. Other laboratories prefer leaving a sample to mix overnight, which they can only achieve with a magnetic stirrer and manage to save valuable time. This is something that cannot be achieved with a manual stirrer.
With the many types of magnetic stirrers on the market, if you need one, consider your needs first and see which one suits you best before buying.