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 Within the clinical, research, or chemistry laboratory there are many devices used for the handling and preparation of chemicals. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the laboratory stirring device. This simple yet purposeful machine is used for the mixing of liquid chemicals, and for the dissolution of solids within a liquid.

Mixing and stirring is a vital part of chemical reactions, acting as a catalyst to promote molecular reactions of chemical substances. Stirring frequently or constantly is what a good laboratory stirrer can accomplish. Mixing, either rapid or slow, can be attained using a variety of mixing devices, which will be discussed in brief in this article.

The magnetic stirrer is by far the most popular laboratory stirrer used. It is comprised of a flat base, with or
without control features, and a power cord. A magnetic pellet, plastic coated so as not to interfere with the chemical reactions within a container, is placed within the medium to be mixed. The unit is switched on, causing a motor within the platform to spin. The spinning shaft is attached to another magnet, which in turn spins the capsule placed inside the mixing container.

This can give constant mixing for any given amount of time. The capsule can be coated with a variety of materials, some for reactive uses, and others that are non-reactive. The capsule can come in many different sizes and shapes, but the standard capsule is oval-rounded in shape. Sizes can vary for the size of the container being used.

This type of stirrer can also come with a heating or cooling element to aid in the catalytic reaction. This is extremely useful to chemists, as the reaction times can be diminished with certain temperatures. The cooling unit is great for keeping delicate reagents from breaking down, thus their shelf life is maintained for longer periods. The cooling mechanism is usually a Peltier reaction core, or thermo electronic cooling.

There are different mixers, as well. Some are based on a swirling technology such as a vortex mixer. This mixer can come in different sizes also, to be used on tiny reaction tubes to larger containers. Vortex mixing is the action of swirling at a high speed to cause a spin in the mixable media, in turn causing a vortex tube within the liquid. Vortex mixers can be automatic, activating when pressing down upon the rubber cup, or switched on for constant mixing of multiple tubes and containers.

Large platform mixers are also used. These rotational mixers have a table on which specimens or chemicals are set upon for mixing. Some of these types of mixers have clamps to hold the containers in place, preventing spills. The table rotates at a certain chosen speed, gently swirling the reagents within the containers. These mixers can also be placed within an incubator for speed of reaction.
Inverting mixers are used in microbiology and other biotechnical experiments. The bottles or containers are place in the mixing device, which holds them in place for inversion. The unit then tips the bottles at a constant rate, or just simply tips the containers at a set time so maintain homogeneity.
Stirrers and mixers are obviously an important and integral part of the laboratory setting, from research to medical. Without them, hand stirring and mixing would slow down productivity and may even lead to poor results.

Take a look at other relevant information from Andrew Long including lab shaker products and related material.