INTRODUCTION
A hot plate is a laboratory device used to heat samples, solutions, and materials
uniformly without the danger associated with the open flame at precise temperatures.
Hot plates have a flat surface with heating sources. They are perfect for use in an oil or sand
bath because they don’t emit open flames. It frequently works with a magnetic stirrer to
maintain a consistent liquid temperature and provide optimum homogeneity.
Hot plates are extremely portable appliances with up to two gas burners. However, there are
two different sizes of hot plates. The first is the larger single burner, while the second is the
double burner. Additionally, two different kinds of burners can be used, and some burners can
also function as an electric heating element. The primary benefit of a hot plate is that other
than electricity, it has no special requirements for use. It is a device that is also simple to
maintain and clean. Nevertheless, corrosion must be avoided at all costs.
The exterior layer is covered with stainless steel and other materials, a thermal conductivity
plate, and it is based on the electric heating wire as a heating material to mica soft board and
other materials as insulating material.
PRINCIPLE OF HOT PLATE
The major component of the heating plate is electric alloy wire, and the electric effect is the
only real functioning principle. Electric work involves a current flowing through an electric
alloy wire that heats up and conducts heat through the outer shell. To prevent the user from
experiencing hidden problems when the electric alloy wire is in use, the electric plate is
constructed using an insulating material.
A hot plate stirrer normally operates based on a revolving electromagnetic field. There are
several electromagnets implanted in the internal construction of hot plates. In the solution
container, a magnetic bar also referred to as a stir bar is placed. The coating of the bar
prevents it from reacting, making it chemically inert. A good submersion into the solution is
necessary. On top of the hot plate is set the flask or beaker holding the solution together with
the stir bar. Two adjustment knobs are present on the hot plate stirrer.
The temperature of the apparatus can be changed using one of the knobs, and rotational speed
can be altered with the other knob.
The electromagnets and heating mechanism are turned on when the hot plate stirrer’s main
switch is flipped on. An electromagnetic field develops as a result of the solution being
heated by the heating mechanism. As a result of the device’s electromagnetic field interfering
with and interacting with the bar magnet’s static magnetic field, the solution rotates, gets
mixed up properly, and heats up simultaneously. The container must be positioned in the
centre of the hot plate for efficient and even stirring.
PARTS OF LABORATORY HOT PLATE
Controls and Indicators
Power indicator: When the hot plate is properly connected to input power, the power
indicator illuminates continuously.
Stir control knob: Turning the stir control knob completely counter-clockwise stops
stirring. Appropriate stirring speed should be set by turning it clockwise.
Stirring speed display: Displays the stirring speed that has been set.
Heat control knob: The heat control knob should be turned completely counter-
clockwise to turn off the heating system. The desired heating temperature can be set
by turning it clockwise.
Heating temperature display: Displays the temperature that has been set for heating.
Hot top indicator: When the top is too hot to touch (hotter than 60°C), the indicator
illuminates.
Temperature probe in use indicator: When the unit is connected to an external
temperature probe, the temperature probe in use indicator illuminates.
Connections
Power cord input: Attach the power cord to this connector.
External temperature controller input: The optional External Temperature
Controller should be plugged into this connector.
Top plate
A hot plate appropriate for the materials to be heated should be selected. One should know
how well the surface conducts heat and the maximum temperature it can withstand. The top
plate can be constructed of aluminium, ceramic, or enamel.
Accessories
Vertical support rod
Holding rod
External temperature controller
Boss head clamp
Thermometer holder
EXAMPLES OF HOT PLATE
Laboratory hot plate
Laboratory hot plate MB-HPL-400
Laboratory hot plate EW-04805 Series
Laboratory hot plate RC series
Laboratory hot plate [Link] Series