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If you have a StirStarter stir plate (the larger version), here's how you can turn it into a powerhouse: Full speed, no throwing stir bars, and a strong vortex in a 5L flask!
The Backstory: My stir plate broke after some yeast got into the unit during an overactive fermentation, damaging the fan. I found a waterproof replacement fan on Amazon that was nearly identical in size to the original—an easy fix. But I didn’t stop there!
The Upgrade: While repairing it, I noticed there was space to add more magnets on top of the existing ones. My stir bar kept getting thrown, so I experimented by adding some extra 12x3mm magnets I had lying around to see if it would help. The improvement was immediate. Curious to see how much better it really was, I grabbed my 5L flask to test it out. Performance was greatly improved, but there was still room for improvement.
After some brainstorming (and a lengthy chat with ChatGPT on stir plate magnetism), I decided to use the largest magnet (think widest) that could fit while maintaining optimal magnetic performance. I landed on 5/8" x 1/8" N52 magnets—the strongest type available. K&J Magnets, a reputable online seller, carries them. This size worked perfectly because it stayed within the 3mm thickness of my test magnets and didn’t cause any negative interference between the new magnets (theoretically).
Pro Tip: Make sure the center-to-center distance of your magnets matches the length of your stir bar for optimal performance.
The result? A supercharged stir plate that can handle the domed bottom of a 5L flask with ease. No more thrown stir bars for a crazy strong vortex!
Links to parts below.
https://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DA2-N52
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSVS33XV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
The Backstory: My stir plate broke after some yeast got into the unit during an overactive fermentation, damaging the fan. I found a waterproof replacement fan on Amazon that was nearly identical in size to the original—an easy fix. But I didn’t stop there!
The Upgrade: While repairing it, I noticed there was space to add more magnets on top of the existing ones. My stir bar kept getting thrown, so I experimented by adding some extra 12x3mm magnets I had lying around to see if it would help. The improvement was immediate. Curious to see how much better it really was, I grabbed my 5L flask to test it out. Performance was greatly improved, but there was still room for improvement.
After some brainstorming (and a lengthy chat with ChatGPT on stir plate magnetism), I decided to use the largest magnet (think widest) that could fit while maintaining optimal magnetic performance. I landed on 5/8" x 1/8" N52 magnets—the strongest type available. K&J Magnets, a reputable online seller, carries them. This size worked perfectly because it stayed within the 3mm thickness of my test magnets and didn’t cause any negative interference between the new magnets (theoretically).
Pro Tip: Make sure the center-to-center distance of your magnets matches the length of your stir bar for optimal performance.
The result? A supercharged stir plate that can handle the domed bottom of a 5L flask with ease. No more thrown stir bars for a crazy strong vortex!
Links to parts below.
https://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DA2-N52
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSVS33XV?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
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