Tornado Overhead Stirring System

Multi-position overhead stirring for heated and inert reactions

The Tornado™ Overhead Stirring System provides powerful and controlled mechanical stirring for up to six round bottom flasks simultaneously when you combine it with the Carousel 6 Plus Reaction Station. The system is particularly suited for viscous samples and applications requiring efficient dispersion of delicate solids in solution.

By using a single overhead stirrer to drive multiple vessels, Tornado can increase stirring productivity while reducing the need for multiple individual stirring setups.

Key system capabilities

• Mechanical stirring for up to six reaction vessels simultaneously
• Rapid heating up to 180 °C
• Water-cooled reflux head for reflux applications
• Operation under an inert atmosphere
• Compatible with 50 mL, 100 mL, and 250 mL round bottom flasks
• Fits all Carousel Stirring Hotplates
• Compatible with leading brands of overhead stirrers

The system can achieve stirring speeds up to 1,000 rpm for low-viscosity samples and supports viscosities up to 10,000 mPas at 500 rpm.

Flexible vessel and stirrer configurations

The Tornado system supports a range of flask styles and stirrer types to accommodate different reaction requirements.

Available flask configurations include:

• Standard round bottom flasks
• Wide neck flasks
• Sidearm flasks
• Baffled flasks
• 250 mL azeotropic (Dean & Stark) flask option

Wide neck flasks simplify removal of viscous or solid samples and allow the use of larger stirrer blades. Baffled flasks improve mixing efficiency by disrupting vortex formation during stirring.

Users can select from several PTFE stirrer designs, specifically sized for each vessel type:

• Centrifugal stirrers
• Anchor stirrers
• Propeller stirrers

Heating and stirring performance

The Tornado system is heated directly by the stirring hotplate and can be operated using optional digital temperature control and a Pt1000 temperature sensor.

Key performance features include:

• Up to six heated and stirred reaction positions
• Uniform heating through the Carousel Stirring Hotplate
• Efficient water-cooled reflux head
• Integrated inert atmosphere capability
• Individual vessels can be removed independently

The system uses a tool-free “Pinch-Grip” mechanism and sealed stirrer assembly, allowing quick stirrer shaft insertion while supporting gas-tight operation under inert conditions.

Improved productivity with a single overhead stirrer

Tornado uses one overhead stirrer to agitate multiple vessels simultaneously, helping laboratories reduce equipment costs and save valuable bench space compared to multiple separate stirring setups.

The integrated 2-speed drive system (1:1 and 2:1) allows lower torque overhead stirrers to be used effectively with higher viscosity samples.

The system integrates directly with existing Carousel 6 Plus setups without increasing the overall laboratory footprint.

Safety and ease of use

The Tornado system is ideal for simple operation and minimal maintenance.

Features supporting safe and convenient use include:

• Integral polycarbonate safety guard to prevent accidental contact with rotating components
• Optional universal clamp and support stand for additional stability
• Easy setup and operation with minimal training
• Maintenance-free design
• Easy access to individual vessels during operation

The compact configuration allows multiple heated and stirred reactions to be carried out efficiently while maintaining organised and space-saving laboratory workflows.

Technical information