Torrey Pines hot plate
About
Process: These are digital hot plate/stirrers used for controlled heating, evaporation, mixing, or baking of solutions and samples in fume hoods. They provide precise temperature regulation and magnetic stirring for consistent results in wet processing workflows.
Hardware: Torrey Pines HS70 series hot plate with integrated magnetic stirrer. Digital temperature control (ambient to ~400°C – confirm max on each unit). Stir speed adjustable (typically 100–1500 rpm). Ceramic or aluminum top plate for even heating. Safety features (over-temperature cutoff, hot surface warning).
Key Features:
- Temperature control: Precise digital setpoint
- Stirring: Magnetic stir bar compatible
- Multiple locations: Solvent hood, Acid left/right, Base/Developer left/right, E-beam resist hood
- Safety: Over-heat protection, isolated controls
Applications:
- Solvent heating/evaporation (e.g., IPA, acetone in resist processing)
- Solution mixing/stirring (developers, etchants, plating baths)
- Baking or curing of small samples (if compatible with temperature)
- Pre-heating of liquids before spin-coating or immersion
- General wet bench heating tasks
Usage: Place beaker/flask on plate (use stir bar if mixing), set temperature and stir speed, monitor process, turn off and allow cooling before handling. Use in fume hood only. Never leave unattended at high temperatures. Clean surface after use.
Detailed Specifications
- Model: Torrey Pines HS70 (multiple units)
- Locations:
* Solvent Fume Hood (Metrology Bay) * Acid Fume Hood – Right (Etch Bay, two units: left & right) * Base & Developer Fume Hood – Left & Right (Advanced Photo Bay) * E-beam Resist Fume Hood (Photo Bay – hot plate/stirrer)
- Temperature range: Ambient to high temperature (confirm max on each unit, typically ~400°C)
- Stirring: Magnetic, variable speed
- Features: Digital controls, safety over-temp protection, compact design for fume hood use
- Restrictions: Use only in designated fume hoods; avoid direct contact with strong corrosives; do not exceed solvent boiling/flash points
- Other: Reliable hot plate/stirrers distributed across wet benches for convenient heating
Documentation
- SOP – Solvent Fume Hoods (includes hot plate usage)
- SOP – Etch Bay Fume Hoods
- SOP – Advanced Photo Bay Fume Hoods
- Training required – contact lab staff (Chandan Ramakrishnaiah or Shivakumar Bhaskaran)
Recipes & Data
- Standard Heating: Common uses include:
* IPA/acetone warm-up: 40–60°C (solvent cleaning) * Developer heating: 30–50°C (e.g., TMAH or AZ developer) * Stirring solutions: 200–800 rpm for uniform mixing * Gentle baking: Low temp (80–120°C) for small samples if needed
- Process Control: Monitor temperature stability. Use thermocouple if critical. Avoid boiling solvents with low flash points.
- Notes: Always use fume hood ventilation. Use appropriate glassware or containers. Turn off when not in use to save energy and reduce fire risk.