What is a laboratory centrifuge?  It is one of the most widely used devices related to laboratory equipment , which is always used to separate components and constituent particles from a liquid composition. This device rotates the laboratory sample for separation with the help of centrifugal forces and at high speed.

How to work with a laboratory centrifuge

The way this device works is that by placing the sample inside the centrifuge tube, the device starts rotating at a constant speed and moves the sample outward until it is placed horizontally. In this case, the centrifugal force tries to move and drive the solution against the center of the centrifuge, and this causes the separation of larger particles from the solution in such a way that when the device is stopped, the heavier particles are separated from the outer part. remain soluble.

For this reason, today, laboratory centrifuges have become one of the most widely used and suitable equipments in research laboratories, biological, chemistry, life sciences, medicine and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage industries and polymer materials research.

Centrifuge components

• The key to turn the device on and off
• timer
• Electric motor
• Rotor (the rotor or centrifuge head includes a part of the machine that is used to place the sample tube. This part of the machine rotates with a motor at a specified speed and causes separation. The rotor is generally made of bronze, steel or plastic.)
• rotor head
• She saw
• Speedometer
• brake

Types of centrifuges

At present, laboratory centrifuges are produced in different types and sold in the market, each of which has different capabilities and applications and is used in various uses, which we will introduce below.

• Clinical centrifuge

This model of laboratory centrifuge is suitable for clinical work due to its lower speed. (same as a blood transfusion tube)

• Microcentrifuge

This device has a volume of 0.2 to 2 ml and consists of 96 tubes.

• Desktop centrifuge (multipurpose)

This device is also very suitable for working with large tubes and has different types.

• Stand Alone Centrifuge

Stand Alone is one of the other laboratory centrifuge models and is considered among the heavy devices, like the Ultra Centrifuge.

Simple centrifuge

It is one of the most ideal types of centrifuges suitable for laboratories and clinics to perform medical procedures.

Simple centrifuge feature

• It has a maximum capacity of 12 x 15 ml.
• Having a speed equal to 5000 rpm
• Having the N-Prime system (microprocessor control system)
• It has a compact design for separating solution and samples

Refrigerated Centrifuge

One of the types of laboratory centrifuge that is used for temperature sensitive samples is the refrigerated centrifuge which is able to keep the temperature constant. This model of centrifuge is produced and supplied in various sizes and capacities.

Refrigerated centrifuge feature

• Having a cooling system in order to protect and prevent the destruction of the sample (because this device produces a lot of heat during operation and rotation, which causes a change in the nature of the samples.)
• High rotation speed (30,000 rpm)
• Having a temperature range between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius (this device is suitable for performing and analyzing antibody, DAN, RNA, PCR with this temperature range.)
• Having a floating rotor configuration (fixed angle or swing)

It should be noted that nowadays refrigerated microcentrifuges are also designed and sold to users for small samples (less than 2 ml).

Necessary tips for using a laboratory centrifuge

To avoid possible risks and problems, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points while working with the centrifuge.

• Note that if the centrifuge is open, do not use or start the device. Also note that after finishing work, do not open the device door immediately. (Wait 2 to 3 minutes.)
• It is necessary for experts to adjust the speed of the device according to the desired sample.
• If you hear sounds from the laboratory centrifuge, immediately turn off the machine and check the rotor and balance of the machine.
• If the centrifuge has automatic locks, make sure it is healthy before using it.
• To centrifuge the samples, make sure that the tubes are healthy and use caps for the tubes.
• Clean the device after each use.
• Service the different parts of the laboratory centrifuge, such as the brushes, every 3 months or change them if needed.