Learn all about laboratory centrifuges, their components, functions, uses and applications here!
What is a laboratory centrifuge?
A centrifuge is a laboratory device used to separate heterogeneous mixtures. As the device containing the mixture spins at high speed, centrifugal force pushes the heavier material to the bottom of the container. This helps separate mixtures based on differences in material density. This requires mixtures with significantly large density differences. Separation of mixtures is a critical step in various scientific experiments, so it is important to understand the technical features and performance of centrifuges.
The significance of laboratory centrifuges
How does it work?
id moves towards the bottom of the container under the influence of gravity. The speed at which materials move depends on their size and density. Centrifugal force is greater than gravity to speed up the settling of particles.
The laboratory centrifuge consists of the following parts:
rotor
motor
Imbalance detector
Tachometer
safety cover
refrigerator
Braking System
Centrifuge tube
The use of centrifuge tubes
Tubes with tapered bottoms are commonly used in swing-out barrel rotors for pelleting cells. Round bottom tubes are used for high speed rotors.
Types of centrifuges
There are several types of laboratory centrifuges, which vary in speed and capacity. The centrifuge tubes used also vary by capacity.
Microcentrifuges - These are the ideal high-speed models recommended for micro sample applications. This includes biological sample isolation of cellular material, RNA/DNA and peptides. Microcentrifuges offer complete flexibility and versatility with low noise.
Clinical Low Speed Centrifuge - This model is generally recommended for general laboratory applications. This includes biological sample isolation of cellular material, blood, urine, sperm, etc.
Multipurpose High Speed Centrifuge/Ultracentrifuge - Designed for high volume working laboratories, ideal for cellular and molecular biology applications, clinical preparation, industrial applications, and more.
Safety tips to follow when using the centrifuge:
Make sure the centrifuge is well secured and balanced on the surface counter. Do not use the centrifuge on uneven or inclined surfaces.
The tubes in the rotor should be balanced. When placing the tube in the centrifuge, make sure to place another tube with the same amount of water in the hole opposite the rotor. If the density of the liquid is higher or lower than water, balance the tube by mass rather than volume.
Never open the lid while the rotor is moving.
If you see the model shaking or vibrating excessively, turn it off or unplug it.
Make sure to wear the required safety gear around the centrifuge.
