The centrifuge is an essential laboratory equipment, which generates rotational movements, in order to separate the components that constitute a solution. This equipment applies a sustained centrifugal force (that is, a force produced by rotation) to push matter out of the center of rotation.
Centrifugation is a technique governed by Stokes’ law, who proposes that the particles settle more easily the greater their diameter and specific weight, and the lower their viscosity. Centrifugation is used to isolate or concentrate suspended particles in a liquid, taking advantage of the different displacement speeds depending on their shape, size or weight when subjected to centrifugal force. Centrifugal force is the force exerted on a body when it rotates around an axis.
Depending on the type of centrifuge, its operation and characteristics will be, such as the type of rotor and the type of sample holder tube. The basic components of a centrifuge are: rotor, motor, vacuum chamber, and speed, time and temperature control.
Types of centrifuges
Laboratory centrifuges can be classified into two large groups:
- Analytical: They make it possible to obtain molecular data: molecular mass, sedimentation coefficient, etc. They are very expensive and rare.
- Preparations: With them the samples are isolated and purified. There are four types: Benchtop, High-capacity, High-speed, and Ultracentrifuges.
What are the instructions for loading a centrifuge?
- Place loads that have the same mass or opposite weight on the rotor.
- In addition to having the same mass, they must have the same center of gravity, do not place tubes and containers as opposing pairs.
- Operate the centrifuge by placing all accessories on the rotor.
- Use the original equipment rotor and accessories. Non-original parts can cause an imbalance.
- Supplement these recommendations with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Main brands of centrifuges
You should be aware that some centrifuges can be used in a wide variety of applications and techniques, while others only serve very defined purposes. Although there are many models and types of centrifuge, their operation is always the same: all centrifuges rotate the samples around a fixed angle and separate the fluids from the solid substances by applying the principle of sedimentation. Although when choosing to buy a laboratory centrifuge, it is good to know which are the main brands, in order to carry a product designed with the highest quality, the best performance and the best guarantee, so that you approach a reliable supplier and that offers you the best products, here we mention ten of the most prominent centrifuge brands:
- Eppedorf
- Haier Biomedical
- IKA
- Thermo Scientific
- Sigma
- Nuaire
- Heal force
- Hospitex
- Benchmark Scientific
- Kalstein
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