Three aspects you need to understand before operating a centrifuge

Release time:

2020-09-09

Overview:

The role of the centrifuge in the laboratory can be described as indispensable. This is because it’s easy and straightforward to operate—anyone who needs to use a centrifuge can quickly get the hang of it after undergoing brief training.

　　 Centrifuge Its position in the laboratory can be described as indispensable. This is because it’s easy and straightforward to operate—anyone who needs to use a centrifuge can quickly get the hang of it after just a brief training session.

　　Although centrifuges are simple to operate, they should not be taken lightly. Even the slightest operational error—no matter how small—could lead to serious consequences, potentially endangering lives.

　　When operating a centrifuge, the very first requirement is balance adjustment. If it’s not properly balanced, it’s as if the foundation hasn’t been laid—and there’s no point even starting the centrifugal test.

　　Centrifuge tubes and centrifuge buckets must be placed symmetrically in the rotor. The centrifuge tubes and their contents must be balanced on a balance scale. Asymmetrical placement can lead to uneven forces acting on the rotor during centrifugation, causing wear and reducing the lifespan of the centrifuge. In severe cases, it could even result in the rotor flying out of the centrifuge chamber—just imagine the destructive power of a rotor spinning at several thousand or even tens of thousands of revolutions per minute... Therefore, to extend the lifespan of the centrifuge and ensure the safety of laboratory personnel, it is essential to balance the load before each centrifugation run.

　　Secondly, there’s the issue of overspeed overload. As we all know, each rotor in a centrifuge has a maximum rotational speed and maximum centrifugal force. It’s crucial to set the parameters strictly according to each rotor’s maximum centrifugal capacity; exceeding these limits could lead to dangerous situations.

　　Of course, for Lu Xiangyi’s centrifuge, operation involving overload centrifugation simply doesn’t exist, because it’s equipped with “rotor recognition” and “over-speed alarm” functions. Each rotor has a unique identification code; the system automatically recognizes which rotor is installed and displays its maximum rotational speed/centrifugal force on the screen. You’ll have absolutely no chance of “overloading the centrifugal speed.”

　　Another important point is the lid. Some centrifuges come with an automatic lid-ejection feature, but most centrifuges don't have this automatic lid-closing function. Therefore, before starting a fixed-angle rotor centrifugation, you must carefully check whether the rotor is properly covered with its centrifuge lid. If the lid isn't properly closed, significant eddy-current resistance will develop inside the centrifuge chamber, placing extra strain on the motor and shortening the lifespan of the centrifuge.

　　Finally, there’s the selection of centrifuge tubes. Different centrifuge tubes can withstand varying maximum centrifugal forces. If the centrifugal force exceeds the tube’s capacity, it could lead to deformation or even rupture of the tube.

　　The above is a brief introduction to centrifuge operation. If you’d like to learn more about centrifuges, please stay tuned to Shanghai Luxiangyi Centrifuge Instrument Co., Ltd.

Find the cause from the results—centrifuge design prioritizes safety.

Centrifuge safety must be considered from multiple aspects.