How to Prevent Rupture of Centrifuge Tubes in Low-Temperature Centrifuges
Release time:
2016-04-28
Overview:
How to Prevent Rupture of Centrifuge Tubes in Low-Temperature Centrifuges
Centrifuge tube as Low-temperature centrifuge A crucial component—the quality of which directly affects the operation of the centrifuge. During the operation of low-temperature centrifuges, improper handling often leads to tube breakage. When such an incident occurs, we should first analyze the root cause of the accident and then identify appropriate countermeasures based on that analysis. Next, let me briefly share some insights with you.
1. Load Imbalance: Samples placed in symmetrically arranged holes of a centrifuge must be balanced by adjusting their weights using a balance, including the tubes themselves. If only one tube is used to hold the sample, the corresponding symmetrical tube must be filled with water to achieve balance; otherwise, during centrifugation, the instrument will vibrate, potentially causing the tube to break. Often overlooked is the fact that centrifuge cups in horizontal rotors can become unbalanced after prolonged use or replacement. Therefore, centrifuge cups also need to be properly balanced. For example, a centrifuge that has been in use for over 10 years might experience frequent tube breakage that initially seems difficult to troubleshoot. Later investigation revealed that four centrifuge cups had become significantly unbalanced. After re-balancing the weights of these cups, the problem was finally resolved.
2. Excessive Speed: If the low-temperature centrifuge’s rotation speed is increased too rapidly, the instrument may vibrate violently and damage the test tubes. Additionally, if the centrifuge’s rotation speed exceeds the maximum centrifugal force that the centrifuge tubes can withstand, the tubes may rupture. Therefore, you should select and replace centrifuge tubes that are capable of withstanding higher rotation speeds.
Centrifuge tube adapters for ultracentrifuges are commonly made from Delrin material. For low-speed and high-speed centrifuges, rubber and nylon are more often used. When using small tubes in rotors designed for larger tubes, adapters are required to ensure compatibility. This approach eliminates the need to frequently switch between rotors that correspond to different tube capacities—simply by using adapters, one rotor can serve multiple tube sizes, achieving the goal of "one rotor for multiple uses."
To prevent accidents caused by broken test tubes and to ensure the safe operation of low-temperature centrifuges, users should pay particular attention to the following:
1. When using a low-temperature centrifuge, it is essential to precisely balance all centrifuge tubes, tube holders, caps and top covers, shields, and tube sleeves on a balance beforehand. During balancing, the weight difference must not exceed the range specified in the instruction manual for each centrifuge model. Tube sleeves and shields are usually labeled with their weights; be careful not to mix up the matching tube sleeves and shields during the balancing process. The tubes must be filled with materials that are similar to those intended for centrifugation—for example, when centrifuging bacteria from a culture medium, you can use the medium itself for balancing. However, you must not use water to balance tubes containing cesium chloride.
2. Under no circumstances are single centrifuge tubes allowed to be loaded into the rotor of a low-temperature centrifuge. When the rotor is only partially loaded, place the tubes in the rotor in such a way that the load is evenly distributed around its circumference.
3. When loading the solution, follow the specific operating instructions for each type of centrifuge. Select appropriate centrifuge tubes based on the properties and volume of the solution to be centrifuged. Some centrifuge tubes do not have lids; therefore, do not fill them too full, as this could cause the liquid to splash out during centrifugation, leading to rotor imbalance, rusting, or corrosion.
4. After centrifugation is complete, the rotor should be washed with warm water and then dried. Generally, simply rinsing it with water is sufficient; never immerse the rotor in detergents. Once cleaned, dry the rotor thoroughly and allow it to air-dry in a clean, dry environment. If the rotor will not be used for an extended period, apply a layer of polishing wax for protection.
More about Low-temperature centrifuge For more information, we welcome everyone to continue following our company’s website for further details!
1. Load Imbalance: Samples placed in symmetrically arranged holes of a centrifuge must be balanced by adjusting their weights using a balance, including the tubes themselves. If only one tube is used to hold the sample, the corresponding symmetrical tube must be filled with water to achieve balance; otherwise, during centrifugation, the instrument will vibrate, potentially causing the tube to break. Often overlooked is the fact that centrifuge cups in horizontal rotors can become unbalanced after prolonged use or replacement. Therefore, centrifuge cups also need to be properly balanced. For example, a centrifuge that has been in use for over 10 years might experience frequent tube breakage that initially seems difficult to troubleshoot. Later investigation revealed that four centrifuge cups had become significantly unbalanced. After re-balancing the weights of these cups, the problem was finally resolved.
2. Excessive Speed: If the low-temperature centrifuge’s rotation speed is increased too rapidly, the instrument may vibrate violently and damage the test tubes. Additionally, if the centrifuge’s rotation speed exceeds the maximum centrifugal force that the centrifuge tubes can withstand, the tubes may rupture. Therefore, you should select and replace centrifuge tubes that are capable of withstanding higher rotation speeds.
Centrifuge tube adapters for ultracentrifuges are commonly made from Delrin material. For low-speed and high-speed centrifuges, rubber and nylon are more often used. When using small tubes in rotors designed for larger tubes, adapters are required to ensure compatibility. This approach eliminates the need to frequently switch between rotors that correspond to different tube capacities—simply by using adapters, one rotor can serve multiple tube sizes, achieving the goal of "one rotor for multiple uses."
To prevent accidents caused by broken test tubes and to ensure the safe operation of low-temperature centrifuges, users should pay particular attention to the following:
1. When using a low-temperature centrifuge, it is essential to precisely balance all centrifuge tubes, tube holders, caps and top covers, shields, and tube sleeves on a balance beforehand. During balancing, the weight difference must not exceed the range specified in the instruction manual for each centrifuge model. Tube sleeves and shields are usually labeled with their weights; be careful not to mix up the matching tube sleeves and shields during the balancing process. The tubes must be filled with materials that are similar to those intended for centrifugation—for example, when centrifuging bacteria from a culture medium, you can use the medium itself for balancing. However, you must not use water to balance tubes containing cesium chloride.
2. Under no circumstances are single centrifuge tubes allowed to be loaded into the rotor of a low-temperature centrifuge. When the rotor is only partially loaded, place the tubes in the rotor in such a way that the load is evenly distributed around its circumference.
3. When loading the solution, follow the specific operating instructions for each type of centrifuge. Select appropriate centrifuge tubes based on the properties and volume of the solution to be centrifuged. Some centrifuge tubes do not have lids; therefore, do not fill them too full, as this could cause the liquid to splash out during centrifugation, leading to rotor imbalance, rusting, or corrosion.
4. After centrifugation is complete, the rotor should be washed with warm water and then dried. Generally, simply rinsing it with water is sufficient; never immerse the rotor in detergents. Once cleaned, dry the rotor thoroughly and allow it to air-dry in a clean, dry environment. If the rotor will not be used for an extended period, apply a layer of polishing wax for protection.
More about Low-temperature centrifuge For more information, we welcome everyone to continue following our company’s website for further details!
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