Safe operation of centrifuges starts from two aspects: rules and installation.
Release time:
2019-08-05
Overview:
Centrifuge Although these are laboratory research instruments, the safety risks involved in their operation and use are significant.
So, how can we ensure the safe operation of a centrifuge? This involves several aspects, and today we’ll focus on the operational procedures.
Centrifuge users need to set the centrifugal speed and centrifugation time according to application requirements, taking into account the specifications of the selected model and rotor. Ensure that the sample load is properly balanced with appropriate counterweights, and do not forcibly open the door cover before the motor has come to a complete stop. Maintain a safe distance while monitoring the centrifuge’s acceleration process. If any abnormal vibrations occur, immediately turn off the machine and disconnect the power.
However, to operate the centrifuge safely, you must also strictly adhere to the following points:
1. Sample loading must be strictly balanced in terms of weight. An unbalanced load can cause abnormal vibration of the motor, potentially leading to torsional deformation or even fracture of the motor shaft and resulting in a serious accident. Shanghai Luxiangyi Centrifuge Instrument Co., Ltd. would like to remind all users: Whenever possible, use an even number of samples for loading. If there is only one sample tube to be centrifuged, you must add a balancing tube to achieve weight balance. When placing the sample tubes, ensure they are arranged symmetrically and centered to guarantee that the center of gravity of the rotating system lies precisely on the motor’s axis.
2: Laboratory centrifuges used for medical clinical testing and biochemical research require careful attention to biosafety risks. During the high-speed rotation and sedimentation of samples, centrifuges can easily generate aerosols. Therefore, for samples that pose biosafety risks, it is essential to ensure the rotor is completely sealed, that the centrifuge tubes are free from damage, and that there are no residual contaminants adhering to the surfaces around the tubes after samples have been loaded. Should a sample spill occur, it must be handled appropriately in accordance with laboratory safety protocols.
3: Be aware of the mechanical hazards that may arise from the high-speed rotation of centrifuges. Laboratory centrifuges rely on the high-speed rotation of the rotor to generate relative centrifugal force, thereby achieving the purification and separation of sample components. High-speed rotation also means that mechanical hazards must be carefully guarded against, and operational safety must be given special emphasis. Shanghai Luxiangyi Centrifuge Instrument Co., Ltd. would like to remind users of laboratory centrifuges to pay attention to the following safety precautions.
As a centrifuge manufacturer, Shanghai Luxiangyi Centrifuge Instrument Co., Ltd. would like to remind centrifuge users once again: It is strictly prohibited to use conventional centrifuges for separating flammable and explosive samples; it is forbidden to use rotors that are cracked or have exceeded their service life; operating at speeds higher than the recommended limit is prohibited—when the sample density exceeds 1.2 g/cm³, the maximum speed must be reduced accordingly; and it is absolutely forbidden to move a centrifuge that is currently in operation.
By following the above steps—and assuming that the centrifuge has been installed correctly—safe operation can generally be ensured. However, unexpected incidents cannot be entirely ruled out; for example, common centrifuge malfunctions include:
The centrifuge rotor was not properly installed, or the sample loading was severely unbalanced. When the centrifuge was started, modern imported centrifuges are equipped with imbalance protection: if the imbalance exceeds a certain threshold, the machine will automatically cut off power and stop rotating. However, in the situation described above, it’s already too late—such circumstances can lead to a serious accident. One type of severe accident is shaft failure. When the shaft suddenly breaks during high-speed rotation, the centrifuge rotor loses its support and starts spinning wildly, colliding randomly within the centrifuge chamber. At this point, if there are personnel or equipment nearby, it could result in injuries and damage to equipment.
Safe operation is paramount; therefore, before operating the centrifuge, take extra time to check and observe carefully. During operation, never be impatient—be patient and meticulously follow the centrifuge’s safety operating procedures.