In addition to the rotor, centrifuge tubes are also indispensable accessories for high-speed refrigerated centrifuges.

　　 High-speed refrigerated centrifuge The angle-head rotors used are typically made of titanium alloy or aluminum alloy. The centrifuge tubes are rigid polyethylene plastic products with caps. These centrifuges are widely employed for collecting microorganisms, cellular debris, cells, large organelles, sulfate precipitates, and immunoprecipitates. They also feature convenient visual sample balancing, ease of operation, relatively high relative centrifugal force, rapid acceleration, and precise and stable displays for rotor speed, temperature, and time settings. Compared to high-speed refrigerated centrifuges, these centrifuges lack refrigeration capability but are driven by brushless motors and equipped with digital displays. They are extensively utilized in biological, agricultural science, and clinical medical research, particularly well-suited for experiments involving small sample volumes and requiring high centrifugal forces. Their key features include fully computer-controlled operation, mold-based manufacturing, rigorous over-speed safety testing of the rotors, and characteristics such as safety, compact size, light weight, low noise, minimal vibration, and smooth operation.

　　Centrifuge tubes are primarily made of glass, plastic, and stainless steel. Common materials for plastic centrifuge tubes include polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), and polypropylene (PP); among these, PP tubes offer superior performance. The advantages of plastic centrifuge tubes are their transparency (or semi-transparency) and relatively low hardness, allowing gradients to be removed by puncture. However, their disadvantages include susceptibility to deformation, poor resistance to organic solvents, and a shorter service life.

　　Stainless steel pipes are strong, non-deformable, and resistant to heat, freezing, and chemical corrosion. However, when using them, you should also avoid contact with highly corrosive chemicals, such as strong acids and strong bases.

　　Plastic centrifuge tubes all come with tube caps. Before centrifugation, the tube caps must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage when the tubes are inverted. Tube caps serve three main functions: ① They prevent sample leakage, which is especially critical when handling radioactive or highly corrosive samples. ② They help prevent sample evaporation. ③ They provide structural support to the centrifuge tubes, helping to prevent deformation. When using glass tubes, the centrifugal force should not be too high; it’s advisable to place a rubber pad underneath to prevent the tubes from breaking. Glass tubes are generally not recommended for use in high-speed centrifuges.

　　Any high-speed refrigerated centrifuge will inevitably wear out over time. However, before the equipment fails, it’s important to consider the factors that should guide the decision to replace the centrifuge. This process is commonly referred to as lifecycle management, and it takes into account numerous factors, such as budget constraints, the value the machine can deliver, its expected lifespan, the costs associated with maintaining the equipment, and the time required for maintenance.

　　For a piece of equipment, the expected service life is a critical yet often inaccurate variable. In proper lifecycle management, the expected lifespan should be one factor to consider—not the sole factor.

　　Although a machine’s operation may far exceed the manufacturer’s expected service life—for example, a vehicle traveling hundreds of thousands of miles on the road—planning for such an unusual outcome is often a mistake.

　　If the expected lifespan of a high-speed refrigerated centrifuge is regarded as the warranty period for optimal performance, the critical functions of the organization could be jeopardized. When a sudden, yet preventable failure occurs within the equipment’s expected lifespan, it can harm both revenue and operations.

　　The mesh screen is a common accessory for high-speed refrigerated centrifuges. Its primary function is to separate solid and liquid phases in the sample being processed. Under the action of centrifugal force, the liquid phase passes through the mesh screen and is ejected outward, while the solid phase is retained within the mesh screen, forming a filter cake. The mesh screen directly affects the performance of the centrifuge. Different types of centrifuges designed for different applications require different mesh screens—for instance, centrifuges used for processing chemical substances need mesh screens with excellent corrosion resistance.

　　When a high-speed refrigerated centrifuge is running, the refrigeration system causes moisture in the air to condense into frost inside the centrifuge chamber. After the machine is turned off, this frost melts into water. Most low-speed, high-capacity centrifuges manufactured abroad lack drain holes, so water gradually accumulates in the centrifuge chamber. In such cases, users should remove the rotor themselves and clean out the accumulated water. When reinstalling the rotor, be sure to secure it properly to prevent accidents.