Shanghai Laboratory Centrifuge Selection Guide

In scientific research and laboratory work, centrifuges—key separation devices—are widely used across various fields including biology, chemistry, medicine, and materials science. By leveraging the centrifugal force field, centrifuges enable the efficient separation of different components within a sample, making them indispensable for experiments such as sample purification, cell separation, protein precipitation, and virus concentration. However, given the wide variety of centrifuges available on the market, each with distinct functions and features, selecting the right model has become a significant challenge for many researchers. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of how to choose the appropriate laboratory centrifuge from four perspectives: fundamental principles, classification by type, key parameters, and purchasing recommendations.
I. The Basic Principle of Centrifuges
The working principle of a centrifuge is based on the physical phenomenon of centrifugal force: in a rotating system, objects move along a circular path under the influence of a centripetal force, while simultaneously experiencing a centrifugal force directed outward from the axis of rotation. Under the same centrifugal force, particles of different masses—due to their varying sedimentation coefficients (or densities and sizes)—will settle toward the bottom of the container at different rates, thereby achieving separation.
II. Classification of Centrifuge Types
Centrifuges can be primarily categorized into the following types, depending on their application requirements:
Low-speed centrifuge: Suitable for the preliminary separation of large-volume samples, such as clarifying cell culture supernatants; its typical rotational speed is below 4,000 rpm.
High-speed centrifuge: Used for more delicate separation tasks, such as separating cell debris from the supernatant; its rotational speed can reach over 16,000 rpm.
Ultracentrifuge: Designed specifically for extreme separation conditions, such as the purification of viral particles, nucleic acids, and proteins, this centrifuge can reach speeds exceeding 100,000 rpm, generating extremely high centrifugal forces.
Microcentrifuge: Suitable for the rapid separation of微量 samples, commonly used in molecular biology experiments, such as the purification of PCR products.
Preparative Centrifuge: Specifically designed for large-scale sample processing, suitable for preparing large quantities of samples in industrial production or laboratory settings.
III. Analysis of Key Parameters
To select the appropriate centrifuge, you need to consider the following key parameters:
Maximum rotational speed: Determines the magnitude of centrifugal force and directly affects the separation efficiency.
Maximum capacity: Choose based on the scale of the experiment, ensuring it meets current needs while also accounting for future scalability.
Temperature control: For thermally sensitive samples, temperature control is crucial for maintaining sample activity.
Rotor Type and Capacity: Different rotors are suitable for sample tubes of varying volumes and types, affecting separation efficiency and sample safety.
Noise and Vibration: A low-noise, low-vibration design helps protect samples and extend the equipment’s lifespan.
Safety Features: Includes functions such as emergency stop, overspeed protection, and imbalance detection to ensure operational safety.
IV. Shopping Recommendations
Clarify the requirements: First, clearly define the experimental objective, sample type, and expected separation performance. Based on these factors, select an appropriate centrifuge model.
Performance Evaluation: Compare key parameters of different brands and models—particularly rotational speed, capacity, and temperature control—and select the model that best meets your laboratory’s needs.
Budget Considerations: While ensuring that performance meets requirements, weigh options in light of the laboratory’s budget and take into account the cost-effectiveness for long-term use.
After-sales service: Choose a supplier with a robust after-sales service system to ensure timely response and repair in case of equipment failure.
User reviews: Refer to other users’ experiences and reviews to gain insight into the device’s actual performance and potential issues.
Selecting a laboratory centrifuge is a complex and critical task. The following is a detailed analysis of key considerations for selection:
I. Clearly Define Usage Requirements
Objective: Centrifugation is typically used for the separation and analysis of small-volume samples, whereas preparative centrifugation is employed for processing large-volume samples. Based on the specific requirements of the experiment or production, select an appropriate rotational speed and capacity.
Scenario: Selection depends on the specific industry and experimental purpose—for example, in the biomedical field, it’s commonly used for separating cells, proteins, nucleic acids, and the like; in the chemical industry, it’s used for separating suspensions, emulsions, and similar mixtures.
II. Consider the properties of the material
Corrosivity: If the material is corrosive, select corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or titanium alloys, and ensure that all components have good sealing performance.
Flammability and Explosivity: If the material or environment contains flammable or explosive substances, a centrifuge with explosion-proof capabilities should be selected, and appropriate explosion-proof devices should be installed.
3. Focus on core parameters
Rotational Speed: Different experimental objectives have varying requirements for rotational speed and centrifugal force. The higher the rotational speed, the greater the centrifugal force generated, and the better the separation effect. However, it’s important to note that high rotational speeds also mean higher energy consumption and increased noise levels, and may potentially damage the sample. Therefore, when selecting a centrifuge, you should choose an appropriate speed range based on your experimental needs—for example, high-speed centrifuges (with typical speed ranges between 10,000 and 30,000 rpm) or low-speed centrifuges (with speeds generally below 10,000 rpm).
Centrifugal Force: Different centrifuges have different maximum centrifugal forces. When selecting a centrifuge, it’s essential to ensure that its maximum centrifugal force meets the requirements of your experiment or production process. Excessively high centrifugal force may cause sample damage or deformation, while too low a centrifugal force might fail to achieve effective separation.
Capacity: The capacity of a centrifuge determines the volume of samples it can process at one time. When selecting a centrifuge, you should determine its capacity based on both the number and volume of samples to be processed each time. At the same time, different types of samples—such as blood, cells, proteins, and others—may require different capacities and rotor types.
IV. Rotor Type and Material
Type: The type of rotor determines the centrifugation effect. Angular rotors cause samples to sediment toward the outer side at the bottom of the centrifuge tube during centrifugation, making them suitable for rapid separation. Horizontal rotors keep the centrifuge tubes horizontal throughout the centrifugation process, resulting in a longer sedimentation path for the samples within the tubes and more uniform separation results; they are often used for density-gradient centrifugation and similar applications.
Material: The material of the rotor affects its service life and performance. Additionally, compatibility is also crucial—some centrifuges support the interchangeability of multiple rotors, allowing users to meet different centrifugation needs by simply swapping out rotors.
V. Temperature Control
Temperature control function: Certain samples are temperature-sensitive and require a centrifuge with precise temperature-control capabilities to ensure that the sample’s activity and properties remain unaffected during centrifugation.
Temperature range: The temperature range of refrigerated centrifuges varies; some can operate from -20℃ to 40℃, while others have a narrower or wider range. When selecting a model, you should choose one that meets the requirements of your samples.
VI. Ease of Operation and Intelligent Features
Operating Interface: The operating interface should be simple and easy to understand, allowing users to conveniently set various parameters such as rotational speed, time, and temperature. Some centrifuges are equipped with intuitive digital displays and straightforward button controls, making them easy for users to master.
Program storage: Some centrifuges also offer a program storage function, allowing users to save frequently used centrifugation parameters for quick recall the next time they are needed, thereby improving work efficiency.
Remote Monitoring and Data Analysis: With the advancement of intelligent technologies, some centrifuges now come equipped with advanced features such as remote monitoring and data analysis. These features can further enhance experimental efficiency and accuracy.
VII. Security and Stability
Safety features: Choosing a centrifuge equipped with safety features such as an automatic lid lock, overspeed protection, and imbalance detection can ensure the safety of both operators and equipment.
Stability: As a high-precision device, the stability of a centrifuge is also crucial. When selecting a model, attention should be paid to factors such as the manufacturing process, material selection, and after-sales service, ensuring that the equipment can operate reliably over the long term.
VIII. Noise and Vibration
Centrifuges generate noise and vibration during operation, which can affect the laboratory environment and experimental results. Therefore, when selecting a centrifuge, it is advisable to choose one with low noise and minimal vibration to minimize its impact on the laboratory environment.
9. Budget and Brand
Budget: Centrifuge prices vary significantly, ranging from a few thousand yuan to several hundred thousand yuan. When selecting a model, you should choose a cost-effective product that fits your laboratory’s budget, avoiding the temptation to blindly pursue high-end configurations.
Brand: Centrifuges from well-known brands offer a certain level of assurance in terms of quality and performance. By reviewing user reviews and consulting with professionals, you can choose brands such as... Lu Xiangyi A brand and model with such a good reputation.