A Complete Guide to Centrifuge- Principle and Working
In the medical research industry, research experts frequently study various types of samples and their precipitates. The samples, which are usually liquid in nature, contain different particles having valuable information depending on the test requirements. However, it can take hours for particles of different masses and shapes to precipitate naturally, and that’s certainly not feasible for laboratories testing hundreds of samples every day.
This situation is a reason why a centrifuge is the most common piece of equipment you’d see in a medical research lab. In fact, a mini centrifuge machine is considered the best centrifuge machine for laboratory usage because it is compact, portable, and does the job quite well. So,
- What is a centrifuge machine?
- What is its working principle?
- Which centrifuge machine to buy for efficient lab testing?
Well, the answers to all these questions are in the following write-up. Read on to understand why you need efficient and reliable mini centrifuge machines at your labs.
What Is A Centrifuge Machine?
A Centrifuge machine is a sophisticated device that separates particles, allowing lab technicians to isolate the required particles quickly. It is usually a portable device that contains a rotor and various holders for centrifuge tubes and PCR strips of different sizes. The rotor rotates the tubes at high speeds, sometimes up to 6000 rpm, and the machine also offers precise control of time and speed of rotation. The tester can select the time and speed according to test requirements and watch the centrifugation process through a semi-transparent lid that protects the equipment and the user.
What Is The Working Principle Of A Centrifuge Machine?
As the name suggests, a centrifuge machine uses a process called centrifugation to isolate particles such as proteins, organelles, viruses, etc., present in a test sample. Once the tester places the centrifuge tubes and selects the time and speed of rotation, the machine spins the samples at high speeds. The best centrifuge machine for laboratory usage allows speed control anywhere between 500 rpm to 6000 rpm, and it also offers an infinite mode for flexible and rapid testing requirements.
A centrifuge machine basically expedites the natural sedimentation process with the working principle of centrifugation. Sedimentation is the natural process of separation of particles according to their masses, shapes, and densities. The forces in play here are usually gravity and relative pressure. A centrifuge machine quickens this process with help of centrifugation. The main force causing particle separation in a centrifuge machine is the centrifugal force that acts on particles rotating in a circular motion at high speeds. The centrifugal force is the body’s inertia causing it to move outwards when moving in a circular motion. In application when the centrifuge machine spins the sample in high-speed motion it causes particles of different sizes, masses, and shapes to separate from one another.
Types Of Rotors for Centrifugation
The rotor is the most important component in a centrifuge machine. The entire machine works on the principles of rotation and centrifugation, therefore, the type of rotor used in the centrifuge determines how the process will work. Here are some of the common rotor types used in centrifuge machines today.
- Continuous Flow Rotor: A continuous flow rotor is used in centrifuge machines designed for bulk testing. Unlike the mini centrifuge, this one doesn’t have tube holders. It rotates a large volume of liquids at once. So, this type of centrifuge is more commonly used in industrial-scale testing.
- Swing-Bucket Rotor: The swing-bucket type centrifuge has a swinging rotor chamber that swings to a horizontal position while in rotation. It offers a uniform motion and helps in testing at low speeds. However, due to its complex construction, a swing-bucket centrifuge requires some maintenance in the long run.
- Fixed Angle Rotor: Fixed Angle Rotor is the most commonly used in laboratories due to its compact and simple setup, high efficiency, and long maintenance-free lifespan. This is why some of the best centrifuge machines for laboratory usage, use fixed-angle rotors.
Which centrifuge machine to buy for efficient lab testing?
Well, laboratories require different types of centrifuge machines depending on their test requirements. However, the best centrifuge machine for laboratory testing is certainly the mini centrifuge with fixed-angle rotors. Regular testing labs require compact, efficient, and lightweight centrifuge machines that are also powerful at the same time. And the mini centrifuge machine fits best for all these requirements.
And among mini centrifuges, there is simply no product better than the Smart I Fuge Range of ILABS. At ILABS, we have years of experience in the industry; and with our experts, we have developed the best range of hi-tech centrifuge machines that offer unmatched efficiency and user-friendliness. Along with world-class centrifuges, we have several other lab equipment and lab products in the house.
So, if you are looking for the best centrifuge machine for laboratory applications, ILABS is the one-stop-shop for all your laboratory needs.