FOUR QUESTIONS
TO GUIDE YOUR
LABORATORY CENTRIFUGE SELECTION
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FOUR QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR
LABORATORY CENTRIFUGE SELECTION
A centrifuge is an integral component of a laboratory and is critical to the success of analysis. However,
choosing the correct centrifuge for a particular application can be a daunting task. Centrifuges are
available in a wide range of sizes, capacities, and capabilities. Options range from mini-centrifuges that
hold only a few small tubes and spin several thousand RPM, to high-capacity centrifuges holding up to
6 liters of samples, to ultracentrifuges that spin upwards of 100,000 RPM.
Additional features such as refrigeration, or the capability to be For applications that require precise temperature control,
connected to a network, add another layer of complexity to the or a lower internal temperature during operation, selecting a
process of choosing the correct centrifuge. refrigerated centrifuge is a
logical solution. Refrigerated
This Guide Offers Four Questions centrifuges include a cooling
When answered, these four questions can provide valuable system that lowers
guidance to successfully select a general purpose benchtop and maintains a
laboratory centrifuge. preset temperature
during operation.
Question 1:
Do Your Samples Need to Be Refrigerated? Refrigerated Centrifuge
There are two primary types of centrifuge, ventilated and
refrigerated. A ventilated centrifuge draws air into the bowl and
A ventilated system is not inferior to a refrigerated system;
then exhausts that air out of the unit. This keeps the contents
it is just not the best option in cases where temperature
of the bowl slightly higher than the ambient temperature of the
control is required. A refrigerated centrifuge is sealed, and is
surrounding laboratory. During a typical 10-minute cycle, the
able to operate at higher RPM due to the ability to mitigate
temperature of a sample in a ventilated centrifuge will increase,
the heat generated by higher rotation speeds. If temperature
however the increase is likely to be in the range of several
control is not required, a refrigerated centrifuge should not be
degrees. For applications where precise temperature control is
selected due to its higher cost and larger footprint.
not critical, a ventilated centrifuge is a good option.
Question 2:
What Are Your Speed Requirements?
A refrigerated centrifuge is capable of higher speeds than
a ventilated centrifuge. However, the maximum speed a
centrifuge can achieve might be substantially higher than is
necessary for a given laboratory’s needs. As speed increases,
denser materials move further away from the rotational axis
and lighter materials move closer. The speed that is required for
Ambient Temperature Air Air Circulated Through Bowl your particular application is not only more important than the
Motor Cooling Air Exhaust Air maximum speed of a centrifuge, it is essential in some areas,
Ventilated Centrifuge Airflow such as separating plasma from red blood cells.
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4 Questions To Guide Your Laboratory Centrifuge Selection
In addition to an optimal speed range, a centrifuge should also
Question 3:
be capable of utilizing rotors appropriate to applications within
What size tubes are you using?
that speed range.
The capacity needed for your centrifuge is also a crucial
Rotors support sample tubes during operation of the centrifuge. consideration, as there are a fixed number of sample tubes a
The two primary types of rotors are swinging bucket rotors and centrifuge can hold during a run. Knowing how many tubes
angular rotors. A swinging bucket rotor uses buckets to contain need to spin at one time, and of what size, aids in centrifuge
sample tubes. The buckets spin at an angle increasing toward selection decisions. For example, an angled rotor is specific to
perpendicular to the rotational axis under centripetal force as a particular size tube. An angular rotor intended for 50 mL
the rotor speed increases. Swinging bucket rotors are ideal for tubes can only be used with tubes of that size. The need to spin
low-speed, high capacity applications. 15 mL tubes in the same centrifuge requires a separate rotor.
Whereas with a swinging bucket rotor, there are inserts inside
of the buckets that can accommodate many different sized
tubes. Swinging bucket rotors can also offer increased
capacity. An angular rotor for 50 mL tubes might hold
eight tubes, while a bucket rotor can hold 20
tubes of the same size.
Swinging Bucket Rotor
Also, inserts or rotors are designed for use
with either conical, round, or flat-bottom
With a fixed angle rotor, sample tubes are held at a constant
tubes only. It is imperative to use only
angle, usually 45 degrees, throughout operation. This type of
correctly shaped tubes for the
rotor can spin as much as three to four times faster than a
insert or rotor you select, so the
swinging bucket rotor that is spinning the same tubes. The rotor
tubes and samples are properly
you select is dependent on what you are spinning and how fast
supported. An incorrectly shaped
it needs to be spun.
tube can be crushed by centrifugal
force during operation. Conical tubes must only be
used in an insert designed
for conical tubes.
Question 4:
Fixed Angle Rotor
Do you have size limitations for your centrifuge?
Bench space is always at a premium, so the dimensions of a
centrifuge should be considered. The smallest centrifuges are
used on the bench only. Some mid-sized centrifuges can be used
on either the bench or the floor. The largest centrifuges are
generally too large for a bench, and are floor-mounted only.
Floor-mounted centrifuges are typically smaller in length and
width than bench-top centrifuges, but taller. Bench-top centri-
fuges are often larger in length and width than a floor-mounted
centrifuge, but are shorter. Refrigerated centrifuges are larger
Consider available bench or floor space when selecting a centrifuge. than the equivalent ventilated centrifuge, and additional space
is required for ventilation around the unit.
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4 Questions To Guide Your Laboratory Centrifuge Selection
Summary NuAire Laboratory Equipment Supply
Overall, careful consideration must be made when selecting NuAire manufactures ergonomically designed and engineered
a centrifuge that best suits your application. While the factors scientific laboratory equipment providing personnel, product
above are critically important, many other factors, such as and/or environmental protection in critical research
features, warranty, and of course price, play a role in which environments. NuAire’s extensive line of laboratory equipment
centrifuge to buy. includes:
Ease of use is also a factor that should be considered. Any user,
regardless of their laboratory experience, should be able to
operate whatever centrifuge you select with a level of ease that
allows for completion of tasks without risk to the samples. Since
many of the protocols repeated by technicians will be developed
by a lab manager or researcher, centrifuges with programming
ability that allow technicians to execute a run with the push
of a button can help mitigate risk. Once you have chosen your Biological Safety Cabinets Animal Research Products
centrifuge provider, you should be able to provide them with
a list of all of your specifications and then rely on their expert
guidance to make your selection.
CO2 Incubators Laminar Airflow Products
Polypropylene Ultra-low Temperature
Fume Hoods & Casework Freezers
Centrifuges
To learn more or to speak with someone at NuAire
please visit nuaire.com or call 763-553-1270.
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