I. Introduction
A centrifuge is a laboratory device used to separate heterogeneous mixtures or samples according to their size, density, shape, rotor speed, and viscosity of the medium. Generally, there are two types of centrifuge— micro centrifuge and tabletop centrifuge. These two differ on the sample capacity and types of rotor used, but both are used for sample separation by subjecting the samples in a containing vessel at a high-speed rotation. This is commonly used in hospitals and diagnostic labs for blood and urine testing, in research institutions for DNA/RNA pelleting, and other procedures in the laboratory which require separation of various components of a fluid or sample.
II. Centrifuge Guide to Models
| Versati™ Centrifuge |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | |||||
| Model | 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz | MCV-88-8 | MCR-88-8 | TCV-1500-8 | TCR-1500-8 |
| 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz | MCV-88-9 | MCR-88-9 | TCV-1500-9 | TCR-1500-9 | |
| Speed Range | Fixed-angle Rotor | 200-15,000 | 200-15,000 | 200-16,000 | |
| Swing-bucket Rotor | - | 200-4,500 | |||
| RCF Range | Fixed-angle Rotor | 10-21,380 x g | 10-21,382 x g | 10-24,320 x g | |
| Swing-bucket Rotor | - | 10- 3,780 x g | |||
| Maximum Volume | Fixed-angle Rotor | 44 x 1.5/2.0 ml | 6 x 250 ml | ||
| Swing-bucket Rotor | - | 4 x 250 ml | |||
| Rotor Types Available |
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| Temperature Range | Ambient | -20°C to 40°C | Ambient | -20°C to 40°C | |
| Refrigerant | - | CFC-free | - | CFC-free | |
III. Must-have Features of a Centrifuge
Esco Versati™ Centrifuges offers the best choice for high-performance and superior quality centrifuge. It has a maintenance-free motor, a durable mechanism, safety features, and a powerful refrigeration system. Its high-quality rotors and adapters are designed to fit all your application needs and suit various consumable tubes, strips, and plates.
Unlike other centrifuges, Esco laboratory centrifuges provide additional user and sample protection with its Isocide™ antimicrobial coating that eliminates 99.9% of surface bacteria within 24 hours of exposure.
Esco centrifuges are guaranteed maintenance-free with their brushless motor that prolongs the lifespan and saves maintenance costs. The maximum capacity of the micro centrifuges series is up to 44 x 1.5/2.0 ml with PCR strip rotor and hematocrit rotor options. The tabletop centrifuges series can reach up to 6 x 250 ml and has various rotor options including, a swing-bucket rotor and a microtiter plate rotor. All Esco Versati™ centrifuges are manufactured according to international safety regulations such as IEC 61010, EN61010-1, EN61010-2-2, ISO 9001, and CE.
Advantages of Esco Versati™ Centrifuges
Superior safety features including safety lid lock, imbalance protection, rotor-auto recognition, aerosol-tight and autoclavable rotors, over-speed protection, and over-temperature protection.
User-friendly and smart microprocessor control system that can display set and actual parameters simultaneously.
Emergency switch for manual opening of the lid in case of power failure or malfunction.
Automatic/one-click conversion of parameters: rcf to rpm and vice versa; Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa.
Real-time modification of parameters during the operation.
Wide variety of accessories for different application needs.
Integrated design of interior centrifuge chamber.
Fast pre-cooling function and high-temperature control range for refrigerated models (temperature setting range: -20°C to 40°C).
Environment-friendly CFC- and HCFC-free refrigerants.
IV. Factors to Consider when Buying a Centrifuge
Centrifugation is a technique that involves the use of centrifugal force for the separation of heterogeneous mixtures or samples according to their size, density, shape, rotor speed, and viscosity of the medium. This laboratory equipment is found mostly in the clinical, biotechnology, and research laboratories for various applications like sample preparation, sedimentation, DNA/RNA pelleting, sample purification, blood and urine testing, and more.
FACTORS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A LAB CENTRIFUGE
Safety features: overspeed, temperature, imbalance, and lid protection
Speed and relative centrifugal force capacity
Number of rotor and adapter options
Type of centrifuge rotor and adapter
Large program storage capacity
Operation mode: short/pulse, continuous, and time setting spin
Wide temperature range
Refrigeration function
Real-time modification of parameters
Maintenance-free and brushless motor
Ergonomic design
User-friendly control pane
Easy installation and set-up
Warranty period
After-sales service support
TYPICAL QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK
How much rcf and rpm can the centrifuge generate?
Do you have an available fixed-angle and swing-bucket rotors?
Are accessories made up of aluminum, polypropylene or stainless steel? Are these autoclaveable?
Does the centrifuge have the capacity to store and edit programs for speed, centrifugal force, running time, temperature, acceleration/deceleration rate, radius correction, and rotor code?
Does my application require refrigeration?
What is the temperature control range?
Do you have reliable after-sales service support?
How long is the warranty period and what is its coverage?
How often should it undergo preventive maintenance and how much will it cost?
WHY YOU NEED A NEW ONE
Setting up a new or expanded laboratory facility.
The existing unit cannot reach the maximum rcf/ rpm or temperature requirement of the new procedure/protocol.
Additional unit due to an increased laboratory workload.
The unit is inefficient and the service provider is inaccessible.
V. Safety Tips When Using a Centrifuge
Tips on How to Operate Centrifuge Safely
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most centrifuge accidents result from user error. In 1998, a lab accident was put on record in which an ultracentrifuge spun out of control due to excessive mechanical stress caused by the gravitational force (g-force) of the high rotation speed. It destroyed a centrifuge, a nearby refrigerator, an ultra-low temperature freezer, a control system for an incubator, and all the windows in the room. The report revealed that the lab personnel used an incompatible rotor that did not match the centrifuge driveshaft. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as the room was not occupied at the time.
These accidents can be prevented if users operate high-speed centrifuges properly.
Here are few important guidelines for operating a centrifuge. Compliance with these procedures can reduce damage and minimize occurrence of serious injuries:
Ensure that centrifuge bowls and tubes are dry and the spindle is clean.
Do not use rotors and accessories that do not match the rotor of the centrifuge manufacturer.
Inspect the sample tube for the presence of cracks, splits, or other damages before use. Replace when damaged.
Avoid overfilling the tubes.
Always use centrifuge safety cups with aerosol covers to contain spills and aerosols of potentially infectious materials.
Ensure proper and tight installation of rotor in the driveshaft.
Do not exceed the rotor’s maximum run speed.
Do not leave the centrifuge unattended. Wait until the centrifuge is at the desired speed/rcf setting and observe any unusual noise or excessive vibration especially upon system start-up.
Close the centrifuge lid during operation.
In case of spillage, wait for 10 minutes after the rotor stops before opening the lid. Decontaminate the centrifuge with 70% ethanol or 10% bleach solution afterward.
Only properly trained personnel can check the O-rings on the rotor.
Make sure that the centrifuge is in good condition after use.
Schedule regular preventative maintenance.
