A **Laboratory Centrifuge** is a critical piece of **Lab Equipment** used globally to separate fluids, gases, or liquids based on density. By spinning a sample at extreme speeds around a fixed axis, the strong centrifugal force (measured as Relative Centrifugal Force or **RCF**) causes denser components to migrate away from the center. PSAW offers a wide selection of centrifuges, including compact **Benchtop Centrifuges**, specialized **Microcentrifuges**, and high-capacity **Clinical Centrifuges**, catering to research, medical, and educational needs across all fields of science.
Centrifuges are fundamental in nearly all biological and chemical laboratories. The optimal model depends on the required rotational speed (RPM) and the effective separating force (RCF):
When selecting your **high-speed laboratory centrifuge**, the most important specification is the force applied. RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) is preferred over RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) as RCF is the actual separating force, measured in multiples of gravity (g). RCF calculation depends on both RPM and the rotor radius (r).
RCF can be calculated using the formula: $RCF = 1.118 \times 10^{-5} \times r \times (RPM)^2$
Always ensure accurate sample weighing using a Laboratory Balance before operation, as proper balancing is crucial for the longevity and safety of the **centrifuge rotor**.
The **Global Centrifuge Market** is seeing continuous growth due to increased R&D spending and advancements like **refrigerated centrifuges** (used for heat-sensitive samples like enzymes and live cells). High demand is observed in:
To maximize lab efficiency and ensure safe operation, explore these essential and related product categories often utilized alongside **Laboratory Centrifuges**:
| Related Equipment Category | Relevance to Centrifugation |
|---|---|
| **Blood Bank Equipments** | Specialized high-capacity centrifuges are the central component of blood banks for critical processing. |
| **Analyzers** | Centrifuged and separated samples (plasma, serum) are immediately transferred to analyzers for diagnostic testing. |
| **Balances** | Essential for precisely weighing and balancing samples to prevent centrifuge damage and ensure safe operation. |
| **Water Bath** | Used to incubate or process biological samples immediately before or after centrifugation. |
RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) is just the physical speed. RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) is the actual force applied to the sample. RCF is preferred in scientific protocols because it accounts for the rotor size, ensuring consistent separation results regardless of the specific centrifuge model used.
Improper balancing is extremely hazardous. It causes severe vibration, leading to sample tube breakage, sample loss, and catastrophic failure and irreversible damage to the expensive **centrifuge motor** and rotor assembly. Samples placed opposite each other must have identical mass.
You must use a **refrigerated centrifuge** when handling any temperature-sensitive biological samples, such as live cells, proteins, enzymes, or pharmaceutical products. Refrigeration is vital because high-speed spinning generates significant heat that can quickly degrade these samples.
