Centrifuge

• A laboratory centrifuge are instruments

designed to accelerate the sedimentation process
by applying centrifugal force.
• Laboratory centrifuges are used in chemistry,
biology, and biochemistry for isolating and
separating solids from liquids in a suspension.
• The solids can be insoluble compounds,
bimolecular, cell organelles, or whole cells.
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Function
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Filtrations:
Filtrations separation of serum or plasma
from red blood cells, and separation of
precipitated solid from the liquid phase of a
mixture. or separation of liquid of varying
density.
• A centrifuge is a simple device based on the
principle that rotating a liquid separates
particles and liquids of various densities. From
this simple principle myriad devices have been
designed.
• The simplest centrifuges have a single-speed
motor, a mechanical timer, and a rotor that
holds the samples at a fixed angle of between
20° and 55°.
• The word centrifuge
comes from the Latin
word centrum which
means centre and fugere
which means to escape.
Separation Methods
• Centrifuges are used to separate materials on the
basis of their relative densities. The most
common use in the laboratory is the separation
of cells and platelets from the liquid part of the
blood. This requires a relative centrifugal force .
• Relative centrifugal force is a function of the
speed of rotation and the distance of the sample
from the center of rotation as stated in Eq.1
• where RCF = relative centrifugal force ,
And r= radius in cm.
• Special rotors contain the sample tubes inside a
smooth container, which minimizes air
resistance to allow faster rotational speeds.
Purpose Of The Centrifuge
• The centrifuge uses centrifugal force (the force
generated when an object rotates around a single
point), for separating solids suspended in a liquid by
separating liquids of different densities.
• The rotational movements allow forces much greater
than gravity to be generated in controlled periods of
time.
• In the laboratory, they are used to separate solid
components from biological liquids for example red
blood cells, white blood cell and platelets from a
blood sample.
Types Of Centrifuge
There are different types of centrifuge used for the separation of different
molecules, but they all work on the principle of sedimentation.
Types Of Centrifuge
• Refrigerated units maintain the samples at a
cool temperature throughout long high-speed
runs which could lead to sample heating due to
air friction on the rotor.
• Ultracentrifuges operate at speeds on the
order of 100,000 rpm and provide relative
centrifugal forces of up to 600,000 g.
• These usually require vacuum pumps to remove
the air which would otherwise retard the
rotation and heat the rotor.
Components of a centrifuge:
1. Control buttons (on/off,
temp, speed, etc)

2. Refrigeration system
(optional)
4. Base

5. cover

6. Casing

7. Electric motor

8. Rotor
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Motor
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The basic components of a floor centrifuge

include an electric motor, a shaft and rotor heads
(often interchangeable) on which the centrifuge head
turns, and a motor drive assembly.
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Speed Control System

A potentiometer controls the speed by raising or
lowering the voltage supplied by the motor. Some
models are equipped with an LED (light-emitting diode)
display and keyboard, enabling the user to program a
specific speed.
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Timer
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Many models of centrifuges have a timer connected

to the motor for timed or continuous use, they are two
type of timer:
1.Analog timer use spring.
2.Digital timer using electronic circuit to set timer.
 Types of rotors
Centrifuges use many different types of rotors. Among the most
commonly used are the following:
Types of rotors

1. Fixed angle rotors:

These are general purpose
rotors. The tubes are at a fixed
angle(20°- 40°). The angle
shortens the centrifugation
time.
2. Swinging buckets
rotors: AKA Horizontal
rotor
3. Vertical tube rotors:
Here the tubes are
parallel to the
rotational axis.
Separate bands are
formed across the
tube’s diameter, not its
length.
Requirements of a Centrifuge
1. Type of rotor
2. Capacity of the rotor – in liters
3. Maximum speed
4. Maximum RCF
5. Compatibility of the rotor with other models of the
centrifuge.
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

• An electrical connection with a capacity suitable for the

equipment providing stable single phase or triphase type
voltage (depending on the model and specification given
by the manufacturer).

• A clean, dust free environment with a firm levelled floor.

• If the centrifuge is refrigerated, it needs a free space on

the side of the condenser for adequate heat transfer.

• A cabinet in which the centrifuge accessories such as the

alternate rotors can be kept.
Balance
Balance of the centrifuge well do to avoid breakage and
contamination of the inside of the centrifuge.
Wipe off tubes before centrifugation to avoid
contaminating the inside of the centrifuge.
Close tubes tightly.
Let the centrifuge stop completely before opening.
Broken tubes in a moving centrifuge can spray radioactive
material on personnel and the lab with radioactive
material.
 Cleaning the Centrifuge
• Clean interior once a month with soap and water,
wipe with a disinfectant
• Wash gaskets and check for wear and defects
• Inspect cover latch for appropriate seal
• Inspect head, head shaft and coupling regularly for
evidence of wear, cracks in fitting, corrosion,
uneven wear and/or signs of fatigue
• Check for any unusual vibrations whenever the
rotor is balanced
• After cleaning, run the centrifuge at varying RPMs
to check the braking mechanism and ensure a
smooth gradual stop
Centrifuge: Unusual Noises or
Vibrations
• Stop operation of the centrifuge.
• Determine the cause of the noise or vibration.
• Correct immediately to prevent severe damage
to the centrifuge or injury to the worker
• Check ‘Stop’ or braking mechanism
• Observe for possible vibration or jerking
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendation on
activation and release of brakes
• Balance rotor prior to operation of a new
centrifuge
Balancing the Centrifuge Rotor
• Refer to the operator’s manual for
recommendations
• Place the opposing load, including rings,
holders, tubes, and specimens on balance
• Achieve balance during loading of specimens
or alternately add water as balancing agent to
holder prior to each centrifuge run
• After balancing one opposing pair of holders,
repeat the procedure with the second pair
Centrifuge Safety
• Never open the centrifuge while the rotor is
moving or try to stop the rotor with your hands .
• Increase the speed slowly until optimal speed is reached .
• Disconnect the centrifuge from the electrical source before
conducting preventive maintenance, cleaning or
inspection
• Take caution when removing spills and broken specimen
tubes after a run .
• If tubes are broken, keep the door closed and allow to sit
undisturbed for 30 minutes before attempting to clean
• Use tweezers to remove broken glass