Refrigerated centrifuges Manufacturers online

Refrigerated centrifuges are special devices that combine two central functions, the separation of substances by centrifugal force and temperature control to protect sensitive materials.

They can be used to centrifuge samples under controlled temperature at high speeds.

Below you will find the functionality, design and important components of refrigerated centrifuges, their areas of application, their advantages and important safety aspects that should be considered when using them:

How refrigerated centrifuges work:

Refrigerated centrifuges use centrifugal force to separate particles or molecules in a liquid according to their density.

The sample is placed in tubes, bottles or special containers in a rotor.

This rotor rotates at high speed around an axis, pushing particles with a higher density outwards, while lighter components remain closer to the axis of rotation.

The cooling unit also ensures that the temperature in the interior remains constant, usually between -20 °C and +40 °C.
This is usually achieved via an integrated cooling system with a compressor and circulating coolant.
The cooling compensates for two effects:

1. The heat generated by the friction of the air in the rotor chamber,
2. The heat development in the samples themselves due to the rapid rotation.

Temperature control is particularly important because many biological samples such as enzymes, proteins and nucleic acids are temperature-sensitive and can decompose at higher temperatures.

Design and important components of refrigerated centrifuges:

1. Rotor:
   Core of the centrifuge, in various designs such as swing-out rotor or fixed-angle rotor.
   The design influences how samples are separated and how large the possible sample volume is.
2. Drive system:
   Electric motor that achieves precise speeds from a few hundred to over 30,000 rpm.
3. Cooling system:
   Usually a compressor cooling system, controlled by thermostats and temperature sensors.
4. Housing and safety mechanisms:
   Sturdy construction, automatic lid lock, imbalance control to prevent injury or appliance damage.
5. Control panel: Adjustment of speed or relative centrifugal acceleration, RCF, temperature and running time.

Areas of application for refrigerated centrifuges:

Refrigerated centrifuges are used in a variety of disciplines:

1. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology:
Separation of cell organelles, proteins, nucleic acids; isolation of plasmids or viral particles.

2. Clinical diagnostics:
Obtaining plasma or serum from blood samples without thermal denaturation of sensitive analytes.

3. Microbiology:
Sedimentation of bacterial or yeast cells from culture media.

4. Biotechnology:
Processing of fermentation products.

5. Pharmaceutical industry:
Purification and concentration of active ingredients, enzymes or vaccines.

Advantages of refrigerated centrifuges:

• The decisive added value of a refrigerated centrifuge lies in the ability to keep temperature-sensitive samples constantly cool during the entire centrifugation process.
• This significantly reduces activity losses and degradation processes. In addition, cooling allows longer running times or higher speeds without damaging samples.

Important safety aspects of refrigerated centrifuges:

Refrigerated centrifuges operate at high speeds, which is why strict safety mechanisms are necessary:

• Only use rotors that are approved for the maximum speed.
• Check rotors regularly for damage.
• Load evenly to avoid imbalance.
• Wait until the rotor has come to a complete standstill before opening the lid.

Refrigerated centrifuges are indispensable tools in laboratories where temperature-sensitive samples are processed. They combine the precise separation performance of a high-speed centrifuge with stable temperature control, allowing biological and chemical substances to be isolated gently and efficiently. Thanks to their versatility, their protective function for sensitive molecules and their wide range of applications in research, diagnostics and industry, they make a decisive contribution to reliable and reproducible analysis results. Anyone working with sensitive samples can hardly avoid a refrigerated centrifuge.

Here are the most important aspects to look out for when buying refrigerated centrifuges:

When buying refrigerated centrifuges, it is worth paying attention not only to the price, but also to a variety of technical, practical and safety-related factors. The selection depends heavily on the area of application, the sample volume and the requirements for accuracy and sample integrity.

• A key criterion is the maximum achievable speed and the relative centrifugal force (RCF).
• Higher RCF values are often required for molecular biology applications, while moderate speeds are sufficient for clinical routine.
• It is also important that the refrigerated centrifuge can process the desired sample volume in one run - from microtubes to 15-50 ml conical centrifuge tubes to large bottles.
• The cooling must be stable and fast. A wide temperature range is ideal, often between -20 °C and +40 °C, as well as a fast cooling rate to protect samples before starting.
• Devices with a "pre-cooling" function make it possible to bring the rotor to the target temperature in advance.
• Temperature stability during the run is particularly important for sensitive proteins, enzymes or cells.
• Different rotors (swing-out, fixed-angle, vertical rotors) allow different separation tasks. A flexible system with easily interchangeable rotors considerably extends the range of applications.
• Attention should also be paid to material quality, e.g. aluminum, titanium and corrosion resistance, to ensure a long service life.
• A clear user interface, easy-to-read displays and intuitive menu navigation make everyday work easier.
• Ergonomic aspects such as a low loading height, smooth-running lid mechanisms or automatic rotor detection save time and reduce the strain on laboratory staff.
• A high-quality refrigerated centrifuge has extensive safety functions: automatic imbalance control, lid lock during operation, overheating protection, soft start and stop.
• Certifications such as CE, ISO and tested rotor service life are signs of reliability and quality.
• Regular maintenance is essential to extend the service life and ensure safety.
• Before purchasing, it should be clarified how easily spare parts and service are available, whether the manufacturer offers training and how long the spare parts supply is guaranteed.
• High speeds can cause noise. Quiet operation is particularly important in open laboratories to keep the working environment pleasant.
• The space required, the weight of the device and the power supply or ventilation requirements must also be taken into account.
• In addition to the purchase price, operating costs, power consumption, maintenance intervals and the service life of rotors and seals also play a role.
• A cheap purchase can become more expensive in the long term if wearing parts need to be replaced quickly or energy consumption is high.

The purchase of refrigerated centrifuges requires a careful needs analysis in which performance, cooling, flexibility, safety, service and operating costs are considered together. A well-chosen device not only increases the quality and reliability of work results, but also contributes to safety and ergonomics in the laboratory. In the long term, it is worth investing in high-quality technology that meets the specific requirements and offers sufficient reserves for future applications.

Refrigerated centrifuges can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Refrigerated centrifuges from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.