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Centrifuges are devices that use rapid rotary movements to separate components of mixtures such as suspensions, emulsions or gas mixtures due to their different densities.

Heavier components are pushed outwards by the resulting centrifugal force, while lighter components remain closer to the center.

Below you will find how centrifuges work and the separation process, different types and their use as well as factors that influence their performance:

How a centrifuge works:

The way a centrifuge works is based on the principle of centrifugal force. This is created when an object is held in a rotating motion, which exerts an outward force on the objects. This is used in the centrifuge to separate substances with different densities. The heavier particles move outwards, while the lighter ones remain closer to the center.

Separation process in the centrifuge:

1. Sample preparation: the sample is placed in centrifuge tubes or special containers.
2. Inserting the tubes: The tubes are placed in a rotor that rotates to effect the separation.
3. Rotation: Due to the rapid rotation, the centrifuge generates a centrifugal force that separates the particles according to their density.
4. Heavier particles (e.g. cells, sediments) collect at the edge of the container.
5. Lighter components (e.g. liquid, plasma) remain closer to the center.
6. Separation of the phases: Once rotation is complete, the separated phases can be easily separated or further processed.

Types and application of centrifuges:

There are various types of centrifuges that differ in size, rotation speed and application area:

1. Laboratory centrifuges:
   Mode of operation: Smaller centrifuges that are generally used to separate samples in biology and chemistry.
   Application: Separation of blood plasma and blood cells in medicine. Sedimentation of cells in biotechnology. Isolation of proteins or DNA in molecular biology.
2. Ultracentrifuges:
   Mode of operation: These centrifuges can reach extremely high speeds (up to 100,000 revolutions per minute), allowing very small molecules such as proteins or viruses to be separated.
   Application: Separation of biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) according to their molecular size. Investigation of macromolecules in research.
3. Industrial centrifuges:
   Mode of operation: Large, robust centrifuges used in industrial processes, often for separating solids and liquids in large quantities.
   Application: Separation of solids and liquids in waste water treatment. Dewatering of sludge in the food industry. Recovery of products in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry (e.g. separation of chemicals or oils).
4. Blood centrifuges: (hematocrit centrifuges)
   How they work: Special centrifuges used to separate blood cells and blood plasma.
   Application: Blood diagnostics, e.g. for measuring the hematocrit (proportion of red blood cells in the blood). Collection of blood plasma for therapeutic purposes.
5. Filter centrifuges:
   How they work: These centrifuges separate solids from liquids using filter materials.
   Application: Separation of suspensions in which the solid is retained and the liquid is separated. Applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
6. Decanter centrifuges:
   Mode of operation: A continuous separation system in which a rotating cylinder enables the separation of solids and liquids.
   Application: Waste water treatment. Processing of food and beverages, e.g. in the production of olive oil or juice.
7. Refrigerated centrifuges:
   Functionality: Refrigerated centrifuges improve the accuracy and reliability of experiments by providing stable temperature conditions. They are particularly suitable for temperature-sensitive samples where constant cooling is required.
   Application: Enzyme studies, protein analysis, storage of cell samples.

Use of centrifuges:

1. Medicine:
Separation of blood components, such as plasma and cells, for diagnosis and therapy (e.g. for blood donations).

2. Biotechnology:
Isolation of proteins, nucleic acids or cell organelles.

3. Environmental protection:
Purification of waste water by separating solids and liquids.

4. Food industry:
Separation of fat and water, juice and oil production.

5. Pharmaceutical industry:
Production and purification of medicines, especially for the separation of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Factors influencing the performance of centrifuges:

• Higher speeds generate stronger centrifugal forces and enable more efficient separation.
• The greater the difference in density between the phases to be separated, the faster the separation.
• Longer centrifugation times can ensure complete separation.
• Temperature control can be particularly important for sensitive biological samples (e.g. proteins) to prevent sample degradation.

Centrifuges are versatile devices for separating substances of different densities that work on the basis of centrifugal force. Their applications range from the simple separation of blood components in medical laboratories to the industrial processing of chemicals or waste water. The right choice of centrifuge depends on the specific application, the materials to be separated and the separation processes required.

Here you will find an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when buying centrifuges:

When purchasing centrifuges, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that the equipment meets the specific needs of your laboratory and provides reliable and efficient performance. Here are some key points to consider when buying centrifuges:

• Type of samples: What types of samples are to be centrifuged (e.g. blood, cell cultures, proteins, DNA/RNA)?
• Volume range: What volumes need to be processed (from microliters to liters)?
• Application requirements: Do you need specific features such as high speeds, cooling or special rotors?
• Maximum speed (RPM) and RCF: Consider the maximum RPM and relative centrifugal force (g-value) required for your applications.
• Capacity: Make sure the centrifuge can accommodate the required number and size of sample tubes.
• Rotors: Check the availability and flexibility of the rotors (fixed-angle rotors, swing-out rotors, special adapters).
• Imbalance detection: A function that detects when samples are not evenly distributed and stops the centrifuge automatically.
• Lid lock: Safety mechanisms that prevent the lid from being opened during operation.
• Ease of use: Intuitive user interfaces, programmable settings and easy maintenance.
• Service agreements: check whether the manufacturer or supplier offers service, calibration and maintenance agreements.
• Spare parts and accessories: Availability of spare parts and accessories, such as rotors and adapters.
• Size and space requirements: Make sure the centrifuge fits in the available space and is easily accessible.
• Power requirements: check the power supply specifications and make sure your lab meets the requirements.
• Initial cost: Consider the cost of the centrifuge itself as well as any rotors and accessories required.
• Running costs: Think about the running costs for maintenance, calibration and energy consumption.
• Warranties: Check the warranty coverage and terms to ensure you are covered in case of problems.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that you select a centrifuge that meets your specific requirements and provides reliable and efficient performance.

Centrifuges can be purchased from a variety of suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Centrifuges from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.