What is a centrifuge, its working principle and precautions

Centrifugal equipment is an indispensable and important device in current life chemistry research. How to ensure the safe operation of the instrument and give full play to its overall performance is a major concern for experimental technicians. However, due to inadequate technical training, improper instrument operation, lack of regular maintenance and other factors, centrifuge accidents occur occasionally. To improve the utilization rate and service life of instruments, ensure their safe operation and prevent accidents, this paper analyzes the causes of laboratory centrifuge failures and discusses the key maintenance points for laboratory centrifuges.

Laboratory Centrifuge Introduction

Centrifuges are mainly used to separate solid particles from liquids in suspensions, or to separate two immiscible liquids with different densities in emulsions. They can also be used to remove liquid from wet solids. Special ultra-high-speed tubular separators are also capable of separating gas mixtures of different densities. Taking advantage of the difference in sedimentation velocity of solid particles with varying densities or particle sizes in liquids, some sedimentation centrifuges can also classify solid particles according to their density or particle size.

Laboratory centrifuges are mainly used to separate solid particles or liquid components in mixtures, achieving separation by generating centrifugal force through high-speed rotation. According to rotational speed, they are classified into low-speed (≤10,000 rpm), high-speed (10,000–30,000 rpm) and ultra-high-speed (>30,000 rpm) centrifuges.

Working Principle of Laboratory Centrifuge

When a suspension containing fine particles is kept stationary, the suspended particles gradually settle under the action of the gravitational field. The heavier the particles, the faster they sink; conversely, particles with a lower density than the liquid will float upward.

The moving speed of fine particles in a gravitational field is related to their size, shape and density, as well as the strength of the gravitational field and the viscosity of the liquid. Particles the size of red blood cells, with a diameter of several micrometers, can be observed to undergo sedimentation under the effect of gravity.

Precautions for Centrifuge Operation

 1. The centrifuge shall be placed on a flat and solid floor or laboratory bench and must not be tilted.

 2. Balance the weight of centrifuge tubes with a balance scale, cover the tubes and screw the lids tightly.

 3. Place the balanced centrifuge tubes symmetrically into the rotor, close the rotor lid and check that it is fully tightened.

 4. After centrifugation, wait for the centrifuge to stop automatically. Do not force it to stop by hand or with any other objects. Do not open the chamber door until the rotor comes to a complete standstill. Take out the centrifuge tubes promptly, check the integrity of the tubes and the position of the sediment, then pour off the supernatant carefully to avoid disturbing and turbiding the precipitate.

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