Product Description
Benchtop centrifuges are laboratory devices used to separate particles from a liquid based on their density, size, and shape using centrifugal force. These centrifuges are compact and designed to be placed on a laboratory bench or worktop. They find applications in various scientific and medical fields for tasks such as sample preparation, cell isolation, protein purification, and more.
Here are some key features and considerations for benchtop centrifuges:
1. Capacity and Tube Compatibility:
a. Benchtop centrifuges come in different capacities, ranging from small microcentrifuges (for microcentrifuge tubes) to larger ones that can accommodate standard tubes or plates.
b. Consider the types and sizes of tubes or containers you will be using in your experiments.
2. Speed and RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force):
a. Centrifuge speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) or angular velocity. RCF is a more important parameter as it accounts for the rotor size.
b. Different applications may require different speeds and RCF values, so choose a centrifuge with a speed range suitable for your needs.
3. Rotor Options:
a. Benchtop centrifuges typically come with interchangeable rotors to accommodate different types of tubes or containers.
b. Fixed-angle rotors are suitable for pelleting particles, while swinging-bucket rotors are useful for gradient separations.
4. Cooling Features:
a. Some benchtop centrifuges come with built-in cooling features to prevent sample degradation due to heat generated during high-speed centrifugation.
b. Cooling can be important for applications involving sensitive samples such as proteins or nucleic acids.
5. Digital Controls and Displays:
Look for centrifuges with easy-to-use digital controls and displays for setting parameters such as speed, time, and temperature.
6. Safety Features:
Centrifuges should have safety features such as lid-locking mechanisms and imbalance detection to ensure safe operation.
7. Footprint and Design:
a. Consider the available bench space in your laboratory and choose a centrifuge with a suitable footprint.
b. Some centrifuges have a compact design for space efficiency.
8. Maintenance and Cleaning:
Choose a centrifuge with easy-to-clean surfaces and features for convenient maintenance.
9. Programmability:
Some advanced models allow for programmable runs with customizable settings for different protocols.
10. Noise Level:
Noise can be a factor in the laboratory environment, so consider the noise level of the centrifuge.