A centrifuge is a piece of equipment that separates particles from a homogeneous solution through rotational movement and centrifugal acceleration, causing sedimentation of its components.
Centrifugation is governed by Stokes’ law, who proposes that the particles settle more easily the greater their diameter and specific weight, and the lower their viscosity. It should be considered that the function of the liquid is essential, without its viscosity all the particles would precipitate at the same speed.
Types of laboratory centrifuges
For each investigation or analysis there is a special type of centrifuge, and the type of centrifuge is determined by the value of the relative centrifugal force (F.C.R.), this is the force that is needed for the separation of the particles to occur.
According to its rotor
- Fixed Angle Rotor: Design that allows specimens to be held at a fixed angle to the axis.
- Tubular centrifuges: Used for high volume applications, they do not have individual containers for samples.
- Tilting rotor: In this type of centrifuge, the space for each sample is not fixed, allowing the samples to adjust their angle based on the content of each container.
According to the rotational speed range
- Mini-centrifuges: It reaches a speed of 13,000 r.p.m. They are generally used in molecular biology.
- High speed centrifuges: They reach maximum speeds between 18,000 and 25,000 r.p.m. These centrifuges are used in the separation of molecular fractions.
- Low speed centrifuges: They are small in size and reach a maximum speed of 6,000 r.p.m. They are used for the separation of large particles such as cells.
- Mini-centrifuges: It reaches a speed of 13,000 r.p.m. Its main use is in the field of molecular biology.
- High speed centrifuges: They reach maximum speeds between 18,000 and 25,000 r.p.m. They are mainly used in the separation of molecular fractions.
- Ultracentrifuges: exceed 50,000 r.p.m. They are used to obtain precise data on sedimentation properties and to isolate particles with a low sedimentation coefficient.
According to its use
Analytical: Designed to perform macromolecule sedimentation analysis, obtaining different data such as molecular mass and sedimentation coefficient, applying chemical principles.
Hematocrit: They are centrifuges used for blood analysis, specifically to determine the volume of red cells.
Laboratory: They are for general use, there are different types, although their function is practically the same, among them we have preparative, clinical and high-speed centrifuges.
Gas centrifuges: These use the same principle of centrifugation, but are used to analyze isotopic separation in a gas.
According to the spinning process
Filtration: These require a filter, which can be made of cloth, mesh or other material. The suspension to be analyzed is passed through the filter, from the inside out, thus allowing the solid elements to remain in the filter, while the liquid passes to the other side.
Sedimentation: They are used in the purification of solutions. In the centrifugation process all the heavier solids or compounds are sent to the bottom of the container.
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