Centrifuge

Centrifugation
is a process used to separate the solid parts inside liquids
(due to their different densities) with high speed centrifugal force rotation

Centrifugal force :
is an outward force in a rotation frame from the center

Centrifuge is :
An equipment rotate at very high speed using centrifugal force to separate the liquids from solid parts

Centrifuge is : used in laboratory & industrial

Clinical Laboratory: microbiology , chemistry, biology, biochemistry

Laboratory Centrifuge is used to :

Separate parts: (cells, parasites and bacteria) of body liquids ( blood or urine) from a
patient for diagnosing diseases

Laboratory Centrifuge separate parts: (due to their different: densities , shape & size)

Parts of centrifuges
On Off Switch : to operate or switch off the centrifuge

Timer: mechanical or electronic type

to put centrifugation period - time
switches off the centrifuge automatically after completing centrifugation period - time

Speed Control: to adjust the needed speed of the motor

Motor: to rotate tube holder at a high speed

Rotor: is a head with holders for the sample tubes

is connected directly to the motor shaft.
has several types

Brake: to stop the motor after completing centrifugation period - time

Unbalance Switch: to stop the motor when there is unbalancing

Door lock: prevents the door to open while the motor is rotating

Lid: to cover the tubes

Door
Main Body
Chamber

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 Types
Laboratory centrifuges have different types depending on :

Rotor Type :
1. Swing rotor
2. Fixed angle rotor (between 20 and 45)
3. Vertical rotor
4. Capillary rotor
5. Blood bag or bottle rotor

Sample Tube Size capillary tube , micro tube , tube , blood bag or bottle

Centrifuge Size different sizes , depending on: number or size of tubes

Speed different speeds , for example : 4000 rpm 30 000 rpm .
Application: Laboratory , Industry

Types of Centrifuges depending on Rotor type

1. Centrifuge with swing rotor
2. Centrifuge with fixed angle rotor
3. Centrifuge with vertical rotor
4. Hematocrit Centrifuge with capillary rotor
5. Blood bank Centrifuge with blood bag or bottle

Types of Centrifuges depending on Sample Tube size

1. Centrifuge - general purpose using tube normal size
2. Micro Centrifuge using micro tube
3. Hematocrit Centrifuge using capillary tube
4. Blood bank Centrifuge using blood bag or bottle

Hematocrit Centrifuge: use to measure the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood.
Blood bank Centrifuge: use for blood separation

How to use Centrifuge?

Choose correct tubes (size & shape)

Samples should be closed with a cap

Put tubes symmetrically

Balance the tubes (with weight)

In case of odd number of samples, prepare one additional sample with water.

Cover the tubes with (rotor lid)

Close the centrifuge door

Check settings : speed & time

Open the door after the motor has completely stopped

Remove the tubes carefully to prevent mixing of the parts again

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 Maintenance & Basic Centrifuge Technique Rules to Follow

1. Unbalanced tubes may permanently damage the centrifuge

2. Unbalanced centrifuges may slowly move across the surface
3. The center nut of the rotor has to be tightened firmly
4. Switch off the centrifuge immediately if it makes abnormal sounds or starts shaking
5. Cleaning of a dirty centrifuge should be done before & after starting with the service.
6. Remove all tubes from the rotor.
7. After a spillage or a broken tube the centrifuge must be cleaned, and disinfected
8. Replace the AC plug when it is not match the existing wall socket.
9. Operate the centrifuge on flat surface , (on a solid table)
10. Always wear gloves
11. When you are not sure about the correct usage read the user manual first
12. Do not put centrifuges close to microscopes and laboratory balances , because centrifuge creates
vibrations and an electromagnetic field
13. Centrifuge should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
14. Centrifuges must be protected against up & down voltages by over and under voltage protection.