A centrifuge is a piece of machinery that revolves (or spins in a circle) an object around a central axis at a consistent speed. This piece of machinery is also known as a device that spins in a circle. In order to accomplish this result, it is necessary to make use of a force that is applied in a direction that is orthogonal to the axis of the spin. This force has the potential to exert a significant amount of power.

The process of sedimentation underlies the operation of every type of centrifuge, despite the fact that centrifuges come in a wide variety of configurations.

How do the Different Kinds of Centrifuges Carry Out Their Specific Functions?

Centrifuges are frequently used in establishments dedicated to scientific research for the purpose of separating two substances that have the same density, as well as in circumstances in which a dissolved solution contains particulates that are insoluble.

The sedimentation principle, which states that the acceleration of the rotor results in the application of a centripetal force to both the rotor and the centrifuge tubes, is the driving force behind the operation of all different types of centrifuges. The result of this action is that the denser substances that are contained within the tubes are compelled to move outward in a circular direction, while the lighter particles move inward toward the center of the structure.

There are times when a few particles gather at the bottom of the tubes that make up the centrifuge. This can happen on occasion. These smaller components are referred to as pellets, and the liquid that is left behind after the pellets have been extracted is referred to as the supernatant.

In most cases, the rotational speed of a floor centrifuge as well as the number of revolutions per minute (rpm) that it spins will be predetermined. However, despite having different diameters, two different rotors can still have the same rotational speed. This can be the case in certain circumstances. The acceleration of rotors of this type will vary from one another due to the fact that their radii and angular momentums are distinct from one another. There is also an effect that is brought about by the general size of the rotor. As a result of this, the relative centrifugal force, also referred to as RCF, is the unit of measurement that is considered to be standard.

These are the many varieties of centrifuges that are frequently utilized in laboratories and other types of research facilities.

1. Microcentrifuge

As their name would imply, these are made to be extremely space-efficient, and as a result, they have a more diminutive footprint that takes up very little room on the workbench. This is one of the reasons why they are so popular.

These are frequently used in biological settings as a result of their compatibility with tubes that hold a volume of up to 2.0 ml and their small size.

Some of these come packaged with an alternative rotor or rotor adaptors that are capable of fitting tubes of varying sizes. Some people do not.

These are utilized for the holding and pelleting of nucleic acids, as well as the microfiltration of minor aqueous samples. Additionally, these are utilized for the holding of nucleic acids. In addition, holding nucleic acids and pelleting proteins from solutions are both additional applications that can be performed.

2. Refrigerated Centrifuges

In order to preserve the integrity of the samples, these are used to store the samples at a temperature that is kept constant. It is absolutely necessary for these centrifuges to operate at their highest possible speeds while maintaining a steady temperature.

Refrigerated laboratory centrifuge are ideally suited for conducting analyses of DNA, RNA, PCR products, and antibodies due to the temperature range that extends from -20 degrees Celsius to -40 degrees Celsius.

Refrigerated centrifuges feature sections that can be hermetically sealed according to the specifications of the substance that is being processed.

They are offered in a number of different configurations, such as the swing bucket, the fixed angle, and a combination of the two of these options.

There is a wide variety of work that can be done with refrigerated centrifuges of all sizes, including those with very small and very large capacities.

Typically, they are used for the purpose of collecting materials that sediment rapidly, such as yeast cells, chloroplast, and a wide variety of other substances. This is one of their primary functions.

3. Centrifuges à Haute Vitesse et à Réfrigération

The ability of certain types of centrifuges to generate a significant amount of force enables them to collect cellular debris, microorganisms, larger cellular organelles, and proteins more effectively than other types of centrifuges can.

High-speed refrigerated centrifuges are available in a wide variety of dimensions as well as capacities for storage, making them extremely versatile.

4. Ultracentrifuges

These centrifuges have the potential to generate accelerations of up to one million g, which is a value that is extremely high.

With the assistance of ultracentrifuges, users are able to separate molecules by taking advantage of the minute differences that exist between molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. This makes it possible for the users to study the results of their experiments.

There are two different kinds of ultracentrifuges, which are as follows:

a. Preparative Ultracentrifuges

The most common uses for these are to categorize particles in accordance with their densities, to separate denser particles so that they can be collected as pellets, and to clarify suspensions that contain particles.

1. They study amino acids and help in the process of isolating macromolecules and elements of lipoproteins from plasma

2.  The deprotonization of physiological fluids is performed by them

3.  This is done for the purpose of studying amino acids

An ultracentrifuge that is used for preparative purposes can be outfitted with a variety of rotors, each of which can spin a number of samples at a unique angle and speed. This allows the user to perform a variety of different tests on the samples.

b. Analytical Ultracentrifuges

These come outfitted with a light-based optical detection system that enables real-time monitoring of samples as they spin, and they can be purchased separately. While the samples are being moved, this process is carried out.

Users are able to watch the sedimentation process unfold in real time on their screens. They are in a position to watch the sample as benchtop centrifuge (get more) undergoes a process in which the increasing centrifugal force causes it to become more concentrated.

During the analysis phase of the process, a number of different optical systems are utilized. Some examples of these optical systems include the light absorption system, an alternative Schlieren system, and the Rayleigh interferometric system.

The very last word

Although other types of centrifuges are designed for use in large-scale industrial applications, space applications, and applications involving humans, the focus of this post is on laboratory-oriented centrifuges. However, there are other types of centrifuges that are designed for use in other applications. Because of the information that has been presented to you in the preceding paragraphs, you should now have a better understanding of the various types of centrifuges that are utilized in laboratories by laboratory technicians and scientists, as well as the purposes for which each type of benchtop centrifuge is designed.