Centrifuge is a machine with mechanical and electronic components essential for most natural science laboratories, including those in biomedicine, chemical biology, bioinformatics and genetics. This extraordinary machine offers many advantages and disadvantages that you have to consider before buying it and using it in a laboratory. At first glance, it looks like a complicated machine, but in reality, all its operating parameters are easy to understand and the same operating principle applies to all models.
Before talking about the advantages and disadvantages of using a centrifuge, it is worth mentioning that this machine is extremely useful in numerous situations, such as separating different liquid solutions, separating precipitates from solvents, separating cell samples, blood and tissues, extracting samples for laboratory testing and much more. This high-tech machine is the best ally of any researcher in the field of pure and applied sciences.
What are the main advantages of laboratory centrifuges?
One of its biggest advantages is the speed in the process. When spinning at very high speeds, a centrifuge can speed up the separation of the elements in question in a fairly short time, compared to the time that would have to be expected if the process is done by gravity. The most common speeds are between 500 and 20,000 rpm. Achieving such high speeds is one of the main reasons for the popularity of this machine in laboratories.
In addition, one of the main advantages of laboratory centrifuges is their versatility. These machines can be used for a wide range of applications in the laboratory, from separation and concentration of samples, obtaining precipitated solids and micellar compounds, to filtration and rinsing. For this very reason, they are very good at saving time and effort.
The safety of these machines should also be emphasized. They are equipped with different safety devices to prevent traumatic events and the leakage of potentially infectious fluids, such as when working with biological fluids. This extra measure makes them an excellent choice for procedures that require extreme care and precision.
What are the main disadvantages of laboratory centrifuges?
Despite all these advantages, it should not be forgotten that there are also some disadvantages. The first is cost. A good laboratory centrifuge costs between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the model and brand. This makes it a fairly costly investment for most labs. Also keep in mind that it is a powerful and noisy machine. Intense noise can be a disadvantage during use, as well as an interference even for personnel who are in the vicinity of the laboratory.
Finally, there is something important to mention about security. These machines usually generate a lot of heat. This can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Appropriate safety equipment should always be used when using the centrifuge to minimize accidents. In short, centrifuges can be an excellent tool for separating and concentrating samples in the laboratory.
They offer speed, versatility, and safety for laboratory procedures, but they are expensive and can be noisy and generate heat. For these reasons, it is necessary to understand all the advantages and disadvantages before purchasing a unit for use in a laboratory. If all these factors are taken into account when buying a centrifuge, you can get a safe and efficient product for many procedures.
Advantages of the Kalstein manufacturer in laboratory centrifuges
Certainly, the advantages of centrifuges outweigh the disadvantages, especially when working with the equipment that Kalstein has for sale. In addition to precise revolutions control, sensors are available to indicate failures due to speeding or unexpected temperature increases. The laboratories now have robust equipment for all operations where centrifuge occupies a fundamental place. Labs that require the purchase or prices of these equipment can consult the links HERE and HERE.