Benchtop Centrifuge Weighs Only 5 kg
By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 30 Aug 2011
A small benchtop centrifuge weighing only 5 kg is capable of spinning 6 blood tubes at over 3,000 × g.Posted on 30 Aug 2011
Called the Kestrel, the centrifuge is reliable, compact, and easy to use. It is suitable for a clinical laboratory where a small number of blood tubes need to be processed quickly and efficiently.
Image: The MSE Kestrel centrifuge (Photo courtesy of MSE).
The powerful induction drive motor can reach speeds of up to 6,000 rpm (3340 × g) whilst creating only 56 db of noise output. A range of tubes can be used in the Kestrel centrifuge, from the standard 15 mL Vacutainer blood tube to the 10 mL Sarstedt Monovette. The Kestrel rotor can also accommodate flat and conical bottomed tubes using especially shaped rubber cushions placed in the base of each bucket. In addition, all Micro Centaur Plus rotors can be used in the Kestrel centrifuge.
The rotor is easy and quick to load using the Allen key provided. Along with the buckets, the rotor can be sterilized in an autoclave up to temperatures of 124 °C. The rotor is designed in such a way to ensure noise and vibration levels are minimized while the centrifuge is in operation, even at maximum speed.
An electronic interlock prevents operation of the lid release button while the rotor is in motion. An indicator light signals when the rotor has come to rest and the lid may be opened safely. For emergency situations such as power failures, an override key is provided.
A product of MSE (London, United Kingdom) the Kestrel has a small footprint (270 mm × 220 mm × 180 mm when closed) making it suitable for use in laboratories where space is a premium.
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