Laboratory Centrifuge: The Basics of Operation & Maintenance

We all know that balancing a centrifuge is crucial, but what else can you do to ensure your centrifuge runs efficiently and lasts longer? Following proper operating guidelines is not just about protecting your equipment—it’s about ensuring safety for you and those around you. Believe it or not, many centrifuges have met their untimely demise at the hands of unsuspecting scientists too focused on their pellets. Let’s go through key tips and tricks to keep your centrifuge running smoothly for years to come.

Ensure Your Rotor is Fully Attached

Think of securing your rotor like checking your seatbelt before an insane roller coaster ride—you can never be too careful. After gently placing the rotor on the drive shaft, always lift it slightly to ensure it’s securely attached. A loose rotor can turn into a dangerous projectile, causing significant damage to the centrifuge. A broken centrifuge means an unhappy principal investigator (PI), which could mean cutting corners—like reusing gloves and pipette tips—not something you want to deal with!

Use the Right Tube, Rotor, and Speed

Before starting your run, always verify that your tubes can withstand the intended speed. Some plastic tubes, for instance, degrade when exposed to solvents like chloroform. Using the correct tube size ensures sample integrity, prevents leakage, and allows for easier sample recovery.

Additionally, many modern centrifuges come with automatic rotor recognition, which detects the installed rotor and limits the RPM or RCF to its maximum permissible value. This feature prevents accidental overspeeding, protecting both your rotor and your samples. Learn more about common errors in centrifuge tube usage and how to avoid them in our article: Common Mistakes in Centrifuge Tube Usage and How to Avoid Them.

Balance the Centrifuge Load Properly

Balancing your centrifuge isn't just about making sure two tubes “look” equal. Never assume that two tubes with the same volume are balanced—always weigh them on a scale. A good rule of thumb is to balance tubes within 0.1 grams. If using screw-cap tubes, include the caps in the weighing process to ensure accurate balance. Improperly balanced centrifuge loads can cause excessive vibrations, damaging the rotor and motor over time. If you notice unexpected vibrations, check out our troubleshooting guide: Centrifuge Mastery: Troubleshooting Common Uncertainties.

Keep Your Centrifuge and Rotor Clean

Routine cleaning is essential for the longevity of your centrifuge. O-rings play a critical role in preventing sample leakage and must be lubricated regularly. Many rotors are made from steel or aluminum and have an anodized protective coating. Using harsh acids, bases, or strong detergents can wear away this coating, leading to corrosion and rust.

To maintain your centrifuge properly:

Clean the rotor and chamber with a neutral detergent daily.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.
Pay special attention to electronic components like touchscreens and keypads.

Want to ensure your centrifuge stays in top shape? Check out our guide on How to Properly Clean and Use Your Centrifuge.

Establish a Maintenance Culture

A well-maintained centrifuge lasts longer and performs more reliably. Here’s how to keep your unit in top condition:

Always listen for unusual noises, vibrations, or grinding—these are warning signs that something may be wrong.
Stop the centrifuge immediately if you notice irregularities.
Read the user manual before operating the centrifuge or attempting repairs.
Schedule professional servicing at least once a year to ensure optimal performance.
Keep a detailed logbook recording usage time, speed, temperature, and maintenance activities.

Investing in regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your centrifuge but also saves money in the long run. Learn more about the importance of long-term planning in our article: Futureproofing Precision: Projecting Life Expectancy for Centrifuges.

Final Thoughts

Centrifuges are powerful tools, but their performance depends on how well they are maintained and operated. By following these best practices—securing the rotor, using the correct tubes, balancing loads accurately, maintaining cleanliness, and implementing a proactive maintenance culture—you can maximize efficiency, improve safety, and prolong the life of your centrifuge.

If you're unsure about which centrifuge best suits your needs, check out our guide on How to Select the Right Centrifuge for Your Application.

At FC-BIOS, we provide full support, maintenance, and repair services across Malaysia. Contact us for expert consultation—our team is ready to help you from selection to servicing!