In the centrifugation process, heat is produced by the friction with the air in the centrifuge chamber and the rotor. However, some processes that use centrifugation will require a higher temperature. Such processes and applications will typically require a heated centrifuge.
Heated centrifuges work the same way as typical centrifuges. While centrifuges come in various sizes, heated centrifuges stand out for their ability to heat up to 90°C. Heated centrifuges are also seen as the top choice in research and industrial laboratories.
For instance, the Hettich ROTOFIX 46 H has many accessories designed for routine applications. However, it can also be used for other centrifugal tasks. Primarily, it is used to test non-medicinal specimens. It can also accommodate a vast range of special tubes. This includes American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) centrifuge tubes.
Common Uses of Heated Centrifuge
Some of the uses of heated centrifuge include:
- Conducting ASTM tests
- Doing standardized crude oil test procedures
- Determination of sulphuric acid content on chrome baths
- Organometallic and coordination chemistry procedures
Unlike other types of centrifuges that are often used in medical and clinical laboratory diagnostics, heated centrifuges are not designed for medical analysis use. Therefore, heated centrifuges do not require IVD Directive standards which are common for clinical centrifuges.