Sentrifugarit

Sentrifugarit, or the centrifuge, is a laboratory instrument that uses rotational motion to separate components of a mixture based on density. A sample placed in a rotor is spun at high speed, causing denser or heavier components to move outward toward the outer edge while lighter components remain closer to the center. The device enables rapid separation of liquids, solids, and suspended particles for analysis, purification, or processing.

The operation relies on centrifugal force, commonly described by the relative centrifugal force (RCF). RCF is calculated as 1.118×10^-5 × r × (rpm)^2, where r is the rotor radius in centimeters and rpm is the rotational speed. Separation efficiency depends on density differences, viscosity of the medium, particle size, and rotor design. Temperature control may be important for preserving sample integrity in many procedures.

Types and components vary, but typical modern sentrifugarit include bench-top and refrigerated models, high-speed and ultracentrifuges, with rotors that can be fixed-angle or swinging-bucket. Common accessories comprise various tubes or bottles, rotor adapters, and temperature regulation systems. Proper balancing, rotor compatibility, and safety interlocks are essential considerations for safe operation.

Applications span clinical, biochemical, and industrial settings. Clinically, centrifugation separates blood components for analysis. In biochemistry and molecular biology, it is used to purify nucleic acids and proteins, or to study macromolecule behavior via analytical ultracentrifugation. Industrial uses include wastewater treatment, dairy processing, and pharmaceutical production.

In line with its Albanian term, sentrifugarit is a widely used instrument in laboratories worldwide, with historical significance through contributions such as the development of the analytical ultracentrifuge and the associated measurement concepts of sedimentation.