tsentrifuga

A tsentrifuga (Russian: центрифуга, meaning "centrifuge") is a laboratory instrument used to separate particles from a solution based on their size, shape, density, and viscosity. Centrifuges operate by spinning samples at high speeds, creating centrifugal force that pushes denser components outward, facilitating separation. This technique is widely employed in various scientific and industrial fields, including biology, chemistry, and medicine.

The basic design of a centrifuge consists of a rotor, which holds sample containers, and a motor that spins the rotor at high rotational speeds, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) or relative centrifugal force (RCF). The separation process relies on the principle that heavier particles move toward the outer edge of the rotor, while lighter particles remain closer to the center. This allows for the isolation of different components, such as cells, proteins, or DNA fragments, from a mixture.

Centrifuges vary in size and capacity, ranging from small benchtop models used in research laboratories to large-scale industrial centrifuges employed in pharmaceutical and food processing industries. Microcentrifuges, for example, are compact devices used for small-volume samples, often found in molecular biology labs. Ultracentrifuges, on the other hand, achieve extremely high speeds, enabling the separation of very small particles, such as viruses or macromolecules.

Applications of centrifuges include blood component separation in medical diagnostics, purification of biological samples, and clarification of liquids in food and beverage production. Proper use of centrifuges requires careful handling to prevent sample contamination, imbalance, or equipment damage. Safety measures, such as using sealed rotors and balancing sample tubes, are essential to ensure efficient and safe operation.