Centrifuges spin substances at high speeds, generating centrifugal force that separates particles. Different types include preparative, hematocrit, analytical, and tubular. Gustaf de Laval developed the first commercially viable centrifuge in 1894. They are used in laboratories and industrial production.
A centrifuge is a device that spins an object or substance at high speed. This rotational motion generates a centrifugal force on the substance in the centrifuge, which pushes the particles away from the center of the device. Centrifuges are used in different types of applications including laboratory experiments and industrial production. The different types of centrifuges include preparative, hematocrit, analytical, and tubular, and each has its own function.
Swedish inventor Gustaf de Laval is often credited with developing the first commercially viable centrifuge in 1894. His device was used to separate milk from cream. In modern times, the use of centrifuges has moved from the dairy to the science laboratory, where they are commonly used to separate one scientific sample from another.
Preparative centrifuges are relatively large units commonly found in chemistry or biology laboratories. This type of centrifuge is used to prepare samples for experimentation. As a preparative centrifuge spins, the particles to be tested are separated and isolated. Scientists are able to capture specific types of separate particles for use in the laboratory.
Hematocrit centrifuges are usually smaller than preparative centrifuges and are commonly used for processing medical blood samples. Unlike a preparative centrifuge, the hematocrit type is not used to isolate and capture specific particles. Instead, this device separates blood cells from blood plasma. The number of red blood cells is counted and the ratio of red blood cells within the whole sample is known as the hematocrit value. Although blood cells are counted, they are not individually saved for use in the laboratory.
An analytical centrifuge is typically larger than the previous two types and allows scientists to gather information about a sample while it is still inside the unit. Analytical centrifuges use optical systems such as ultraviolet light sensors to analyze particles in real time. With this type of device, scientists can observe how changes in centrifugal force affect different particles and can record the data without having to stop the rotation.
The earlier types of devices are used to process small batches of samples, but tubular centrifuges are capable of separating a continuous stream of liquids. This type of device uses an elongated rotating tube with two outlet ports. As the tube spins, the liquids in the centrifuge are separated according to their density. This separation continues as long as fluids are present and the tube is spinning. A tubular centrifuge essentially functions as a pump capable of separating liquids, and is often used to process fuel, oil or ink.
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