WIGGENS Lacter21 Benchtop Centrifuge for Gerber Fat Determination

Overview

The WIGGENS Lacter21 Benchtop Centrifuge is a purpose-built instrument engineered specifically for standardized fat determination in dairy products according to the Gerber method (ISO 1211:2010, IDF 1:2010). Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the Lacter21 integrates precise low-speed rotational control, thermostatically regulated heating, and Gerber-specific rotor geometry to ensure reproducible phase separation of fat from milk, cream, butter, yogurt, and cheese samples. Its operating principle relies on controlled sedimentation under defined centrifugal force (≤224 × g at ≤1200 rpm) combined with temperature-assisted fat mobilization (up to 80 °C), enabling efficient extraction of lipid fractions into the calibrated neck of Gerber fat meters. The device complies with critical laboratory safety and electromagnetic compatibility directives applicable to analytical instrumentation used in food testing laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.

Key Features

• Integrated heating system (ambient to 80 °C) optimized for Gerber fat extraction kinetics, reducing manual water-bath dependency and improving inter-laboratory consistency.
• Two interchangeable fixed-angle rotors (RT240: 8-place; RT241: 12-place), both with 20° tilt and 139 mm radius, designed to accommodate standard Gerber fat meters (≤25 × 212 mm) without adapter modification.
• Progressive Control Braking System (PCBS) offering 175 selectable acceleration/deceleration slopes—critical for preserving stratified fat layers post-centrifugation and preventing remixing during deceleration.
• LCD interface displaying real-time rpm, RCF, elapsed/remaining time, and operational status; supports 50 rpm / 50 × g stepwise parameter adjustment during runtime.
• 16 programmable methods with automatic recall of last-used settings; timer resolution of 5 seconds across 1–99 minute range, supporting both forward and reverse countdown modes.
• Brushless DC motor ensures maintenance-free operation, consistent torque delivery, and low acoustic emission (<60 dB[A])—suitable for shared lab environments.
• Comprehensive safety architecture including automatic lid locking, mechanical interlock verification, imbalance-sensing auto-halt, and emergency manual lid release.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Lacter21 is validated exclusively for use with Gerber-type fat meters conforming to ISO 1211 specifications. Rotors are constructed from autoclavable stainless steel (AISI 304), and all contact surfaces—including rotor chambers and lid gaskets—are compatible with standard laboratory sterilization protocols (121 °C, 2 bar, 20 min). The instrument meets essential requirements of the EU In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (98/79/EC), Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU), Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU), and WEEE (2012/19/EU). Electrical safety compliance includes EN 61010-1 (general safety), EN 61010-2-020 (particular requirements for centrifuges), and EN 61010-2-010 (safety for lab equipment with heating elements). Its design supports GLP-aligned workflows through audit-trail-capable parameter logging (via optional PC interface) and deterministic thermal/rotational performance.

Software & Data Management

While the Lacter21 operates as a standalone instrument with embedded microcontroller firmware, it supports traceable data capture via RS-232 or USB-to-serial interface (optional cable required). When connected to validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN), the device transmits timestamped run logs—including method ID, setpoint values (rpm, RCF, temp, duration), actual measured parameters, and event flags (e.g., lid open, imbalance stop, overtemperature). All firmware adheres to IEC 62304 Class B software lifecycle requirements. No proprietary cloud platform is involved; data export follows CSV or ASCII formats compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when paired with appropriate validation documentation and user access controls.

Applications

• Routine fat quantification in raw milk, pasteurized milk, UHT milk, and recombined milk per AOAC 920.110 and ISO 1211.
• Quality control of fermented dairy products including yogurt and kefir, where fat distribution may be affected by viscosity and protein matrix.
• Regulatory testing for dairy product labeling compliance (e.g., EU Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, US FDA 21 CFR §101.9).
• Research applications requiring reproducible low-g sedimentation with concurrent thermal activation—e.g., studying fat globule coalescence kinetics or emulsion stability under controlled shear and temperature.
• Teaching laboratories demonstrating standardized food analysis methodology aligned with Codex Alimentarius standards.

FAQ

Is the Lacter21 suitable for non-dairy samples such as plant-based milks or infant formula?
The instrument is calibrated and validated for Gerber-method applications using dairy matrices. While some users adapt it for analogous emulsions, accuracy for non-bovine milks must be verified per ISO 5725-2 for trueness and precision prior to routine use.
Can rotor RT241 (12-place) be used with 8-sample protocols without balance compensation?
No. The Lacter21 requires symmetrical loading. For partial loads, counterbalancing with empty, identical Gerber meters is mandatory to prevent imbalance-triggered shutdown.
Does the heating function operate during centrifugation only, or also during standby?
Heating is active only during run cycles. The chamber cools passively after completion; no standby heating mode is implemented to minimize energy consumption and thermal drift.
Are rotor identification chips supported for automatic speed limitation?
Yes. Both RT240 and RT241 incorporate RFID tags read upon insertion, enabling firmware-enforced maximum rpm/RCF limits and preventing overspeed operation.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Annual verification of temperature uniformity (±2 °C across chamber), RCF calibration (traceable to NIST-certified tachometer), and mechanical inspection of lid interlocks and brake mechanism are advised per manufacturer’s service protocol.