OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Multi Pro Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuge
| Brand | OHAUS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | FC5720R |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Centrifuge |
| Speed Range | 200 – 20,000 rpm |
| Max RCF | 38,007 × g |
| Max Capacity | 4 × 200 mL |
| Refrigeration Range | −20 °C to 40 °C |
| Dimensions (L×H×W) | 712 mm × 361 mm × 407 mm |
| Noise Level | ≤60 ± 2 dB(A) |
| Weight | 71 kg |
| Acceleration/Deceleration Programs | 10 each |
| Timer Range | 10 s – 99 h 59 min |
| Safety Certifications | CE, FCC |
| Operating Environment | 2 °C – 35 °C, ≤80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Cooling Time (RT → 4 °C) | < 10 min |
| Display | Dual-line backlit LCD |
| Rotor Recognition | Automatic |
| Power Consumption | 1.2 kW |
| Chamber Material | Corrosion-resistant stainless steel |
| Housing Material | PC/ABS blend |
| Unbalance Detection | Dual-sensor system |
| Lid Lock | Motorized interlock |
| Refrigerant | Non-CFC |
Overview
The OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Multi Pro Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuge (Model FC5720R) is an engineered platform for high-performance, temperature-controlled separation in research, clinical, and industrial laboratories. Designed around a robust brushless induction motor and precision-balanced rotor drive system, it delivers consistent rotational dynamics across its full speed range—from gentle pelleting at 200 rpm to high-resolution subcellular fractionation at 20,000 rpm. Its refrigerated architecture utilizes a non-CFC cooling system capable of maintaining sample temperatures between −20 °C and 40 °C with ±1 °C stability, ensuring biomolecular integrity during extended runs. The centrifuge operates under strict adherence to ISO 13485–aligned manufacturing controls and complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, electromagnetic compatibility per EN 61326-1, and low-voltage safety per EN 61010-1—making it suitable for GLP- and GMP-regulated environments where auditability and traceability are required.
Key Features
- Automated rotor recognition ensures correct RCF and time parameters are applied based on installed rotor geometry and mass distribution—preventing misconfiguration and enhancing reproducibility.
- Dual independent unbalance detection sensors continuously monitor load asymmetry during acceleration, deceleration, and steady-state operation, triggering immediate shutdown if thresholds exceed IEC 61000-6-2 limits.
- Motorized lid lock integrates with real-time RPM and temperature feedback loops; the chamber remains sealed until rotor kinetic energy dissipates below 100 rpm and internal temperature stabilizes within ±2 °C of setpoint.
- Ten programmable acceleration and deceleration profiles—including “soft start” for fragile pellets and “fast brake” for rapid turnaround—support method-specific protocols without manual intervention.
- Backlit dual-line LCD display shows real-time values for speed (rpm), relative centrifugal force (×g), elapsed time, remaining time, chamber temperature, and active program number—enabling operator verification without opening the lid.
- Corrosion-resistant 316 stainless-steel chamber and PC/ABS polymer housing provide chemical resistance against common laboratory solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, diluted acids/bases) while meeting UL 94 V-0 flammability requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FC5720R accommodates a broad spectrum of sample formats through interchangeable rotors—including fixed-angle, swing-bucket, and horizontal rotors—compatible with tubes ranging from 0.2 mL microcentrifuge tubes to 200 mL conical centrifuge bottles. It supports standard ANSI/SLAS-compliant tube footprints and accepts third-party adapters certified to ISO 8573-1 Class 3 purity standards. All rotor assemblies undergo static and dynamic balancing per ISO 1940-1 Grade G2.5 and are validated for 10,000 operational cycles at maximum rated speed. The system meets ASTM E2500-13 guidelines for user requirement specification (URS) traceability and includes factory-installed firmware logs compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures when connected to validated LIMS networks.
Software & Data Management
While the FC5720R operates as a standalone instrument, its embedded firmware stores up to 99 user-defined programs with timestamped execution history (last 500 runs), including rotor ID, speed, temperature, duration, and error codes. Audit trail data is exportable via USB port in CSV format for integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Optional OHAUS CentriLink™ software (v3.2+) enables remote monitoring, batch protocol deployment, and automated report generation aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. All firmware updates are digitally signed and verified prior to installation to ensure cryptographic integrity.
Applications
- Cell culture harvesting: Efficient pelleting of mammalian, insect, and bacterial cells at 3,000–8,000 × g with temperature maintenance at 4 °C to preserve membrane integrity.
- Nucleic acid purification: High-speed clarification of lysates prior to column-based or magnetic bead isolation, minimizing shearing of genomic DNA and RNA.
- Protein subfractionation: Differential centrifugation workflows (e.g., 10,000 × g for organelle enrichment, 20,000 × g for microsomal pellet isolation) with precise thermal control.
- Clinical specimen processing: Routine plasma/serum separation from whole blood using swing-bucket rotors with hematocrit-compensated timing algorithms.
- Environmental sample concentration: Sedimentation of suspended particulates from water matrices (e.g., ASTM D5907) with repeatable recovery rates ≥92% across 4 × 200 mL loads.
- Quality control in biomanufacturing: In-process testing of buffer exchange efficiency, virus-like particle (VLP) recovery, and aggregate removal per USP and ICH Q5A guidelines.
FAQ
Does the FC5720R support validation documentation for regulated environments?
Yes—OHAUS provides Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and Annex 11. Factory calibration certificates include NIST-traceable speed and temperature verification reports.
Can third-party rotors be used safely with this centrifuge?
Only OHAUS-certified rotors and adapters are supported. Use of non-OHAUS components voids safety certification and invalidates warranty coverage per EN 61010-2-020.
What is the minimum run time increment and how is timer accuracy verified?
Minimum programmable interval is 1 second; timer drift is ≤±0.1% over 24 hours, verified during final production test using GPS-synchronized atomic clock reference.
How does the non-CFC refrigeration system impact environmental compliance?
The system uses R-134a refrigerant (GWP = 1,430), compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 Phase-down Schedule and EPA SNAP Program Acceptance Criteria for laboratory equipment.
Is continuous operation mode suitable for overnight runs?
Yes—continuous mode is fully supported with thermal overload protection, condensate management, and automatic defrost cycling every 72 hours during extended use.
