Herolab HiCen T Desktop High-Speed Centrifuge

Overview

The Herolab HiCen T is a precision-engineered benchtop high-speed centrifuge designed for reproducible, high-throughput separation of biological and chemical samples in research, clinical, and quality control laboratories. Operating on the principle of sedimentation under controlled rotational acceleration, the HiCen T delivers robust performance across a wide range of sample types—including mammalian cells, bacterial cultures, subcellular organelles, precipitated proteins, and nucleic acid complexes. Its dual-rotor architecture supports both fixed-angle and swinging-bucket configurations, enabling users to optimize pelleting efficiency, gradient resolution, or volume scalability without hardware reconfiguration. Engineered for daily operational reliability, the system integrates a maintenance-free high-speed induction motor and flexible self-centering shaft to minimize mechanical drift and ensure long-term rotor alignment stability—critical for maintaining consistent RCF values across repeated runs.

Key Features

• Maintenance-free high-speed induction motor with integrated self-centering capability ensures stable operation at up to 14,000 rpm and eliminates routine bearing servicing.
• Dynamic reverse magnetic resistance braking system enables rapid, smooth deceleration with reduced mechanical stress and thermal load on the drive train.
• Automatic rotor recognition and imbalance detection provide real-time monitoring during acceleration and deceleration; the unit halts immediately if imbalance exceeds safety thresholds (per IEC 61010-2-020).
• Constant-speed timing function initiates countdown only after reaching the preset speed or RCF—ensuring experimental repeatability across operators and shifts.
• Twelve validated rotor options (ten fixed-angle, two swinging-bucket) support diverse workflows—from high-g pelleting of E. coli lysates (6 × 250 mL, 21,913 × g) to large-volume serum separation (4 × 500 mL, 3,234 × g).
• Non-refrigerated design simplifies installation and reduces energy consumption while maintaining ambient thermal stability through optimized airflow and low-noise insulation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HiCen T accommodates standard laboratory consumables including polypropylene and polycarbonate tubes (e.g., 15 mL, 50 mL conical, 250 mL bottles), as well as custom rotor-adapted vessels meeting ISO 8573-1 purity class 4 requirements. It complies with essential safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including IEC 61010-1 (Laboratory Equipment Safety), IEC 61326-1 (EMC for Measurement Equipment), and EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive). While non-refrigerated, its structural integrity and vibration damping meet GLP-aligned validation protocols for routine QC applications. All rotors are CE-marked and undergo full traceable certification per EN ISO 13485 manufacturing controls.

Software & Data Management

The HiCen T operates via an intuitive front-panel interface with programmable memory for up to 99 user-defined protocols, each storing speed, time, acceleration/deceleration profiles, and rotor ID. Protocol recall supports audit-ready documentation when paired with optional external USB logging (CSV export). Though not equipped with network connectivity or FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, the system supports manual recordkeeping compatible with GMP Annex 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation frameworks. All parameter changes are timestamped and logged internally for traceability during internal audits.

Applications

• Cell harvesting and bacterial pellet concentration prior to lysis or genomic DNA extraction.
• Clarification of crude lysates and removal of insoluble aggregates in recombinant protein purification workflows.
• Preparative isolation of mitochondria, nuclei, and microsomes using density gradient-compatible fixed-angle rotors.
• High-volume serum/plasma separation from whole blood in diagnostic and biobanking settings.
• Routine quality assurance of colloidal suspensions, nanoparticle dispersions, and polymer emulsions requiring defined g-force exposure.

FAQ

Is the HiCen T suitable for use with hazardous or biohazardous samples?
Yes—when used with sealed rotors and certified biosafety tubes, it meets containment requirements for BSL-2 agents per WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual guidelines. Always verify tube compatibility with your specific application.
Does the system support rotor calibration verification?
Yes—each rotor includes a unique identification code recognized by the instrument; users may perform periodic RCF validation using NIST-traceable tachometers and calibrated reference weights.
Can the HiCen T be integrated into automated lab workflows?
Not natively—the device lacks Ethernet, RS-232, or PLC interfaces. However, its programmable protocols and USB data export enable semi-automated batch processing when coordinated with external scheduling software.
What is the expected service life under typical usage conditions?
With routine cleaning and adherence to recommended rotor lifetime limits (typically 10⁹ cumulative revolutions), the motor and chassis are rated for ≥15 years of continuous operation in ISO Class 7 cleanroom-equivalent environments.
Are replacement rotors and accessories available globally?
Yes—Herolab maintains an authorized distributor network across EEA, North America, and APAC regions, with all rotors supplied with full compliance documentation and lot-specific test reports.