Herolab HiCen F Floor-standing High-Speed Centrifuge

Overview

The Herolab HiCen F is a floor-standing high-speed centrifuge engineered for precision, reliability, and operational consistency in demanding laboratory environments. Designed and manufactured in Germany, it operates on the principle of sedimentation-based separation under controlled rotational force—leveraging Newtonian fluid dynamics and particle inertia to separate biological and chemical components by density, size, and shape. Unlike refrigerated models, the HiCen F is optimized for ambient-temperature applications where thermal stability of samples is not compromised by heat generation during high-speed runs. Its robust architecture supports routine high-throughput processing of cells, bacteria, subcellular organelles, and macromolecular complexes—making it particularly suited for molecular biology labs, quality control units, and industrial R&D facilities requiring ISO 17025-aligned instrumentation.

Key Features

• Maintenance-free high-speed induction motor with integrated auto-centering technology ensures long-term rotational stability and minimizes mechanical drift over extended operation cycles.
• Flexible self-centering shaft design absorbs minor imbalances dynamically, reducing vibration transmission and extending bearing service life.
• Dynamic reverse magnetic resistance braking enables rapid, controlled deceleration without mechanical wear—critical for preserving rotor integrity and sample integrity during repeated stop/start cycles.
• Automatic rotor recognition system validates installed rotor type and geometry prior to acceleration, preventing unsafe operating conditions and enforcing protocol compliance.
• Imbalance detection with immediate auto-shutdown meets IEC 61010-2-020 safety requirements for laboratory centrifuges, providing real-time protection against catastrophic failure.
• Speed/RCF-activated timer initiates countdown only after target rotational speed or relative centrifugal force is attained—ensuring experimental repeatability across operators and shifts.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HiCen F accommodates a broad spectrum of sample formats through its modular rotor ecosystem: two horizontal rotors (max 4 × 500 mL) support large-volume pelleting of cell cultures or bioprocess harvests, while ten angular rotors—including configurations for 6 × 250 mL tubes—optimize high-RCF applications such as bacterial pellet concentration, viral particle isolation, and nucleic acid purification. All rotors are certified to DIN EN ISO 13485:2016 standards for medical device manufacturing and comply with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. The instrument’s non-refrigerated design eliminates condensation risks in humidity-sensitive workflows and avoids regulatory complications associated with refrigerant handling (e.g., F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014). It is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant laboratories where audit trails, operator authentication, and parameter lockout are managed externally via LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

While the HiCen F features an intuitive front-panel interface with LED display and tactile keypad navigation, it does not include embedded PC-based software or network connectivity. Instead, it supports manual protocol documentation aligned with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 principles through external logbooks and validated electronic record systems. Each run generates traceable metadata—including rotor ID, speed, time, RCF, and timestamp—which can be manually entered into compliant data management platforms. Optional third-party lab automation interfaces (e.g., RS-232 or analog output modules) enable integration with SCADA or MES systems for centralized equipment monitoring in regulated manufacturing settings.

Applications

• Microbial pelleting and harvesting in fermentation and vaccine development workflows.
• Preparative isolation of mitochondria, lysosomes, and microsomes from tissue homogenates.
• Clarification of crude protein extracts prior to chromatographic analysis.
• High-yield recovery of plasmid DNA and RNA from alkaline lysis supernatants.
• Separation of whole blood components (e.g., platelet-rich plasma) in clinical research contexts where refrigeration is contraindicated.
• Quality assurance testing of colloidal suspensions, nanoparticles, and emulsions in materials science labs.

FAQ

Is the HiCen F suitable for GMP-regulated environments?
Yes—its mechanical design, safety interlocks, and deterministic operational logic align with GMP Annex 11 expectations for non-networked process equipment; however, full compliance requires documented validation of installation, operation, and performance (IQ/OQ/PQ) per user-defined SOPs.
Can I use third-party rotors with this centrifuge?
No—the automatic rotor recognition system exclusively validates Herolab-certified rotors; unauthorized rotors will prevent acceleration and trigger an error code.
What maintenance is required for the induction motor?
None—the sealed, brushless induction motor is designed for >20,000 hours of continuous operation without lubrication or scheduled servicing.
Does the HiCen F meet international electrical safety standards?
Yes—it carries CE marking per EN 61010-1:2010 and EN 61010-2-020:2016, confirming compliance with low-voltage and laboratory equipment-specific safety directives.
How is calibration verified?
Calibration of speed and time parameters is performed using NIST-traceable tachometers and stopwatch references during PQ qualification; Herolab provides calibration certificates upon request for individual instruments.