Herxi LR5M Floor-standing Low-speed Refrigerated Centrifuge

Overview

The Herxi LR5M is a floor-standing, low-speed refrigerated centrifuge engineered for high-capacity, temperature-sensitive separation tasks in clinical, research, and industrial laboratories. Operating on the principle of sedimentation under controlled gravitational force (RCF), it enables reliable pelleting, clarification, and phase separation of biological suspensions—including whole blood, cell cultures, tissue homogenates, serum, plasma, and large-volume bioprocess intermediates—within a precisely regulated thermal environment (−20 °C to +40 °C). Its robust mechanical architecture—featuring a brushless AC frequency-controlled motor, integrated compressor-based cooling, and dual-mode (touch + keypad) microprocessor control—ensures stable rotational performance, extended service life, and minimal maintenance overhead. Unlike high-speed or ultracentrifuges designed for subcellular fractionation, the LR5M targets applications where sample integrity, thermal stability, and volumetric throughput take precedence over extreme g-force generation.

Key Features

• Brushless frequency-controlled motor delivering high torque at low speeds (0–5000 rpm), eliminating carbon brush wear and associated particulate contamination—critical for sterile and GMP-aligned workflows.
• 4.3-inch TFT true-color touchscreen with intuitive dual-input interface: simultaneous touch and physical keypad operation ensures usability with gloves and under variable lighting conditions.
• Real-time RCF-based start capability: users may initiate runs directly by specifying required relative centrifugal force, bypassing manual rpm-to-RCF conversion.
• Comprehensive safety architecture: active monitoring and automatic shutdown for overspeed, rotor imbalance, excessive temperature deviation, door interlock failure, and refrigeration system fault.
• Patented vibration-damping system combining elastomeric mounts and precision-balanced rotor drive assembly, reducing operational noise to ≤65 dB(A) and ensuring long-term bearing integrity.
• Electromechanical auto-locking lid with fail-safe engagement verification—no manual latching required, and lid cannot open during rotation or until full deceleration and temperature stabilization are confirmed.
• 20 programmable protocols with independent acceleration/deceleration ramp profiles (10 selectable rates each), enabling optimization for fragile samples such as platelet-rich plasma or plant protoplasts.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LR5M accommodates a broad spectrum of primary and secondary containers via interchangeable horizontal rotors—including 6×500 mL round buckets (max 4390 ×g), 4×500 mL oval buckets, 4×250 mL, 4×100 mL, and multiwell formats (2×2×96-well microplate carriers). All rotors are certified for continuous operation at rated speeds and temperatures, with material compatibility verified against common laboratory solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, PBS, saline). The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets electromagnetic compatibility standards per EN 61326-1. While not classified as a medical device under EU MDR or FDA 510(k), its design supports adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation requirements when paired with validated data management software.

Software & Data Management

The embedded control firmware records all run parameters—including start/stop time, setpoints (rpm, RCF, temperature, duration), actual sensor readings, and event logs (e.g., door open/close, error codes)—to non-volatile memory. Data export is supported via USB port in CSV format for traceability and regulatory review. Optional PC-based software (Herxi CentriLink v3.x) provides enhanced functionality: remote monitoring, batch report generation, electronic signature support, and audit trail compliance per FDA 21 CFR Part 11. All user actions—including method edits, parameter overrides, and calibration adjustments—are timestamped and attributed, satisfying ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 (Control of Records) and internal quality system requirements.

Applications

• Clinical diagnostics: Separation of whole blood into packed red cells, buffy coat, and platelet-poor plasma; preparation of serum for immunoassays; processing of CSF and synovial fluid.
• Biopharmaceutical manufacturing: Harvesting mammalian or microbial cells from bioreactor harvest streams; clarifying lysates prior to chromatography; concentrating viral vectors or exosomes.
• Agricultural & food science: Milk fat standardization; extraction of plant oils and polyphenols; sedimentation of starch granules or yeast slurries.
• Environmental testing: Concentration of waterborne pathogens (e.g., Legionella, protozoan cysts) for downstream PCR or culture analysis.
• Academic research: Isolation of nuclei, mitochondria, and large organelles; purification of extracellular vesicles; preparative centrifugation of agarose gels or density gradients.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable sample volume per run?
The LR5M supports up to 3 L total capacity using the 6×500 mL horizontal rotor (round buckets), provided tubes are balanced within ±0.5 g per position.
Can the centrifuge maintain −20 °C during extended runs?
Yes—the R404a refrigeration system is rated for continuous operation at −20 °C across the full speed range (0–5000 rpm), with thermal load compensation for ambient temperatures up to 32 °C.
Is rotor certification included with purchase?
Each rotor ships with a manufacturer-issued certificate of conformance, including serial number, maximum speed rating, and material composition (anodized aluminum alloy 6061-T6). Full traceability documentation is available upon request.
How often does the centrifuge require preventive maintenance?
Recommended service intervals are every 12 months or 1000 operating hours—whichever occurs first—with emphasis on refrigerant pressure verification, door seal integrity, and vibration damping element inspection.
Does the LR5M support external network connectivity?
No Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface is built-in; however, USB-host functionality enables direct connection to Windows/Linux PCs for data transfer and optional software integration.