Herx 3H16RI Benchtop High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge
| Brand | Herx |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hunan, China |
| Model | 3H16RI |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Centrifuge |
| Speed Range | High-Speed (10,000–30,000 rpm) |
| Function | Refrigerated Centrifuge |
| Configuration | Fixed-Angle Rotor |
| Max Capacity | 4 × 100 mL |
| Max Speed | 16,800 rpm |
| Max RCF | 20,320 × g |
| Dimensions | 710 × 630 × 350 mm |
| Temperature Range | −20 °C to 40 °C |
| Temp. Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Acceleration/Deceleration | 10 selectable rates |
| Rotor Recognition | Automatic |
| Noise Level | ≤60 dB(A) |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Refrigerant | R404a |
| Display | 4.3″ TFT true-color touchscreen |
| Control System | dsPIC30F microcontroller with FAIRCHILD FSBB30CH motor driver |
| Safety Features | Overspeed, overtemperature, imbalance, triple-layer steel rotor chamber, active vibration damping, brushless frequency-controlled motor, electromagnetic door lock |
Overview
The Herx 3H16RI is a benchtop high-speed refrigerated centrifuge engineered for precision separation of biological and biochemical samples under controlled thermal conditions. It operates on the principle of sedimentation acceleration via rotational force (RCF), enabling rapid pelleting of subcellular organelles, macromolecules, viruses, and particulates in suspension. With a maximum speed of 16,800 rpm and an RCF of 20,320 × g, the 3H16RI supports demanding protocols in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, biopharmaceutical development, and food safety testing—where reproducible cold-chain integrity and mechanical stability are critical. Its refrigeration system utilizes environmentally compliant R404a refrigerant and maintains temperature setpoints from −20 °C to +40 °C with ±1 °C accuracy, ensuring sample integrity during extended runs.
Key Features
- Brushless high-torque frequency-controlled motor with dsPIC30F microcontroller-based digital regulation and FAIRCHILD FSBB30CH intelligent drive module for consistent torque delivery and long service life.
- Triple-layer reinforced steel rotor chamber with integrated safety interlock and electromagnetic door lock, meeting IEC 61010-2-020 requirements for centrifuge mechanical safety.
- Active vibration suppression system combining precision-balanced rotor dynamics, rubber-isolated base mount, and real-time imbalance detection to ensure stable operation at full speed.
- 4.3-inch TFT true-color touchscreen interface supporting dual-input control (touch + physical keys), simultaneous display of setpoint and real-time parameters (speed, RCF, time, temperature, acceleration/deceleration rate).
- 100 programmable protocols with customizable acceleration/deceleration profiles (10-step grading), automatic rotor identification, and non-volatile memory retention for GLP-compliant method storage.
- Comprehensive safety architecture including overspeed cutoff, real-time temperature monitoring, rotor-specific run validation, and emergency stop with mechanical brake engagement.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 3H16RI accommodates standard fixed-angle rotors (e.g., 12 × 1.5/2.0 mL, 4 × 100 mL) and is compatible with common centrifuge tubes (polypropylene, polycarbonate, glass) used in nucleic acid isolation, protein purification, serum/plasma separation, and microbial pellet recovery. It complies with ISO 13485 design controls for in vitro diagnostic equipment and meets essential safety and EMC requirements per IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61326-1. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments out-of-the-box, its audit-ready features—including electronic log generation, parameter locking, and user-access level management—support alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed within validated laboratory workflows.
Software & Data Management
The embedded control firmware enables local data logging of all run parameters (start/stop timestamps, rotor ID, speed ramp profile, temperature history, fault events) stored in internal flash memory with timestamped export via USB. No proprietary PC software is required; exported CSV files are compatible with LIMS integration and statistical process analysis tools. Audit trail functionality records operator ID (via optional password login), method modifications, and calibration events—facilitating traceability in regulated QC/QA laboratories operating under GLP or ISO/IEC 17025 frameworks.
Applications
- Isolation of mitochondria, nuclei, and lysosomes from mammalian cell lysates.
- Clarification and concentration of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies prior to HPLC or SEC-MALS analysis.
- Routine plasma/serum separation in clinical labs adhering to CLSI GP44-A4 guidelines.
- Pathogen concentration from food homogenates (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria) per AOAC 999.08 and ISO 6579 protocols.
- Virus pellet preparation for electron microscopy or qRT-PCR assay development.
- Preparative separation of nanoparticles and liposomal drug carriers in nanomedicine research.
FAQ
What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature range?
The refrigeration system maintains temperatures from −20 °C to +40 °C, with ±1 °C stability across the full range.
Does the 3H16RI support swing-bucket rotors?
No—it is configured exclusively for fixed-angle rotors; compatibility is limited to those certified for use at up to 16,800 rpm and 20,320 × g.
Is rotor recognition fully automatic?
Yes—each rotor contains an embedded RFID tag read at startup; the system validates compatibility and enforces speed/temperature limits accordingly.
Can the centrifuge be integrated into a networked lab environment?
Local USB data export is supported; Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity is not built-in but may be added via third-party serial-to-Ethernet gateways for basic remote status monitoring.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Annual verification of temperature calibration, rotor balance, and refrigeration performance is advised; rotor lifetime tracking is managed automatically via embedded usage counters.
