Herexi TLW5 Gerber Centrifuge for Milk Fat Determination

Overview

The Herexi TLW5 Gerber Centrifuge is a purpose-built, benchtop centrifugal instrument engineered specifically for fat quantification in milk and dairy products according to standardized gravimetric methods—including the Gerber, Babcock, and Mojonnier (GB/T 5413.3–2010) procedures. It operates on the principle of differential sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force: when milk or dairy samples are treated with sulfuric acid and amyl alcohol (Gerber method) or ether–petroleum ether (Mojonnier method), fat globules coalesce and separate from the aqueous phase; subsequent centrifugation at precisely regulated speed and duration enables reproducible stratification of the fat layer within calibrated Gerber fat tubes. Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the TLW5 integrates mechanical and thermal design features optimized for dairy laboratory workflows—particularly its fixed-angle rotor geometry, tube-specific balancing, and stable low-speed operation (1500 rpm), which ensures consistent fat column formation without emulsion disruption or tube overflow.

Key Features

• Fixed-angle rotor accommodating exactly eight standardized Gerber fat tubes (11.5 mm × 100 mm), ensuring uniform radial positioning and balanced load distribution during rotation.
• Microprocessor-controlled AC frequency-drive system delivering precise speed regulation (1500 rpm ±50 rpm) and extended timer range (0–99 h 59 min), supporting both single-step and multi-stage protocols.
• 4.3-inch TFT true-color touchscreen interface with dual-control logic (touch + physical keys), enabling intuitive parameter entry, real-time status monitoring, and error diagnostics.
• Robust cast-aluminum housing and vibration-damping base structure, minimizing operational noise (≤60 dB[A]) and enhancing long-term mechanical stability in high-throughput QC environments.
• Compliance-ready architecture: rotor geometry and tube alignment conform to ISO 8587-1:2022 (centrifuge performance verification) and support audit-trail-capable operation when integrated into GLP-compliant laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TLW5 is validated for use with Gerber fat test tubes (ISO 707:2019 Annex B), Babcock bottles (ASTM D1297–22), and Mojonnier flasks per GB/T 5413.3–2010. Its rotor configuration maintains strict adherence to tube orientation requirements—critical for accurate meniscus reading and volumetric fat calculation. The instrument does not incorporate active heating; therefore, pre-warmed samples (e.g., incubated at 50 °C prior to loading) must be used to ensure optimal fat fluidity and separation efficiency, as specified in national and international dairy standards. No modifications or aftermarket accessories are certified for use with this model; only original Herexi-supplied rotors and tube carriers are recommended to preserve measurement traceability.

Software & Data Management

While the TLW5 operates as a standalone hardware platform without embedded PC connectivity, its microprocessor logs runtime parameters—including actual speed, elapsed time, and cycle completion status—into non-volatile memory. These records can be manually transcribed or exported via optional RS-232 serial interface (available upon request) for integration into external data acquisition systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. For laboratories implementing electronic lab notebooks (ELN) or LIMS, Herexi provides documented calibration certificates, performance qualification (PQ) templates, and IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and GMP Annex 15 guidelines.

Applications

• Routine fat content analysis in raw milk, pasteurized milk, cream, butter, cheese whey, and powdered dairy ingredients.
• Quality control testing in dairy processing plants, regulatory inspection laboratories, and third-party certification bodies accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
• Method validation and inter-laboratory comparison studies requiring reproducible low-RCF centrifugation (<600 ×g) under defined thermal and mechanical conditions.
• Educational use in food science curricula for teaching standardized lipid quantification principles and analytical uncertainty assessment.

FAQ

Is the TLW5 compatible with Mojonnier fat extraction flasks?
Yes—the angular rotor geometry and tube holder depth accommodate standard Mojonnier flasks (as specified in GB/T 5413.3–2010), provided they are loaded vertically and balanced symmetrically.
Does the centrifuge include temperature control?
No—the TLW5 is a non-heated centrifuge. Sample pre-warming to 50 °C is required prior to loading, per Gerber and Babcock method specifications.
What safety certifications does the TLW5 hold?
It complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU).
Can the rotor be autoclaved?
No—rotor components are anodized aluminum and not designed for steam sterilization; cleaning is limited to ethanol wipe-down and compressed air drying.
Is service support available outside China?
Yes—Herexi partners with authorized service agents across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America; technical documentation and spare parts (e.g., tube carriers, drive belts) are supplied under ISO 9001-certified logistics channels.