Hexi ES5000-6S Intelligent Balance & Centrifuge Load Matching System
| Brand | Hexi |
|---|---|
| Model | ES5000-6S |
| Max Capacity | 5000 g |
| Readability | 1 g |
| Repeatability | ±1 g |
| Linearity | ±1 g |
| Tare Range | 0–5000 g |
| Stabilization Time | 3 s |
| Sensitivity Drift | ±0.005 %/°C |
| Operating Temperature | 10–35 °C |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Pan Dimensions | 168 × 128 mm |
| Overall Dimensions (L×W×H) | 795 × 320 × 90 mm |
Overview
The Hexi ES5000-6S Intelligent Balance & Centrifuge Load Matching System is a purpose-engineered metrological instrument designed specifically for blood component processing laboratories operating high-capacity refrigerated centrifuges. Unlike general-purpose laboratory balances, the ES5000-6S implements a dual-function architecture grounded in load-matching metrology: it simultaneously performs high-reliability mass measurement and calculates optimal counterweight distribution across multiple sample positions to achieve mechanical equilibrium prior to centrifugation. This functionality is based on gravimetric equivalence principles—ensuring that the moment arm sum around the rotor axis remains within ISO 15197:2013 and AABB Technical Manual Chapter 5 tolerance thresholds for rotational stability. By eliminating mass imbalance at the pre-spin stage, the system directly mitigates excessive bearing stress, harmonic vibration propagation, and rotor wobble—factors known to degrade platelet morphology, reduce RBC recovery yield, and accelerate mechanical fatigue in Class II and III centrifuges (e.g., Sorvall RC6+, Thermo Fisher ST16R).
Key Features
- Six-position weighing platform with independent load cells per station, enabling concurrent measurement of up to six blood bags or containers
- Dual-screen interface: primary front-panel LCD (128×64 pixels) for real-time weight display and matching status; secondary rear-mounted VGA output for integration with lab PCs or LIMS terminals
- PC-controlled operation via USB 2.0 interface supporting ASCII command protocol and CSV data export compliant with ASTM E1382-22 for audit trail generation
- Internal calibration routine traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) certified standards; automatic recalibration triggered by temperature shift >2°C or user-defined time intervals
- Integrated load-matching algorithm that computes minimal redistribution solution using integer-weight constraint programming—compatible with supplied silicone-coated calibration weights (2×3 g, 2×4 g, 1×5 g, 1×10 g, 1×20 g)
- Robust aluminum alloy chassis with anti-vibration damping feet; IP42-rated enclosure for controlled cold-room environments (10–35°C ambient, <80% RH non-condensing)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ES5000-6S accommodates standard blood collection bags (up to 500 mL whole blood units), plasma separation containers, and cryoprecipitate storage pouches without adapter fixtures. Its 168 × 128 mm stainless-steel weighing pans feature raised edges to prevent lateral slippage during rapid bag placement. The system complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for testing and calibration laboratories, and its measurement uncertainty budget (k=2) has been validated per EURAMET cg-18 guidelines for mass metrology in medical device support applications. While not FDA 510(k)-cleared as a standalone IVD device, the instrument meets essential performance criteria outlined in CLSI GP45-A4 for centrifuge preparation workflows and supports GLP-compliant documentation through timestamped CSV logs with operator ID fields.
Software & Data Management
Hexi’s proprietary MatchControl v3.2 software provides local configuration, batch history review, and export-to-LIMS functionality. Each weighing event records: date/time stamp, operator ID, individual station weights, calculated imbalance delta (g·cm), recommended weight redistribution map, and pass/fail flag against configurable thresholds (default: ≤5 g·cm). Audit trails are immutable and digitally signed; data files conform to 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A requirements when deployed with Windows Active Directory authentication and external time-server synchronization. Raw data exports include UTF-8 encoded .csv and .xlsx formats compatible with JMP, Minitab, and LabWare LIMS.
Applications
- Blood bank centrifuge load balancing for platelet-rich plasma (PRP), buffy coat, and red blood cell (RBC) fractionation protocols
- QC verification of blood bag fill consistency prior to freezing or irradiation
- Process validation studies requiring documented mass equivalence across multi-bag centrifugation runs
- Training platforms for new technicians in AABB-accredited transfusion services
- Supporting ISO 13485:2016 quality system requirements for medical device manufacturers producing centrifuge accessories
FAQ
What is the maximum permissible imbalance for clinical centrifuges, and how does the ES5000-6S enforce it?
Per AABB Standard 2.12.3, maximum allowable imbalance is ≤10 g·cm for fixed-angle rotors and ≤5 g·cm for horizontal rotors. The ES5000-6S calculates net torque deviation in real time and flags configurations exceeding user-set limits.
Can the system be integrated into an existing LIS or hospital EMR?
Yes—via HL7 v2.5 message mapping (ORU^R01) using optional middleware; API documentation available under NDA.
Is external calibration required annually?
No. Internal calibration satisfies ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5.2 for monitoring and measuring resources when performed per manufacturer schedule and logged.
Does the device meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards for clinical environments?
Yes—tested to IEC 61326-1:2013 Class B emission limits and IEC 61000-4-2/3/4/6 immunity requirements.
How is traceability maintained for the included calibration weights?
Each silicone-coated weight set ships with NIM-traceable certificate (ref. no. HEXI-CAL-ES5000-2024-XXX) valid for 24 months from issuance date.
