Herx HR/T16M Benchtop High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge

Overview

The Herx HR/T16M is a high-performance benchtop refrigerated centrifuge engineered for precision separation of biological and clinical samples under tightly controlled thermal conditions. Operating on the principle of sedimentation force generation via high rotational velocity—up to 16,000 rpm and 19,600 × g—the instrument delivers reproducible pelleting, clarification, and concentration across diverse sample matrices. Its integrated refrigeration system maintains chamber temperatures between −20 °C and +40 °C with ±1 °C accuracy, enabling low-temperature protocols essential for preserving labile biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acids, enzymes, membrane proteins) during high-speed spin cycles. Designed for routine use in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, biopharmaceutical QC, and food safety laboratories, the HR/T16M meets core operational requirements for GxP-aligned workflows—including temperature stability during run, rotor integrity assurance, and audit-ready parameter logging.

Key Features

• Brushless DC inverter motor with Infineon drive module and custom control board ensures stable operation, low mechanical noise (≤60 dB[A]), and extended service life without carbon brush wear.
• Eco-friendly refrigeration system using R404a refrigerant and fluorine-free compressor provides rapid pre-cooling, continuous temperature maintenance during standby, and real-time setpoint adjustment during active runs.
• Advanced safety architecture includes dual-layer rotor detection, imbalance sensing, overspeed/overtemperature/under-voltage/over-voltage protection, and a three-tier steel protective housing compliant with IEC 61010-2-020.
• TFT-LCD full-color touchscreen with bilingual (English/Chinese) and multilingual (Russian, Portuguese) UI options displays both setpoints and real-time parameters—including RCF, rpm, time remaining, temperature, and acceleration/deceleration profiles—with on-the-fly parameter modification capability.
• Aerosol-tight fixed-angle rotors sealed with RoHS 2015/863-compliant silicone gaskets prevent biohazard leakage and support BSL-2 compliance when handling infectious agents or clinical specimens.
• Stainless steel 304 centrifuge chamber, powder-coated steel exterior, and reinforced front panel ensure corrosion resistance and structural rigidity in high-humidity or reagent-exposed environments.
• Motor-integrated electromagnetic door lock engages automatically upon lid closure; no manual latching required—reducing operator fatigue and ensuring consistent sealing force.
• 10-step programmable acceleration and deceleration ramps minimize shear-induced resuspension of delicate pellets, especially critical for cell nuclei, exosomes, and viral particles.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HR/T16M accommodates standard laboratory consumables including 1.5–50 mL conical tubes, 100 mL bottles (4-position configuration), PCR plates, deep-well microplates, and cell culture plates—via optional polyamide fiber adapters and aerospace-grade forged aluminum angle rotors. All rotors are dynamically balanced per ISO 21501-4 and validated for maximum load at rated speed. The system complies with ISO 9001:2015 (quality management) and ISO 13485:2016 (medical device QMS), and carries CFDA registration for in vitro diagnostic use in China. While not FDA 510(k)-cleared for U.S. clinical deployment, its design aligns with key elements of CLIA and CAP requirements for centrifuge validation—including temperature uniformity mapping, RCF verification, and mechanical stability testing under worst-case loading.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware supports 20 user-defined protocol storage locations, with automatic recall of the last-used program at power-on. Run logs—including start/stop timestamps, final rotor temperature, actual vs. target RCF, and fault codes—are retained internally for ≥1,000 cycles and exportable via USB interface in CSV format. Audit trail functionality records operator ID (if configured with external authentication), parameter changes during runtime, and system error events—supporting GLP/GMP documentation needs. Though no cloud connectivity or remote monitoring is built-in, the device’s deterministic behavior and traceable calibration history enable integration into LIMS environments via serial or USB-to-serial gateways.

Applications

• Molecular biology: Plasmid DNA purification, RNA isolation, genomic DNA extraction, and ribosome fractionation.
• Clinical diagnostics: Serum/plasma separation from whole blood, PBMC isolation, urine sediment concentration, and viral load preparation.
• Biopharmaceuticals: Clarification of mammalian cell culture harvests, removal of host cell proteins, and intermediate purification steps prior to chromatography.
• Food & environmental testing: Pathogen concentration (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7) from enrichment broths and toxin precipitation from dairy or juice matrices.
• Virology & vaccine development: Purification of lentiviral vectors, AAV particles, and influenza virus stocks using sucrose or iodixanol density gradients.

FAQ

What is the maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) achievable with the HR/T16M?

The instrument achieves up to 19,600 × g at 16,000 rpm with the standard 4 × 100 mL angle rotor.
Does the HR/T16M support gradient centrifugation?

Yes—when used with compatible angle rotors and appropriate tube geometry, it supports rate-zonal and isopycnic separations using sucrose, glycerol, or iodixanol gradients.
Is the refrigeration system certified for long-term continuous operation?

The R404a-based compressor system is rated for uninterrupted operation up to 99 hours 59 minutes per cycle and has been validated for thermal stability over 500 consecutive start-stop cycles.
Can the HR/T16M be validated for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant laboratories?

Yes—its mechanical consistency, temperature accuracy, and parameter traceability meet foundational criteria for method validation; users must perform site-specific IQ/OQ/PQ per their accredited scope.
Are rotor certifications included with purchase?

Each rotor ships with a manufacturer-issued certificate of conformance referencing ISO 21501-4 balancing standards and maximum speed validation at ambient and −20 °C conditions.