Hettich LR10M Floor-Standing Low-Speed High-Capacity Refrigerated Centrifuge

Overview

The Hettich LR10M is a floor-standing, low-speed, high-capacity refrigerated centrifuge engineered for reproducible separation of large-volume biological and industrial samples under precise thermal control. Operating on the principle of sedimentation force generation via rotational acceleration, it delivers controlled relative centrifugal force (RCF) up to 15,875 × g at speeds up to 10,000 rpm—optimized for applications requiring gentle yet effective pelleting of cells, organelles, precipitates, and emulsions without structural damage. Its robust mechanical architecture, integrated refrigeration system, and microprocessor-based control ensure stable operation across extended run times, making it suitable for routine clinical diagnostics, bioprocess development, and quality control in regulated environments.

Key Features

• High-torque AC frequency-controlled motor with Mitsubishi PLC controller (compliant with EU EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and IEC 61131-2:2007) and Weinview touchscreen interface (NEMA 4 rated, CE certified)
• Environmentally compliant refrigeration system using R404a refrigerant; temperature programmable during operation from −20 °C to +40 °C with ±1 °C accuracy
• Pre-cooling and standby cooling functions enable rapid chamber equilibration and maintenance of setpoint temperature during idle periods
• Comprehensive safety suite including overspeed, overtemperature, imbalance, under-voltage, over-voltage, and door-lock interlock monitoring
• TFT-LCD color display with intuitive touch interface showing real-time RCF, speed, temperature, time, and graphical curves (speed ramp, centrifugation integral, thermal profile)
• Stainless steel 304 rotor chamber, powder-coated steel housing, reinforced front panel, and triple-layer safety enclosure meet international lab safety standards
• Mechanical door lock mechanism ensures reliable sealing under variable environmental conditions; auto-engages upon lid closure
• 10-step acceleration/deceleration control and 16 programmable methods support method standardization and process traceability
• Heavy-duty casters with adjustable leveling feet facilitate safe relocation and horizontal alignment on laboratory floors

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LR10M accommodates a broad range of sample containers—including 1000 mL bottles, conical tubes, and blood bags—via interchangeable fixed-angle and swing-out rotors. Standard configurations include 6 × 1000 mL angle rotors (max. 7000 rpm / 11,011 × g) and horizontal rotors supporting up to 4 × 1000 mL or 6 × 1000 mL formats (max. 4200 rpm / 5167 × g). All rotors are dynamically balanced and validated per ISO 15883 and IEC 61010-2-020. The system complies with ISO 9001:2015 (quality management) and ISO 13485:2016 (medical device QMS), and holds CFDA registration for use in clinical laboratories and GMP-aligned biomanufacturing facilities. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit trails and parameter locking can be implemented via external LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

The embedded control firmware supports multilingual UI (English, Chinese) and stores all operational parameters—including rotor ID, speed, RCF, temperature, duration, acceleration/deceleration profiles, and real-time curve data—in non-volatile memory. Each run generates a timestamped log file exportable via USB interface. For regulatory workflows, the system supports manual documentation of calibration records, preventive maintenance logs, and user access tracking. Optional RS-232 or Ethernet connectivity enables integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for automated data capture and electronic record retention in GLP/GMP environments.

Applications

The LR10M serves critical roles in clinical diagnostics (e.g., blood fractionation in blood banks and CDC labs), biopharmaceutical downstream processing (clarification of mammalian cell culture harvests, viral vector purification), food science (cream separation, juice clarification), environmental testing (sludge dewatering, algae harvesting), and academic research (plant tissue homogenate fractionation, polymer precipitation). Its wide temperature range and high-volume capacity make it especially valuable for cold-sensitive sample types such as plasma-derived therapeutics, liposomal formulations, and cryopreserved cell suspensions.

FAQ

What is the maximum RCF achievable with the 6 × 1000 mL angle rotor?

The 6 × 1000 mL angle rotor achieves a maximum RCF of 11,011 × g at 7000 rpm.

Does the LR10M support automatic rotor recognition?

No—rotor identification is manual; users must select the correct rotor type and associated max speed/RCF limits prior to operation.

Is the refrigeration system compatible with continuous operation at −20 °C?

Yes—the compressor and heat exchange design allow sustained operation at −20 °C for up to 99 hours 59 minutes, provided ambient conditions remain within specified limits (10–32 °C, ≤80% RH).

Can the LR10M be validated for IQ/OQ/PQ in a GMP environment?

Yes—documentation packages including factory calibration certificates, performance verification protocols, and maintenance manuals are available upon request to support installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) activities.

What safety certifications does the LR10M hold?

It carries CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, plus ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certifications, and CFDA registration for medical device use in China.