HEREXI TD5A Benchtop Low-Speed Centrifuge

Overview

The HEREXI TD5A is a benchtop low-speed centrifuge engineered for routine separation tasks in life science, clinical, and industrial laboratories where reliability, ergonomic operation, and consistent sedimentation performance are required at moderate rotational speeds. Operating on the principle of centrifugal force-induced density-based phase separation, the TD5A generates up to 4800 ×g at its maximum speed of 5500 rpm—sufficient for pelleting mammalian cells, precipitating macromolecules, clarifying crude lysates, and processing whole blood or serum samples. Its robust all-steel frame and stainless-steel (AISI 304) centrifuge chamber ensure long-term structural integrity and resistance to chemical exposure and repeated cleaning cycles. Designed for ambient-temperature operation, the TD5A does not incorporate active refrigeration; it is optimized for applications where thermal sensitivity is low and sample stability at room temperature is acceptable—such as routine hematology, agricultural extract preparation, food safety testing, and basic biochemistry workflows.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled brushless frequency-conversion motor delivering high torque at low speeds, eliminating carbon brush wear, reducing electromagnetic interference, and ensuring maintenance-free operation over extended service life.
• 4.3-inch TFT true-color touchscreen with dual-control interface (touch + physical buttons), enabling simultaneous real-time display of set parameters (speed, time, RCF) and dynamic operational status (actual rpm, elapsed time, remaining time).
• 20 programmable user protocols stored in non-volatile memory; system resumes last-used method upon power-on, minimizing setup time and operator variability.
• 10-step acceleration and deceleration ramp control allows precise optimization of pelleting integrity—critical for fragile samples such as platelets, organelles, or polymer suspensions.
• Dedicated RCF calculation key provides instantaneous conversion between rotational speed (rpm) and relative centrifugal force (×g), supporting method transfer across instruments and compliance with standardized protocols (e.g., CLSI H26-A3, ISO 15189 Annex A.5).
• Electromechanical door lock with automatic engagement verification ensures rotor containment during operation; interlock prevents lid opening while rotor is spinning or coasting above safe thresholds.
• Acoustically damped housing and balanced rotor mounting reduce operational noise to ≤65 dB(A), meeting WHO-recommended ambient noise limits for shared laboratory environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TD5A supports a broad range of standard centrifuge vessels—including conical tubes (5–250 mL), vacuum blood collection tubes (2 mL and 5 mL), microplates (96-well enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plates), and custom adapter configurations. Compatible rotors include fixed-angle (12 × 10 mL), swinging-bucket (4 × 250 mL, 4 × 100 mL, 4 × 50 mL), and horizontal microplate carriers. All rotors are dynamically balanced and certified for use at rated speeds per ISO 15872:2017 (Centrifuges — Safety Requirements). The instrument meets essential safety and EMC requirements outlined in IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-020, and carries CE marking for use within the European Economic Area. While not designed for GLP/GMP-regulated cold-chain applications, its programmable audit trail (via optional USB data export) supports traceability in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs.

Software & Data Management

The TD5A operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency. All operational data—including run ID, start/stop timestamps, selected rotor, speed, RCF, duration, and error logs—are recorded internally and exportable via USB flash drive in CSV format. Timestamped protocol execution records support internal quality assurance reviews. Although the device lacks network connectivity or LIMS integration, its deterministic control architecture ensures reproducible outcomes across shifts and operators—key for method validation under CLIA, CAP, or ISO 15189 frameworks. Firmware updates are performed locally using signed binary files distributed through HEREXI’s authorized service channels.

Applications

• Clinical diagnostics: Separation of serum/plasma from whole blood using vacuum tube rotors; preparation of buffy coats for molecular analysis.
• Biopharmaceutical QC: Clarification of bacterial culture supernatants prior to filtration or chromatography.
• Agricultural research: Extraction and concentration of plant pigments, starch granules, or soil colloids.
• Food microbiology: Pelleting of spoilage organisms from liquid food matrices for subsequent plating or PCR analysis.
• Environmental testing: Sedimentation of suspended solids from wastewater or soil leachates in accordance with EPA Method 1681.
• Educational laboratories: Teaching core principles of sedimentation velocity, Stokes’ law, and rotor geometry effects on RCF distribution.

FAQ

What is the maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) achievable with the TD5A?
The TD5A delivers a maximum RCF of 4800 ×g when operating at 5500 rpm with the 4 × 250 mL swinging-bucket rotor at full radius.
Can the TD5A be used for blood bank applications?
Yes—it supports standard 2 mL and 5 mL vacuum blood collection tubes in multiple adapter configurations, and complies with CLSI H26-A3 recommendations for hematocrit and plasma yield consistency.
Is rotor imbalance detection built into the system?
The TD5A incorporates real-time vibration monitoring and automatic shutdown if excessive imbalance is detected during acceleration or steady-state rotation.
Does the TD5A meet international electrical safety standards?
Yes—the unit conforms to IEC 61010-1 (General Safety) and IEC 61010-2-020 (Particular Requirements for Centrifuges) and bears CE marking for sale in EEA markets.
How many user programs can be saved, and are they retained after power loss?
Up to 20 protocols may be stored in non-volatile memory and persist across power cycles, including after unexpected shutdowns.