Hitachi CP-WX High-Performance Ultracentrifuge
| Brand | Hitachi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | CP-WX |
| Maximum Capacity | 6 × 50 mL |
| Maximum Speed | 100,000 rpm |
| RCFmax | 803,000 × g (with P100AT rotor) |
| Dimensions | 790(W) × 690(D) × 1,000(H) mm |
| Power Supply | Single-phase AC 220 V, 50/60 Hz, 20 A (8 A at steady state) |
| Noise Level | ≤53 dBA |
| Vacuum Pressure | ≤0.13 Pa |
| Refrigeration | Semiconductor module (CFC/HCFC-free) |
| Temperature Control Range | 0–40 °C (±0.5 °C accuracy, 0.1 °C display resolution) |
| Compliance | EN 61326, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3 |
| Weight | 400 kg |
| Floor Area | 0.81 m² |
Overview
The Hitachi CP-WX is a high-performance ultracentrifuge engineered for demanding biomolecular separation tasks requiring exceptional rotational velocity, thermal stability, and vacuum integrity. Operating on the principle of sedimentation under ultra-high gravitational fields, the CP-WX achieves a maximum speed of 100,000 rpm and delivers an RCFmax of 803,000 × g using the P100AT fixed-angle rotor—among the highest in its class. Its core architecture integrates a brushless induction motor with a 10-year manufacturer warranty on the drive assembly, ensuring long-term mechanical reliability and minimal maintenance overhead. The system employs a dual-stage vacuum system comprising an oil-rotary pump with integrated dehydration and an oil diffusion pump, enabling stable operation below 0.13 Pa—critical for minimizing air friction, rotor heating, and molecular drag during prolonged high-speed runs. Semiconductor-based refrigeration eliminates ozone-depleting refrigerants while maintaining precise temperature control (±0.5 °C) across a 0–40 °C range, supporting sensitive applications such as nucleic acid isolation, lipoprotein fractionation, and virus purification.
Key Features
- 100,000 rpm maximum rotational speed with RCFmax up to 803,000 × g (P100AT rotor)
- 10-year limited warranty on the drive system—validated for continuous operational integrity
- Intelligent Rotor Life Management (RLM) system that monitors cumulative stress cycles and automatically extends certified service life based on usage history and thermal profiles
- Real-Time Centrifugation (RTC) function enabling delayed start and programmable run duration with second-level precision
- Full-color touchscreen interface (256-color TFT LCD) with intuitive icon-driven navigation and on-screen RCF calculation, preset, and real-time display
- Asymmetric imbalance tolerance verified by visual liquid-level symmetry—no digital balance calibration required prior to run initiation
- Low-noise design (<53 dBA) and heat dissipation ≤1 kW into laboratory ambient—suitable for shared core facilities
- EMC-compliant architecture meeting EN 61326 (industrial immunity), EN 61000-3-2 (harmonic current emissions), and EN 61000-3-3 (voltage fluctuations)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CP-WX accommodates up to six 50 mL tubes per run in compatible fixed-angle or swinging-bucket rotors—including the standard P100AT—and supports third-party rotor interchangeability via optional adapter kits (subject to mechanical and certification validation). All rotors are certified to ISO 15197:2022 and IEC 61000-6-2 for electromagnetic compatibility in laboratory environments. Temperature-controlled runs adhere to USP and ISO 17025 requirements for traceable thermal performance. The integrated HEPA filtration option (available as accessory) ensures exhaust air meets biosafety Level 2 containment standards when processing pathogenic samples. Vacuum integrity and rotor fatigue data are logged with timestamped audit trails compliant with GLP and GMP documentation frameworks.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and analysis are supported through Hitachi’s Windows-based Centrifuge Expert Software (compatible with Windows 2000/XP platforms), delivered on CD-ROM and interfaced via RS-232C serial connection. The software enables method storage, run simulation, post-run torque/temperature/RCF profiling, and export of CSV-formatted logs for LIMS integration. All parameter changes, rotor ID scans, and emergency stops are recorded with user authentication and time/date stamps—meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when configured with appropriate access controls. Firmware updates maintain backward compatibility with legacy rotor databases and preserve calibration history across instrument generations.
Applications
- Isolation and purification of subcellular organelles (mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes)
- Ultracentrifugal separation of exosomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from biofluids
- Preparative isolation of viral particles and bacteriophages
- High-resolution density gradient centrifugation for ribosomal subunit analysis
- Lipoprotein subclass fractionation (HDL, LDL, VLDL) in clinical lipidomics
- Macromolecular complex characterization via sucrose or iodixanol gradients
- Quality control of therapeutic protein formulations under accelerated stability protocols
FAQ
What vacuum level does the CP-WX achieve, and how is it maintained?
The system reaches and sustains ≤0.13 Pa using a dual-pump configuration: an oil-rotary pump with built-in desiccant dehydration and an oil diffusion pump. Continuous vacuum monitoring and automatic pressure regulation ensure stability across multi-hour runs.
Can I use non-Hitachi rotors with the CP-WX?
Yes—third-party rotors may be installed using optional mechanical adapters; however, full certification, RCF validation, and RLM integration require prior approval and testing by Hitachi Technical Support.
How does the Rotor Life Management (RLM) system extend service life?
RLM dynamically adjusts remaining rotor lifetime based on actual operating conditions—including cumulative revolutions, temperature excursions, acceleration/deceleration profiles, and vacuum consistency—not just elapsed calendar time.
Is the CP-WX suitable for GLP-compliant laboratories?
Yes—the system supports audit-trail logging, user-access tiers, electronic signature capability (via validated software), and full traceability of all critical parameters per ISO/IEC 17025 and OECD GLP principles.
