MKN TDL-4 Benchtop Centrifuge

Overview

The MKN TDL-4 Benchtop Centrifuge is an entry-level, general-purpose centrifuge engineered for routine separation tasks in academic, clinical, and industrial laboratories. It operates on the principle of sedimentation under centrifugal force—accelerating particle settling based on density, size, and shape differences within a liquid matrix. With a maximum rotational speed of 4000 rpm and a peak RCF of 2325 × g, the TDL-4 delivers sufficient force for pelleting mammalian cells, precipitating macromolecules, clarifying cell lysates, and separating plasma from whole blood. Its compact footprint (270 × 250 × 220 mm), lightweight polymer chassis, and low-noise operation (<60 dB[A]) make it suitable for shared lab spaces, teaching laboratories, and quality control environments where space, acoustic constraints, and operational simplicity are prioritized. The unit is not intended for high-speed or ultracentrifugation applications but fulfills core ISO/IEC 17025-aligned sample preparation workflows in compliance with CLIA, GLP, and basic GMP documentation practices.

Key Features

• Brushed DC motor optimized for stable torque delivery across the full 0–4000 rpm range, paired with a precision-machined aluminum rotor for thermal stability and long-term balance integrity
• Mechanical timer (0–60 minutes) with tactile dial and visible刻度 scale, enabling reproducible run durations without digital dependency or firmware updates
• Integrated lid interlock system that automatically disables rotation when the lid is open—meeting IEC 61010-1 Clause 7.3.2 requirements for operator protection
• Dual overcurrent protection via redundant fuses, safeguarding against electrical fault conditions during extended use or voltage fluctuations
• Passive imbalance detection: automatic deceleration and audible alert if rotor load asymmetry exceeds ±5% mass differential per opposing position
• Front-panel analog tachometer with needle indicator and calibrated scale—providing real-time speed verification independent of electronic sensors
• Corrosion-resistant rotor chamber and chemical-resistant polymer housing rated for incidental exposure to ethanol, isopropanol, and diluted sodium hypochlorite solutions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TDL-4 accommodates six standard 15 mL or 20 mL conical centrifuge tubes (e.g., Falcon 352097, Sarstedt 62.547.254) in fixed-angle configuration. Tube compatibility extends to polypropylene, polycarbonate, and borosilicate glass vessels rated for ≥2500 × g. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 Edition 3.1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and incorporates design elements aligned with ISO 13485:2016 clause 7.5.2 for traceable process validation. While not certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (as it lacks audit-trail-capable software), its mechanical controls support paper-based recordkeeping systems acceptable under GLP Annex 11 and USP analytical instrument qualification protocols.

Software & Data Management

The TDL-4 operates exclusively via hardware controls—no embedded microprocessor, no USB interface, and no data logging capability. All operational parameters (speed, time) are set manually and verified visually. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities, firmware obsolescence risks, and validation overhead associated with computer-controlled instruments. For laboratories requiring electronic records, users may integrate external timers or video-monitored run logs as part of their SOP-defined instrument usage procedures. No proprietary drivers, cloud services, or vendor-specific software are required or supported.

Applications

• Routine blood fractionation: separation of serum/plasma from whole blood in clinical diagnostics and biobanking workflows
• Microbial pellet recovery: harvesting E. coli, yeast, or Bacillus cultures prior to lysis or genomic DNA extraction
• Environmental sample processing: clarification of water filtrates, soil suspensions, and wastewater supernatants
• Food quality testing: fat separation in milk homogenates, starch sedimentation in cereal extracts
• Educational demonstrations: illustrating sedimentation kinetics, Stoke’s law derivation, and density gradient principles
• Pharmaceutical QC: excipient suspension settling tests and tablet coating dispersion analysis

FAQ

Is the TDL-4 suitable for centrifuging infectious samples?
Yes—when used with sealed, biocontainment-certified tubes (e.g., OSHA-compliant screw-cap conicals) and operated inside a certified biosafety cabinet for BSL-2 agents. The unit itself does not provide aerosol containment.
Can I replace the rotor with a different angle or capacity?
No—the TDL-4 uses a fixed-angle aluminum rotor designed exclusively for 6 × 15/20 mL tubes. Rotor interchangeability is not supported.
Does the centrifuge include calibration documentation?
A factory-verified speed calibration certificate (traceable to NIM China) is provided with each unit. Users are responsible for periodic verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.2 using an external tachometer.
What maintenance is required?
Monthly visual inspection of rotor threads, lid latch mechanism, and fuse integrity; annual cleaning of motor ventilation grilles with dry compressed air; no lubrication required.
Is technical support available in English for international customers?
Yes—MKN provides English-language operation manuals, troubleshooting guides, and remote diagnostic assistance via email (support@mkncentrifuge.com) and web portal access.