MKN 800D Benchtop Centrifuge

Overview

The MKN 800D Benchtop Centrifuge is a compact, microprocessor-controlled centrifugation instrument engineered for routine separation tasks in clinical, biochemical, and research laboratories. It operates on the principle of sedimentation under controlled rotational acceleration—generating radial force (RCF) that separates suspended particles or immiscible phases based on differences in density, size, and shape. With a maximum rotational speed of 4000 rpm and an RCF of 1430 × g, the 800D delivers sufficient force for efficient pelleting of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and precipitated proteins, while maintaining operational stability across extended run cycles. Its brushless DC motor ensures low thermal load and minimal mechanical wear, contributing to long-term reliability and consistent performance without oil lubrication or carbon brush replacement.

Key Features

• Stepless speed control with digital feedback regulation, enabling precise adjustment from 0 to 4000 rpm in 10-rpm increments
• Automatic rotor imbalance detection and dynamic compensation system—halts operation if vibration exceeds ISO 1940-1 Class G6.3 thresholds
• Integrated timer with auto-shutdown and audible end-of-run signal; supports both countdown and continuous mode
• Die-cast aluminum rotor chamber with reinforced thermal insulation, limiting surface temperature rise to <12 °C above ambient after 30 minutes at max speed
• Ergonomic hinged lid with dual-latch safety interlock—mechanically prevents lid opening during rotation and verifies closure before start-up
• Low-noise design (<60 dB[A] at 1 m distance), compliant with ISO 3744 acoustic emission standards for laboratory environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MKN 800D accommodates standard conical-bottom polypropylene or glass centrifuge tubes (up to 20 mL volume) in a fixed-angle 6-position aluminum rotor. Tube compatibility includes common formats such as 15 mL and 20 mL Falcon®-style tubes, as well as hematocrit capillaries when used with optional adapters. The unit is certified for use with biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) samples and non-hazardous chemical reagents. While not classified as a medical device under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, its construction and electrical safety align with IEC 61010-1:2010 for measurement, control, and laboratory equipment. Routine maintenance—limited to rotor cleaning and periodic verification of lid latch integrity—supports GLP-aligned documentation practices.

Software & Data Management

The 800D operates via an embedded microcontroller with no external software dependency. All operational parameters—including speed, time, and RCF—are displayed on a high-contrast LED screen with backlighting for low-light conditions. Though it does not support USB or network connectivity, the device retains last-used settings in non-volatile memory and provides real-time status indicators (e.g., acceleration phase, steady-state operation, deceleration). For audit-trail requirements, users may manually log run parameters using standardized laboratory notebooks or integrate the instrument into broader LIMS workflows via external timestamped observation records.

Applications

• Clinical diagnostics: Separation of serum or plasma from whole blood specimens (e.g., for ELISA, coagulation assays, or electrolyte analysis)
• Immunology labs: Clarification of antibody-antigen reaction mixtures and isolation of immune complexes
• Cell culture facilities: Harvesting adherent or suspension cells prior to lysis or cryopreservation
• Quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing: Centrifugal clarification of buffer solutions and excipient suspensions per USP dissolution methodology guidelines
• Academic teaching labs: Demonstrating sedimentation kinetics, Stoke’s law validation, and density gradient fundamentals

FAQ

What is the maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) achievable with the MKN 800D?

The 800D achieves a maximum RCF of 1430 × g at 4000 rpm with the standard 6 × 20 mL rotor.
Can this centrifuge be used for centrifuging infectious samples?

It is suitable for BSL-1 agents only; containment of aerosols requires use of sealed tube caps and secondary containment vessels.
Does the 800D support rotor calibration or speed verification?

Yes—users may perform field verification using a handheld tachometer traceable to NIST standards; calibration certificates are available upon request.
Is the rotor autoclavable?

No—the aluminum rotor is not autoclavable; clean with 70% ethanol or mild detergent and dry thoroughly before reuse.
What safety certifications does the unit carry?

It complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and IEC 61326-1:2013 for EMC in laboratory environments.