MKN TDL-5A Benchtop High-Capacity Centrifuge

Overview

The MKN TDL-5A Benchtop High-Capacity Centrifuge is a robust, microprocessor-controlled laboratory centrifuge engineered for routine separation tasks in biomedical, pharmaceutical, clinical, and environmental laboratories. It operates on the principle of sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force—utilizing horizontal (swinging-bucket) rotor geometry to generate uniform radial acceleration across all sample positions. This configuration ensures optimal pelleting efficiency for low-density suspensions such as whole blood, plasma, cell cultures, and colloidal dispersions. Designed for reliability in high-throughput workflows, the TDL-5A delivers consistent performance at rotational speeds up to 5000 rpm and relative centrifugal forces (RCF) up to 2770 × g. Its compact footprint (benchtop form factor), combined with large-volume compatibility (up to 1 L total capacity per run), makes it especially suitable for preparative applications where sample throughput and operator ergonomics are critical.

Key Features

• Horizontal swing-out rotor with integrated imbalance detection and automatic shutdown—prevents mechanical stress during operation and extends bearing life.
• Digital LED display showing real-time values for speed (rpm), elapsed time, and calculated RCF—enabling precise protocol replication and audit-ready documentation.
• Electronically interlocked safety door with dual redundant microswitches and thermal cutoff fuses—complies with IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment.
• Touch-sensitive control panel supporting programmable ramp-up/down profiles, user-defined run parameters, and memory recall for frequently used protocols.
• Brushless DC motor coupled with closed-loop speed regulation—ensures stable rotational velocity across load variations and minimizes maintenance intervals.
• Acoustically damped housing constructed from high-impact ABS polymer and cold-rolled steel—reduces operational noise to ≤60 dB(A) at 1 m distance, meeting ISO 7779 standards for laboratory ambient noise.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TDL-5A accommodates a broad range of tube formats without adapter modification: four 250 mL conical tubes (e.g., Falcon™ 352070), eight 50 mL centrifuge tubes (e.g., Corning® 430828), or twenty-eight 10 mL tubes (e.g., Kimble® 73300-10). All rotors are precision-balanced and certified to ISO 15195:2018 for calibration traceability. The instrument meets essential regulatory prerequisites for GLP-compliant environments, including hardware-level safety interlocks, non-volatile parameter storage, and fail-safe deceleration logic. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant due to lack of electronic signature functionality, its operational logs and parameter retention support manual audit trails required under ISO/IEC 17025 and CLIA guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The TDL-5A operates via embedded firmware without external software dependency. All user inputs—including speed setpoint, timer duration, acceleration/deceleration rate, and rotor identification—are stored in non-volatile memory with timestamped execution history (last 10 runs). Optional RS-232 serial interface (available upon request) enables integration with LIMS platforms for automated run logging and CSV export of cycle metadata. Firmware updates are performed via USB flash drive using manufacturer-provided utilities, ensuring version control and traceability in regulated settings.

Applications

• Blood component separation: isolation of platelet-poor plasma (PPP), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and buffy coat layers from whole anticoagulated blood.
• Microbial pellet recovery: concentration of bacterial or yeast cultures prior to DNA extraction or protein purification workflows.
• Environmental sample processing: clarification of wastewater filtrates, soil leachates, and aerosol collection media.
• Food quality analysis: fat separation in milk homogenates, starch sedimentation in cereal extracts, and allergen residue enrichment.
• Pharmaceutical QC: suspension stability testing, excipient particle settling studies, and lyophilized product reconstitution consistency checks.

FAQ

What rotor configurations are supported by the TDL-5A?
The unit ships standard with a single 4-position horizontal rotor compatible with 250 mL bottles. Optional rotors—including 8-position (50 mL) and 28-position (10 mL) configurations—are available as field-installable accessories.
Is the centrifuge suitable for use with hazardous biological agents?
Yes—when operated with sealed buckets and biosafety-certified tubes, the TDL-5A meets BSL-2 containment requirements per CDC/NIH guidelines. However, aerosol-tight rotors and secondary containment trays must be selected separately.
Can runtime be extended beyond 30 minutes?
No—the built-in timer is hardware-limited to 30 minutes. For continuous operation, users may configure sequential runs via external timing relays or integrate with programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Does the TDL-5A support rotor auto-recognition?
Not natively. Rotor identification is manual; users must select the appropriate rotor type in the menu before initiating a run to ensure correct RCF calculation and safety limits.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Lubrication-free brushless motor design eliminates routine grease servicing. Annual verification of rotor balance, door switch integrity, and thermal fuse response is advised per ISO 13485 preventive maintenance protocols.