Funke SuperVario-N 3670 Gerber Centrifuge

Overview

The Funke SuperVario-N 3670 Gerber Centrifuge is a precision-engineered, thermally regulated benchtop centrifuge specifically designed for standardized fat determination in milk and dairy products according to internationally recognized reference methods. It operates on the principle of differential sedimentation under controlled thermal and mechanical conditions—leveraging calibrated centrifugal force to separate fat globules from aqueous and protein phases within standardized butyrometric tubes. Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the SuperVario-N 3670 integrates active heating, programmable speed/temperature/time profiles, and method-specific rotor configurations to ensure strict compliance with ASTM D128, ISO 1735, IDF 12, and AOAC 921.03 protocols. Its design prioritizes analytical reproducibility across routine quality control laboratories in dairies, regulatory testing facilities, and food research institutions where traceability, inter-laboratory comparability, and GLP-aligned operation are mandatory.

Key Features

• Three interchangeable, method-optimized rotors: Rotor A supports high-throughput Gerber (36 tubes) or Babcock (18 tubes) analysis; Rotor B accommodates Rose-Gottlieb (Mojonnier) extraction (8 tubes); Rotor C enables ADMI solubility-based fat quantification (6 tubes).
• Programmable temperature control (ambient to 68 °C, ±0.5 °C accuracy), maintaining ≥50 °C throughout centrifugation—critical for consistent fat fluidity and phase separation per ISO 1735 Annex A.
• Stepwise speed adjustment (600–1130 rpm in 10-rpm increments) with corresponding RCF ranging from 77 × g to 372 × g, enabling precise replication of method-specified acceleration profiles (e.g., 350 × g for Gerber, 165 × g for Babcock).
• Integrated safety architecture: motor-driven lid interlock prevents operation unless fully closed and sealed; real-time imbalance sensing triggers instantaneous deceleration and shutdown; electromagnetic braking ensures rapid, repeatable stopping within ≤3 s after run completion.
• Low-noise, low-vibration operation (<55 dB[A] at 1 m) achieved via dynamically balanced rotor assembly and vibration-damping chassis—suitable for shared laboratory environments without structural isolation requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SuperVario-N 3670 accepts standardized glass butyrometers conforming to ISO 1735 dimensions and thermal expansion tolerances. All rotors are manufactured from corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum and certified for repeated autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min). The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Its operational parameters align directly with method validation requirements in FDA Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), EU Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, and national dairy standards (e.g., GB 5413.3–2010, EN ISO 1735). Routine calibration verification is supported via NIST-traceable tachometer and digital thermometer inputs.

Software & Data Management

While the SuperVario-N 3670 operates via intuitive rotary encoder and membrane keypad interface (no embedded OS), it supports full audit trail capability when integrated into LIMS or ELN platforms via RS-232 serial output. All user-defined protocols—including speed, temperature, duration, and rotor ID—are stored in non-volatile memory with timestamped execution logs. Optional firmware upgrade enables 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and password-protected method locking for GMP environments. Data export formats include CSV and ASCII-compatible text, facilitating automated report generation and statistical process control (SPC) charting in JMP or Minitab.

Applications

• Routine fat content certification in raw milk intake stations and processing plants (ISO 1735, IDF 12)
• Validation of fat recovery efficiency in cream separation and standardization processes
• Regulatory compliance testing for labeling claims (e.g., “2% milk”, “full-fat yogurt”)
• Inter-laboratory proficiency testing under ILAC G13 guidelines
• Method development and robustness assessment for alternative fat extraction chemistries (e.g., solvent-free enzymatic hydrolysis)

FAQ

Does the SuperVario-N 3670 meet ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited testing labs?

Yes—the instrument’s documented uncertainty budget, factory calibration certificate (traceable to PTB), and built-in verification routines satisfy clause 6.4.10 of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for equipment suitability.
Can rotor A be used interchangeably between Gerber and Babcock methods without recalibration?

Yes—rotor geometry and mass distribution are validated for both tube types; no recalibration is required when switching between 36-Gerber and 18-Babcock configurations.
Is external cooling required for continuous operation?

No—the unit employs passive convection cooling with thermal cutoff at 70 °C; ambient operating range is 15–30 °C per IEC 61010-1.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for GLP compliance?

Biannual verification of speed accuracy (±1 rpm), temperature uniformity (±0.5 °C across chamber), and lid lock function using manufacturer-supplied test kits.
Are replacement butyrometers supplied with batch-specific calibration certificates?

Yes—Funke-certified butyrometers (part no. F-BUTY-GERBER-100) include individual volumetric calibration data per ISO 4787:2021 Annex B.