Funke Gerber SuperVario-N Gerber Centrifuge

Overview

The Funke Gerber SuperVario-N Gerber Centrifuge is a precision-engineered, fully automated instrument designed specifically for the quantitative determination of milk fat content in accordance with the internationally standardized Gerber method (ISO 1735:2022, IDF 108:2022, and AOAC 920.140). Operating on the principle of acid digestion followed by centrifugal separation in calibrated Gerber tubes, this system enables rapid, reproducible fat quantification in raw milk, pasteurized milk, cream, and dairy-based beverages. Its robust mechanical architecture, temperature-stabilized rotor chamber, and programmable acceleration/deceleration profiles ensure compliance with routine quality control workflows in dairy processing laboratories, regulatory testing facilities, and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited environments.

Key Features

• Fully automated Gerber method execution — integrated acid dosing, tube inversion, centrifugation, and post-run cooling sequence
• Dual-temperature control system: rotor chamber maintained at 65 ± 1 °C during centrifugation; optional water bath (model G-WB-Universal) provides precise 65 °C thermostatic conditioning of Gerber tubes prior to loading
• High-reproducibility rotor design (Type A head) with 36-position capacity, engineered for uniform radial force distribution and minimal tube tilt deviation (<0.5°)
• Calibrated Gerber tubes (40 pcs, 11 mL nominal volume, ISO-compliant scale graduation) supplied with traceable certification per batch
• Intuitive touchscreen interface with preloaded Gerber method protocols, user-defined parameter storage (e.g., spin time: 5 min; speed: 1,200 rpm), and real-time status monitoring
• Compliance-ready audit trail: timestamped run logs, operator ID tagging, and method version tracking aligned with GLP/GMP documentation requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SuperVario-N accepts standard ISO 1735-compliant Gerber tubes and accommodates sample matrices including whole milk, skimmed milk, reconstituted powdered milk, whey, and fermented dairy products. All consumables — including centrifuge adapters, tube racks, and calibrated glassware — are manufactured to DIN EN ISO 9001-certified processes and supplied with individual calibration certificates. The instrument meets essential safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and supports full traceability under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with Gerber’s certified LIMS integration module (optional).

Software & Data Management

Gerber’s proprietary CentriSoft™ v4.2 software provides local data acquisition, result calculation (fat % w/w), statistical summary (mean, SD, CV%), and export to CSV or PDF formats. Raw centrifugation curves (speed vs. time) and thermal profiles are archived with metadata (operator, date/time, method ID, tube position). For enterprise-level deployment, the system supports OPC UA communication protocol for seamless integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms. Audit logs retain ≥12 months of operational history without external database dependency.

Applications

• Routine fat analysis in dairy intake laboratories at milk collection centers
• Quality assurance testing during UHT, ESL, and pasteurization line validation
• Regulatory submission support for national dairy standards (e.g., China GB 5009.46–2023, US Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)
• Method verification and interlaboratory comparison studies under ISO 5725-2 guidance
• Training and proficiency testing in food science education programs accredited by IFT or EIT Food

FAQ

What standards does the SuperVario-N comply with for milk fat determination?
ISO 1735:2022, IDF 108:2022, AOAC Official Method 920.140, and national implementations including GB 5009.46–2023 and USDA AMS Dairy Grading Handbook.
Is the water bath included as standard equipment?
The Universal Gerber Water Bath (G-WB-Universal) is supplied as a dedicated accessory unit — not integrated into the centrifuge chassis — and is required for pre-conditioning Gerber tubes per ISO 1735 clause 7.2.
Can the instrument be validated for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes — when configured with CentriSoft™ v4.2 in “Regulatory Mode”, enabled electronic signatures, and deployed on a validated Windows OS environment, the system satisfies electronic record and signature requirements for FDA-regulated laboratories.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Rotor balancing verification every 6 months; temperature sensor calibration annually; full preventive maintenance service recommended biannually by Funke Gerber-certified field engineers.