Gerber SuperVario-N Milk Fat Centrifuge
| Brand | Funke |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | SuperVario-N |
| Price | Upon Request |
Overview
The Gerber SuperVario-N Milk Fat Centrifuge is a precision-engineered, thermally regulated benchtop centrifuge designed exclusively for standardized fat determination in dairy products. It operates on the principle of differential sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force and elevated temperature—key requirements of classical wet-chemical fat extraction methods including the Gerber (ISO 2446), Babcock (AOAC 920.132), Rose-Gottlieb (ISO 1211), and ADMI solubility methods. Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the SuperVario-N integrates precise thermal management (up to 68 °C) directly within the rotor chamber to maintain sample temperature above 50 °C throughout centrifugation—ensuring complete fat phase liquefaction, minimizing emulsion stabilization, and enhancing reproducibility per ISO 707 and IDF 121 guidelines. Its robust cast-aluminum housing, brushless DC motor, and dynamic imbalance detection system meet IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory instrumentation.
Key Features
- Programmable speed range: 600–1130 rpm in 10-rpm increments (RCF: 77–372 × g), calibrated traceably to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025-accredited standards
- Independent temperature control: 20–68 °C in 1 °C steps, with Peltier-assisted heating and real-time chamber monitoring via PT100 sensor
- Timed operation: 1–99 minutes with automatic deceleration and zero-speed hold
- Three interchangeable rotor heads (Head A/B/C) supporting method-specific butyrometer configurations per international dairy testing protocols
- Automatic lid interlock with mechanical and electronic dual-lock verification; immediate shutdown upon lid opening or detected imbalance
- Vibration-damped base and acoustic enclosure achieving <55 dB(A) at 1 m distance during full-load operation
- Compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) per EN 61326-1 and electrical safety per EN 61010-1
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SuperVario-N accommodates standardized glass butyrometers used across global dairy quality control labs. Head A supports 36× Gerber tubes (ISO 2446) or 18× Babcock tubes (ASTM D1095); Head B accepts 8× Mojonnier flasks (ISO 1211); Head C holds 6× ADMI solubility tubes (IDF 118A). All rotors are balanced to G2.5 grade (ISO 1940-1) and certified for continuous operation at maximum RCF. The instrument meets regulatory expectations for routine QC in facilities operating under ISO/IEC 17025, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with compliant LIMS), and EU Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 for dairy product analysis. Routine calibration documentation aligns with ILAC-G8 and EURACHEM guidelines.
Software & Data Management
While the SuperVario-N operates via intuitive front-panel controls (no embedded OS), it supports full auditability through optional RS232/USB data export (ASCII log format) for integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Each run records timestamp, set parameters (speed, temp, time), actual measured values (final RCF, chamber temp stability ±0.5 °C), and safety event flags (e.g., “lid unlock”, “imbalance stop”). Exported logs include digital signatures compatible with GLP/GMP traceability requirements. Firmware updates are performed via secure USB key with version-controlled release notes and change logs.
Applications
- Routine fat quantification in raw milk, pasteurized milk, cream, whey, and recombined dairy products per national and international reference methods
- Method validation and inter-laboratory comparison studies requiring strict adherence to Gerber, Babcock, Rose-Gottlieb, and ADMI protocols
- QC/QA workflows in dairy processing plants, third-party testing laboratories, and governmental food safety agencies
- Training and proficiency testing where thermal consistency and rotor adaptability are critical for method fidelity
- Research applications involving comparative fat recovery efficiency across extraction chemistries and centrifugal conditions
FAQ
What standards does the SuperVario-N comply with for dairy fat analysis?
It supports full implementation of ISO 2446 (Gerber), ISO 1211 (Rose-Gottlieb), AOAC 920.132 (Babcock), and IDF 118A (ADMI solubility), with hardware-level compliance to IEC 61010-1 and EN 61326-1.
Can the instrument be validated for 21 CFR Part 11 environments?
Yes—when integrated with a compliant LIMS via its ASCII log export, it satisfies electronic record and signature requirements for audit trails, user access control, and data integrity.
Is rotor balancing required before each run?
No—the three pre-balanced heads are factory-certified for their respective tube configurations; users only verify tube symmetry and fill uniformity per method instructions.
What maintenance is recommended for long-term accuracy?
Annual calibration of temperature sensor and speed encoder by an accredited service provider; biannual inspection of lid lock mechanism and thermal seals.
Does the SuperVario-N support external temperature probes?
No—it relies exclusively on its integrated PT100 chamber sensor for closed-loop thermal control, eliminating variability from external probe placement errors.
