Herx 3H20RI Benchtop High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge

Overview

The Herx 3H20RI is a benchtop high-speed refrigerated centrifuge engineered for precision separation of biological and biochemical samples under controlled thermal conditions. It operates on the principle of sedimentation force generation via rapid rotational motion, where sample components separate based on differences in density, size, and shape under high relative centrifugal force (RCF). With a maximum speed of 20,800 rpm and an RCF of 31,150 × g, the 3H20RI delivers consistent performance across demanding applications in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, biopharmaceutical processing, and food safety testing. Its integrated refrigeration system—using environmentally compliant R404a refrigerant—maintains sample integrity during prolonged runs by stabilizing temperature between −20 °C and +40 °C with ±1 °C accuracy. Designed for laboratory environments requiring reproducible, GxP-aligned workflows, the unit meets mechanical and thermal stability requirements typical of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facilities.

Key Features

• High-torque brushless frequency-controlled motor with dsPIC30F microcontroller and FAIRCHILD FSBB30CH intelligent drive module for stable torque delivery and extended service life.
• Triple-layer steel rotor chamber enclosure with automatic electromagnetic door lock and mechanical interlock for operator and instrument safety.
• TFT 4.3-inch true-color touchscreen interface supporting dual control modes—touch and physical key input—with simultaneous display of setpoints and real-time operational parameters (speed, RCF, time, temperature, acceleration/deceleration stage).
• Comprehensive safety architecture including overspeed, overtemperature, imbalance, and door-open detection; coupled with advanced composite damping system for vibration suppression at all speeds.
• Automatic rotor recognition technology ensures correct parameter limits are enforced per installed rotor type, minimizing user error and enhancing method traceability.
• Programmable storage for up to 100 custom protocols, each supporting independent ramp profiles (10 acceleration/deceleration rate options), dwell times, and temperature setpoints.
• Low-noise operation (≤60 dB[A]) achieved through optimized airflow design, balanced rotor dynamics, and acoustic insulation—suitable for shared lab spaces and cleanroom-adjacent installations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The 3H20RI accommodates standard fixed-angle rotors, including the标配 12 × 1.5/2.0 mL configuration, and supports optional adapters for PCR strips, microtubes, and conical tubes up to 100 mL capacity (4 × 100 mL total). Its temperature-controlled chamber enables processing of thermolabile samples such as plasmid DNA, viral particles, exosomes, and enzyme complexes without denaturation or aggregation. The system complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and IEC 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility. While not pre-certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its audit-ready protocol logging, parameter locking, and electronic signature support (via optional software integration) facilitate alignment with GLP and GMP documentation standards.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware records full run metadata—including start/stop timestamps, rotor ID, speed profile, temperature history, and fault logs—for traceable recordkeeping. Data export is supported via USB port in CSV format for downstream analysis in LIMS or statistical platforms. Optional PC-based HerxCentriLink software provides remote monitoring, multi-instrument fleet management, and automated report generation compatible with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 requirements for result reporting. All parameter changes are timestamped and attributed to user IDs when network authentication is enabled.

Applications

• Isolation of subcellular organelles (mitochondria, lysosomes, nuclei) from mammalian and plant tissues.
• Purification of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipoprotein fractions in diagnostic and research settings.
• Clarification and concentration of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and viral vectors in upstream/downstream bioprocessing.
• Routine plasma/serum separation in clinical laboratories and blood bank operations.
• Microbial pellet harvesting and cell lysis supernatant clarification in microbiology and fermentation QA/QC.
• Preparative separation of nanoparticles and colloidal suspensions in materials science labs.

FAQ

What is the maximum RCF achievable with the 3H20RI, and how is it calculated?
The maximum RCF is 31,150 × g, derived from the formula RCF = 1.118 × 10⁻⁵ × r × N², where r is the rotor radius in millimeters and N is rotational speed in rpm. This value is validated at the maximum speed of 20,800 rpm using the standard 12-position rotor.
Does the 3H20RI support continuous operation at −20 °C?
Yes—the refrigeration system maintains −20 °C throughout extended runs (up to 99 h 59 min), provided ambient temperature remains ≤25 °C and ventilation clearance meets specifications (≥10 cm on all sides).
Can third-party rotors be used with automatic recognition enabled?
No—automatic rotor identification relies on proprietary RFID tags embedded in Herx-certified rotors. Non-OEM rotors will trigger a safety lockout unless recognition is manually disabled via service mode (not recommended for routine use).
Is the 3H20RI suitable for centrifuging hazardous or infectious samples?
When equipped with sealed, biocontainment-rated rotors and operated inside a certified biosafety cabinet or with secondary containment, the unit complies with BSL-2 handling guidelines. Always follow institutional biosafety protocols and rotor decontamination procedures.
How often does the refrigeration system require maintenance?
The R404a circuit is hermetically sealed and requires no scheduled refrigerant servicing. Annual inspection of condenser coils, fan operation, and door seal integrity is recommended to sustain thermal efficiency and noise performance.