Hettich TDZ6-WS Benchtop Multi-Rotor Low-Speed Centrifuge

Overview

The Hettich TDZ6-WS is a benchtop low-speed centrifuge engineered for routine separation tasks in clinical, academic, and industrial laboratories where reproducible sedimentation of cells, bacteria, whole blood components, and particulate suspensions is required. It operates on the principle of sedimentation under centrifugal force—generating up to 4800 × g at its maximum rotational speed of 6000 rpm—to separate heterogeneous mixtures based on particle density, size, and shape. Unlike high-speed or ultracentrifuges, the TDZ6-WS prioritizes operational stability, ergonomic accessibility, and long-term reliability over extreme g-force generation. Its horizontal swing-out rotor configuration ensures uniform pelleting across all tubes within a single run, minimizing cross-contamination risk and supporting standardized sample preparation workflows compliant with ISO 15189 and CLIA pre-analytical requirements.

Key Features

• Brushless frequency-controlled motor delivering maintenance-free operation, zero carbon dust emission, and acoustic optimization (≤65 dB[A] at full load).
• TFT color touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation, real-time parameter visualization, and on-screen rotor identification graphics for error-resistant operation.
• 10 programmable acceleration and deceleration ramp profiles—enabling gentle pelleting of fragile cell monolayers or rapid settling of dense aggregates without resuspension.
• Automatic imbalance compensation system with dynamic load sensing and self-correcting rotor positioning—ensuring stable operation even with ±5% volume mismatch between opposing buckets.
• Stainless steel centrifuge chamber and fully welded structural frame meeting IP22 ingress protection and IEC 61010-1 electrical safety standards.
• Motor-integrated electromagnetic door lock with positive engagement verification—preventing lid opening during active rotation and complying with EN 61000-6-3 EMC directives.
• Multi-stage passive damping architecture—including silicone-isolated base mounts and dynamically tuned counterweights—reducing transmitted vibration by >70% compared to conventional chassis designs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TDZ6-WS accommodates standard laboratory consumables including polypropylene conical tubes (15–100 mL), microtiter plates (96-well), and glass centrifuge bottles via interchangeable horizontal rotors (e.g., H-6000A, H-4100B). Its 4 × 100 mL capacity supports batch processing of clinical specimens such as serum separation tubes (SSTs), urine sediments, and microbial culture harvests. All rotor assemblies are certified to ISO 21602:2021 for mechanical integrity under cyclic loading. The instrument meets GLP documentation requirements through audit-trail-capable program storage (20 recallable protocols), timestamped run logs, and non-volatile memory retention—even after power interruption. Optional rotor calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) are available upon request.

Software & Data Management

While the TDZ6-WS operates as a standalone instrument without external PC dependency, its embedded firmware supports full protocol persistence: last-used parameters auto-load at startup, and all 20 stored programs retain independent timer settings, speed/RCF targets, ramp profiles, and hold durations. The system records run history—including date/time stamp, rotor ID, actual g-force achieved, and fault codes—for internal review. For laboratories implementing LIMS integration, optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters enable export of ASCII-formatted session reports compatible with common laboratory information management systems. No proprietary software installation is required; data export follows ASTM E1384-22 formatting conventions for interoperability.

Applications

• Clinical diagnostics: Serum/plasma separation from whole blood using gel barrier tubes (e.g., Vacutainer SST™); urine centrifugation for microscopic sediment analysis per CLSI GP16-A4 guidelines.
• Microbiology: Harvesting bacterial pellets (E. coli, S. aureus) prior to DNA extraction or protein lysis; yeast cell collection post-fermentation.
• Cell biology: Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) via Ficoll density gradient—when paired with appropriate swing-bucket rotors and calibrated brake profiles.
• Quality control: Clarification of pharmaceutical suspensions, filtration validation samples, and excipient homogeneity testing in GMP environments.
• Environmental testing: Sedimentation of suspended solids in wastewater effluent prior to turbidity or TOC analysis (EPA Method 160.1).

FAQ

What safety certifications does the TDZ6-WS hold?

It complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and EN 61326-1 (EMC for Laboratory Instruments). Rotors are validated per ISO 21602:2021.
Can the centrifuge be used for continuous operation?

Yes—the timer supports both timed runs (up to 99 h 59 min) and continuous mode, with thermal overload protection automatically halting operation if ambient temperature exceeds 40 °C or motor winding temperature rises beyond safe thresholds.
Is rotor calibration included with purchase?

Factory-calibrated rotors ship with individual serial-numbered compliance labels. NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available as an add-on service.
Does the instrument support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?

As a stand-alone device without electronic signature capability or audit trail export, it does not meet full Part 11 requirements—but it satisfies ALCOA+ data integrity principles when used with documented SOPs and manual logbook entries.
What maintenance is required beyond routine cleaning?

No scheduled lubrication or brush replacement is needed due to the brushless motor design. Annual verification of door lock torque and imbalance detection sensitivity is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.10.