MKN Mini-14K Benchtop High-Speed Centrifuge
| Brand | MKN |
|---|---|
| Model | Mini-14K |
| Power Supply | 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 105 W |
| Max Speed | 14,500 rpm |
| Max RCF | 14,000 × g |
| Timer Range | 15 s – 99 min |
| Acceleration Time to Max Speed | 48 s |
| Deceleration Time from Max Speed | 52 s |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 24 × 21.2 × 13.8 cm |
| Net Weight (incl. rotor) | 4.2 kg |
| Rotor Material | Autoclavable High-Strength Polymer (121 °C, 20 min) |
| Compatible Tubes | 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL PCR tubes (via optional adapters) |
| Safety Certification | CE-compliant design per IEC 61010-1 |
Overview
The MKN Mini-14K Benchtop High-Speed Centrifuge is a compact, precision-engineered instrument designed for rapid, reproducible microcentrifugation in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and analytical chemistry laboratories. Operating on the principle of sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force, the Mini-14K generates up to 14,000 × g at its maximum rotational speed of 14,500 rpm—sufficient to pellet nucleic acids, cellular organelles, and fine particulates from small-volume samples (≤0.5 mL). Its brushless DC motor ensures low-vibration operation, thermal stability, and extended service life without carbon brush wear or lubrication requirements. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and incorporates electronic imbalance detection, automatic rotor recognition (via mechanical coding), and lid interlock mechanisms to prevent operation with an unlatched or improperly seated rotor.
Key Features
- Compact footprint (24 × 21.2 × 13.8 cm) optimized for benchtop use in space-constrained environments including biosafety cabinets and laminar flow hoods.
- Autoclavable polymer rotor certified for repeated sterilization at 121 °C for 20 minutes—ensuring compliance with GLP/GMP sample integrity protocols and eliminating cross-contamination risk between runs.
- Dual-voltage universal power supply (100–240 V, 50–60 Hz) enables seamless deployment across global laboratory infrastructures without external transformers.
- Precision digital timer with 1-second resolution and programmable range from 15 seconds to 99 minutes supports both rapid spin-down and extended pelleting protocols.
- Low-noise operation (<55 dB(A) at maximum speed) achieved through balanced rotor dynamics and vibration-damping housing—critical for shared lab environments and noise-sensitive facilities.
- Integrated acceleration and deceleration profiles (48 s to max speed; 52 s to stop) minimize thermal load on heat-sensitive samples such as enzymes and RNA preparations.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Mini-14K accommodates standard microcentrifuge tubes (0.2 mL and 0.5 mL PCR tubes) using factory-calibrated, snap-fit adapters—each validated for centrifugal force integrity up to 14,000 × g. All rotor components are manufactured from medical-grade, UV-resistant polycarbonate with NSF-certified biocompatibility. The device meets CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and its operational firmware adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 traceability guidelines for routine calibration verification. While not FDA 510(k)-cleared as a medical device, it satisfies ISO 13485-aligned quality system requirements for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) sample preparation workflows.
Software & Data Management
The Mini-14K operates via an embedded microcontroller with non-volatile parameter memory—retaining user-defined speed, time, and acceleration settings across power cycles. No external software or PC interface is required; however, all parameters are logged internally with timestamped run records accessible via front-panel navigation. Audit trail functionality supports GLP-compliant documentation: each session stores rotor ID, total run count, cumulative operating hours, and last calibration date. For laboratories requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, optional firmware upgrade (MKN-SW-14K-GLP) adds electronic signature capability, role-based access control, and encrypted data export in CSV format.
Applications
- Routine DNA/RNA extraction workflows—including spin-column purification, phenol-chloroform phase separation, and ethanol precipitation steps.
- Pre-analytical sample conditioning for HPLC, LC-MS, and ELISA assays where particulate removal is critical to column longevity and assay sensitivity.
- Cell lysate clarification prior to Western blotting or protein quantification (e.g., Bradford, BCA).
- Microbial pelleting in antibiotic susceptibility testing and culture supernatant harvesting.
- Quality control in biomanufacturing for residual host cell protein (HCP) removal validation.
FAQ
Is the rotor compatible with autoclaving?
Yes—the rotor is constructed from autoclavable high-strength polymer and rated for repeated sterilization at 121 °C for 20 minutes.
Can the Mini-14K accommodate 1.5 mL or 2.0 mL tubes?
No—this model is specifically engineered for 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL PCR tubes only. Adapters for larger formats are not available and would compromise RCF accuracy and mechanical safety.
Does the unit include a rotor and lid?
Yes—each Mini-14K shipment includes one fixed-angle polymer rotor, transparent safety lid, and base unit. Optional tube adapters are sold separately.
What is the expected service life of the motor?
The brushless DC motor is rated for ≥20,000 hours of operation under typical laboratory duty cycles (≤4 runs/day), with no scheduled maintenance required beyond periodic cleaning and visual inspection.
How is rotor imbalance detected and managed?
Real-time vibration sensing triggers immediate deceleration if imbalance exceeds ±2% mass asymmetry, and the display shows error code “E3” with audible alert—preventing mechanical damage and ensuring operator safety.
