MKN TDL-50 Benchtop Centrifuge
| Brand | MKN |
|---|---|
| Model | TDL-50 |
| Max Speed | 4000 rpm |
| RCF | 2325 × g |
| Capacity | 6 × 50 mL (stainless steel buckets) |
| Timer Range | 0–60 min |
| Noise Level | ≤60 dB(A) |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V, 50 Hz, 2 A |
| Construction | Aluminum rotor assembly, balanced auto-compensation mechanism |
| Regulatory Compliance | Designed per IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety |
Overview
The MKN TDL-50 Benchtop Centrifuge is a precision-engineered, general-purpose centrifuge designed for routine separation tasks in clinical, biochemical, and chemical laboratories. It operates on the principle of sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force—generating radial acceleration to separate components based on differences in density, size, and shape. With a maximum rotational speed of 4000 rpm and an achievable relative centrifugal force (RCF) of 2325 × g, the TDL-50 delivers consistent, reproducible separations for applications including serum/plasma isolation, cellular pellet recovery, and immunoassay sample preparation. Its compact footprint, low thermal signature, and brushless motor design ensure stable operation during extended use—critical for high-throughput workflows where instrument uptime and thermal management directly impact sample integrity.
Key Features
- Stepless speed control (0–4000 rpm) with digital display for precise parameter setting and repeatability across runs.
- Integrated automatic rotor balancing system minimizes vibration and extends bearing life—reducing maintenance frequency and operational downtime.
- High-strength aluminum rotor assembly with stainless-steel centrifuge buckets (6 × 50 mL capacity), engineered for mechanical durability and resistance to chemical corrosion from common reagents (e.g., ethanol, phosphate buffers, mild acids).
- Microprocessor-controlled timer (0–60 minutes) with audible end-of-run alert and automatic deceleration ramp to prevent resuspension of pellets.
- Low-noise operation (≤60 dB[A]) achieved through optimized airflow ducting and vibration-dampening housing—suitable for shared lab environments without acoustic isolation.
- Thermally stable enclosure design limits ambient temperature rise to <3°C above room temperature after 30 minutes of continuous operation at maximum speed.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TDL-50 accommodates standard conical-bottom polypropylene or glass centrifuge tubes (up to 50 mL) and is compatible with common anticoagulant tubes (EDTA, heparin, citrate). Rotor geometry ensures uniform force distribution across all positions, supporting GLP-aligned workflow consistency. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU). While not certified for biosafety containment (e.g., BSL-2), it is routinely deployed in ISO 15189-accredited clinical labs for pre-analytical specimen processing under documented SOPs.
Software & Data Management
The TDL-50 operates via embedded firmware with no external software dependency—ensuring deterministic behavior and eliminating cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with networked controllers. All operational parameters (speed, time, RCF) are retained in non-volatile memory across power cycles. For auditability in regulated environments, users may manually log run records—including date/time stamp, operator ID, sample identifier, and observed outcomes—in accordance with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex A guidance for paper-based record retention. Optional external data loggers (e.g., USB-connected thermocouple + timer modules) can be interfaced for environmental monitoring during validation studies.
Applications
- Clinical diagnostics: Separation of whole blood into serum or plasma layers for ELISA, chemistry analyzers, and coagulation testing.
- Cell biology: Harvesting adherent or suspension mammalian cells (e.g., HEK293, Jurkat) prior to lysis or cryopreservation.
- Protein biochemistry: Clarification of cell lysates and precipitation of nucleic acid–protein complexes.
- Environmental testing: Solid–liquid separation in water quality analysis (e.g., suspended solids removal prior to TOC or metal assay).
- Educational labs: Demonstrating sedimentation kinetics, Stoke’s law verification, and density gradient principles in undergraduate physics and life sciences curricula.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended load imbalance tolerance?
The TDL-50’s auto-balancing system tolerates up to ±0.5 g mass difference between opposing buckets without triggering shutdown or excessive vibration.
Can the rotor be sterilized in an autoclave?
No—the aluminum rotor is not autoclavable; clean with 70% ethanol or 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution and air-dry. Stainless steel buckets may be autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes if validated for your application.
Is the unit suitable for continuous operation at 4000 rpm?
Yes, rated for uninterrupted operation up to 60 minutes at maximum speed under ambient temperatures ≤30°C and relative humidity ≤70% RH.
Does the TDL-50 support rotor recognition or speed calibration traceability?
No—rotor identification is manual, and speed calibration requires external tachometer verification per ISO/IEC 17025-compliant procedures.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Inspect rotor threads and bucket latches quarterly; lubricate door hinge annually; replace carbon brushes every 10,000 operating hours or as indicated by reduced acceleration performance.
