Ortoalresa Biocen 22 Benchtop High-Speed Centrifuge

Overview

The Ortoalresa Biocen 22 is a high-performance benchtop centrifuge engineered for precision and reliability in routine and advanced laboratory workflows requiring high-speed separation of biological samples. Designed and manufactured in Spain with over three decades of centrifugation expertise, the Biocen 22 operates on the principle of sedimentation under controlled rotational force (RCF), enabling efficient isolation of cellular components, subcellular organelles, nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules based on differences in density and size. Its compact footprint (276 × 390 × 272 mm) makes it ideal for space-constrained laboratories, while its robust construction—featuring a stainless-steel rotor chamber and reinforced safety housing—ensures long-term operational integrity under repeated high-RCF cycles. The instrument delivers a maximum speed of 15,000 rpm and generates up to 21,885 × g, positioning it within the high-speed centrifuge category (10,000–30,000 rpm range) as defined by ISO 15195 and IEC 61010-2-020 standards for laboratory equipment.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled operation with intuitive LED display showing real-time RPM, RCF, and countdown timer.
• Programmable speed increments in 50 rpm / 10 × g steps; timer range from 1 to 99 minutes with ±1 min accuracy and hold-at-end functionality.
• Three-stage acceleration/deceleration profiles: “Fast”, “Soft”, and “Free” (coast-down), optimized for sample integrity across diverse tube types and viscosities.
• Brushless induction motor ensures maintenance-free operation, extended service life, and consistent torque delivery without carbon brush wear or commutator degradation.
• Integrated rotor memory stores pre-calibrated parameters for commonly used rotors, eliminating manual input errors and reducing setup time.
• Acoustic and visual status alerts—including door lock confirmation, imbalance detection, overspeed warning, and thermal cutoff indication—enhance operational awareness and procedural safety.
• Automatic lid locking mechanism with motorized engagement, emergency mechanical release, and lid-drop protection; interlocked operation prevents rotation unless fully sealed.
• Stainless-steel centrifuge chamber and autoclavable rotors/adapters (121°C, 20 min, steam sterilization) support GLP-compliant workflows in clinical diagnostics and molecular biology labs.
• Forced-air cooling system minimizes temperature rise during prolonged runs (<3°C increase at max speed), critical for thermolabile samples such as enzymes or primary cell lysates.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Biocen 22 accommodates standard microcentrifuge tubes (2 mL) and larger conical tubes (5 mL) using angular rotors configured for either 24 × 2 mL or 12 × 5 mL capacity. It supports common tube materials including polypropylene, polycarbonate, and glass, with compatibility verified per ISO 8573-1 for particulate and moisture content in compressed air systems used in cleanroom environments. All electrical and electromagnetic safety certifications comply with EN 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment) and EN 61010-2-020 (particular requirements for centrifuges). Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) adheres to EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2-6, ensuring stable performance in shared lab infrastructure. RoHS (2011/65/EU), WEEE (2012/19/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), LVD (2014/35/EU), and IVDR (98/79/EC) directives are fully met, facilitating CE marking and global deployment in regulated settings.

Software & Data Management

While the Biocen 22 operates via embedded firmware without external PC connectivity, its internal architecture supports audit-ready data retention essential for quality-controlled environments. Last-used parameters—including speed, time, acceleration profile, and rotor ID—are retained in non-volatile memory after power-off. All operational events (start/stop timestamps, lid open/close sequences, error codes, and thermal cutoff triggers) are logged internally and accessible via diagnostic mode. Though not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant out-of-the-box due to absence of electronic signature capability, the device’s deterministic behavior, hardware-based safety interlocks, and traceable calibration history align with GLP and GMP documentation requirements when integrated into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Applications

The Biocen 22 is routinely deployed in applications demanding reproducible high-speed pelleting and clarification, including but not limited to: hematocrit determination in capillary tubes; isolation of plasma and serum from whole blood; purification of plasmid DNA via alkaline lysis protocols; recovery of bacterial cells post-induction; preparation of viral pellets for downstream TEM or infectivity assays; and fractionation of membrane-bound vesicles from tissue homogenates. Its precise RCF control and low vibration profile make it suitable for preparative work preceding HPLC, mass spectrometry, or next-generation sequencing library preparation where sample integrity directly impacts analytical sensitivity.

FAQ

What is the maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) achievable with the Biocen 22?

The Biocen 22 achieves a maximum RCF of 21,885 × g at 15,000 rpm with the standard angular rotor.
Can the rotor and adapters be sterilized?

Yes—rotors and tube adapters are constructed from autoclavable materials and rated for sterilization at 121°C for 20 minutes.
Does the centrifuge include imbalance detection?

Yes, an integrated dynamic imbalance sensor halts operation immediately upon detecting mass asymmetry exceeding ±5% tolerance.
Is temperature control active during runs?

The unit features passive thermal management via forced-air ventilation; however, it does not include active refrigeration or Peltier-based cooling.
What safety certifications does the Biocen 22 hold?

It conforms to EN 61010-1, EN 61010-2-020, EN 61326-1, EN 61326-2-6, and relevant EU directives including RoHS, WEEE, EMC, LVD, and IVDR.