Ortoalresa Digtor 22 C Heated Oil Testing Centrifuge

Overview

The Ortoalresa Digtor 22 C is a purpose-engineered benchtop centrifuge designed specifically for standardized oil and petroleum product testing in compliance with internationally recognized methods. Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the Digtor 22 C integrates precise thermal control with high-reproducibility rotational mechanics to meet the stringent requirements of sediment, water, and sludge separation protocols in lubricants, fuels, and crude derivatives. Its operation is based on controlled sedimentation under defined centrifugal force (RCF), where sample integrity is preserved through programmable acceleration/deceleration profiles and real-time thermal stabilization. The system adheres to the physical principles outlined in ASTM D96 (water and sediment in fuel oils), ASTM D2709 (water and sediment in diesel fuel), and ISO 9030 (determination of insolubles in lubricating oils), ensuring method traceability and regulatory acceptability in QC laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025 or refinery QA frameworks.

Key Features

• Integrated heating system with independent chamber temperature control from +5°C to 80°C (1°C/1°F resolution), enabling pre-conditioning of samples and maintenance of thermal equilibrium during centrifugation — critical for viscosity-sensitive petroleum matrices.
• TFT color touchscreen interface (visible from ≥3 m), displaying real-time RPM, RCF, elapsed time, set temperature, acceleration/deceleration rates, and imbalance localization via ULS (Unbalance Location System).
• Progressive Control Braking System (PCBS) with up to 175 selectable ramp profiles to prevent post-centrifugation resuspension of separated phases — essential for accurate quantification of bottom sediment or free water layers.
• Automatic rotor recognition and memory-stored rotor/adapter database, eliminating manual configuration errors and supporting rapid method recall.
• Dual-motor electric lid locking mechanism with emergency mechanical release, anti-drop lid guard, and automatic interlock preventing operation with lid open or improperly seated.
• Stainless steel centrifuge chamber (AISI 304), autoclavable rotors and adapters, and integrated safety ring between chamber and housing for containment integrity.
• Energy-saving auto-shutdown after 8 hours of inactivity; brushless induction motor requiring zero routine maintenance.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Digtor 22 C accommodates four 100 mL tubes (including standard 8″, 6″, and 28 mm finger tubes) in fixed-angle configuration, optimized for ASTM D91 (sediment in used lubricating oils) and API RP 2542 (centrifugal determination of water and sediment in crude oil). Its gas release system (GRS) — factory pre-installed as an optional module — mitigates pressure buildup during heated runs with volatile hydrocarbon samples. All operational parameters align with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.3 (equipment suitability verification) and support GLP-compliant audit trails when paired with validated PC software. The unit meets electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1), electrical safety (EN 61010-1), and medical device directive (98/79/EC) requirements applicable to laboratory instrumentation used in certified testing environments.

Software & Data Management

The centrifuge supports RS-232 and USB connectivity for direct integration into LIMS or laboratory informatics platforms. Up to 40 user-defined protocols can be stored with password protection, each retaining full parameter sets (RPM/RCF, time, temperature, acceleration/deceleration ramps, hold position). Event logging includes timestamped start/stop commands, temperature deviations, imbalance alerts, and lid status changes — providing raw data suitable for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when exported via secure file transfer. Firmware updates are performed offline using encrypted USB keys, preserving configuration integrity across validation cycles.

Applications

Primary applications include quantitative determination of water, sediment, and insoluble contaminants in aviation turbine fuels (ASTM D1796), marine distillate fuels (ISO 3734), engine oils (ASTM D893), biodiesel blends (ASTM D4007), and crude oil emulsions (API RP 2548). It is routinely deployed in refinery QC labs, third-party petroleum testing facilities, and OEM lubricant development centers where reproducible phase separation under controlled thermal conditions directly impacts specification conformance (e.g., ISO 8573-1 for compressed air contaminants derived from oil-lubricated systems).

FAQ

Does the Digtor 22 C comply with ASTM D96 for water and sediment analysis in diesel fuel?
Yes — its fixed-angle rotor geometry, programmable 3000 rpm / 2425 × g output, and thermal stability within ±0.5°C ensure adherence to the centrifugation duration, force, and temperature specifications defined in ASTM D96.
Can the heating function operate independently of rotation?
No — heating is only active during centrifugation or during the pre-warm phase initiated prior to run start; the chamber does not maintain temperature in standby mode.
Is rotor calibration required before first use?
No — automatic rotor identification eliminates manual calibration; however, initial verification of RCF accuracy using a certified tachometer and temperature probe is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 section 6.5.2.
What safety certifications apply to the Digtor 22 C for use in EU-based accredited laboratories?
It carries CE marking under Directive 2014/35/EU (LVD), 2014/30/EU (EMC), and 2011/65/EU (RoHS), and conforms to EN 61010-1:2010 + A1:2019 for laboratory equipment safety.
Are replacement rotors and tube adapters available with full traceable documentation?
Yes — all Ortoalresa-certified accessories ship with material declarations, dimensional inspection reports, and sterilization validation summaries compliant with ISO 13485 and EN ISO 15883-1 for reusable labware.