Ortoalresa Lacter 21 Butterfat Analysis Centrifuge

Overview

The Ortoalresa Lacter 21 is a purpose-built benchtop centrifuge engineered specifically for quantitative fat determination in dairy products according to the internationally standardized Gerber method (ISO 1211:2010, IDF 1:2017, AOAC 920.119). Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the Lacter 21 integrates precise thermal control, programmable acceleration/deceleration profiles, and calibrated butyrometer compatibility into a single robust platform. Its core operational principle relies on phase separation under controlled centrifugal force and elevated temperature—facilitating complete liberation and coalescence of milk fat globules within standardized butyrometers. The instrument’s design prioritizes analytical reproducibility, regulatory traceability, and routine laboratory durability, making it a reference system in dairy quality control laboratories across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.

Key Features

• Integrated heating module with stable temperature control from ambient to 80 °C (±1 °C), critical for consistent fat solubilization and layer formation in butyrometers.
• Microprocessor-controlled drive system featuring a maintenance-free brushless induction motor, ensuring long-term speed stability and minimal mechanical drift.
• Progressive Controlled Braking System (PCBS) with 175 selectable ramp profiles—prevents post-centrifugation remixing and preserves stratified fat column integrity.
• 16-user programmable memory slots for method storage, including RPM/RCF setpoints, time, temperature, acceleration, and deceleration parameters.
• Automatic rotor recognition and overspeed protection—hardware-enforced safety limits prevent operation beyond certified specifications.
• LCD interface displaying real-time RPM, RCF, elapsed time, chamber temperature, and acceleration/deceleration status with audible and visual alerts.
• Low-noise operation (<60 dB(A)) achieved through vibration-damped chassis, balanced rotor assembly, and optimized airflow management.
• Stainless steel centrifuge chamber and autoclavable rotor components (including butyrometer carriers) support GLP-compliant cleaning and sterilization protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Lacter 21 accommodates standard Gerber-type butyrometers (12 units per run), conforming to ISO 707:2019 sampling requirements for liquid dairy matrices. It supports analysis of raw milk, pasteurized milk, UHT milk, cream, yogurt, whey, and soft cheeses. All operational parameters—including temperature ramping, dwell time at target RCF, and thermal hold duration—are fully configurable to align with regional adaptations of the Gerber method (e.g., national annexes to ISO 1211). The device complies with EN 61010-1 (safety of electrical equipment for laboratory use), EN 61010-2-020 (particular requirements for centrifuges), and EN 61326-1/-2-6 (EMC for laboratory instrumentation). It meets essential requirements of EU Directives 2014/35/EU (LVD), 2014/30/EU (EMC), and 2011/65/EU (RoHS), and bears CE marking for use in IVD-regulated environments (98/79/EC).

Software & Data Management

While the Lacter 21 operates as a standalone instrument without external PC connectivity, its embedded firmware supports full audit-trail functionality required for regulated environments. All user-initiated actions—including parameter changes, start/stop events, error logs, and calibration timestamps—are recorded internally with non-volatile memory retention. The 16 programmable methods include unique identifiers, enabling method version control and operator-specific configuration sets. Optional external data logging via RS-232 (available on SI-series variants) allows integration into LIMS or ELN systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated third-party software. Automatic power-down after 8 hours of inactivity supports energy efficiency standards and reduces standby risk in unattended labs.

Applications

• Routine fat quantification in dairy processing plants for incoming raw material verification and finished product release testing.
• Regulatory compliance testing per ISO 1211, IDF 1, and national standards (e.g., US FDA Grade A Milk Manual, China GB 5413.3–2010).
• Method validation and inter-laboratory comparison studies requiring high inter-operator repeatability (CV < 1.2% per ISO 5725-2).
• Teaching laboratories conducting standardized food analysis protocols under GLP-aligned instruction frameworks.
• Research applications involving comparative fat extraction efficiency across homogenization or thermal pretreatment variables.

FAQ

Does the Lacter 21 support automatic data export to LIMS?
The base model lacks native Ethernet or USB interfaces; however, the SI-series variant includes RS-232 output for serial data streaming. Integration requires third-party middleware validated under your organization’s 21 CFR Part 11 or Annex 11 policy.

Can butyrometers be centrifuged without heating?
Yes—the heating function is independently controllable and may be disabled for ambient-temperature protocols or method development studies.

Is rotor balancing required before each run?
No. The system performs automatic imbalance detection and halts operation if mass asymmetry exceeds ±5 g per opposing butyrometer position—eliminating manual balancing steps.

What is the expected service life of the brushless motor?
Rated for ≥20,000 hours of operation under typical dairy QC workloads (2–4 runs/day), with no scheduled maintenance intervals specified by Ortoalresa.

Are replacement butyrometer carriers available separately?
Yes—stainless steel carriers (Part No. LAC-BC-12) and silicone gasket kits (LAC-GSK-12) are stocked globally and compatible with all Lacter 21 units manufactured since 2015.