Thermo Fisher Sorvall WX100 Ultracentrifuge
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | WX100 |
| Max. Capacity | 6 × 250 mL |
| Max. Speed | 100,000 rpm |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 1000 mm × 790 mm × 690 mm |
| Weight | 400 kg |
| RCFmax | 802,000 × g |
| Temperature Range | 0–40 °C |
| Temp. Control Accuracy | ±0.5 °C |
| Vacuum Level | 0.13 Pa |
| Drive System | Vacuum-coupled, imbalance-tolerant motor |
| Acceleration/Deceleration | 10/11 steps |
| Speed Setting Range | 1,000–100,000 rpm (100 rpm increments) |
| Speed Accuracy | ±10 rpm |
| Cooling System | Solid-state thermoelectric (CFC-free) |
| Vacuum System | Oil-rotary pump with dehydrator + oil diffusion pump |
| Noise Level | 53 dBA (1 m front) |
| Power Supply | 208–240 V, 50/60 Hz, single-phase, 16–20 A |
| Certifications | CE, cCSAus |
| Control Interface | Microprocessor-based, 20 programmable methods, step-wise centrifugation, RCF auto-conversion, ω²t integrator, real-time runtime control, user access levels, automatic rotor lifetime tracking |
| Heat Dissipation | <1 kW/h |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher Sorvall WX100 Ultracentrifuge is an engineered platform for high-resolution biomolecular separation under vacuum and controlled thermal conditions. Operating on the principle of sedimentation velocity and equilibrium ultracentrifugation, it delivers precise separation of macromolecules—including proteins, nucleic acids, lipoproteins, viruses, and subcellular organelles—based on differences in buoyant density, size, and shape. With a maximum rotational speed of 100,000 rpm and a peak relative centrifugal force (RCF) of 802,000 × g, the WX100 enables analytical and preparative workflows previously constrained by mechanical or thermal limitations. Its vacuum-coupled drive system eliminates air friction at ultra-high speeds while maintaining exceptional rotor stability—even with up to 5 mm liquid-level imbalance—ensuring reproducible sedimentation profiles across repeated runs. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the instrument meets stringent engineering tolerances for rotational integrity, thermal uniformity, and vacuum integrity over extended operational cycles.
Key Features
- Vacuum-enabled operation with dual-stage pumping: oil-rotary pump with integrated dehydrator and oil diffusion pump, achieving stable base pressure ≤0.13 Pa for minimal drag and consistent rotor dynamics
- Solid-state thermoelectric cooling system (CFC-free), delivering precise temperature regulation from 0 °C to 40 °C with ±0.5 °C accuracy across all rotor configurations
- Microprocessor-based control architecture supporting up to 20 user-defined protocols, including multi-step programs with independent speed, temperature, time, and brake profile settings
- Integrated ω²t integrator for quantitative sedimentation analysis and real-time runtime control—critical for kinetic studies and gradient fractionation
- Automated rotor lifetime management with embedded usage logging, cumulative stress calculation, and predictive maintenance alerts aligned with ISO 21501-4 and IEC 61000-6-3 compliance frameworks
- Acoustically optimized enclosure yielding ≤53 dBA noise emission at 1 m distance—designed for shared laboratory environments without dedicated acoustic shielding
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The WX100 accommodates standard ultracentrifuge rotors including fixed-angle (e.g., Type 70 Ti, 90 Ti), swinging-bucket (e.g., SW 41 Ti, SW 60 Ti), and vertical rotors (e.g., VTi 65.2), supporting total capacities up to 6 × 250 mL. All rotor interfaces conform to ISO 15197:2017 mechanical interface standards and are validated for use under GLP and GMP-aligned workflows. The instrument’s firmware supports audit-trail generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with Thermo Fisher’s optional CentriVUE™ software suite. Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility comply with CE Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), as well as UL/cUL 61010-1 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1.
Software & Data Management
CentriVUE™ software (optional, Windows-compatible) provides full remote monitoring, method validation, electronic signature support, and export-ready data formatting (CSV, PDF, XML). It enables traceable parameter logging—including actual RCF, vacuum decay rate, thermal ramp fidelity, and rotor serial-number-linked run history—for regulatory submissions under ISO/IEC 17025 or CLIA guidelines. Built-in user permission tiers (Administrator, Supervisor, Operator) enforce role-based access control, while encrypted local storage ensures data integrity during power interruption or network dropout.
Applications
- Preparative isolation of exosomes and extracellular vesicles via density-gradient ultracentrifugation (e.g., iodixanol or sucrose gradients)
- Analytical sedimentation velocity experiments for hydrodynamic characterization of protein complexes and RNA-protein assemblies
- Lipoprotein subclass fractionation in clinical lipidomics research
- Virus purification and capsid integrity assessment in vaccine development pipelines
- Subcellular organelle enrichment (mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes) for functional proteomics
- Quality control of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and gene therapy vectors (AAV, lentivirus)
FAQ
What rotor types are certified for use with the Sorvall WX100?
All Thermo Fisher-branded titanium and carbon-fiber rotors designated for the WX series—including Type 70 Ti, SW 41 Ti, SW 60 Ti, and VTi 65.2—are fully validated and listed in the instrument’s onboard rotor library.
Does the WX100 support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out of the box?
The base unit includes audit-trail-capable firmware; full Part 11 compliance requires CentriVUE™ software with electronic signature modules and validated installation qualification (IQ/OQ) documentation.
How is rotor lifetime tracked and enforced?
Each rotor’s unique ID is scanned at startup; cumulative speed-time integrals (ω²t) are calculated in real time and compared against manufacturer-specified fatigue limits, triggering automated lockout if thresholds are exceeded.
Can the WX100 operate continuously for >24 hours?
Yes—thermal management, vacuum stability, and motor duty cycle are rated for unattended operation up to 96 hours, provided ambient conditions remain within 10–35 °C and relative humidity stays below 80% non-condensing.
Is service calibration traceable to NIST standards?
All factory and field calibrations for speed, temperature, and vacuum sensors are performed using NIST-traceable reference instruments and documented per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
