Xiangyi TD5-RZ Gerber Centrifuge for Milk Fat Analysis
| Brand | Xiangyi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hunan, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | TD5-RZ |
| Price Range | USD 150–1,500 (FOB) |
| Max Speed | 1400 rpm |
| Max RCF | 350 × g |
| Capacity | 8 × 30 mL |
| Temp Range | Ambient +10°C to 65°C |
| Noise Level | ≤60 dB(A) |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V, 50 Hz, 10 A |
| Motor | Brushless AC Frequency-Controlled Motor |
| Control Interface | Digital LED Display with RCF Key |
| Acceleration/Deceleration | Programmable |
| Timer Range | 0–99 min |
| Door Lock | Mechanical Interlock |
| Chamber Diameter | 450 mm |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 450 × 520 × 370 mm |
| Net Weight | 30 kg |
Overview
The Xiangyi TD5-RZ Gerber Centrifuge is a purpose-built, microprocessor-controlled centrifugal instrument engineered specifically for fat determination in milk and dairy products according to standardized methods including the Gerber and Babcock (pasteurization-based) protocols. It operates on the principle of differential sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force: when milk or cream samples are acidified and subjected to defined rotational acceleration, fat globules coalesce and rise to the top of calibrated Gerber butyrometers, enabling direct volumetric quantification. Designed for routine quality control laboratories in dairies, regulatory testing centers, and food research institutions, the TD5-RZ delivers repeatable, method-compliant separation performance with integrated thermal regulation—critical for maintaining sample viscosity and phase behavior during analysis.
Key Features
- Brushless AC frequency-controlled motor ensures stable speed delivery, eliminates carbon brush wear and associated particulate contamination, and reduces mechanical vibration and acoustic emissions (≤60 dB[A] at 1 m).
- Digital LED interface with dedicated RCF key enables real-time display and verification of relative centrifugal force—essential for method traceability and operator confidence.
- Programmable temperature control (ambient +10°C to 65°C) supports standardized thermal conditioning of samples prior to and during centrifugation, aligning with ISO 707:2019 and IDF 105:2019 requirements for milk fat analysis.
- Direct-drive architecture minimizes energy loss and mechanical backlash, contributing to long-term speed stability (±30 rpm tolerance) and reproducible RCF generation.
- Eight-position rotor accommodates standard 30 mL Gerber butyrometers; mechanical interlock door prevents operation unless fully secured, satisfying IEC 61010-2-020 safety requirements for centrifuges.
- User-modifiable acceleration and deceleration profiles allow optimization for viscous or heat-sensitive samples; timer range spans 0–99 minutes with automatic rotor stop and audible alert.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TD5-RZ is validated for use with whole milk, skimmed milk, cream, fermented dairy products, and reconstituted powdered milk—provided samples are pre-treated per Gerber protocol (sulfuric acid addition, isoamyl alcohol, and homogenization). Its fixed-angle rotor geometry and calibrated RCF output ensure adherence to the nominal 350 × g condition specified in AOAC Official Method 920.117 and IDF Standard 105. The unit’s thermal management system maintains chamber stability within ±2°C across its operating range (verified per ASTM E2251), supporting consistent fat layer formation. While not certified to GLP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its digital parameter logging, non-volatile memory for method recall, and mechanical audit trail (timer, speed, temp settings) provide foundational elements for laboratory compliance documentation.
Software & Data Management
The TD5-RZ features embedded firmware with non-volatile memory capable of storing multiple user-defined protocols—including speed, temperature, time, and ramp profiles. All operational parameters are displayed in real time on the digital LED screen, and critical values (final speed, achieved RCF, elapsed time, chamber temperature) are retained post-run for manual transcription into QC records. Though it lacks Ethernet/Wi-Fi connectivity or PC synchronization, its design prioritizes robustness and electromagnetic compatibility in industrial environments. For regulated labs, printed logs (via external label printers) or handwritten entries referencing instrument ID, batch number, analyst, and date satisfy basic ALCOA+ data integrity expectations when paired with procedural SOPs.
Applications
- Routine fat content verification in raw milk intake at dairy processing plants (ISO 1735:2022 compliant workflow).
- Quality assurance testing of pasteurized, UHT, and flavored milks in production QA/QC labs.
- Regulatory compliance checks for national dairy standards (e.g., GB 5413.3–2010 in China, EU Regulation No 1308/2013 Annex VII).
- Method validation studies comparing Gerber vs. Mojonnier or gravimetric reference techniques.
- Educational use in food science curricula for hands-on instruction in classical dairy analysis principles.
FAQ
What centrifugation standards does the TD5-RZ support?
It is configured for Gerber (ISO 707, IDF 105) and Babcock methods, delivering 350 × g at 1400 rpm with 8 × 30 mL capacity.
Is temperature calibration traceable to national standards?
The unit includes factory-set thermal calibration; users may verify accuracy using NIST-traceable PT100 probes inserted into dummy butyrometers.
Can the rotor be autoclaved?
No—the aluminum rotor is not designed for steam sterilization; cleaning is performed with ethanol or mild detergent and air-drying.
Does it meet CE or UL safety certification?
It complies with IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-020 for laboratory electrical equipment; CE marking is available upon request for EU-bound shipments.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of door latch integrity, rotor corrosion status, and motor brushless commutation electronics is recommended; no scheduled lubrication is needed.
