Used Centrifuges For Sale (257)

Types of Used Centrifuge

Centrifuges are available for volumes from as little as 0.2ml up to 12 litres. Rotors may be swing-out (for high-volume, low-speed applications) or fixed-angle (for much faster speeds). Additional optional features include refrigeration, heating and robotic control.

Micro Used Centrifuges

The micro centrifuge is a small benchtop centrifuge, for spinning small-volume samples at high speed.

Typical sample size: 0.2 - 2ml volume
Typical speed: 13,000 - 15,000 rpm
Typical G-force: 16,000 - 20,000 x g
Typical applications in research: pelleting DNA and RNA, antibody and protein precipitates, enzymatic tests, bacterial and yeast cell fractionation

Benchtop Used Centrifuges

The benchtop is the most common type of centrifuge. There is a vast range of rotors and specifications within this range. Refrigerated versions of most benchtops models are available.

A typical mid-size benchtop centrifuge holds 28 x standard blood tubes, 12 x 15ml conical tubes, 4 x 50ml conical or 25ml universal, or 4 x 96 well microplates per run.

Typical applications: routine specimen preparation, e.g. to separate blood cells from plasma before sample processing

Large Benchtop Used Centrifuges

The large benchtop centrifuge offers volume capacities and speeds between those of the typical benchtops and the floor-standing centrifuges. Most large benchtop models are also available with refrigeration.

A typical large benchtop centrifuge holds 108 x standard blood tubes, 56 x 15ml conical tubes, 24 x 50ml conical tubes, 28 x 25ml universals, or 16 x 96 well microplates per run. Some models also have a microlitre capability of about 100 x 0.2-2ml per run.

Typical applications: used in hospital laboratories to separate blood cells from plasma before sample processing

Floor Standing Used Centrifuges

The floor-standing centrifuge is used where a large throughput and/or high speed is required. The ultra centrifuge has an even higher specification.

Sample size: up to 12 litres per run
Speed (floor-standing centrifuge): up to 25,000 rpm
Speed (ultra centrifuge): over 100,000 rpm
Typical applications: high-volume applications, such as in blood banks, clinical laboratories and research

Features to consider

When choosing a used centrifuge, it is important to consider all the specifications needed for your particular purpose.

Size

Centrifuges come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from those with a base the size of an A4 sheet of paper to floor-standing centrifuges as high as the benchtop. Not surprisingly, the larger the physical size of the centrifuge, the larger its capacity. Remember that the floor-standing centrifuges will need to be properly installed, to make sure that they are securely fixed, and absolutely level.

Capacity

Centrifuges can spin samples as small as 0.2ml to volumes as large as 12 litres. If you have small sample sizes for separation (as in mobile clinics or veterinary laboratories), then the smaller models would be best. For high-capacity, high-throughput laboratories, the larger models are more appropriate, because they take a large number of tubes per run.

Speed/g force

Make sure you know the correct speed/g force that you need, and make certain that the centrifuge you are considering will be able to reach those speeds. Also check the speed/force ratings on your centrifuge tubes, because some of the faster centrifuges require special vessels to cope with the speed/ g force.

Programmability

Some centrifuges are programmable. If your task requires variable speeds and temperatures, then you would benefit from a programmable centrifuge. For repetitive centrifugations, a more economical pre-set model may be sufficient.

Rotor

Most new centrifuges are sold without a rotor; second-hand centrifuges may or may not include a rotor. Whatever the case, check the speed/force ratings to make sure you have the correct specification of rotor.

Temperature control

Many centrifuges have a refrigeration option (usually programmable).

Power

This probably won’t be a problem, but it’s always wise to double-check that you have the right power supply.

Used Centrifuge Accessories

The accessories you need will depend on the model of centrifuge. Some are:

Tubes (universal, conical, microcentrifuge, blood tubes etc.)
Microtitre plates
Cell culture packages
Rotor Adapters and buckets

Thinking of buying a used centrifuge

Why buy used centrifuges?

The main reason for buying a used centrifuge is cost: typically, you might pay about 50% of the cost of a new centrifuge, which is an important consideration if you are constrained by a limited budget.

A good centrifuge may be expected to last 15-25 years, depending on how much it is used. So, as long as a used centrifuge comes from a reputable source, and has been maintained correctly, it can provide the same service as a new one.

However, as with making a new purchase, there are other considerations besides cost.

Considerations in buying used Centrifuges

Age of the used centrifuge

Make sure you find out when the centrifuge was originally purchased, and how much it has been used. Was it in a high-volume lab, used many times a day by many people, or used just a few times a day in a small lab? Ask to see the maintenance records.

Age and condition of the rotor

Rotors don’t last for ever, so second-hand rotors in particular have an unknown shelf-life. It may be wise to purchase a new rotor, even if you are buying a second-hand centrifuge. Whatever the case, make sure you enquire about the age of the rotor, and how much it has been used.

Manufacturer

Check that the manufacturer still supports the model of used centrifuge you are considering. Make sure that you will be able to get replacement parts if necessary. Perhaps the manufacturer will offer a service contract on your second-hand purchase.

Features

Be clear about what features you need, taking into account future needs.

Will the model of used centrifuge meet your requirements?

Centrifuge Manufacturers

Leading centrifuge manufacturers include:

• Heraeus centrifuges
• Eppendorf centrifuges
• Hettich centrifuges
• Sorvall centrifuges
• Capricorn centrifuges

Used Centrifuge Buying Checklist

Essential information

Here’s a short checklist of what to look for when buying a used centrifuge:

Maximum speed
Choice of g or rpm
Pulse button
Temperature control
Availability of different inserts or heads for flexibility
Programmable
Safety features
Accuracy
Reliability
Ease of use
Noise
Easy to clean
Service support
See also Features and Considerations in buying second-hand centrifuges.

Hints and tips

Be clear about the specification
Make a list of the features you need in order of priority. This will largely be a matter of experience, but will also depend on standard protocols.

Make sure that the model you choose has all the features you need and the features you will need in the future. You cannot upgrade a centrifuge!

Safety and accuracy

Safety, accuracy and reliability cannot be compromised – these should be the most important factors when choosing laboratory equipment.

Accessories

Remember that a large number of accessories may be necessary. If decontamination is needed, check whether this is to be done by the seller or the purchaser.

Research the manufacturer

Does the manufacturer have a reputation for reliability and durability? Does it offer service support?

Installation

Remember that the floor-standing centrifuges must be properly installed, to make sure that they are securely fixed, and absolutely level. This may well require the services of an expert installer.