Herolab high-speed centrifuges HiCen F/ HiCen FR
The compact HiCen F and HiCen FR are specially designed to work reliably and save space in demanding laboratory environments. Thanks to their flexible axis and small footprint, they can be easily installed under or next to the workbench. It is also possible to use the unit on castors so that laboratory teams can react flexibly. Compared to older generations of centrifuges, the devices are characterized by high performance and long maintenance intervals. Similarly powerful options such as the Herolab MicroCen M/ MicroCen MR also offer good performance values, but the HiCen F and HiCen FR enable particularly gentle loading of the drive thanks to their self-centering system. This reduces vibrations and extends the service life.
Advanced features and technical details
The focus of the HiCen centrifuges is on high acceleration combined with safe motor operation. The robust design principle with armor reinforcement for additional stability is particularly striking. The models are available either without cooling (HiCen F) or with cooling (HiCen FR), which creates the necessary flexibility depending on the respective sample volume and temperature control requirements.
Important points at a glance: - Speed range from 500 to 14,000 min-¹ (HiCen F) or up to 18,000 min-¹ (HiCen FR)
- g-value in steps of 10 x g up to a maximum of 21,913 x g (HiCen F) or 34,774 x g (HiCen FR)
- Modern touchscreen control with programmable parameters (50 programs)
- Bypass cooling system on the refrigerated model (HiCen FR) for precise temperature control down to -20 °C
- Up to four liter samples (4 x 500 ml) in one run, which is particularly suitable for larger laboratory series
- Nine programmable acceleration and deceleration ramps for optimal sample handling
- Robust, brushless induction motor with self-centring system, minimizing unwanted vibrations
The maintenance-free nature of the drive is a key benefit for high-throughput laboratories as it reduces downtime An electronic lid lock with emergency release mechanism as well as integrated overspeed and imbalance safeguards ensure maximum safety. In contrast to devices with manual locking, the HiCen model eliminates the need for time-consuming checks, which further speeds up the work process.
This automatic rotor identification (APRI) system automatically recognizes different rotors so that users do not have to set the relevant speed limits or maximum RZB values manually. The process is software-supported and ensures that the correct operating values are always set. The outer stainless steel chamber with additional armor reinforcement not only ensures a long service life, but also prevents accidents. This is because in the event of an imbalance or breakage of rotor components, damage is limited to the interior.
The big difference between HiCen F and HiCen FR lies in the integrated cooling of the FR model. Here, the temperature can be set as low as -20 °C, which can be of key importance for temperature-sensitive samples. In molecular biology laboratories, which frequently work with proteins or heat-sensitive reagents, this cooling solution is a decisive criterion for consistently high sample quality. At the same time, the system has various safety functions for temperature monitoring to ensure that the desired limit values are not exceeded.
Certifications and standards
These devices are designed for demanding laboratory use and comply with common specifications for safe laboratory instruments. These include the usual standards such as CE as well as internal tests for accident prevention, material quality and electromagnetic compatibility. Users can count on the reliability of the devices, which are specially designed for long-term routine use.
Examples of use
- Clinical diagnostics: Separation of blood components or plasma samples.
- Molecular biology research: preparation and purification of nucleic acids, e.g. DNA and RNA, at a controlled temperature.
- Biotechnology companies: Concentration and harvesting of microorganisms or cell lines.
- Industrial laboratories: Analysis of suspensions in production processes, for example for pharmaceuticals or specialty chemicals.
FAQs
How often is maintenance required?
Thanks to the brushless induction motor, the models are largely maintenance-free. It is advisable to carry out regular visual inspections and calibrations depending on laboratory use.
Can the centrifuge be set up for different rotors?
Yes, the devices support 11 angle rotors and 2 swing-out rotors. The APRI system automatically recognizes compatible rotors.
How can the temperature of the HiCen FR be precisely controlled?
The cooling model has a bypass control that enables temperatures in the range from -20 °C to +40 °C. A deviation of ±2 °C is ensured by the calibrated system.
Which acceleration and deceleration ramps are available
Nine ramps are available to customize the process and treat the samples as gently as possible. The settings can be made via the touchscreen menu.
Are the devices transportable?
Yes, both models can either be permanently installed or moved using special castors. This facilitates use at changing laboratory stations.
Conclusion
HiCen F offers high speeds for a wide range of tasks, while HiCen FR also has reliable cooling and can even process temperature-sensitive samples safely. The self-centring drive, extensive safety functions and the APRI system maximize operational safety and user convenience. At the same time, the centrifuges impress with their flexibility, low maintenance and a modern touchscreen control system that makes all parameters transparent and easy to understand. Anyone looking for high-performance centrifuges with a long product life cycle will find these devices to be an excellent solution for practically any laboratory environment.
