Centrifuges
Ultra centrifuge
We have a Sorvall WX Ultra series ultra centrifuge that comes with two swinging bucket rotors:
- TH-660-titanium, 4 ml tube volume (60,000 rpm or 488,579 x g)
- AH-629-aluminum, 36 ml tube volume (29,000 rpm or 151,243 x g)
- 65V13-titanium, 13.5 ml tube volume (65,000 rpm or 400,671 x g)
- F50L 8 x 39 carbon fiber rotor (fixed angle, 50,000 rpm or 266,000 x g)
Our ultra centrifuge can reach a maximum speed of 100,000 rpm (802,000 x g), depending on the rotor used. Some of the options include:
- Programmed operation — you can store set run conditions in the memory for later use in repeated operation.
- Step-mode operation — more than one normal operation can be combined into a sequence of operations for successive centrifugation.
- Real-time control — the run starts or completes at a required date and time.
- RCF value display setting — calculates RCF (centrifugal force) values from a set speed and also calculates conversely (finds speed if you set the RCF).
Booking use of the ultra centrifuge
One of the features that we use with the ultra centrifuge is the Lockout system, which means that you have to belong to a group of registered users in order to access and operate it. To become a registered user, you must get set up with a username and password by the laboratory manager.
To ensure the availability of the ultra centrifuge, please book the time that you are intending to use the centrifuge in advance. To view the ultra centrifuge's availability, please visit the multi-user calendar. Please note: you must be a University of Saskatchewan user with a valid NSID and password before you can book times on the following calendar.
To book equipment: please click on the selected date and select the "Add+" symbol in the bottom corner of the date box to open the calendar submission form. Please fill in all of the form's fields. Remember to include your name and telephone number as well as your start time and end time in the form's title box.
To cancel your equipment booking: please click on the event to open an "Edit" window. Click "Delete" on the form.
High-speed centrifuge
The Sorvall RC-6 Plus Superspeed centrifuge reaches speeds of up to 22,000 rpm (55,200 x g) without the need for a vacuum system. It is a refrigerated centrifuge with a precool function for fast rotor precooling. We have two fixed angle rotors available to use:
- SA-600 aluminum (16,500 rpm or 39,412 x g)
- Holds 12 50 ml tubes
- F10-4 x 1000 LEX carbon fiber (9,500 rpm or 16,880 x g)
- Holds four 1,000 ml bottles
- F13-14 x 50 cy carbon fiber (13,000 rpm or 29,000 x g)
- Holds 14 50 ml tubes
- F12-6 x 500 LEX carbon fiber (12,000 rpm or 24,515 x g)
- Holds six 500 ml bottles
Some of the features include:
- Real Time Control for delayed start/stop runs
- Program Memory to save run conditions for future use
- RCF control allows set and display of g-force
- Step-mode operation can be used for a sequence of operations to meet a wide range of applications
We use the lockout system in order to limit the users of this centrifuge. Registered users can use this system only after a system administrator has registered them. Please see the laboratory manager before you plan to use this centrifuge for the first time.
There are bottles/tubes that fit our rotors available for you to use. They need to be washed, autoclaved and returned back to our laboratory after you are finished with them.
To ensure the availability of the Sorvall RC-6 Plus Superspeed centrifuge, please book the time that you are intending to use the equipment in advance. To view the Sorvall RC-6 Plus Superspeed centrifuge's availability, please visit the multi-user calendar. Please note: you must be a University of Saskatchewan PAWS user with a valid NSID and you must be logged in to PAWS before you can book times on the following calendar.
To book equipment: please click on the selected date and select the "Add+" symbol in the bottom corner of the date box to open the calendar submission form. Please fill in all of the form's fields. Remember to include your name and telephone number as well as your start time and end time in the form's title box.
To cancel your equipment booking: please click on the event to open an "Edit" window. Click "Delete" on the form.
For more information, please contact:
Champika Fernando
WCVM Molecular Microbiology Lab Co-ordinator
306-966-7228 | champika.fernando@usask.ca
Other centrifuges
- Tabletop general purpose centrifuge (at right)
- Sorvall Legend RT reaching speeds up to 4,000 rpm or 3,600 x g
- Microcentrifuge
- Eppendorf 5425 R refrigerated centrifuge
- Holds 24 1.5 ml samples, up to 14,000 rpm
For more information, please contact:
Champika Fernando
WCVM Molecular Microbiology Lab Co-ordinator
306-966-7228 | champika.fernando@usask.ca