It can be dangerous to run an unbalanced centrifuge. Aside from causing significant damage to the device, it can also put the user in harm’s way. Undeniably, balancing a centrifuge is very important. When using a centrifuge, it is also recommended to balance masses as much as possible and never exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation.
The tubes should be balanced using mass and not volume. Each of the tube’s total mass must be as close as possible. This is especially important when the rotor speeds are high. Other important tips you must remember when balancing a centrifuge include:
- Ensure the sample tubes should be filled evenly.
- Make sure the tubes are equal in mass.
- Add a tube equal in weight opposite the one you inserted in the rotor.
- Make sure the two tubes are opposite each other directly.
Balancing 3, 5, and 7 Tubes (in a Centrifuge with 12 Positions)
Not all centrifuge placements are required to be occupied in a run. In some instances, when you need to run 3, 5, or 7 tubes with 12 positions, balancing can be tricky. That said, it is recommended that you know how the tubes are balanced before the centrifuge is operated.
- You can space three tubes around the rotor evenly.
- When balancing 5 tubes, you must create 1 balance tube. At the same time, you also need to place 2 sets of 3 tubes across one another.
- When balancing 7 tubes, you need to have 1 balance tube and place 2 sets of 4 tubes across one another.
