What is lab equipment calibration?

In the context of lab research, it typically means adjusting or standardizing your equipment so it can be more precise. This can include marking the graduations on a measuring device, or figuring out how much an instrument deviates from standard and adjusting for that difference.

How often should pressure gauges be calibrated

Calibration is the procedure of comparing a reference with a known error margin against a device (for example a pressure gauge) under test. If the device doesn’t match the reference, then we adjust it to match, or at least come close, the desired measuring accuracy. The reference measurement instrument must be more accurate than the pressure gauge to be calibrated, and it must also be traceable. To calibrate a pressure gauge, we will need to check the values throughout the entire measuring range, zero point, intermediate values, and the full-scale value.

What does calibrating an instrument mean

Calibration is a comparison between a known measurement (the standard) and the measurement using your instrument.

What is the purpose of equipment calibration?

It is important to calibrate equipment to help assure accurate measurements and production of quality products with reduced errors and recalls. It is also important to calibrate equipment to foster innovation and the development of new technologies, as accurate measurements are foundational to both.

How often should you calibrate lab equipment?

Instrument calibration and maintenance are an integral part of any operation in manufacturing/ laboratory. and are vital for data quality assurance. Accurate and reliable monitoring results are crucial for data analysis, particularly when the monitoring results are to be compared with the relevant standards or guidelines for compliance purposes, or for population exposure and health risk assessments. Where such analyses lead to air quality policy formulation and the quality of the original data is especially important. This Procedure outlines the basic requirements for the calibration and maintenance of monitoring instruments based primarily on standard monitoring methods. Monitoring agencies should develop their own detailed calibration and maintenance programs appropriate to their data quality assurance goals.

Home » Blog » Key Factors To Be Considered When Setting Up a Laboratory Centrifuge

Key Factors To Be Considered When Setting Up a Laboratory Centrifuge

April 2, 2023

April 2, 2023

Every laboratory has a centrifuge. It is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a lab and is used for various purposes in different laboratories. When it comes to a lab, everything must be perfect, from choosing the equipment to its installation.

As a centrifuge’s function is important, so is its installation and calibration. Therefore, some key factors must be considered when setting up a centrifuge.

As a laboratory owner or staff, you hire only the best for centrifuge installation and centrifuge in San Diego to ensure accurate results and your staff’s safety.

What Is a Centrifuge?

Though you know it, knowing what a centrifuge is, won’t hurt.

A centrifuge is a machine that separates fluids based on their density by spinning quickly. Different mediums carry the mixtures and have heterogeneous fluids or particles that a centrifuge separates. It is a common lab equipment in hospitals, testing labs, chemistry labs, etc.

A centrifuge has space for several small vessels or tubes fixed in place. Against the vessel with the mixtures, the centrifuge is counterbalanced with tubes containing the same mass so the rotor does not tip or lose its balance.

Factors To Consider During a Laboratory Centrifuge Installation

Different types of centrifuges are available in the market. For example, there are micro and tabletop centrifuges. But the installation of both types is quite similar.

Suitable Temperature

The first and foremost requirement for centrifuge installation is a suitable temperature. The ideal temperature for a centrifuge is 2⁰C to 35⁰C. In unusual heat, the centrifuge might not work properly.

Besides, every laboratory must have temperature controls to maintain an ideal room temperature. It is especially important during summer as the temperature rises. The presence of chemicals and their different temperatures also affect a centrifuge’s operation. So, read the manual carefully and ensure a suitable temperature.

A Designated Space

Apart from the right temperature, a centrifuge must be placed on a flat surface. If you have permanent centrifuge platforms, it is best. But if not, a table or a bench is required. It should be large enough to accommodate the equipment and its accessories. The surrounding space must be clean and decluttered.

The importance of setting up a centrifuge on a flat surface is due to the high speed of the rotor. It rattles the surface and nearby stuff; thus, keeping the surroundings clutter-free is vital. The centrifuge lid might open due to unusual rattling if the machine is put on an uneven surface.

Other than this, it is important to learn that a centrifuge is meant for indoor use. Therefore, it should not be installed near a window or heat.

Electrical Circuit

Other than the space and temperature, an electrical circuit is a must for the centrifuge, and it should be within close reach of the machine. A centrifuge runs on an A.C. voltage. The rest of the instructions can be found in the centrifuge manual.

Test Run

Once the centrifuge has been set up, a test run is essential. A professional team is responsible for installation and centrifuge calibration in San Diego.

How To Safely Operate a Centrifuge?

So, your centrifuge is ready to be used, but a standard set of procedures must be followed during each operation.

Before using a centrifuge, ensure it is properly balanced on the surface. It also includes checking the buckets and adapters. Each centrifuge tube is counterbalanced by an opposite tube across the bucket. Also, the tubes should not be balanced by volume but by mass. Measure the weight of tubes with their caps on so the weight is accurately measured. As a centrifuge runs fast, it is a non-negotiable prerequisite.
Fix the tubes in buckets tightly and close the lid carefully. The contents of centrifuge tubes are classified into different categories of severity of harm. They can be very harmful.
The centrifuge must always be operated in the presence of personnel. In case of unusual wobbling or shaking, turn off the machine. Unplug it from the circuit and don’t open it until the rotor has stopped entirely.
Check the tubes carefully before using them. Breakage during the operation can be disastrous. Check them for a crack or any signs of potential breakage.
Clean the centrifuge after every use, and ensure the bucket has no foreign elements.
Always wear protective gear during centrifuge operation and maintain a safe distance.

Centrifuge Calibration in San Diego

Apart from the above tips, centrifuge calibration is a must to ensure safe operation. Consult Biotechnical Services Inc. today and let our experienced team handle centrifuge calibration for you in San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

Key Factors To Be Considered When Setting Up a Laboratory Centrifuge

What Is a Centrifuge?