What is a trunnion on a centrifuge?

What is a trunnion on a centrifuge?

The rotor trunnions are small steel knobs located at the edge of a swing-out rotor and support the centrifuge buckets. During centrifugation, the buckets will swing on the trunnions causing friction. A build up of friction between the bucket and trunnion can cause imbalance errors, increased noise and poor results.

What is a rotor in a centrifuge?

A centrifuge rotor is the rotating unit of the centrifuge, which has fixed holes drilled at an angle. Test tubes are placed inside these holes and the rotor spins to aid in the separation of the materials. There are three types of centrifuge rotors: swing-bucket, fixed-angle and vertical rotors.

How do you service a centrifuge?

Cleaning

1. Clean the centrifuge daily, or at least weekly.
2. Remove the rotor and any sample or container holders.
3. Interior cleaning includes the interior bucket, specimen holder, rotor and supports.
4. Use a sponge, warm water and a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid.

What is trunnion support?

A trunnion pipe support is a pipe support that reinforces pipe sections and stabilizes piping systems. The trunnion is an additional pipe, similar to the size of your parent pipe, that is welded to an active piping system in order to add physical support.

What is swinging bucket centrifuge?

Swinging-bucket centrifuge rotors feature a full pathlength, slow run time, and excellent resolution. The swinging bucket rotor allows the tube to change angle during the run. The buckets are vertical when stopped and horizontal when running.

How are mixtures separated inside of a centrifuge?

A centrifuge works by using the principle of sedimentation: Under the influence of gravitational force (g-force), substances separate according to their density. Different types of separation are known, including isopycnic, ultrafiltration, density gradient, phase separation, and pelleting.

Why is it important to clean a centrifuge?

The outside of the centrifuge and the rotor chamber should be cleaned regularly with neutral detergents. This is for hygienic purposes as well as to prevent contamination caused by residual contamination.

How do you prevent aerosolization during centrifugation?

Minimize the risk of aerosol production when centrifuging by observing the following precautions:

1. Use unbreakable tubes (i.e., not glass).
2. Avoid overfilling the tubes.
3. Use centrifuge tubes with o-ring screw caps.
4. Ensure that the centrifuge is properly balanced.

What is trunnion mounted ball valve?

A trunnion mounted valve means that the ball is con- strained by bearings and is only allowed to rotate, the majority of the hydraulic load is supported by the Sy- stem constraints, resulting in low bearing pressure and no shaft fatigue.