Lidstrom:Sorvall Centrifuge

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Background

Lidstrom Sorvoll centrifuge

We have a Sorvoll RC-5B centrifuge that is useful for spinning large volumes in 0.5L bottles or medium-sized (a few mL) volumes very quickly

Rotors

Sorvall rotors

SS-34

• Holds 8*50 mL, spins at 20,000 RPM/36,900 RCF
  • BUT Katya (circa 2010) recommends using it at <= 18,000 RPM
  • Tubes:

    

    SS-34 tubes

    • Can't be autoclaved.
      • Actually, Amanda might have autoclaved them before.
    • Can't write on body; can only write on cap. Sandy says stickers don't stick.

SS-34 rotor speeds and k factors

GS-3

• GS-3.
  • BUT Katya (circa 2010) recommends using it at <= 7,500
  • For bigger bottles. (0.5L)
  • Holds eppendorf (1.5mL) tubes
• Spins at 9,000 RPM/13,700 RCF
• Requires 3 pieces for installation:
  • • (1) the base that you put the filled bottles in
    • (2) a matching black metal lid
    • (3) a metal rod with threads at one end and a knob on the other.
  • Place the based down, screw the lid on counter clockwise and then use the pin to secure it. Try lifting to ensure you secured it correctly.

GS-34 rotor speeds and k factors

Explanation of RCF

RCF explanation

• For reference, the benchtop 50mL centrifuges (e.g. ST-15R with a TX-400 swinging bucket rotor) we have spin at 4696 RCF.

• There are stickers with maximum speeds. These were set by Katya, a Lidstrom Lab manager, circa 2011. It is unknown what the motivation was for keeping the rotors below maximum speed.

Lidstrom sorvoll speed instructions

Instructions

1. pre-chill the rotor you plan to use (overnight in fridge)
2. turn on centrifuge

Sample protocols

Example protocol for SIP3-4:

Janet's SIP3-4 centrifugation:

• Chill to 4^oC with SS-34 rotor inside
• Fill correct tubes
• Spin for ___ min at ___ RCF at ___^oC

Example protocol for AM1:

Ask Nate/Ceci

Centrifugation Math & Basics

• Sigma summary:
  • sedimentation rate is proportional to RFC, and proportional to the square of the particle diameter (cell diameter).

  • 

    Stoke's equation

  • 

    centrifugation speeds for applications