Find HS Code and trade information for laboratory centrifuge

Laboratory Centrifuge

A laboratory centrifuge is a device used to separate substances of different densities, typically in a liquid medium, through the application of centrifugal force. It is a common piece of equipment in biological, chemical, medical, and pharmaceutical laboratories.

Material

Centrifuges are constructed from a variety of materials, chosen for durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand high speeds and forces. Common materials include:

• Stainless Steel: Used for rotor bodies and internal components due to its strength and resistance to corrosion.
• Aluminum Alloys: Often used for rotors, offering a good strength-to-weight ratio.
• Titanium Alloys: Employed in high-speed rotors where maximum strength and minimal weight are critical.
• Plastics (Polycarbonate, Polypropylene): Used for tubes, buckets, and some rotor components, particularly for lower-speed applications.
• Composite Materials: Increasingly used in rotors to achieve high strength and reduce weight.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a laboratory centrifuge is separation. This separation can be used for a wide range of applications, including:

• Cell Isolation: Separating cells from culture media or blood samples.
• Protein Purification: Isolating proteins from complex mixtures.
• Nucleic Acid Isolation: Separating DNA and RNA.
• Sample Clarification: Removing particulate matter from liquids.
• Granulometry: Determining the size distribution of particles in a suspension.
• Density Gradient Separation: Separating components based on their density.

Function

Centrifuges function by rotating samples at high speeds, generating centrifugal force. This force causes denser substances to move outward from the axis of rotation, while less dense substances remain closer to the axis. The resulting separation is based on:

• Sedimentation Rate: The speed at which particles settle through a liquid medium, dependent on particle size, shape, density, and the density and viscosity of the liquid.
• Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF): A standardized measure of the force applied to the sample, calculated based on the rotor radius and rotational speed. Expressed as g (times the Earth's gravitational force).
• Rotational Speed (RPM): Revolutions per minute, a measure of the centrifuge's spinning speed.

Usage Scenarios

Laboratory centrifuges are utilized in a diverse array of settings:

• Clinical Laboratories: Analyzing blood, urine, and other bodily fluids.
• Research Laboratories: Conducting experiments in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Separating and purifying drug compounds.
• Food Industry: Analyzing food samples for quality control.
• Environmental Science: Separating pollutants from water and soil samples.

Common Types

Centrifuges are classified based on their speed, rotor type, and application:

• Microcentrifuges: Small, high-speed centrifuges used for small volumes (typically 0.2-2 mL). Common in molecular biology labs.
• Clinical Centrifuges: Designed for routine clinical applications, with moderate speeds and capacities.
• High-Speed Centrifuges: Capable of achieving high RCFs (up to 60,000 g), used for separating cellular components and proteins.
• Ultracentrifuges: Achieve extremely high RCFs (over 100,000 g), used for separating viruses, lipoproteins, and other small particles. Often require vacuum systems and temperature control.
• Benchtop Centrifuges: General-purpose centrifuges suitable for a variety of applications.
• Floor-Standing Centrifuges: Larger, more powerful centrifuges for high-throughput applications.
• Specialized Centrifuges: Include hematocrit centrifuges (for determining packed cell volume), cytocentrifuges (for preparing cell smears), and preparative centrifuges (for large-scale separations).

Laboratory centrifuges fall under the classification of machinery used for separating substances, specifically liquids or gases, through centrifugal force. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:

• 8421110000: This HS code covers Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases; parts thereof: Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers: Cream separators. This is applicable if the centrifuge is specifically designed for separating cream from milk, but also broadly covers centrifuges.

  • 84: Chapter 84 pertains to Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.
  • 21: Heading 21 specifically covers centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, and filtering or purifying machinery.
  • 110000: This subheading narrows the classification to centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, and specifically identifies cream separators.

• 8479899599: This HS code covers Machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; parts thereof: Other machines and mechanical appliances: Other: Other Other. This code is applicable if the laboratory centrifuge does not fall under a more specific classification within Chapter 84 and has a unique function.

  • 84: Chapter 84 pertains to Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof.
  • 79: Heading 79 covers machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions not specified elsewhere.
  • 899599: This subheading covers other machines and mechanical appliances, further categorized as "other."

Regarding HS code 8479899599, please note a 2.5% basic tariff applies. Additionally, a 30% add-on tariff will be implemented after April 2, 2025. A further 25% add-on tariff applies to steel and aluminum products.