Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You will find here the answers to a series of questions that have been asked to us on numerous occasions. Use the list below to select the topic that interests you.

Topics

• Centrifuges

Centrifuges

What is the difference between RPM and RCF in regard to tubes?

RPM stands for revolutions per minute. This is how centrigue manufacturers generally describe how fast the centrifuge is going. The rotor, regardless of its size, is revolving at that rate. The force applied to the contents varies with the size of the centrifuge rotor.

RCF, or relative centrifugal force is measured in force × gravity, or g-force. This is the force exerted on the contents of the rotor, resulting from the revolutions of the rotor.

It is RCF, not RPM, that separates aqueous solutions in the centrifuge. RCF can be calculated for any centrifuge with the following equation:

RCF = 1.1118 × 105 × r × RPM2

Where r is the radius of the rotor in cm.

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