Let’s Dive into Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993
The Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 is a 12-place rotor designed for use with specific Beckman Coulter centrifuges. It’s engineered for applications like pelleting cells, bacteria, and subcellular fractions, making it a crucial tool for researchers in various fields.
My journey to the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 stemmed from a need to upgrade the rotor in our research lab. We had been experiencing inconsistent results with our older rotor, particularly when separating bacterial cultures. The promise of higher RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) and compatibility with our existing Avanti J-26 XP centrifuge made it an appealing option.
The rotor arrived well-packaged, showcasing Beckman Coulter’s commitment to protecting their precision instruments. The aluminum construction felt solid and reassuring, suggesting a robust build quality designed for years of intensive use. The single-locking lid mechanism appeared straightforward and secure, an important factor for maintaining sample integrity during high-speed centrifugation.
While our lab also considered rotors from Thermo Scientific and Eppendorf, the Beckman Coulter model stood out due to its specific compatibility with our existing centrifuge infrastructure. This eliminated the need for potentially expensive upgrades or modifications to our equipment. The specified RCF of 23,200 g was also a critical factor in our decision-making process, allowing us to achieve the necessary separation efficiency for our research.
My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. While the build quality and specifications were promising, I knew the true test would lie in its real-world performance within the demanding environment of our research lab.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 to the Test
First Use Experience
Our first test run involved pelleting E. coli cells after an overnight culture. We used standard 50mL conical tubes, ensuring proper balancing within the rotor. The centrifuge was set to 8,000 rpm, a speed we frequently use for this particular application.
The rotor performed flawlessly, maintaining a consistent and stable spin throughout the process. Upon completion, the cell pellets were visibly more compact and well-defined compared to those obtained with our previous rotor. This immediately highlighted the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993’s superior performance.
The ease of use was also noteworthy. The single-locking lid mechanism made loading and unloading samples quick and efficient, minimizing the risk of accidental spills or contamination. No issues were encountered, and the rotor felt secure and balanced during operation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of continuous use, the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 has consistently delivered reliable and reproducible results. We have used it for a variety of applications, including plasmid DNA isolation, protein precipitation, and gradient centrifugation. The rotor has shown no signs of performance degradation or mechanical issues.
Durability has proven to be a strong suit. Despite frequent use and regular cleaning, the aluminum construction remains free from corrosion or significant wear. The single-locking lid mechanism continues to operate smoothly and securely.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with mild detergent and careful drying. This simple maintenance routine ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of the rotor. Compared to our previous rotor, which required more frequent and complex cleaning procedures, the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 represents a significant improvement in terms of ease of maintenance and overall reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993
Specifications
- Rotor Type: Fixed-angle. Fixed-angle rotors are ideal for pelleting applications because the tubes are held at an angle, forcing particles to the bottom during centrifugation.
- Material: Aluminum. The aluminum construction provides a balance of strength, durability, and relatively low weight, making it suitable for high-speed centrifugation.
- Tube Capacity: 12 x 50 mL conical tubes. This capacity is well-suited for processing a moderate number of samples, commonly used in research laboratories.
- Maximum Speed: 12,000 rpm. This is the highest rotational speed the rotor can safely achieve, directly impacting the RCF.
- Maximum RCF: 23,200 g. RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) is the force applied to the sample during centrifugation; higher RCF values allow for more efficient separation of particles.
- Axis of Rotation: 35°. The angle of the tube relative to the axis of rotation affects the pelleting efficiency and the path length of the particles during separation.
- Centrifuge Compatibility: Avanti J-26 XP and XPI (BK393124 series), J6-MI (BK360291), and J-E (BK369001) centrifuges. This rotor is specifically designed for these Beckman Coulter models, ensuring proper fit and optimal performance.
- Lid Type: Single-locking. This lid design simplifies the loading and unloading process while providing a secure seal to prevent sample leakage during operation.
These specifications are vital because they directly influence the rotor’s ability to effectively separate and pellet samples. The high RCF is particularly important for applications requiring efficient separation of small particles or dense materials.
Performance & Functionality
The Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 excels in its primary function: efficiently pelleting cells and separating subcellular fractions. Its high RCF and optimized fixed-angle design ensure rapid and complete sedimentation of target materials.
The rotor’s strengths lie in its reliability, ease of use, and consistent performance. It delivers reproducible results across a variety of applications, contributing to the overall accuracy and efficiency of our research. One area for possible improvement might be the availability of adapters for smaller tube sizes, increasing its versatility.
Overall, the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 meets and often exceeds our expectations. It has become an indispensable tool in our lab.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 features a robust and well-engineered design. The aluminum construction provides a solid feel, and the weight is manageable for routine handling.
The single-locking lid mechanism is particularly user-friendly, allowing for quick and effortless loading and unloading of samples. There is minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on our experience, the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 is built to last. The high-quality materials and solid construction suggest a long lifespan even under demanding conditions.
Maintenance is relatively simple, involving regular cleaning with mild detergent and careful drying. This simple routine is crucial for preventing corrosion and ensuring optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 comes with a single-locking lid, and no additional accessories are included in the standard package. While no direct customization options are available, compatibility with various 50mL conical tubes provides some flexibility.
Adaptation to smaller tube sizes might be achieved through third-party adapters. This would enhance the rotor’s versatility.
Pros and Cons of Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993Pros
- High RCF: The Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993’s impressive 23,200 g RCF ensures efficient separation and pelleting of even small particles.
- Reliability: Consistent and reproducible results across various applications make this rotor a trustworthy tool for research.
- Ease of Use: The single-locking lid mechanism simplifies loading and unloading, saving time and minimizing the risk of contamination.
- Durability: The robust aluminum construction is built to withstand years of intensive use.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Avanti J-26 XP and other compatible Beckman Coulter centrifuges, ensuring seamless integration.
Cons
- High Price: At $14,099.00, the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 represents a significant investment.
- Limited Versatility: The rotor is primarily designed for 50mL conical tubes, limiting its use with smaller sample volumes without adapters.
Who Should Buy Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993?
Pros
- High RCF: The Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993’s impressive 23,200 g RCF ensures efficient separation and pelleting of even small particles.
- Reliability: Consistent and reproducible results across various applications make this rotor a trustworthy tool for research.
- Ease of Use: The single-locking lid mechanism simplifies loading and unloading, saving time and minimizing the risk of contamination.
- Durability: The robust aluminum construction is built to withstand years of intensive use.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Avanti J-26 XP and other compatible Beckman Coulter centrifuges, ensuring seamless integration.
Cons
- High Price: At $14,099.00, the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 represents a significant investment.
- Limited Versatility: The rotor is primarily designed for 50mL conical tubes, limiting its use with smaller sample volumes without adapters.
The Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 is perfect for research laboratories, biotechnology companies, and academic institutions that rely on high-speed centrifugation for cell pelleting, subcellular fractionation, and other separation techniques. Its robust design and reliable performance make it an ideal choice for demanding applications.
Smaller labs with limited budgets or those primarily working with smaller sample volumes might find the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 to be an unnecessary investment. Alternatives with lower RCF or greater versatility might be more suitable.
Essential accessories include high-quality 50mL conical tubes and appropriate cleaning supplies to maintain the rotor’s performance and longevity. Adapters for smaller tube sizes, if available, would significantly enhance its versatility.
Conclusion on Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993
The Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 is a high-performance rotor that delivers exceptional reliability and efficiency. While the price point is substantial, the rotor’s robust construction, consistent performance, and ease of use justify the investment for laboratories that require high-speed centrifugation for critical applications.
For labs needing this level of performance, the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 is well worth the cost. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any research team seeking a dependable and long-lasting rotor for their Beckman Coulter centrifuges. If you’re ready to elevate your research capabilities, consider the Ja-12 Fixed-angle Rotors, Beckman Coulter 360993 and experience the difference firsthand.