AH-629 Balancing Bucket Rotor
The AH-629 is an aluminum balancing bucket rotor designed by Thermo Fisher Scientific for research ultracentrifuges. It is distinguished by its ability to reach high speeds of up to 29,000 rpm while maintaining excellent mechanical stability. With its six independent compartments, it is compatible with three types of titanium buckets, offering capacities for 17 ml, 20 ml, or 36 ml tubes, with a total capacity of up to 216 ml. This modularity allows it to be easily adapted to the specific needs of each experimental protocol, whether for cell analysis, macromolecule separations, or density gradients.
During the centrifugation cycle, the buckets tilt horizontally, ensuring an even distribution of centrifugal force across the samples. This mechanism is essential to optimize sedimentation and reduce disturbances, especially for delicate gradients such as those using cesium chloride. To ensure operator and equipment safety, the rotor is equipped with an integrated overspeed control disk at its base, coupled with strict cycle management. After 1,000 cycles, the maximum allowed speed is reduced to 26,000 rpm, and a new safety disk must be applied. Beyond this limit, the rotor should not be used.
The rotor is primarily made of high-strength aluminum, while the buckets are made of titanium, providing both lightness and durability. The sealing of each compartment is ensured by an aluminum threaded cap and a Viton® O-ring, which must be lubricated before each use with specific grease. Special attention is required for cleaning: it is recommended to wash the rotor with warm soapy water after each use, avoid contact with corrosive solutions (such as concentrated ammonium hydroxide), and store the buckets upside down to prevent moisture accumulation.
Ideal for high-precision applications, the AH-629 rotor is recognized for its reliability, versatility, and compliance with the highest safety standards. It is a suitable choice for laboratories seeking a high-performance, durable rotor adapted to a wide range of ultracentrifugation techniques.
