There are various types of centrifugation: Differential centrifugation, often used to separate certain organelles from whole cells for further analysis of specific parts of cells Isopycnic centrifugation, often used to isolate nucleic acids such as DNA Sucrose gradient centrifugation, often used to purify enveloped viruses and ribosomes, and also to separate cell organelles from crude cellular extracts

Laboratory centrifuges are used in chemistry, biology, and biochemistry for isolating and separating solids from liquids in a suspension. The solids can be insoluble compounds, biomolecules, cell organelles, or whole cells. They vary widely in speed and capacity. They usually comprise a rotor containing two, four, six, or many more numbered wells within which centrifuge tubes may be placed. When a suspension in a centrifuge tube is centrifuged, the solids settle at the bottom of the centrifuge tube; having a tapered wall helps to concentrate the solids, making it easier to decant the supernatant solution, leaving the solids. It’s a very importantlaboratory equipment.

The rotor is covered by a plastic cover. The cover is usually interlocked to prevent the motor from turning the rotor when it is open, and from allowing the cover to be opened before the rotor stops for several minutes. The cover protects the user from being injured by touching a rapidly spinning rotor. It also protects the user from fragments in case the rotor fails catastrophically.

The rotor must be balanced by placing samples or blanks of equal mass opposite each other. Since most of the mass is derived from the solvent, it is usually sufficient to place blanks or other samples of equal volume. As a safety feature, some centrifuges may stop turning when wobbling is detected.