A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Second-Hand Centrifuge
Summary:
This page covers the benefits and considerations of buying a used centrifuge, the types of centrifuges available for purchase, and where to find used centrifuges for sale.
Introduction
However, the market for pre-owned laboratory equipment can be daunting, especially for those new to procurement. This guide will walk you through the key considerations, benefits, and potential pitfalls of buying a second-hand centrifuge. This knowledge will help you find the right centrifuge for your budget and needs.
Types of Centrifuges You Can Buy Second-Hand
1. Used Laboratory Centrifuge
Laboratories involved in research and clinical procedures often use centrifuges for cell collection, protein purification, and virus purification. Different construction methods distinguish laboratory centrifuges from other types of centrifuges for their use as laboratory equipment.
2. Used Refrigerated Centrifuge
Refrigerated centrifuges are used for research and industrial applications. They are essential for maintaining the integrity of samples, as they have a range of temperatures for temperature-specific samples. You can purchase this type of centrifuge secondhand for use in clinical laboratories and research.
3. Used Industrial Centrifuge
Large-scale centrifugation in industries typically uses a larger version of laboratory centrifuges. Industrial centrifuges are usually high-speed and are used in many industries, including wastewater treatment, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, food processing, and mining processing industries.
Other types of used centrifuges for sale include:
- Benchtop Centrifuges: They are compact, versatile, and ideal for small-scale research, clinical processes, and educational settings.
- Floor-Standing Centrifuges: They are larger, more powerful, and suited for high-volume and heavy-duty laboratory applications.
- Ultracentrifuges: They are high-performance centrifuges that operate at extremely high speeds (up to 150,000 rpm) and are often used for advanced medical and laboratory research applications.
Key Considerations When Buying a Second-Hand Centrifuge
1. Condition and Age of the Centrifuge
Centrifuges can perform optimally for up to 10 years or more when properly used and maintained. Industrial centrifuges, on average, can last longer.
Buying a used laboratory centrifuge requires checking that it is in excellent condition and not close to the end of its lifespan. Ignoring these factors after inspection could result in a waste of money and time.
2. Maintenance History
Previous owners of a centrifuge must keep an updated log of past maintenance and activities. This lists the equipment’s most vulnerable areas and helps you decide if it is worth your time. If there is no maintenance log for the centrifuge you want to buy, you should probably move on to the next option.
Warranty and Service Agreement
Warranty and service agreement on a centrifuge shows the manufacturer's promise of a well-functioning centrifuge, the time such guarantee covers, and the terms and conditions for interventions and repairs. Some second-hand sellers also provide repair and maintenance facilities and time-bound warranties on used laboratory centrifuges.
4. Compatibility With Your Needs
Whether new or secondhand, a centrifuge should suit the purpose for which you buy it. As you may require different centrifuges for different uses in a laboratory or industry, the compatibility and suitability of the centrifuge you are proposing to buy with your needs must be checked.
5. Seller's Reputation
Some sellers specialize in reselling used centrifuges to buyers. You should only approach vendors or sellers with a reputation for selling quality used products. Pay close attention to online reviews, customer satisfaction, years of service, documentation, and affiliations with industry bodies. The systems put in place by the seller to improve their reputation include ensuring that used centrifuges for sale are in excellent condition.
Where to Find Used Centrifuges for Sale
1. Online Marketplaces for Used Centrifuges
- R&D Laboratory Equipment: A marketplace that specializes in selling used laboratory and sensitive medical equipment, including centrifuges, HEPA filters, biosafety cabinets, and more.
- eBay: A popular online auction site with a wide selection of used products, including centrifuges.
Local and International Suppliers
Auctions and Liquidation Sales
Benefits of Buying a Second-Hand Centrifuge
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Buying a used laboratory centrifuge is a cost-effective way to improve your laboratory's functionality. Centrifuges are often essential for advanced laboratory testing and research, but the cost of a new one can delay procurement activities for other vital equipment. However, if you can get a quality second-hand product, preventive and regular maintenance can significantly improve its usability, guaranteeing research integrity and laboratory personnel safety.
2. Environmentally Friendly Choice
Rather than leaving a used centrifuge to contribute to environmental waste that would negatively impact the environment, reusing it reduces environmental waste. Laboratories and plants can reduce their ecological carbon footprint by purchasing and using second-hand centrifuges.
3. Quick Availability
Secondhand centrifuges are usually readily available for sale or use, compared to new ones, which take time to manufacture and set up. Thus, a company or laboratory can easily replace a faulty centrifuge by purchasing a used one. This is especially beneficial in emergencies and prevents delays in research or production.
Inspection Checklist Before Purchase
1. Physical Inspection
Before purchasing a used laboratory centrifuge, you must inspect its physical condition. This includes checking for metal fatigue and corrosion. Also, pay close attention to the inner chambers for signs of wear and tear and internal damage. Ensure that all parts are present and in excellent condition.
2. Performance Testing
Always test a second-hand product before paying for it, especially for sensitive medical and laboratory products like centrifuges. A used laboratory centrifuge will have minor performance issues that can be solved with maintenance and repairs. However, ensure that these issues are not so significant as to cause research contamination, frequent maintenance, or downtime at work. Pay close attention to:
- The starting-up and slowing-down speeds
- Check for unfamiliar vibrations
- Check for unusual noise levels
- Discharge time and rate.
If you find a used laboratory centrifuge defective in any of these parameters, it may indicate a problem somewhere that has not been fixed.
3. Documentation Review
When buying a used centrifuge, pay close attention to its usage and maintenance history. This will reveal how the previous owner maintained it and how you can ensure optimal performance. Moreover, it will display the duration of the centrifuge's operation, the accessories that have been replaced, and those that may require immediate repair.
Conclusion
Because it has undergone testing, a used laboratory centrifuge may be more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and suitable for your needs. However, buying the best one requires knowledge of how centrifuges work, purchasing from a reputable source, and ensuring the centrifuge is compatible with your needs. If you’re interested in cutting costs and improving the functionality of your laboratory, contact R&D Laboratory Equipment now.
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of buying a used centrifuge?
Buying a used centrifuge can save money, reduce electronic waste, and provide quick availability.
2. What should I consider when buying a used centrifuge?
Consider the condition, age, maintenance history, compatibility, certification, and warranty or support options.
3. How do I know if a used centrifuge is in good working condition?
Inspect the centrifuge, check maintenance records, and ask the seller about its history.
4. Can I upgrade or modify the centrifuge used?
It may be possible, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines and consider consulting a professional before any modification.
5. Where can I buy a used centrifuge?
You can buy a used laboratory centrifuge from online marketplaces, specialized dealers, auction sites, and laboratories.