Centrifugation Theory: time to pellet particle

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Each centrifuge rotor has a particular k factor which can be calculated from the following formula

r = radius in centimeters
rpm = revolutions per minute

The following formula is used to estimate the time in hours (t) to clear a rotor of a particle with a known Svedberg constant (S).

The dynamic graph at left can be used to make this calculation.  Vary the rotor rmax and rmin and maximum speed to estimate the time it would take to pellet particles of Svedberg units from 1 to 100,000 S

Vary the slider bars below to select  rmax, rmin and RPMmax for the specific rotor you plan to use in your centrifugation experiment.  Be sure to set a the value for rmax to be larger than the valure of  rmin!

rmax =  cm

     rmin =  cm

RPMmax =  x 10,000