Method for determining radiometer correction factor and rotor temperature

摘要

To enable centrifuging to occur at precisely determined sample temperatures, a method of centrifuge calibration which permits rapid and accurate refrigeration of the rotor containing the sample is disclosed. A rotor with sample to be centrifuged is placed within a centrifuge can. Temperature of the radiometer Tra, and temperature of the surrounding refrigerating can Tc is determined at a first time, t0. Thereafter, and at a second time t1, temperature of the radiometer Tra, and the temperature of the surrounding refrigerating can Tc are equilibrated. The temperature excursion between t0 and t1 for the temperatures of the radiometer Tra and the temperature of the refrigerating can Tc are measured to yield respective DELTA Tra and DELTA Tc. The radio of DELTA Tra/ DELTA Tc is taken to give a constant which comprises the view factor from the radiometer for the particular shape of rotor and the surrounding can. Thereafter, the temperature of the rotor Tr will equal the temperature of the radiometer plus the temperature of the radiometer minus the temperature of the refrigerating can Tc times the determined view factor. It is thereafter possible to maintain a large temperature differential between the refrigerating can and the rotor and bring the rotor (and necessarily the sample) rapidly to a precise temperature where centrifuging can rapidly follow.