Model note · Centrifuge

Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST 16 / ST 16R Centrifuge

Name: Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST 16 / ST 16R Centrifuge
Brand: Thermo Scientific Sorvall

The Sorvall ST 16 is a general purpose benchtop centrifuge, with a refrigerated ST 16R version, used in clinical and research labs with swing bucket and fixed angle rotors up to 15,200 rpm. It identifies the fitted rotor and bucket automatically, detects imbalance electronically and has a motorised lid lock with emergency release. Faults appear as text messages or numbered E codes.

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The model

Maker, model and type.

Maker: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Model: Sorvall ST 16 / ST 16R Centrifuge
Device type: Centrifuge
Main document: Open the public document

Key specifications

What the public record says.

Item	Value	Source
Speed and RCF	Up to 15,200 rpm depending on rotor; minimum 300 rpm; maximum 25,830 x g	Source
Maximum kinetic energy	62.5 kJ (ST 16R); 51.7 kJ (ST 16)	Source
Temperature setting (ST 16R)	Minus 10 to plus 40 C	Source
Size and weight	360 mm high (870 mm lid open); width 623 mm (16R) or 440 mm (16); depth 605 mm; 91.5 kg (16R) or 57.5 kg (16) without rotor	Source
Noise and heat output	Under 63 dB(A) at maximum speed; heat dissipation up to 4778 BTU/h (16R at 230 V)	Source
Environment	Indoor use; 2 to 35 C ambient; up to 2000 m; max 80% RH to 31 C; overvoltage category II, pollution degree 2	Source
Imbalance recognition	Electronic, depending on rotor and speed; warning shown above about 300 rpm	Source
Standards	IEC/EN 61010-1, 61010-2-020, 61010-2-101; EN 61326-1; EN ISO 13485; IVD directive 98/79/EC	Source

Recalls

Recalls.

This note lists no recalls. Check the FDA recall database for the latest record.

Safety

Safety warnings from the record.

An unlevel centrifuge can develop imbalance and be damaged. Source
The rotor stores up to 62.5 kJ at top speed, so only approved rotors and buckets at their rated speeds may be used. Source
Many faults let the rotor run down without braking, so wait for a full stop before opening. Source

Sources

Where this note comes from.

Not covered: The manual's numbered E-01 to E-74 codes are printed in a two column table whose rows did not separate cleanly in extraction, so the codes are not paired with meanings here; only text messages that pair clearly are listed. A Thermo Fisher knowledge base entry for E-29 exists but was not opened. No FDA recall or MAUDE records were found for the ST 16.

BMEssentia knowledge drafted from public information, reviewed by Hasan Khaled Ismail on 2026-10-24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and service manual.

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