A laboratory apparatus that is readily adapted to execute a wide range of sample preparation protocols is a set forth. The laboratory apparatus comprises a plurality of tools that are adapted to execute one or more processes in preparing a sample for subsequent analysis and a hollow rotor that is mounted for rotation about a rotation axis. A septum divides the hollow rotor into first and second chambers. Both the first and second chambers are accessible to one or more of the plurality of tools. One or more valve mechanisms are disposed to control fluid communication between the first and second chambers based, at least in part, on the rotation rate imparted to the hollow rotor.