Beckman Coulter Airfuge User manual

AF-IM-13
Instruction Manual
Airfuge®
Air-Driven Ultracentrifuge
®

Symbol
Symbol
Symbole
Símbolo
Title / Titel / Titre / Titulo / Titolo /
Dangerous voltage
Gefährliche elektrische Spannung
Courant haute tension
Voltaje peligroso
Pericolo: alta tensione
Attention, consult accompanying documents
Achtung! Begleitpapiere beachten!
Attention, consulter les documents joints
Atención, consulte los documentos adjuntos
Attenzione: consultare le informazioni allegate
On (power)
Ein (Netzverbindung)
Marche (mise sous tension)
Encendido
Acceso (sotto tensione)
Off (power)
Aus (Netzverbindung)
Arrêt (mise hors tension)
Apagado
Spento (fuori tensione)
Protective earth (ground)
Schutzleiteranschluß
Liaison à la terre
Puesta a tierra de protección
Collegamento di protezione a terra
Earth (ground)
Erde
Terre
Tierra
Scarica a terra
!
/
Simbolo

SAFETY NOTICE
This safety notice summarizes information basic to the safe operation of the equipment
described in this manual. The international symbol displayed above is a reminder that all
safety instructions should be read and understood before installation, operation, mainte-
nance, or repair of this instrument. When you see the symbol on other pages, pay special
attention to the safety information presented. Observance of safety precautions will also
help to avoid actions that could damage or adversely affect the performance of the
equipment.
Safety During Installation and/or Maintenance
Locate the ultracentrifuge in a clean, safe, uncluttered environment.
Any servicing of this equipment that requires removal of any covers can expose parts
which involve the risk of electric shock or personal injury. Make sure that the power
switch is off and the ultracentrifuge is disconnected from the main power source, and refer
such servicing to qualified personnel.
Do not replace any ultracentrifuge components with parts not specified for use on this
instrument.
Electrical Safety
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this instrument uses a three-wire electrical cord and
plug to connect this equipment to earth-ground. To preserve this safety feature:
• Make sure that the matching wall outlet receptacle is properly wired and earth-
grounded. Check that the line voltage agrees with the voltage listed on the name-rating
plate affixed to the instrument.
• Never use a three-to-two wire plug adapter.
• Never use a two-wire extension cord or a two-wire non-grounding type of multiple-
outlet receptacle strip.
Do not place containers holding liquid on or near the chamber door. If they spill, liquid
may get into the instrument and damage electrical or mechanical components.
Safety Against Risk of Fire
Fuses protect certain electrical circuits within this instrument against overcurrent condi-
tions. For continued protection against the risk of fire, replace only with the same type and
rating specified.
This instrument is not designed for use with materials capable of developing flammable or
explosive vapors. Do not centrifuge such materials (such as chloroform or ethyl alcohol)
in this instrument nor handle or store them within the required 30-cm (1-ft) area
surrounding the ultracentrifuge.
!

Mechanical Safety
For safe operation of the equipment, observe the following:
• Use only the rotors and accessories designed for use in this ultracentrifuge.
• Never operate the instrument without a rotor cap or lid installed on the rotor.
• Do not exceed the maximum rated speed of the rotor in use.
• NEVER attempt to slow or stop the rotor by hand.
• Do not lift or move the ultracentrifuge while the rotor is spinning.
• NEVER open the chamber door while the rotor is spinning. The instrument has a
protective window to allow safe observation of rotor motion.
• Maintain a 7.6-cm (3-in.) clearance envelope around the ultracentrifuge while it is
running. During operation you should come within the envelope only to adjust instru-
ment controls, if necessary. Never bring any flammable substances within the 30-cm
(1-ft) area surrounding the ultracentrifuge. Never lean on the instrument or place items
on the ultracentrifuge while it is operating.
Chemical and Biological Safety
Normal operation may involve the use of solutions and test samples that are pathogenic,
toxic, or radioactive. Such materials should not be used in this ultracentrifuge, however,
unless all necessary safety precautions are taken.
• Observe all cautionary information printed on the original solution containers prior to
their use.
• Handle body fluids with care because they can transmit disease. No known test offers
complete assurance that they are free of micro-organisms. Some of the most virulent—
Hepatitis (B and C) and HIV (I–V) viruses, atypical mycobacteria, and certain systemic
fungi—further emphasize the need for aerosol protection. Handle other infectious
samples according to good laboratory procedures and methods to prevent spread of
disease. Because spills may generate aerosols, observe proper safety precautions for
aerosol containment. Do not run toxic, pathogenic, or radioactive materials in this
instrument without taking appropriate safety precautions. Biosafe containment should
be used when Risk Group II materials (as identified in the World Health Organization
Laboratory Biosafety Manual) are handled; materials of a higher group require more
than one level of protection.
• Dispose of all waste solutions according to appropriate environmental health and safety
guidelines.
It is your responsibility to decontaminate the instrument and accessories before
requesting service by a Beckman Coulter representative.

AF-IM-13
December 2007
Instruction Manual
Airfuge
®
Air-Driven Ultracentrifuge
© 2007 Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Contents
iii
Page
INTRODUCTION
Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Scope of Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
CFC-Free Centrifugation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Radio Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Canadian Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Recycling Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
SECTION 1: DESCRIPTION
Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Controls and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Pressure Regulator Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Run Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Time-Delay Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Brake Tension Screw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Levitation Air Screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Chamber Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Stator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Stator Pad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Brake Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Door Latch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Name Rating Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Available Rotors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

iv
Contents
Page
SECTION 2: INSTALLATION
Space and Location Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Installation Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Filter Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Time-Delay Setting Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Leveling the Airfuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Installing the Brake Pin and Stator Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Trial Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Cold Room Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
SECTION 3: OPERATION
Starting the Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Ending the Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
SECTION 4: TROUBLESHOOTING
SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE
Instrument Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Instrument Interior and Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Stator Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Filter Element Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Brake Spring Wire Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Brake Spring Wire Tension Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Levitation Air Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Time-Delay Period Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Decontamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Sterilization and Disinfection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Storage and Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Supply List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Warranty

Illustrations and Tables
v
Page
Figure 1-1. The Airfuge Ultracentrifuge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Figure 1-2. Bottom Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Figure 1-3. Cross-Section View of the Airfuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Figure 1-4. Rear View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Figure 1-5. Airfuge Components and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Figure 2-1. Filter Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Figure 2-2. Aligning the Brake Pin in the Stator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 2-3. Cold Room Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Figure 3-1. Worn and New Stator Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Figure 5-1. Prying Up the Stator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Figure 5-2. Lifting Out the Stator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Figure 5-3. Stator O-Ring Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Figure 5-4. Reassembling the Stator and Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Figure 5-5. Location of the Brake Spring Wire from the Ultracentrifuge
Bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Figure 5-6. Location of Rear Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Figure 5-7. Location of Time-Delay Knob . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Table 4-1. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

vii
CERTIFICATION
To ensure full system quality, Beckman Coulter Airfuge®ultracentri-
fuges are manufactured in a registered ISO 9001 or 13485 facility.
They have been designed and tested to be compliant (when used with
Beckman Coulter rotors) with the laboratory equipment requirements
of applicable regulatory agencies. Declarations of conformity and
certificates of compliance are available at www.beckmancoulter.com.
SCOPE OF MANUAL
This manual is designed to familiarize you with the Airfuge ultracen-
trifuge, its functions, specifications, operation, and routine operator
care and maintenance. We recommend that you read this entire
manual, especially the SAFETY NOTICE and all safety-related infor-
mation, before operating the ultracentrifuge or performing instrument
maintenance.
• Section 1 contains system specifications and a brief physical and
functional description of the ultracentrifuge, including the
operating controls and indicators.
• Section 2 provides information about space and power require-
ments for installing and connecting the ultracentrifuge.
• Section 3 contains ultracentrifuge operating procedures.
• Section 4 lists possible malfunctions, together with probable
causes and suggested corrective actions.
• Section 5 contains procedures for routine operator care and main-
tenance, as well as a brief list of supplies and replacement parts.
Introduction

viii
Introduction
➠NOTE
If the ultracentrifuge is used in a manner other
than specified in this manual, the safety and
performance of this equipment could be
impaired. Further, the use of any equipment
other than that recommended by Beckman
Coulter has not been evaluated for safety. Use of
any equipment not specifically recommended in
this manual and/or the appropriate rotor manual
is the sole responsibility of the user.
CONVENTIONS
Certain symbols are used in this manual to call out safety-related and
other important information. These international symbols may also be
displayed on the ultracentrifuge and are reproduced and described
below and on the inside of the front cover.
NOTES, CAUTIONS, AND WARNINGS
➠NOTE
Used to call attention to important information
that should be followed during installation, use,
or servicing of this equipment.
!CAUTION
Used to indicate a potentially hazardous situa-
tion which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury and/or mechanical damage. It
is also used to alert against unsafe practices.

ix
Introduction
!WARNING
Used whenever an action or condition may
potentially cause personal injury or loss of
life. Mechanical damage may also result.
WARNING
Indicates high voltage or risk of electric
shock. Refer servicing of all areas displaying
either symbol to service personnel.
CFC-FREE CENTRIFUGATION
To ensure minimal environmental impact, no CFCs are used in the
manufacture or operation of Airfuge ultracentrifuges.
RADIO INTERFERENCE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environ-
ment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
this instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communica-
tions. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
CFC

x
Introduction
CANADIAN REGULATIONS
This equipment does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe
A prescrites dans le reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique édicté
par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.
RECYCLING LABEL
This symbol is required in accordance with the Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive of the European Union. The
presence of this marking on the product indicates:
1) the device was put on the European market after August 13, 2005
and
2) the device is not to be disposed via the municipal waste collection
system of any member state of the European Union.
It is very important that customers understand and follow all laws
regarding the proper decontamination and safe disposal of electrical
equipment. For Beckman Coulter products bearing this label please
contact your dealer or local Beckman Coulter office for details on the
take back program that will facilitate the proper collection, treatment,
recovery, recycling and safe disposal of the device.
A28219-AA
Note: On the instrument, the
triangle background is yellow
rather than gray.

1
1-1
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
The Beckman Coulter Airfuge® (see Figure 1-1) is a benchtop
air-driven ultracentrifuge capable of accelerating rotors up to
110 000 rpm (revolutions per minute) in as little as 30 seconds. The
instrument uses no vacuum or high-speed bearings; the rotor is
supported and turned by streams of air. Rotor speed can be deter-
mined by conversion of the applied air pressure, as displayed on the
PRESSURE gauge, to rpm.1
An available Digital Speed Readout Accessory (347592), which
attaches to the top of the chamber door, continuously displays actual
rotor speed. Installation and use of the accessory are described in
publication AF-TB-013.
Figure 1-1. The Airfuge Ultracentrifuge
1This conversion is different for each type of rotor (see the graph in the applicable rotor manual).
Run Light
Pressure Regulator Knob
Description

1-2
Description
SAFETY FEATURES
The Airfuge ultracentrifuge has been designed and tested to operate
safely indoors at altitudes up to 2 000 m (6 562 ft).
The Airfuge is an exceptionally safe ultracentrifuge because the rotor
is held in place by a pressure differential created during centrifugation.
An air pressure limitation of 35 psig (240 kPa) is factory set. However,
do not operate the instrument at more than 30 psig (207 kPa).
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
PRESSURE REGULATOR KNOB
The pressure regulator knob controls the driving air pressure. Pressing
down on the knob and turning to the right (clockwise) closes the door.
Turning the knob further brings up the air pressure and accelerates the
rotor to speed.
PRESSURE GAUGE
Operating air pressure is displayed on this gauge. Recommended
operating air pressure is 30 psig (207 kPa).
RUN LIGHT
The run light comes on when the timer is set and remains lit until the
braking system is engaged.
TIME-DELAY KNOB
This knob, located on the ultracentrifuge bottom panel (see Figure 1-2),
is used to set a time-delay period that allows the rotor to coast after
the timer reaches zero at the end of a run. The run light goes out and
a brake pin is released at the end of the set delay period. A setting of
120 seconds on the knob (or about 3.5 on older instruments) represents
the 2-minute delay period.

1-3
Description
Figure 1-2. Bottom Panel
BRAKE TENSION SCREW
The brake spring wire (see Figure 1-3) forces the brake pin up into
the rotor bottom during braking. Occasional adjustment of the spring
tension, using the BRAKE TENSION adjusting screw located on the
back panel (see Figure 1-4), may be necessary.
LEVITATION AIR SCREW
When the timer reaches zero at the end of a run, the driving air is
turned off and levitation air supports the rotor during its deceleration.
If the flow of levitation air is too high and the rotor fails to stop
completely, or too low and the rotor stops too fast, adjustment of the
LEVITATION AIR screw located on the rear panel may be necessary.
Time Delay Knob

1-4
Description
Figure 1-3. Cross-section View of the Airfuge
Figure 1-4. Rear View
Instrument
Door Protective Window
Turbine
Flutes
Levitation
Air Passage
Brake Pin
Electromagnet
Stator
Stator
Pad
Driving
A
ir Passage
Brake
Spring Wire

1-5
Description
CHAMBER COMPONENTS
STATOR
The brass stator (see Figure 1-3) contains the driving air jets
that control the rotor speed and the air jets that levitate the rotor
during deceleration. Levitation air operates automatically during
deceleration.
STATOR PAD
The black stator pad (see Figure 1-5) rests on the channel of the stator
and cushions the rotor during a run and when the rotor is at rest.
Figure 1-5. Airfuge Components and Accessories

1-6
Description
BRAKE PIN
Braking action is provided by a movable brake pin (see Figure 1-5)
set vertically on a spring in the shaft of the stator (see Figure 1-3).
An electromagnet holds the pin down during a run and releases it
2 minutes after the timer reaches zero. When released, the pin
engages the rotor bottom, stabilizing the rotor as it gradually
decelerates to a stop.
DOOR LATCH
The door-latch mechanism secures the door during centrifugation.
This prevents premature door opening, which would result in damage
to the rotor and stator pad.
FILTER
A filter is supplied with the ultracentrifuge for water and oil removal
from the air supply. The filter element turns red when it is saturated
and needs to be replaced.
NAME RATING PLATE
A name rating plate is affixed to the rear of the instrument. Always
mention the serial number and model number when contacting
Beckman Coulter regarding your Airfuge ultracentrifuge.