Beckman Coulter Airfuge User manual

AF-IM-13AC
June 2020
Instruction For Use
Airfuge
Air Driven Ultracentrifuge
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

Airfuge Air Driven Ultracentrifuge
Instructions for Use
AF-IM-13AC (June 2020)
© 2020 Beckman Coulter, Inc.
All rights reserved
Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, and the
Beckman Coulter product and service marks mentioned
herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Beckman Coulter, Inc. in the United States and other
countries.
All other trademarks, service marks, products, or services
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, contact our Customer Support
Center.
• Worldwide, find us via our website at
www.beckman.com/support/technical
• In the USA and Canada, call us at 1-800-369-0333.
• Outside of the USA and Canada, contact your local
Beckman Coulter Representative.
www.beckman.com/techdocs
Beckman Coulter Eurocenter S.A.
22, rue Juste-Olivier
Case Postale 1044
CH - 1260 Nyon 1, Switzerland
Tel: [phone]
Glossary of Symbols is available at
beckman.com/techdocs (PN C24689).
Original Instructions

AF-IM-13AC iii
Revision History
For updates, go to www.beckman.com/techdocs and download the most recent manual or system
help for your instrument.
Issue AA, 03/2017
Changes or additions were made to: California Prop 65 Statement; Multi Compliance Label; Supplies.
Issue AB, 08/2017
Changes or additions were made to: RoHS Caution.
Issue AC, 06/2020
Changes or additions were made to: Beckman website for information search and customer support.
Note: Changes that are part of the most recent revision are indicated in text by a bar in the left margin of
the amended page.

AF-IM-13AC
iv
Revision History

AF-IM-13AC v
Safety Notice
Read all product manuals and consult with Beckman Coulter-trained personnel before attempting
to operate instrument. Do not attempt to perform any procedure before carefully reading all
instructions. Always follow product labeling and manufacturer’s recommendations. If in doubt as
to how to proceed in any situation, contact us.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye shields, and lab coats when
performing any procedure. To avoid injury, observe and follow all the warnings and cautions
throughout this manual.
Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, and Note
DANGER
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe
practices.
NOTE NOTE is used to call attention to notable information that should be followed during installation, use,
or servicing of this 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.

AF-IM-13AC
vi
Safety Notice
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
To prevent electrically related injuries and property damage, properly inspect all electrical
equipment prior to use and immediately report any electrical deficiencies. Contact a Beckman
Coulter Representative for any servicing of equipment requiring the removal of covers or panels.
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.
DANGER
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, the instrument uses a three-wire electrical
cord and plug to connect it to earth-ground. 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.
NOTE The Appliance Coupler serves as the primary disconnecting device. Please ensure that the product has
enough space so that a User has easy access to the Appliance Coupler.

AF-IM-13AC vii
Safety Notice
Safety Against Risk of Fire
Safety Against Risk of Fire
Fuses protect certain electrical circuits within this instrument against overcurrent conditions. For
continued protection against the risk of fire, replace only with the same type and rating specified.
WARNING
Risk of personal injury or equipment damage. 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
This device is intended for indoor use only.
Safety protection may be impaired if used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer.
WARNING
Risk of personal injury or equipment damage. 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 instrument 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.

AF-IM-13AC
viii
Safety Notice
Chemical and Biological Safety
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.
California Prop 65 Statement
WARNING
This product may contain a chemical known to the State of California to cause
cancer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm.

ix
Contents
Revision History,iii
Safety Notice,v
Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, and Note,v
Safety During Installation and/or Maintenance,v
Electrical Safety,vi
Safety Against Risk of Fire,vii
Mechanical Safety,vii
Chemical and Biological Safety,viii
Introduction,xv
Certification,xv
Scope of Manual,xv
CFC-Free Centrifugation,xv
Radio Interference,xvi
Recycling Label,xvi
Multi Compliance Label,xvii
RoHS Caution,xvii
CHAPTER 1: Description,1-1
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,1-3
Brake Tension Screw,1-4
Levitation Air Screw,1-5
Chamber Components,1-5
Stator,1-5
Stator Pad,1-5
Brake Pin,1-6
Door Latch,1-6

x
Contents
Filter,1-6
Name Rating Plate,1-6
Specifications,1-6
Available Rotors,1-8
CHAPTER 2: Installation,2-1
Space and Location Requirements,2-1
Electrical Requirements,2-1
Installation Procedures,2-2
Filter Installation,2-2
Time-Delay Setting Check,2-3
Leveling the Airfuge,2-4
Installing the Brake Pin and Stator Pad,2-5
Trial Run,2-6
Cold Room Installation,2-6
CHAPTER 3: Operation,3-1
Introduction,3-1
Starting the Run,3-1
Ending the Run,3-4
CHAPTER 4: Troubleshooting,4-1
Introduction,4-1
CHAPTER 5: Maintenance,5-1
Introduction,5-1
Instrument Care,5-1
General Maintenance,5-1
Cleaning,5-2
Instrument Interior and Exterior,5-2
Stator Assembly,5-2
Lubrication,5-6
Filter Element Replacement,5-6
Brake Spring Wire Replacement,5-6
Brake Spring Wire Tension Adjustment,5-8
Levitation Air Adjustment,5-9
Time-Delay Period Adjustment,5-10
Decontamination,5-11
Sterilization and Disinfection,5-12

xi
Contents
Storage and Transportation,5-12
Supplies,5-12
Warranty for the Airfuge Ultracentrifuge

xii
Illustrations
Illustrations
1.1 The Airfuge Ultracentrifuge,1-1
1.2 Bottom Panel,1-3
1.3 Cross-section View of the Airfuge,1-4
1.4 Rear View,1-4
1.5 Airfuge Components and Accessories,1-5
2.1 Filter Installation,2-3
2.2 Aligning the Brake Pin in the Stator: The slot on the end of the
pin straddles the brake spring wire. The broken line shows
the wire direction (aligned with the screws). If the tip of the
pin slot stands on the wire instead of straddling it, the pin
will be too high above the stator.,2-5
2.3 Cold Room Setup,2-7
3.1 Worn and New Stator Pads,3-3
5.1 Prying Up the Stator,5-3
5.2 Lifting Out the Stator. Keep the stator level to prevent
binding.,5-4
5.3 Stator O-Ring Positions,5-4
5.4 Reassembling the Stator and Pin,5-5
5.5 Location of the Brake Spring Wire from the Ultracentrifuge
Bottom,5-8
5.6 Location of Rear Controls,5-9
5.7 Location of Time-Delay Knob,5-11

xiii
Tables
Tables
1.1 Specifications,1-6
4.1 Troubleshooting,4-1

xiv
Tables

AF-IM-13AC xv
Introduction
Certification
To ensure full system quality, Beckman Coulter Airfuge ultracentrifuges 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.beckman.com.
Scope of Manual
This manual is designed to familiarize you with the Airfuge ultracentrifuge, 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 information, before
operating the ultracentrifuge or performing instrument maintenance.
• CHAPTER 1 contains system specifications and a briefphysical and functional description of the
ultracentrifuge, including the operating controls and indicators.
• CHAPTER 2 provides information about space and power requirements for installing and
connecting the ultracentrifuge.
• CHAPTER 3 contains ultracentrifuge operating procedures.
• CHAPTER 4 lists possible malfunctions, together with probable causes and suggested corrective
actions.
• CHAPTER 5 contains procedures for routine operator care and maintenance, as well as a brief
list of supplies and replacement parts.
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.
CFC-Free Centrifugation
To ensure minimal environmental impact, no CFCs are used in the manufacture or operation of
Airfuge ultracentrifuges.

AF-IM-13AC
xvi
Introduction
Radio Interference
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 environment. 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 communications.
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.
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 us for details on the take back program that will facilitate the proper
collection, treatment, recovery, recycling and safe disposal of the device.
A28219-AA

AF-IM-13AC xvii
Introduction
Multi Compliance Label
Multi Compliance Label
OR
• Recycling — Refer to the Recycling Label section in this document.
• — A “CE” mark indicates that a product has been assessed before being placed on the
market, and has been found to meet European Union safety, health, and/or environmental
protection requirements.
• 169502 — This label indicates recognition by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
(NRTL) that the instrument has met the relevant product safety standards.
NOTE 169502 is applicable to North American models only.
• The RCM mark is intended for use on products that comply with Austrailian Communications
Media Authority (ACMA) EMC Requirements.
RoHS Caution
This label and materials declaration table (the Table of Hazardous Substance’s Name and
Concentration) are to meet People’s Republic of China Electronic Industry Standard SJ/T11364-
2006.
“Marking for Control of Pollution Caused by Electronic Information Products” requirements. This
logo indicates that this electronic information product contains certain toxic or hazardous
elements, and can be used safely during its environmental protection use period. The number in the
middle of the logo indicates the environmental protection use period for the product. The outer
circl indicates that the product can be recycled. The logo also signifies that the product should be
recycled immediately after its environmental protection use period has expired. The date on the
label indicates the date of manufacture.

AF-IM-13AC
xviii
Introduction
RoHS Caution

AF-IM-13AC 1-1
CHAPTER 1
Description
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 determined by conversion of the applied air pressure, as displayed on the
PRESSURE gauge, to rpm.*
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
* This conversion is different for each type of rotor (see the graph in the applicable rotor manual).
1. Pressure Regulator Knob 2. Run Light
1
2

AF-IM-13AC
1-2
Description
Safety Features
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.