Beckman Coulter Allegra X-12 Series User manual

GX-IM-5AB
November 2013
Instruction For Use
Allegra X-12 Series
Centrifuges
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

Allegra X-12 Series
Centrifuges
GX-IM-5AB (November 2013)
Copyright © 2013 Beckman Coulter, Inc.
The following copyright statement is for position only. You
may replace it with a statement approved by your group.
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without prior written permission from
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Find us on the World Wide Web at:
www.beckmancoulter.com
Made in USA

GX-IM-5AB iii
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 your Beckman Coulter Representative.
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
This centrifuge weighs 121 kg (267 lb). Do not attempt to lift or move it without assistance.
Any servicing of this equipment that requires removal of any covers can expose parts that involve
the risk of electric shock or personal injury. Make sure that the power switch is off and the
centrifuge is disconnected from the main power source, and refer such servicing to qualified
personnel.
Do not replace any centrifuge components with parts not specified for use on this instrument.

GX-IM-5AB
iv
Safety Notice
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this equipment uses a three-wire electrical cord and plug to
connect the centrifuge 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 centrifuge.
• 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 centrifuge and damage electrical or mechanical components.
Safety Against Risk of Fire
This centrifuge is not designed for use with materials capable of developing flammable or explosive
vapors or hazardous chemical reactions. Do not centrifuge such materials (such as chloroform or
ethyl alcohol) in this centrifuge nor handle or store them within the 30-cm (1-ft) area surrounding
the centrifuge.
Mechanical Safety
For safe operation of the equipment, observe the following:
• Use only the rotors and accessories designed for use in this centrifuge.
• 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 centrifuge while the rotor is spinning.
• NEVER attempt to override the door interlock system while the rotor is spinning.
• Maintain a 7.6-cm (3-in.) clearance envelope around the centrifuge 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
centrifuge. Never lean on the centrifuge or place items on the centrifuge while it is operating.

GX-IM-5AB v
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 centrifuge, 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 centrifuge 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 centrifuge and accessories before requesting service
by Beckman Coulter.

GX-IM-5AB
vi
Safety Notice
RoHS Notice
RoHS Notice
These labels 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.
China RoHS Caution Label
This label indicates that the electronic information product contains certain toxic or hazardous
substances. The center number is the Environmentally Friendly Useful Period (EFUP) date, and
indicates the number of calendar years the product can be in operation. Upon the expiration of the
EFUP, the product must be immediately recycled. The circling arrows indicate the product is
recyclable. The date code on the label or product indicates the date of manufacture.
China RoHS Environmental Label
This label indicates that the electronic information product does not contain any toxic or hazardous
substances. The center ‘e’ indicates the product is environmentally safe and does not have an
Environmentally Friendly Useful Period (EFUP) date. Therefore, it can safely be used indefinitely.
The circling arrows indicate the product is recyclable. The date code on the label or product
indicates the date of manufacture.

vii
Contents
Safety Notice,iii
Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, and Note, iii
Safety During Installation and/or Maintenance, iii
Electrical Safety,iv
Safety Against Risk of Fire,iv
Mechanical Safety,iv
Chemical and Biological Safety,v
RoHS Notice,vi
Introduction,xiii
Certification,xiii
Scope of Manual,xiii
Typographic Conventions,xiv
CFC-Free Centrifugation,xiv
Radio Interference,xiv
Recycling Label,xv
CHAPTER 1: Description,1-1
Centrifuge Function and Safety Features,1-1
Centrifugation Function,1-1
Safety Features,1-2
Centrifuge Chassis,1-2
Housing,1-2
Door,1-2
Rotor Chamber,1-3
Temperature Sensing and Control,1-3
Drive,1-3
Controls and Indicators,1-3
Power Switch,1-3
Control Panel,1-3

viii
Contents
Name Rating Plate,1-6
Specifications,1-7
Available Rotors,1-9
CHAPTER 2: Installation,2-1
Introduction,2-1
Space and Location Requirements,2-1
Electrical Requirements,2-2
Securing the Centrifuge to the Floor,2-3
Test Run,2-3
CHAPTER 3: Operation,3-1
Introduction,3-1
Summary of Run Procedures,3-2
Manual Run,3-2
Programmed Run,3-3
Preparation,3-3
Installing the Rotor,3-3
Manual Operation,3-4
Selecting a Rotor,3-4
Entering Run Speed,3-5
Entering Run Time,3-5
Entering Run Temperature (Allegra X-12R only),3-6
Entering Acceleration and Deceleration Rates,3-6
Starting a Run,3-7
Pulse Function,3-8
Programmed Operation,3-8
Creating a New Program,3-8
Recalling a Program,3-9
Disabling/Enabling the Audible Tones,3-10
CHAPTER 4: Troubleshooting,4-1
Introduction,4-1
User Messages,4-1
Other Possible Problems,4-4
Retrieving Your Sample In Case of Power Failure,4-5
CHAPTER 5: Care and Maintenance,5-1
Introduction,5-1
Instrument Care,5-1

ix
Contents
Maintenance,5-1
Cleaning,5-2
Decontamination,5-3
Sterilization and Disinfection,5-3
Circuit Breaker and Fuses,5-3
Storage and Transport,5-4
Storage,5-4
Supply List,5-4
Replacement,5-4
Supplies,5-4
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Allegra X-12 Series Centrifuge Warranty

x
Illustrations
Illustrations
1.1 The Centrifuge,1-1
1.2 Control Panel,1-4
2.1 Centrifuge Dimensions,2-2
4.1 Door Latch Override,4-6

xi
Tables
Tables
3.1 Acceleration and Deceleration Rates (in Minutes:Seconds) to
and from Maximum Speed,3-7
4.1 Diagnostic Message Chart,4-2
4.2 Troubleshooting Chart,4-5

xii
Tables

GX-IM-5AB xiii
Introduction
Certification
To ensure full system quality, Beckman Coulter Allegra X-12 series centrifuges 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 Beckman Coulter Allegra X-12 series
centrifuges, their 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 centrifuge or performing instrument maintenance.
• CHAPTER 1 contains system specifications and a brief physical and functional description of the
centrifuge, including the operating controls and indicators.
• CHAPTER 2 provides requirements for preparing laboratory facilities and installing the
centrifuge.
• CHAPTER 3 contains centrifuge operating procedures.
• CHAPTER 4 lists diagnostic messages and other 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 centrifuge 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 applicable rotor manual is the sole responsibility of the user.

GX-IM-5AB
xiv
Introduction
Typographic Conventions
Typographic Conventions
Certain typographic conventions are used throughout this manual to distinguish names of user
interface components, such as keys and displays.
• Key names (for example, START or ROTOR) appear in boldface type.
CFC-Free Centrifugation
To ensure minimal environmental impact, no CFCs are used in the manufacture or operation of
Allegra X-12 series centrifuges.
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 interferrence 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.

GX-IM-5AB xv
Introduction
Recycling Label
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

GX-IM-5AB
xvi
Introduction
Recycling Label

GX-IM-5AB 1-1
CHAPTER 1
Description
Centrifuge Function and Safety Features
Centrifugation Function
The Beckman Coulter Allegra X-12R (refrigerated) or Allegra X-12 (constant controlled
temperature) centrifuge (see Figure 1.1) is a benchtop centrifuge that generates centrifugal forces
required for a wide variety of applications. Together with the Beckman Coulter rotors designed for
use in this centrifuge, the centrifuge applications include:
• Routine processing such as sample preparations, pelleting, extractions, purifications,
concentrations, phase separations, receptor binding, and column centrifugations.
• Cell isolation.
• Binding studies and separation of whole blood.
• Processing large numbers of small-volume samples in multiwell plates for concentrating tissue-
culture cells, cloning and replicate studies, in-vitro cytotoxicity studies, receptor binding, and
genetic engineering experimentation.
• Rapid sedimentation of protein precipitates, large particles, and cell debris.
Figure 1.1 The Centrifuge
The Allegra X-12 and X-12R are microprocessor-controlled, providing interactive operation. The
instrument design features a brushless asynchronous motor, automatic rotor identification system,

GX-IM-5AB
1-2
Description
Centrifuge Chassis
program memory that enables repeated run conditions, temperature control system, and a choice
of acceleration and deceleration rates. User messages alert the operator to conditions that may
need attention.
Safety Features
Allegra X-12 series centrifuges have been designed and tested to operate safely indoors at altitudes
up to 2 000 m (6 562 ft).
Safety features include the following.
• An electromechanical door lock system prevents operator contact with spinning rotors and
prevents run initiation unless the door is shut and locked. The door is locked when a run is in
progress and can be opened only when the rotor is stopped and the LED (light-emitting diode)
next to the DOOR key is lit. If there is a power failure, the door lock can be manually tripped for
sample recovery.
• A steel barrier surrounds the rotor chamber to provide full operator protection.
• A rotor identification system prevents the installed rotor from running above its maximum
rated speed. During acceleration the microprocessor checks the magnetic rotor identification.
Speed is limited to the maximum safe speed of the identified rotor. If the system identifies a
rotor different than the one entered by the user, the system displays an error message and
reduces the speed to the maximum allowable speed of the rotor.
• An imbalance detector monitors the rotor during the run, causing automatic shutdown if rotor
loads are severely out of balance. At low speeds, an incorrectly loaded rotor can cause
imbalance. Rotor instability can also occur if the centrifuge is moved while running, or if it is
not resting on a level and secure surface (see CHAPTER 4, Troubleshooting).
Centrifuge Chassis
Housing
The centrifuge housing is made of sheet steel and structural foam and is finished with acrylic baking
enamel. The control panel overlay is made of coated polystyrene copolymer.
Door
The aluminum and structural foam door is secured to the housing by solid hinges. A window in the
center allows strobe viewing. When the door is closed, the locking system engages. The door is
locked when a run is in progress and can be opened only when the rotor is stopped and the LED next
to the DOOR key is lit. If there is a power failure, the door lock can be manually tripped for sample
recovery (see CHAPTER 4, Troubleshooting).

GX-IM-5AB 1-3
Description
Controls and Indicators 1
Rotor Chamber
The aluminum rotor chamber is coated with epoxy enamel for corrosion resistance. The chamber
is sealed by a foam gasket.
Temperature Sensing and Control
With the power on, the temperature control system is activated when the door is closed and locked.
A sensor in the rotor chamber continuously monitors chamber temperature. The microprocessor
calculates the required chamber temperature to maintain the selected rotor temperature. Run
temperature in the Allegra X-12R can be set between –10 and +40°C. Temperature in the
Allegra X-12 is factory set at 20°C, and is maintained at between 18 and 22°C to prevent sample
heating.
NOTE To avoid chamber icing, refrigeration is off when the door is open. The centrifuge door must be closed
and locked for the refrigeration system to begin operating.
Drive
The asynchronous direct-drive motor is brushless for clean, quiet operation. The resilient
suspension ensures that loads will not be disturbed by vibration, and prevents damage to the drive
shaft if an imbalance occurs during centrifugation. Maximum acceleration and deceleration may be
selected to allow fast processing of samples; alternately, delicate gradients may be preserved using
slower acceleration and deceleration.
Controls and Indicators
Power Switch
The power switch, located on the left side of the centrifuge, controls electrical power to the
centrifuge. It is also a circuit breaker that will trip to cut off power in the event of a power overload.
The power switch must be turned on before the chamber door can be opened.
Control Panel
The control panel (see Figure 1.2) is mounted at an angle on the centrifuge front for easy visibility
and access. It is used to enter run parameters via function keys and a keypad, and to display run
parameters, program information, and user messages.

GX-IM-5AB
1-4
Description
Controls and Indicators
Figure 1.2 Control Panel
Digital Displays
The displays provide run information, user messages, and diagnostics.
• During a run, they show the actual (real-time) operating conditions.
• When the run parameters are being entered, they show the set values selected. Set values can
be recalled during operation by pressing SHOW SET. After 5 seconds, the displays return to
actual conditions.
• Error messages (see CHAPTER 4) also appear on the displays, when applicable. The centrifuge
emits a series of audible tones to alert the user to an error condition. (Instructions for disabling
the tones are in CHAPTER 3.)
SPEED Indicates rotor speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) or in relative centrifugal field, a
term describing the ratio of the centrifugal acceleration at a specified radius and speed
to the standard acceleration of gravity (RCF ´g).
TIME • In a timed run, indicates the remaining run time in hours and minutes. The time
display begins counting down when ENTER/SAVE then START is pressed and
continues counting down to 0. The run automatically ends when the set time
reaches 0 and deceleration begins (a tone sounds when the rotor stops spinning).
If a malfunction shuts down the centrifuge during a run, when the instrument is
turned back on the time will not remain and 00:00 will be displayed in the time
window.
• In a hold run, indicates the time elapsed since START was pressed. After 99 hours
and 59 minutes the timer resets to 0 and continues counting elapsed time.
• In a pulse (momentary) run, indicates the time (in minutes and seconds) elapsed
since PULSE was pressed. Time continues to count up until the PULSE key is
released. The total elapsed time is then displayed until another key is pressed.
TEMPERATURE Indicates rotor temperature in degrees C at thermoequilibrium.
ROTOR Displays the name of the selected rotor.
ACCEL When the ACCEL key is pressed, one of ten available acceleration rates can be entered.
Displays the selected acceleration rate throughout the run.
PULSE
ENTER/
SAVE