Beckman Coulter Allegra X-30 Series User manual

PN B05529AE
September 2018
Instructions For Use
Allegra X-30 Series Centrifuges
Rx Only
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

Allegra X-30 Series Centrifuges
PN B05529AE (September 2018)
©2018 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.
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

PN B05529AE iii
Revision History
For labeling updates, go to www.beckman.com and download the latest version of the manual or system
help for your instrument.
Issue AD, 11/2015
Changes were made to: Introduction, CE Mark.
Issue AE, 09/2018
Changes were made to: CHAPTER 1, Available Rotors.
Note: Changes or additions that are part of the most recent revision are indicated in text by a bar in the
margin of the amended page.

PN B05529AE
iv
Revision History

PN B05529AE v
Safety Notice
Read all product manuals and consult with Beckman Coulter-trained personnel before attempting
to operate the 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.
Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, Important, 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.
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT is used for comments that add value to the step or procedure being performed.
Following the advice in the Important adds benefit to the performance of a piece of equipment or to a
process.
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
These centrifuges each weigh 48 kg/106 lb (non-refrigerated model) or 78 kg/172 lb (refrigerated
model). DO NOT attempt to lift or move one of them without assistance from another person.
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 turned off and the
instrument is disconnected from the main power source by removing the Mains (power) plug from
the outlet receptacle, and refer such servicing to qualified personnel.
Do not replace any centrifuge components with parts not specified for use on this instrument.

PN B05529AE
vi
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 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
This centrifuge 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 centrifuge nor
handle or store them within the 30-cm (1-ft) clearance envelope 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.
• Before starting the centrifuge, make sure that the rotor tie-down screw is securely fastened.
• 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.
• If a glass tube breaks inside the chamber bowl, be careful when examining or cleaning the
gasket or chamber, as sharp glass fragments may be embedded in their surfaces.
• 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.

PN B05529AE vii
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 instrument, 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.

PN B05529AE
viii
Safety Notice
Chemical and Biological Safety

ix
Contents
Revision History,iii
Safety Notice,v
Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, Important, and Note,v
Safety During Installation and/or Maintenance,v
Electrical Safety,vi
Safety Against Risk of Fire,vi
Mechanical Safety,vi
Chemical and Biological Safety,vii
Introduction,xv
Intended Use,xv
Certification,xv
Scope of Manual,xv
Conventions,xvi
CFC-Free Centrifugation,xvi
Recycling Label,xvi
CE Mark,xvii
CHAPTER 1: Description,1-1
Introduction,1-1
Centrifuge Function and Safety Features,1-1
Centrifuge Function,1-1
Models,1-1
Safety Features,1-2
Chassis,1-2
Housing,1-2
Door,1-2
Rotor Chamber,1-2
Drive,1-3
Temperature Sensing and Control (refrigerated models only),1-3
Controls and Indicators,1-4
Power Switch,1-4
Control Panel,1-4

x
Contents
Name Rating Plate,1-8
Nonrefrigerated Model Specifications,1-8
Refrigerated Model Specifications,1-9
Available Rotors,1-10
CHAPTER 2: Operation,2-1
Introduction,2-1
Run Procedure,2-2
Preparation and Loading,2-2
Entering Run Parameters,2-6
Starting a Run,2-10
Pulse Function,2-11
Changing Parameters During a Run,2-11
Stopping a Run,2-12
Unloading,2-12
Disabling the Audible Tones,2-13
Summary of Run Procedures,2-13
CHAPTER 3: Troubleshooting,3-1
Introduction,3-1
User Messages,3-1
Other Possible Problems,3-3
Emergency Access,3-4
CHAPTER 4: Care and Maintenance,4-1
Introduction,4-1
Maintenance,4-1
Preventive Maintenance,4-1
Cleaning,4-2
Tube Breakage,4-3
Decontamination,4-3
Sterilization and Disinfection,4-3
Storage and Transport,4-4
Storage,4-4
Returning a Centrifuge,4-4
Supply List,4-4
Replacement Parts,4-4
Other,4-4

xi
Contents
APPENDIX A: Installation,A-1
Introduction,A-1
Installing the Instrument,A-1
Transportation Safety Devices,A-2
Electrical Requirements,A-2
Test Run,A-4
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Allegra X-30 Series Centrifuge Warranty

xii
Illustrations
Illustrations
1.1 Interior View of the Rotor Chamber,1-3
1.2 The Power Switch,1-4
1.3 System Panels,1-4
1.4 System Keys,1-5
1.5 Program Keys,1-6
1.6 Digital Displays,1-7
2.1 Tapered Sleeve Position,2-3
2.2 Default Parameters,2-6
3.1 Screw Locations,3-4
3.2 Internal Access,3-5
A.1 Dimensions of the Refrigerated and Nonrefrigerated
Centrifuges,A-3

xiii
Tables
Tables
2.1 Acceleration/Deceleration Times (in minutes:seconds),2-9
3.1 Error Message Chart,3-2
3.2 Troubleshooting Chart,3-3

xiv
Tables

PN B05529AE xv
Introduction
Intended Use
For In Vitro Diagnostic Use
This Allegra X-30 centrifuge is intended for the separation of components through the use of
relative centrifugal force.
It is designed to separate human samples, including blood and other body fluids, for processing,
analysis, and in vitro diagnostic testing, as well as nonhuman body samples and chemicals, including
industrial and environmental samples.
This centrifuge should be operated by qualified personnel only.
Certification
Beckman Coulter Allegra X-30 Series centrifuges are manufactured in a facility that maintains
certifications to both ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003. 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-30 Series
centrifuges, its functions, specifications, operation, and routine operator care and maintenance. We
recommend that you read this entire manual, especially the Safety Notice section and all safety-
related information, before operating the centrifuge or performing instrument maintenance.
• The following introductory pages contain the instrument specifications, as well as space,
electrical, and temperature conditions required for optimal centrifuge performance. A list of
available rotors is also included.
• CHAPTER 1, Description provides a brief physical and functional description of the centrifuge,
the operating controls and indicators, and system specifications.
• CHAPTER 2, Operation contains centrifuge operating procedures.
• CHAPTER 3, Troubleshooting lists diagnostic messages and other possible malfunctions,
together with probable causes and suggested corrective actions.
• CHAPTER 4, Care and Maintenance contains procedures for routine operator care and
maintenance, as well as a brief list of supplies and replacement parts.

PN B05529AE
xvi
Introduction
Conventions
• APPENDIX A, Installation contains instructions for installing and connecting the centrifuge.
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.
Conventions
Certain symbols are used in the product labeling to call out safety-related and other important
information. These international symbols may also be displayed on the centrifuge and are
reproduced on the inside of the back cover of this manual.
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 ENTER ) and display names (for example, TEMP°C or SPEED )
appear in bold type.
• Cursor keys, used to increment values up or down when setting parameters, are shown as up and
down arrows (▲or ▼).
CFC-Free Centrifugation
To ensure minimal environmental impact, no CFCs are used in the manufacture or operation of
Allegra X-30 Series centrifuges.
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.
A28219-AA

PN B05529AE xvii
Introduction
CE Mark
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.
CE Mark
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.

PN B05529AE
xviii
Introduction
CE Mark

PN B05529AE 1-1
CHAPTER 1
Description
Introduction
This chapter provides a brief physical and functional description of the Beckman Coulter Allegra X-30
Series centrifuges. The operating controls and indicators are also described; instructions for their use are
in CHAPTER 2, Operation. Chemical compatibilities of materials listed in this manual can be found in
Chemical Resistances (publication IN-175). Refer to the applicable rotor manuals for rotor descriptions.
Centrifuge Function and Safety Features
Centrifuge Function
The Beckman Coulter Allegra X-30 Series benchtop centrifuges generate centrifugal forces required
for a wide variety of applications. Together with any of several Beckman Coulter rotors designed
specifically for use in these centrifuges, the instrument applications include:
• Routine processing such as sample preparations, pelleting, extractions, purifications,
concentrations, phase separations, receptor binding, and column centrifugations.
• Processing large numbers of small-volume samples in multi-well plates for concentrating
tissue-culture cells, cloning and replicate studies, in-vitro cytoxicity studies, receptor binding,
and genetic engineering experimentation.
• Rapid sedimentation of protein precipitates, large particles, and cell debris.
• Binding studies and separation of whole blood.
• Cell isolation.
The centrifuges are microprocessor-controlled, providing interactive operation. The instrument
design features a brushless three-phase drive system, automatic rotor overspeed identification
system, and a choice of acceleration/deceleration rates. The refrigerated models also have
temperature control systems. User messages and a series of audible tones alert the operator to
conditions that may need attention. (Instructions for disabling the audible tones are in CHAPTER 2,
Operation.)
Models
The centrifuge is available in both non-refrigerated and refrigerated models. See Nonrefrigerated
Model Specifications or Refrigerated Model Specifications for the operating differences between the
two models. Unless indicated otherwise, information in this manual is the same for both models.

PN B05529AE
1-2
Description
Chassis
Safety Features
Allegra X-30 Series centrifuges have been designed and tested to operate safely indoors at altitudes
up to 2000 m (6562 ft).
Instrument safety features include:
• The door has an electromechanical door-locking mechanism to prevent operator contact with
spinning rotors. When the door is closed it locks automatically. It can be unlocked only by
pressing the
OPEN DOOR key, and opened only when the power is on and the rotor is at rest.
Two independent monitoring systems prevent the door from opening if the rotor is spinning.
• A steel barrier surrounds the rotor chamber to provide full operator protection.
• An overspeed system continuously monitors the rotor during centrifugation. The system
includes a magnetic sensor on the drive motor and magnets embedded in the rotors.
Throughout the run, checks are made to ensure that the rotor does not exceed set speed.
• 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 surface.
• The centrifuge feet, made of rubber, have been designed to minimize possible rotation in the
event of a rotor mishap.
Chassis
Housing
The centrifuge housing is made of sheet steel, finished with urethane paint. The control panel is
covered by a protective overlay made of coated polycarbonate.
Door
The door is made of a solid sheet of steel, encased in foam molding. In the center of the door is a
window for strobe viewing. The door is secured to the housing by solid shafts. An electromechanical
door lock system prevents operator contact with spinning rotors and prevents run initiation unless
the door is shut and latched. The door is locked when a run is in progress and can be opened only
when the rotor is stopped. (A light-emitting diode [LED] on the
OPEN DOOR key lights up when the
door can be opened.) In the event of a power failure, the door lock can be manually released for
sample recovery (see CHAPTER 3, Troubleshooting).
Rotor Chamber
The rotor chamber is shown in Figure 1.1. The drive shaft, mounting plate, rubber boot surrounding
the drive shaft, thermistor, and rotor detector are visible in the chamber bottom. A gasket system
around the chamber opening ensures sealing. (Instrument gaskets have not been designed as
bioseals for aerosol containment.)