Beckman Coulter Avanti J-E User manual

PN SJ-IM-8AB
January 2013
Instructions For Use
Avanti J-E
High-Performance Centrifuge
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

Avanti J-E
High-Performance Centrifuge
PN SJ-IM-8AB (January 2013)
Copyright 2002–2013 Beckman Coulter, Inc.
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.
Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, and Avanti are
trademarks of Beckman Coulter, Inc. and are registered in
the USPTO.
All other trademarks, service marks, products, or services
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
Find us on the World Wide Web at:
www.beckmancoulter.com
Made in U.S.A.
Printed in U.S.A.

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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 your Beckman Coulter Representative.
Alerts for Warning, Caution, and Note
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 instrument is designed to be installed by a Beckman Coulter Field Service representative.
Installation by anyone other than authorized Beckman Coulter personnel invalidates any warranty
covering the instrument.
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 an 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.
Use the anchoring system to secure the centrifuge in place. The anchoring system is designed to
reduce the possibility of injury or damage that could result from instrument movement in the event
of a major rotor mishap.
Do not replace any centrifuge components with parts not specified for use on this instrument.

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Safety Notice
Electrical Safety
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 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 instrument and damage electrical or mechanical components.
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.
This instrument is not designed for use with materials capable of developing flammable or
explosive vapors. Do not centrifuge such materials (for example, chloroform or ethyl alcohol) in
this instrument nor handle or store them within the required 30-cm (1-ft area surrounding the
instrument.
Mechanical Safety
For safe operation of the equipment, observe the following:
• Use only rotors and accessories designed for use in this instrument.
• Do not exceed the maximum rated speed of the rotor in use.
• NEVER attempt to slow or stop a rotor by hand.
• Do not lift or move the centrifuge while a rotor is spinning.
• NEVER attempt to override the door interlock system while the rotor is spinning.
• In the event of a power failure, do not attempt to retrieve the sample from the centrifuge for at
least 1 hour. Then follow the instructions for sample recovery in CHAPTER 3, Troubleshooting.

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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 instrument and accessories before requesting service
by Beckman Coulter Field Service.

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Safety Notice
Chemical and Biological Safety

vii
Contents
Safety Notice,iii
Alerts for 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
Introduction,xiii
Certification, xiii
Scope of Manual, xiii
Conventions,xiv
CFC-Free Centrifugation,xiv
Recycling Label,xiv
CHAPTER 1: Description, 1-1
Introduction,1-1
Centrifuge Function and Safety Features,1-1
Centrifuge Function,1-1
Safety Features,1-2
Centrifuge Chassis,1-3
Housing and Door,1-3
Rotor Chamber,1-3
Vacuum,1-3
Temperature Control,1-4
Drive,1-4
Name Rating Plate,1-4
Controls and Indicators,1-4
Power Switch,1-4
Control Panel,1-4

viii
Contents
Specifications,1-7
Available Rotors,1-9
CHAPTER 2: Operation,2-1
Introduction,2-1
Summary of Avanti J-E Run Procedures,2-2
Programmed Run,2-2
Manual Run,2-2
Preparation,2-3
Installing the Rotor,2-3
Manual Operation,2-5
Selecting a Rotor,2-5
Entering Run Speed,2-5
Entering Run Time,2-6
Entering Run Temperature,2-7
Entering Acceleration and Deceleration Rates,2-7
Starting a Run,2-8
Programmed Operation,2-8
Creating a New Program,2-9
Recalling and Changing a Program,2-10
CHAPTER 3: Troubleshooting,3-1
Introduction,3-1
User Messages,3-1
Accessing the Rotor in Case of Power Failure,3-4
CHAPTER 4: Care and Maintenance,4-1
Introduction,4-1
Instrument Care,4-1
Maintenance,4-1
Cleaning,4-2
Decontamination,4-3
Sterilization and Disinfection,4-3
Replacing the Air Filter,4-4
Circuit Breaker and Fuses,4-5
Storage and Transport,4-5
Storage,4-5
Returning a Centrifuge,4-5
Supply List,4-5
Replacement Parts,4-6
Supplies,4-6

ix
Contents
APPENDIX A: Preinstallation Requirements,A-1
Introduction,A-1
Space Requirements,A-1
Electrical Requirements,A-3
Securing the Centrifuge to the Floor,A-4
Bio-Safety Level 3 Installation,A-4
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Avanti J-E Centrifuge Warranty
Related Documents

x
Contents

xi
Illustrations
1.1 The Avanti J-E Centrifuge,1-2
1.2 The Control Panel,1-5
3.1 Manual Door Release,3-5
4.1 Air Filter Replacement,4-4
A.1 Dimensions of the Avant J-E Centrifuge,A-2
A.2 Single-Phase Power Connection,A-3

xii
Tables
3.1 Diagnostic Message Chart,3-2

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Introduction
Certification
Beckman Coulter Avanti J-E 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 Avant J-E centrifuge, its functions,
specifications, operation, and routine care and maintenance. Beckman Coulter recommends that
you read this entire manual, especially the Safety Notice and all safety-related information, before
operating the instrument or performing instrument maintenance.
• CHAPTER 1, Description contains system specifications and a brief physical and functional
description of the centrifuge, including the operating controls and indicators, and available
rotors.
• 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.
• APPENDIX A, Preinstallation Requirements provides information about space and power
requirements 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 is the sole responsibility of the user.

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Introduction
Conventions
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 centrifuge and are reproduced on the
inside 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.
• Key names (for example,
START or PROGRAM ) appear in bold face type.
CFC-Free Centrifugation
To ensure minimal environmental impact, no CFCs are used in the manufacture or operation of the
Avanti J-E centrifuge.
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

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1-1
CHAPTER 1
Description
Introduction
This chapter provides a brief physical and functional description of the Beckman Coulter Avanti J-E
centrifuge. 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 Avanti J-E high-performance centrifuge (see Figure 1.1) is a refrigerated centrifuge that
generates centrifugal forces required for a wide variety of applications. Together with the
compatible Beckman Coulter rotors, applications include:
• Routine processing such as sample preparations, pelleting, extractions, purifications,
concentrations, phase separations, and spin column and spin filter centrifugations.
• Rapid sedimentation of protein precipitates, large particles, and cell debris.
• Preparation of subcellular organelles such as mitochondria, nuclei, chloroplasts, and crude
microsomes.
• Separation of blood cells and cellular components.
• Gradient separation, for example, Ficoll-Hypaque and Percoll.
The Avanti J-E is microprocessor-controlled, providing interactive operation. The instrument
design features a brushless switched-reluctance drive motor,*a temperature control system with
automatic temperature compensation unique for each compatible rotor, and selectable
acceleration and deceleration rates.
* Manufactured under license from Switched Reluctance Drives Limited, Harrogate, U.K.

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Description
Centrifuge Function and Safety Features
Figure 1.1 The Avanti J-E Centrifuge
Manual and programmed operation are available.
• In manual operation, you enter the individual run parameters before beginning each run.
• In programmed operation, you can duplicate runs quickly and accurately by selecting one of
nine programs previously entered into the program memory.
User messages and/or audible signals are provided to alert you to conditions that may need
attention.
Safety Features
The Avanti J-E centrifuge has been designed and tested to operate safely indoors at altitudes up to
2000 m (6562 ft). Safety features include the following.
Door
The steel and structural foam door has an electromechanical door-locking mechanism, with dual
latches, to prevent operator contact with a spinning rotor. When the door is closed and
DOOR is
pressed, the latches automatically engage. (Door LED will come on.) It can be unlocked only by
pressing
DOOR , and opened only when the power is on and the rotor is at rest. If there is a power
failure, the door lock can be manually tripped for sample recovery (see CHAPTER 3,
Troubleshooting).
Protective Ring
A structural steel ring surrounding the rotor chamber provides full operator protection.

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Description
Centrifuge Chassis
1
Imbalance Detector
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 an imbalance.
Rotor instability can also occur if the instrument is moved, or if it is not resting level on the floor
(see CHAPTER 3, Troubleshooting).
Overspeed and Rotor Identification System
A rotor identification system prevents the installed rotor from running above its maximum rated
speed. During acceleration the microprocessor checks the magnetic rotor identification. If the
system identifies a rotor different than the one entered by the user, and the set speed is above the
maximum for the identified rotor, the system will reduce the set speed to the maximum for the
installed rotor.
A second check, based on rotor physical properties, is performed during acceleration. Speed is
limited to the maximum safe speed of the identified rotor group.
NOTE
Some rotors manufactured before January, 2002, may not have magnets installed. Based on the rotor
property grouping, these rotors may be limited to a lower speed than the rated speed.
Centrifuge Chassis
Housing and Door
The instrument housing is made of steel and molded structural foam. The door and structural-foam
cover panels are finished with polyurethane enamel.
The steel and structural foam door is hinged at the back, providing clearance for loading and
unloading of the centrifuge. In the event of a power failure, the door can be manually unlocked for
sample recovery (see CHAPTER 3, Troubleshooting).
Rotor Chamber
The rotor chamber is made of stainless steel to resist corrosion. A rubber gasket around the
chamber opening ensures sealing. (Instrument gaskets have not been qualified as bioseals for
aerosol containment.)
Vacuum
The friction reduction system (FRS) uses a mechanical rotary vane vacuum pump to reduce
chamber pressure to approximately one-half atmosphere. The pump turns on when the run is
started, before rotor friction reaches a high level. Vacuum in the chamber is vented automatically
during rotor deceleration.

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Description
Name Rating Plate
Temperature Control
The temperature control system cools by circulation of a non-CFC-based refrigerant. The system is
activated when the centrifuge power is on and when the door is closed and latched.
A thermistor in the rotor chamber continuously monitors the chamber temperature. The system
calculates the chamber temperature required to maintain the set rotor temperature, ±2°C.
Although the chamber temperature fluctuates during operation, the rotor’s large mass keeps the
sample temperature substantially constant. At the end of a run, the system continues controlling
the temperature for 30 minutes to prevent freezing or overheating of the sample.
NOTE
The system will always shut down using maximum brake if the temperature goes above 50°C.
Drive
The drive shaft is belt driven by a brushless, high-torque, switched-reluctance motor. The
instrument’s resilient suspension minimizes disturbance of the sample during acceleration and
deceleration, and reduces damage to the drive shaft if an imbalance occurs during centrifugation.
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 Avanti J-E centrifuge.
Controls and Indicators
Power Switch
The power switch, located on the right panel 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.

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Description
Controls and Indicators
1
Figure 1.2 The 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.
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 START is pressed and continues counting
down to 0, when deceleration begins. The run automatically ends when the set
time reaches zero (a tone sounds when the rotor stops spinning). If a malfunction
shuts down the centrifuge during a run, the time counting stops and the time
remaining when the run stopped remains in the display. By comparing this time
with the original set time, you can determine when the run ended.
• 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.
TEMPERATURE Indicates rotor temperature in degrees C at thermoequilibrium. The displayed
temperature is within ±2 degrees of the set temperature (after equilibration).
ROTOR Displays the name of the installed rotor.
ACCEL When the ACCEL key is pressed, an acceleration rate (1= MAX, 2= SLOW) can be
entered. If no number is entered, the instrument accelerates at the rate set for the
previous run.
DECEL When the DECEL key is pressed, a number representing the selected deceleration rate
(1= MAX, 2= SLOW, 3= OFF) can be entered. If no number is entered, the
instrument decelerates at the rate set for the previous run.
PROGRAM • During setup—when the PROGRAM key is pressed a program number (one of nine
possible) can be entered.
• During centrifugation—the number of the program being run is displayed

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Description
Controls and Indicators
Run-Parameter Keys
Run-parameter keys are used to enter specific run information as follows.
Pressed to display scrolling list of compatible rotors and rotor entry codes. Can be
pressed repeatedly to scroll more quickly through the rotor list.
If the display shows speed in RPM, the key is pressed once to enter run speed (using
the keypad) in RPM (revolutions per minute); pressed twice to enter run speed in RCF
(relative centrifugal field). If the display shows speed in RCF, the key is pressed once to
enter speed in RCF or twice to enter speed in RPM.
Pressed to enter run time using the keypad. When TIME is pressed twice, HOLD mode
is selected. (Pressing it again reverts to time-entry mode.)
• Timed run—Run time up to 99 hours and 59 minutes can be set. If more than
59 minutes are entered in the minutes field, the system automatically converts the
entry to hours and minutes. Deceleration begins when the set time counts down
to zero.
• Continuous run (hold)—For runs of unspecified lengths, hold mode is used. When
99 hours, 59 minutes is reached, the system resets to 0 and continues counting. A
hold run continues until the STOP key is pressed.
Pressed to enter run temperature (using the keypad), from –10 to +40°C. If a new
temperature is not entered, the centrifuge uses the temperature set for the
previous run.
The centrifuge has two acceleration profiles: MAX—maximum acceleration from
0 RPM to set speed, or SLOW —slow acceleration from 0 to 500 RPM, followed by
maximum acceleration to set speed. The ACCEL key is used to select the maximum
acceleration or slow acceleration, provided to maintain optimum separation.
The centrifuge has three deceleration profiles: MAX—full dynamic braking to 0 RPM;
SLOW—brake to 500 RPM followed by reduced braking to a gentle stop; OFF (coast
from set speed to stop). The DECEL key is used to select the deceleration rate provided
to maintain optimum separation.
A toggle switch used to enter into and exit out of the program mode to create or recall
programs. When the key is pressed, the program number can be selected using the
keypad.
Saves the program in memory after program run parameters have been entered.
The keypad is used to enter numerical run parameters, to enter or recall a program
number, and to select acceleration and/or deceleration rates. In addition to keys 0
through 9, the keypad includes plus or minus/decimal key and a CE (clear entry) key.
The ±. key is used to enter a temperature setting below 0°C (for example, –2°C), or to
enter a decimal point in a rotor entry code, depending on the parameter key selected.
The CE (clear entry) key clears any parameter on the display. Pressing CE will also clear
some diagnostic messages. If a diagnostic message does not clear when CE is pressed,
see CHAPTER 3, Troubleshooting.