Beckman Coulter Avanti J Series User manual

PN JR-IM-10AG
October 2014
Instructions For Use
Rotors and Tubes
For Beckman Coulter
J2, J6, and Avanti J Series Centrifuges
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

Rotors and Tubes
For J2, J6, and Avanti J Series Centrifuges
PN JR-IM-10AG (October 2014)
© 2014 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, Avanti, Aerosolve,
HarvestLine, Microfuge, and Quick-Seal 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
Printed in U.S.A.

PN JR-IM-10AG iii
Revision History
This document applies to the latest software listed and higher versions. When a subsequent software
version changes the information in this document, a new issue will be released.
Revision AE, December 2013
Added the JA-14.50 rotor: See Table 1.1, Rotors Used in Beckman Coulter J Series Centrifuges and
Table 4.1, General Specifications for Beckman Coulter J Series Fixed-Angle Rotors.
Revision AF, February 2014
Changed Polyallomer to polypropylene:
• CHAPTER 1, Pelleting (Differential Separation)
• CHAPTER 2, Characteristics and Chemical Resistances of Tube and Bottle Materials
• CHAPTER 2, Labware Types
• CHAPTER 3, Gradient Preparation
• CHAPTER 2, Gradient Formation and Fractionation
• CHAPTER 2, Labware Types
• CHAPTER 3, Gradient Preparation
• CHAPTER 3, General Filling and Sealing Requirements for Tubes and Bottles
• CHAPTER 3, Open-Top Polypropylene Tubes
• CHAPTER 3, Capping Tubes
• CHAPTER 3, Filling and Sealing Quick-Seal Tubes
• CHAPTER 7, Cleaning
• CHAPTER 7, Sterilization and Disinfection
• CHAPTER 7, Tube and Bottle Sterilization and Disinfection
Revision AG, October 2014
Added Avanti JXN-30 Centrifuge, Avanti JXN-26 Centrifuge, and JA-18 Rotor: See CHAPTER 1, Rotors
Used in Beckman Coulter J Series Centrifuges.

PN JR-IM-10AG
iv
Revision History

PN JR-IM-10AG 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 your Beckman Coulter Representative.
Alerts for Warning, Caution, Important, 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.
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.
This safety notice summarizes information basic to the safe operation of the rotors and accessories
described in this manual. The international symbol displayed above is a reminder that all safety
instructions should be read and understood before use or maintenance of rotors or accessories.
When you see the symbol on other pages, pay special attention to the safety information presented.
Also observe any safety information contained in applicable rotor and centrifuge manuals.
Observance of safety precautions will help to avoid actions that could cause personal injury, as
well as damage or adversely affect the performance of the centrifuge/rotor/tube system.
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 these rotors, 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

PN JR-IM-10AG
vi
Safety Notice
Mechanical Safety
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 the rotor 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.
• If disassembly reveals evidence of leakage, you should assume that some fluid escaped the
container or rotor. Apply appropriate decontamination procedures to the centrifuge, rotor,
and accessories.
Mechanical Safety
• Use only the rotors, components, and accessories designed for use in the rotor and centrifuge
being used (refer to the applicable rotor manual). The safety of rotor components and accessories
made by other manufacturers cannot be ascertained by Beckman Coulter. Use of other
manufacturers’ components or accessories in Beckman Coulter rotors may void the rotor warranty
and should be prohibited by your laboratory safety officer.
• Rotors are designed for use at the speeds indicated; however, speed reductions may be required
because of weight considerations of tubes, adapters, and/or the density of the solution being
centrifuged. Be sure to observe the instructions in the applicable rotor manual.
• NEVER attempt to slow or stop a rotor by hand.
• The strength of containers can vary between lots, and will depend on handling and usage. We
highly recommend that you pretest them in the rotor (using buffer or gradient of equivalent
density to the intended sample solution) to determine optimal operating conditions. Scratches
(even microscopic ones) significantly weaken glass and polycarbonate containers.
To help prevent premature failures or hazards by detecting stress corrosion, metal fatigue, wear or
damage to anodized coatings, and to instruct laboratory personnel in the proper care of rotors,
Beckman Coulter offers the Field Rotor Inspection Program (FRIP). This program involves a visit to
your laboratory by a specially trained Beckman Coulter representative, who will inspect all of your
rotors for corrosion or damage. The representative will recommend repair or replacement of at-
risk rotors to prevent potential rotor failures. Contact your local Beckman Coulter office to request
this service.
It is your responsibility to decontaminate the rotors and accessories before requesting service by
Beckman Coulter Field Service.

PN JR-IM-10AG vii
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 Use
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 Use 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.

PN JR-IM-10AG
viii
Safety Notice
RoHS Notice

ix
Contents
Revision History,iii
Safety Notice,v
Alerts for Warning, Caution, Important, and Note,v
Chemical and Biological Safety,v
Mechanical Safety,vi
RoHS Notice,vii
Scope,xvii
Scope of this Manual,xvii
Rotors,1-1
Introduction,1-1
General Description,1-1
Rotor Designations,1-1
Materials,1-3
Drive Pins,1-4
Rotor Selection,1-4
Pelleting (Differential Separation),1-11
Isopycnic Separations,1-15
Rate Zonal Separations,1-15
Blood Component Separations, 1-16
General Operating Information, 1-16
Rotor Balance, 1-16
Rotor Tie-Down, 1-17
Overspeed Protection,1-18
Allowable Run Speeds, 1-18
Temperature Compensation, 1-19
Avanti J Centrifuges,1-19
Avanti J2 Series Centrifuges (No longer manufactured),1-20
Analog J6 Series Centrifuges (No longer manufactured), 1-20
Microprocessor-Controlled Centrifuges, 1-21

x
Contents
Tubes, Bottles, and Accessories,2-1
Introduction,2-1
Labware Selection Criteria ,2-1
Labware Material Compatibility with Solvents and Sample,2-2
Gradient Formation and Fractionation,2-3
Labware Types,2-3
Polypropylene Tubes,2-3
Open-Top Polypropylene Tubes,2-3
Quick-Seal Polypropylene Tubes,2-4
Polycarbonate Tubes,2-4
Polyethylene Tubes,2-4
Ultra-Clear Tubes,2-4
Stainless Steel Tubes,2-5
Microfuge Tubes,2-5
Bottles,2-5
Multiwell Titer Plates,2-5
96-Well Microtiter Plates,2-5
Deep-Well Titer Plates (and Caps),2-6
Square-Well Titer Plates,2-6
Temperature Limits,2-6
Spacers and Floating Spacers,2-7
Adapters,2-7
Bottle Adapters,2-7
Multitube Adapters,2-7
Solid Multitube Adapters,2-8
Modular Disk Adapters,2-8
Bottle and Tube Caps,2-9
Aerosolve Canisters,2-9
Blood Bag Cups, 2-10
Rotor Labware Assemblies,2-10
Tubes, Bottles, and Accessories,3-1
Introduction,3-1
Gradient Preparation,3-1
General Filling and Sealing or Capping Requirements,3-2
Working with Physiological Fluids,3-4
Filling Open-Top Tubes,3-5
Open-Top Polypropylene Tubes,3-5
Swinging-Bucket Rotors,3-5
Fixed-Angle Rotors,3-5
Other Open-Top Tubes,3-5
Polycarbonate,3-5
Ultra-Clear,3-5

xi
Contents
Polypropylene,3-6
Polyethylene,3-6
Stainless Steel,3-6
Capping Tubes,3-6
Filling and Capping Tubes,3-7
Three-Piece Assemblies,3-7
JLA-8.1000 and JLA-9.1000 Bottle Cap/Closure,3-7
Filling and Loading Cups in the JS-5.0 Rotor,3-8
Filling and Sealing Quick-Seal Tubes,3-9
Capping Multiwell Titer Plates, 3-14
Cap Strips, 3-14
Aluminum Foil Lids, 3-14
Using Adapters,3-14
Using Solid Multitube Adapters,3-14
Using Modular Disk Multitube Adapters,3-15
Using Aerosolve Canisters, 3-16
Using Canisters as Wide-Mouth Bottles, 3-17
Using Canisters with Tube Racks, 3-18
Using Blood Bag Cups, 3-19
Sample Recovery, 3-20
Capped Tubes, 3-21
JS-5.0 Cups,3-21
Quick-Seal Tubes, 3-22
Making Ultra-Clear Tubes Wettable,3-23
Using Fixed-Angle Rotors,4-1
Introduction,4-1
Description,4-1
Tubes and Bottles,4-6
Rotor Preparation and Loading,4-7
Prerun Safety Check,4-7
Rotor Preparation,4-7
Operation,4-8
Installing the Rotor,4-9
Removal and Sample Recovery,4-10
Using Swinging-Bucket Rotors,5-1
Introduction,5-1
Description,5-1
Labware,5-4
Rotor Preparation and Loading,5-5
Prerun Safety Check,5-5

xii
Contents
Rotor Preparation,5-5
Special Preparation Instructions for JS-24 Series Rotors,5-6
Loading the Rotor Yoke,5-7
Loading JS-24 Series Rotors,5-8
Symmetric and Balanced Loading,5-9
Loading Buckets,5-11
Using Modular Disk Adapters, 5-11
Using Blood Bag Cups, 5-12
Loading Buckets Into the Rotor, 5-13
Using Microtiter Plate Carriers, 5-14
Micro Plus Carriers, 5-14
JS-5.9 and JS-5.3 Plate Carriers, 5-15
J6 Carriers, 5-16
Operation, 5-17
Sample Recovery, 5-17
Removing JS-24 Series Rotors, 5-17
Using Vertical-Tube
and Rack-Type Rotors,6-1
Introduction,6-1
Description,6-1
Vertical-Tube Rotors,6-2
Rack-Type Rotors,6-2
Using a Vertical-Tube Rotor,6-3
Tubes and Bottles,6-3
Rotor Preparation and Loading,6-3
Prerun Safety Checks,6-3
Rotor Preparation,6-3
Operation,6-4
Installing the Rotor,6-5
Removal and Sample Recovery,6-6
Using a Rack-Type Rotor,6-7
Trays and Tubes,6-7
Rotor Preparation and Loading,6-7
Prerun Safety Checks,6-7
Rotor Preparation,6-7
Operation,6-8
Installing the Rotor,6-9
Removal and Sample Recovery,6-10
Care and Maintenance,7-1
Introduction,7-1
Rotor Care,7-1
Cleaning,7-2
Decontamination,7-3

xiii
Contents
Sterilization and Disinfection,7-4
Inspection,7-4
Lubrication,7-5
O-Rings,7-5
Pivot Pins and Buckets,7-5
Field Rotor Inspection Program,7-6
Tube, Bottle, and Accessory Care,7-6
Cleaning,7-6
Decontamination,7-7
Sterilization and Disinfection,7-7
Inspection,7-9
Tube and Bottle Storage,7-9
Returning a Rotor or Accessory to the Factory,7-10
Diagnostic Hints, 7-10
Chemical Resistances for Beckman Coulter Centrifugation
Products,A-1
List of Chemical Resistances,A-1
Temperature Compensation Tables,B-1
Introduction,B-1
Temperature Compensation,B-1
Gradient Materials,C-1
Introduction,C-1
Blood Component Separation,D-1
Introduction,D-1
Blood Bank Collection Overview,D-1
Components and Typical Usage,D-2
Single-Donor Fresh Plasma,D-2
Single-Donor Plasma,D-2
Packed Red Blood Cells (PBC,D-2
Leukocyte-Depleted Red Blood Cells,D-2
Shelf Life,D-3
Freezing,D-3
Separation of Blood Components by Centrifugation,D-3
Tips for Optimum Centrifugation Runs,D-6
References,E-1
List of References,E-1

xiv
Contents
Glossary
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
J Series Rotor Warranty

xv
Illustrations
Illustrations
1.1 Fixed-Angle, Swinging-Bucket, Vertical-Tube, and Rack-Type
Rotors,1-2
1.2 Particle Separation in Fixed-Angle, Swinging-Bucket, and Verti-
cal-Tube Rotors., 1-10
1.3 Sedimentation Coefficients (in Svedberg Units) for Some Com-
mon Biological Materials,1-12
1.4 Nomogram for J2 Series Centrifuges, 1-13
1.5 Nomogram for J6Series Centrifuges, 1-14
1.6 Arranging Tubes Symmetrically in a Fixed-Angle, Vertical-
Tube,
or JS-24 Series Swinging-Bucket Rotor, 1-17
3.1 The Cordless Quick-Seal Tube Topper, 3-10
4.1 Examples of Fixed-Angle Rotors,4-2
5.1 Examples of Swinging-Bucket Rotors,5-2
5.2 Examples of Correctly and Incorrectly Loaded Buckets and
Carriers, 5-10
5.3 Typical Blood Bag Loading Procedures (JS-24.3 Rotor
Shown),5-13
5.4 The Micro Plus Microtiter Plate Carrier, Base, Pad, and Deep-
Well Microtiter Plate, 5-15
6.1 Vertical-Tube Rotor,6-2
6.2 Rack-Type Rotor,6-2
D.1 Blood Component Separation,D-4

xvi
Tables
Tables
1.1 Rotors Used in Beckman Coulter J Series Centrifuges,1-5
2.1 Characteristics and Chemical Resistances of Tube and Bottle
Materials,2-2
3.1 General Filling and Sealing Requirements for Tubes and
Bottles,3-3
3.2 Aerosolve Tube Rack,3-18
4.1 General Specifications for Beckman Coulter J Series Fixed-Angle
Rotors,4-3
5.1 General Specifications for Beckman Coulter J Series Swinging-
Bucket Rotors,5-3
5.2 Microplate Carriers Used with J6-Series Rotors, 5-16
6.1 General Specifications for Beckman Coulter J Series Vertical-
Tube and Rack-Type Rotors,6-1
7.1 Tube and Bottle Sterilization and Disinfection,7-8
7.2 Troubleshooting Chart, 7-11
B.1 Temperature Compensation Settings for theJ2-HC
Centrifuge,B-1
B.2 Temperature Compensation Settings for the J2-21, J2-21B,
J2-21C, and J2-HS Centrifuges,B-3
B.3 Temperature Compensation Settings for the J2-MI, J2-21M,
J2-MC, and J2-21M/E Centrifuges,B-5
B.4 Temperature Compensation Settings for the J6 Centrifuges,B-6
C.1 Commonly Used Gradient Materials with Their Solvents,C-2
C.2 Density, Refractive Index, and Concentration Data—Cesium
Chloride at 25°C, Molecular Weight = 168.37,C-3
C.3 Density, Refractive Index, and Concentration Data—Sucrose at
20°C, Molecular Weight = 342.3,C-4
C.4 Density Conversion for Cesium and Rubidum Salts at 20°C,C-5
D.1 Blood Component Storage,D-3
D.2 Blood Bank Methods,D-5

PN JR-IM-10AG xvii
Scope
Scope of this Manual
This manual contains general information for properly preparing a rotor for centrifugation in
a Beckman Coulter J series centrifuge. This manual should be used with the individual rotor
instruction manual shipped with each rotor. The rotor manuals provide specific information for
each rotor, including special operating procedures and precautions, tube, bottle, and adapter part
numbers, and equations to calculate maximum allowable rotor speeds. Each manual has a code
number in the bottom left-hand corner of the cover page that can be used for reordering. To
reorder, call Beckman Coulter Customer Service at 1-800-742-2345 (U.S.A. or Canada), outside the
U.S., contact your local Beckman Coulter representative.
A lot of information is compiled in this manual, and we urge you to read it carefully — especially if
this is your first experience with Beckman Coulter products.
• CHAPTER 1 describes, by usage, Beckman Coulter’s currently produced J series rotors; this
should help you determine the appropriate rotor to use for a particular application. Also
included in this section is a discussion of rotor materials, components, and centrifugation
techniques.
• CHAPTER 2 describes various tubes, adapters, spacers, and cannisters to help you choose a
particular container for your application.
• CHAPTER 3 provides instructions for using tubes, bottles, cannisters, and related accessories.
• CHAPTER 4 contains step-by-step procedures for preparing a fixed angle rotor for a centrifuge
run. Similar information is available for swinging bucket rotors in CHAPTER 5, and CHAPTER 6
contains the same type of information for vertical tube and rack-type rotors. (Elutriation, zonal,
and continuous flow rotors are not covered in this manual.)
• CHAPTER 7 provides rotor, tube, and accessory care and maintenance information, as well as
some diagnostic hints. Please read it. Proper rotor care results in longer rotor life.

PN JR-IM-10AG xviii
• Several appendixes contain information that may be of special interest:
—APPENDIX A lists chemical resistances for rotor and accessory materials to help determine
compatibility with a variety of solutions.
—APPENDIX B contains Temperature Compensation Tables for various rotors.
—APPENDIX C contains reference information on some commonly used gradient materials.
—APPENDIX D provides information about separation of blood components using J series
centrifuges.
—APPENDIX E lists references for further reading.
—Glossary provides a glossary of terms.

PN JR-IM-10AG 1-1
CHAPTER 1
Rotors
Introduction
This chapter is an introduction to the Beckman Coulter family of J series rotors, providing general
information on rotor design, selection, and operation. Rotor designs described are fixed angle, swinging
bucket, vertical tube, and rack type. Specific instructions for using each type of rotor are contained in
CHAPTER 4, CHAPTER 5, and CHAPTER 6. Care and maintenance information for all of these rotors is
contained in CHAPTER 7. Elutriator, continuous flow, and zonal rotors are not covered in this manual. The
elutriator rotors are described in detail in their respective rotor instruction manuals, publications JE6B-IM-
9 and JE5-IM-13; the continuous flow/zonal rotor, JCF-Z, is described in publication JCFZ-IM-12.
General Description
Rotor Designations
Beckman Coulter J series rotors are usually named according to the type of rotor and the rotor’s
maximum allowable revolutions per minute (in thousands), referred to as rated speed. For example,
the JA-12 rotor is a fixed-angle rotor with a maximum speed of 12,000 rpm. However, the naming
system for J series rotors was changed slightly in early 1994.
• Rotors released before 1994 (for example, the JA-18.1): JA designates that it is a fixed-angle rotor
used in a J series centrifuge; the 18 indicates that the rated speed of the rotor is 18,000 rpm; the
decimal unit (.1) distinguishes between different rotors with the same rated speed.
• Rotors released after January 1994 (for example, the JA-25.50): JA still designates that it is a
fixed-angle rotor used in a J series centrifuge; the 25 still identifies the rated speed of the rotor
(25,000 rpm); but the decimal unit (.50) describes the nominal volume of the largest tube or
bottle (in mL) used in the rotor.
An example of each rotor type is shown in Figure 1.1.

PN JR-IM-10AG
1-2
Rotors
General Description
Figure 1.1 Fixed-Angle, Swinging-Bucket, Vertical-Tube, and Rack-Type Rotors
Containers in fixed-angle rotors (designated JA) are held at an angle to the axis of rotation in tube
cavities.
Containers in J-Lite fixed-angle rotors (designated JLA) are also held at an angle to the axis of rotation;
the rotor construction results in reduced overall weight.
Containers in swinging-bucket rotors (designated JS) are held in rotor buckets or multitube carriers
attached to the rotor body by hinge pins. The buckets or carriers swing out to a horizontal position
as the rotor accelerates.
Tubes in vertical-tube rotors (designated JV) are held parallel to the axis of rotation. These rotors
have plugs, screwed into the rotor cavities over sealed tubes, that keep the tubes in the cavities and
provide support for the hydrostatic forces generated by centrifugation.
Tubes in the rack-type rotor (designated JR) are held in gamma-counter racks. Racks are loaded into
special plastic trays, which are then loaded into carriers at a resting angle. During centrifugation,
the carriers swing out to a completely horizontal position.
Rack-Type Rotor
Fixed-Angle Rotor Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Vertical-Tube Rotor