Beckman Coulter Microfuge 20 Series User manual

B30162AA
May 2013
Instructions For Use
Microfuge 20 Series
Centrifuges
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

Microfuge 20/20R
Centrifuges
PN B30162AA (May 2013)
Copyright ©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 and the stylized logo 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
Beckman Coulter Ireland, Inc.
Mervue Business Park, Mervue Galway, Ireland 353 91 774068
Made in Germany
Printed in the U.S.A.

B30162AA iii
Revision Status
Initial Issue, 05/2013
Microfuge 20 Series Centrifuges Instructions for Use, version B30162AA

B30162AA
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Revision Status

B30162AA 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 your Beckman Coulter Representative.
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
The centrifuge weighs 13 kg/28.6 lb (nonrefrigerated model) without rotor, or 32 kg/70.5 lb
(refrigerated model) without rotor. 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.

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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.
• Work on the power supply system must be performed by certified electricians.
• Inspect the electrical equipment of the unit regularly. Defects such as loose or burnt cables
must be eliminated immediately.
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 (12 inches) clearance envelope surrounding the centrifuge.
Do not use the centrifuge within hazardous locations.
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.
• NEVER attempt to override the door interlock system while the rotor is spinning.
• Maintain a 30 cm (12 inches) 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 (12 inches) area surrounding the
centrifuge.
• Never operate the instrument without a rotor installed.

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Safety Notice
Chemical and Biological Safety
• If the instrument housing becomes damaged do not use the instrument. Contact Beckman
Coulter Field Service (1-800-742-2345 in the United States; outside the U.S. contact your local
Beckman Coulter office or visit us at http://www.beckmancoulter.com).
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 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.
• Do not centrifuge materials that could result in a hazardous chemical reaction.
It is your responsibility to decontaminate the centrifuge and accessories before requesting service
by Beckman Coulter.

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Safety Notice
Chemical and Biological Safety

ix
Contents
Revision Status,iii
Safety Notice,v
Introduction,xv
CHAPTER 1: Description,1-1
Introduction,1-1
Centrifuge Function and Safety Features,1-1
Centrifuge Function,1-1
Models,1-2
Safety Features,1-3
Chassis,1-3
Housing,1-3
Door,1-3
Rotor Chamber,1-4
Drive,1-4
Temperature Sensing and Control (refrigerated models only),1-4
Controls and Indicators,1-5
Power Switch,1-5
Control Panel,1-5
System Keys,1-5
Program Keys,1-6
Digital Displays,1-6
Name Rating Plate,1-7
Microfuge 20 Nonrefrigerated Model Specifications,1-8
Microfuge 20R 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

x
Contents
Entering Run Parameters,2-4
Menu Key Sequence,2-4
Setting Run Speed,2-5
To set the speed,2-5
Setting Run Time,2-5
To set a timed run,2-6
To start a continuous run,2-6
To stop a continuous run,2-7
Setting Run Temperature (Microfuge 20R refrigerated models
only),2-7
To set the run temperature,2-7
Rotor Code Selection,2-8
To select the correct rotor,2-8
Precooling the centrifuge (20R refrigerated models only),2-8
To precool the centrifuge,2-8
Setting Acceleration and Deceleration Rates,2-9
To activate both Soft-start and Soft-stop functions ,2-9
To activate only the Soft-stop function ,2-10
To deactivate both Soft-start and Soft-stop functions ,2-10
Starting a Run,2-10
To start a run,2-10
Short Run (Quick Run) Function,2-11
To perform a quick run on the non-refrigerated Microfuge
20,2-11
To perform a quick run on the refrigerated Microfuge 20R,2-12
Changing Parameters During a Run,2-12
To change the speed during a run,2-12
To change the run time during a run,2-13
To change the temperature during a run (Microfuge 20R
only),2-13
Stopping a Run,2-13
To stop a run in progress,2-13
Unloading,2-14
Summary of Run Procedures,2-14
Saving and Using Programs,2-16
Saving Settings,2-16
To save settings into a program,2-16
To run a saved program,2-17
To change a saved program,2-17
CHAPTER 3: Troubleshooting,3-1
Introduction,3-1
User Messages,3-1
To clear the problem or error,3-2
Other Possible Problems,3-5
Accessing the Centrifuge in Case of Power Failure,3-6

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Contents
To gain emergency access the centrifuge,3-6
CHAPTER 4: Care and Maintenance,4-1
Introduction,4-1
Maintenance,4-2
Preventive Maintenance,4-2
Cleaning,4-2
Decontamination,4-4
Sterilization and Disinfection,4-4
Storage and Transport,4-4
Storage,4-4
Notes on Transport,4-4
Returning a Centrifuge,4-5
Supply List,4-5
Replacement Parts,4-5
Other,4-5
APPENDIX A: Installation,A-1
Introduction,A-1
Installing the Instrument,A-1
To install the centrifuge,A-2
Electrical Requirements,A-3
Test Run,A-5
APPENDIX B: Table of Hazardous Substance’s
Name and Concentration,B-1
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Microfuge 20 Series Centrifuge Warranty
Related Documents

xii
Illustrations
Illustrations
1.1 Microfuge 20 (A) and Microfuge 20R (B) Front View,1-1
1.2 Microfuge 20R (A) and Microfuge 20 (B) Rear view,1-2
1.3 Interior View of the Rotor Chamber,1-4
1.4 Microfuge 20 and Microfuge 20R Control Panels,1-5
1.5 Digital Display showing all possible displays, Microfuge 20R
shown,1-7
2.1 Tapered Sleeve Side View,2-3
2.2 Default Parameters on First-Time Use, Microfuge 20R
shown,2-4
3.1 Error message example,3-2
3.2 Removing the Emergency Access Plug,3-7
3.3 Manually releasing the door lock with the Allen wrench,3-7
A.1 Dimensions of the Non-Refrigerated Centrifuge,A-3
A.2 Dimensions of the Refrigerated Centrifuge,A-4

xiii
Tables
Tables
1.1 Display Definitions,1-7
2.1 Acceleration and Deceleration Rates by Rotor (in
minutes:seconds),2-9
3.1 Error Message Chart,3-3
3.2 Troubleshooting Chart,3-5

xiv
Tables

B30162AA xv
Introduction
Certification
Beckman Coulter Microfuge 20 series centrifuges are manufactured in a facility that maintains
certifications to ISO 9001:2008 or ISO 13485:2003. They have been designed and tested to be
compliant (when used with Beckman Coulter rotors) with the the safety requirements for electrical
equipment for laboratory use 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 Microfuge 20 series
centrifuges, their functions, specifications, operation, and routine operator care and maintenance.
Beckman Coulter recommends 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.
• APPENDIX A, Installation contains instructions for installing and connecting the centrifuge.
• APPENDIX B, Table of Hazardous Substance’s Name and Concentration contains information
required by Electronic Industry Standards of the People’s Republic of China.
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.

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Introduction
Conventions
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, OPEN or START) 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
Microfuge 20 series centrifuges.
Symbols and Labels
This section provides information for some labels and symbols appearing on the Microfuge 20
instrument housing. These labels and symbols may be associated with user-serviceable procedures.
Individual hazards associated with a specific procedure in this manual may use these labels and
symbols, and are included in Warnings or Cautions within the procedures for that task.
Biohazard
This caution symbol indicates biohazardous risk from possible patient specimen contamination.

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Introduction
Symbols and Labels
Caution Symbol
This symbol indicates a caution message and appears adjacent to an explanation or other symbols
that define the caution.
High Voltage Danger
This symbol indicates high voltage is present or that there is a risk of electric shock when working
in this area. Operation, replacement or servicing of any components where contact with bare, live
hazardous parts could occur, possibly resulting in electric shock, should only be performed by your
Beckman Coulter representative.
Protective Ground
This symbol is used to indicate a protective ground. This instrument must be properly grounded.
Do not under any circumstances operate the instrument unless it is properly grounded.
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:
• the device was put on the European Market after August 13, 2005 and
A28219-AA

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Introduction
Symbols and Labels
• the device is not to be disposed of 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.
Risk of Fire Warning
Before replacing fuses, shut off power and disconnect the power cord. Failure to do so can cause
electric shock and/or equipment damage. Replace fuses only with approved type and rating
replacement fuse.
Electric Shock Warning
Operation, replacement or servicing of any components where contact with electronic
components could occur can result in electric shock, and should only be performed by your
Beckman Coulter representative.
Rotor Rotation
This label indicates the direction of the rotor rotation.

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Introduction
Symbols and Labels
China RoHS Caution Label
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 hazarous
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
circle 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.
Australian EMC Compliance Label
The C-Tick mark is intended for use on products that comply with Australian Communication
Authority (ACA) EMC Requirements.
TUV-GS Label
The GS seal indicates that a product has been inspected in a national testing center and that
production facilities have undergone an initial, as well as on ongoing, inspection. Only companies
that meet these high standards may attach the GS seal next to the CE seal or CE label.

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Introduction
Symbols and Labels
CE Label
This label indicates conformance to various directives set forth under European Union law.
Consult IFU Label
This label indicates that the Instructions for Use should be referred to for more information.
RoHS Conform Label
This label indicates that the product is compliant with the EU RoHS directive (2002/95/EC)
pertaining to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE).
TUV-NRTL Label
This label indicates recognition by a Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL) that the
instrument has met the relevant product safety standards.