Beckman Coulter Optima L-XP User manual

PN LXP-IM-7AB
October 2013
Instructions For Use
Optima L-XP Series
Preparative Ultracentrifuges
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

Optima L-XP Series
Preparative Ultracentrifuges
PN LXP-IM-7AB (October 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 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
Made in U.S.A.
Printed in U.S.A.

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iii
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, 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. 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
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. Also, if the instrument needs to be moved, a Beckman Coulter Field
Service representative must reinstall and relevel the instrument in its new location.
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 ultracentrifuge components with parts not specified for use on this instrument.

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iv
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. Make sure that the matching wall outlet receptacle is
property wired and earth-grounded.
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
conditioned 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 or hazardous chemical reactions. Do not centrifuge such materials (for example,
chloroform or ethyl alcohol) in this instrument nor handle or store them near the centrifuge.
Mechanical Safety
For safe operation of the equipment, observe the following:
• Use only the Beckman Coulter 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 move the ultracentrifuge while the drive motor is spinning.
• In the event of a power failure, do not attempt to retrieve the sample from the instrument for
at least one hour. Then follow the instructions for recovery of the sample under CHAPTER 5,
Troubleshooting.
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.

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Safety Notice
Chemical and Biological Safety
WARNING
Normal operation may involve the use of solutions and test samples that are
pathogenic, toxic, or radioactive. 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
ultracentrifuge 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.
WARNING
Do not use the ultracentrifuge in the vicinity of flammable liquids or vapors, and
do not run such materials in the instrument. Do not lean on the instrument or
place items on it while it is operating.
It is your responsibility to decontaminate the instrument and accessories before requesting service
by Beckman Coulter Field Service.

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vi
Safety Notice
Chemical and Biological Safety

vii
Contents
Safety Notice,iii
Alerts for Warning, Caution, Important, 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,iv
Introduction,xv
Certification,xv
Scope of Manual,xv
CFC-Free Centrifugation,xvi
Recycling Label,xvi
RoHS Notice,xvi
Software Copyright,xvii
CHAPTER 1: Description, 1-1
Introduction,1-1
Instrument Function,1-1
Safety Features,1-2
Door,1-2
Barrier Ring,1-2
Imbalance Detector,1-2
Overspeed System,1-2
Dynamic Rotor Inertia Check (DRIC),1-3
Instrument Chassis,1-3
Rotor Chamber,1-3
Vacuum System,1-3
Drive,1-3
Temperature Sensing and Control,1-4

viii
Contents
Name Rating Plate,1-4
Controls and Indicators,1-4
Power,1-4
Key Switch Positions,1-5
Control Panel,1-5
Specifications,1-9
Available Rotors,1-10
CHAPTER 2: Operation,2-1
Introduction,2-1
Power,2-1
Key Switch Positions,2-1
Normal Position,2-2
Locked Position,2-2
Zonal Position,2-2
Touchscreen Interface,2-2
Basic Operation,2-3
Logging In,2-4
System-Level Operations,2-5
Adding a User,2-6
Copying Users,2-8
Set PIN Number,2-9
Set Role,2-10
Removing Users,2-10
Require User Login,2-11
Required Rotor Selection,2-11
Enable Run Comment,2-12
Manual Operation,2-12
Programmed Operation,2-15
Step Program,2-17
RPM to RCF Toggle,2-19
RCF Conversion,2-19
w2t,2-20
Rotor Conversion,2-22
Auto Pelleting,2-23
Auto Rate Zonal,2-24
Recall Program,2-26
Remote Operation,2-26
Using Calculation Features,2-27
Pelleting Time Calculation,2-27
Concentration Measures,2-28
Refractive Index/Density,2-29
Speed Reduction for Dense Solutions,2-29

ix
Contents
Speed Reduction for Precipitating Solutions,2-30
Sedimentation Coefficient from Run Data,2-31
Sedimentation Coefficient From Molecular Mass,2-32
Restore Windows,2-33
CHAPTER 3: Simulations,3-1
Using Simulation Features,3-1
ESP Pelleting,3-1
ESP Rate Zonal,3-3
ESP Plasmid Run,3-4
ESP RNA (BEST),3-6
ESP RNA (Fast),3-7
Recall Simulation,3-9
CHAPTER 4: Reference and Log Functions,4-1
Reference Features,4-1
Rotor Catalog,4-1
Rotor Library,4-3
Tube Catalog,4-5
Chemical Resistances,4-6
Exporting Data,4-8
Log Features,4-10
Instrument Usage Log,4-10
Display Last Run Record,4-10
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting,5-1
Introduction,5-1
User Messages,5-1
Retrieving Your Sample in Case of Power Failure,5-3
CHAPTER 6: Care and Maintenance,6-1
Introduction,6-1
Cleaning,6-1
Rotor Chamber,6-1
Decontamination,6-2
Sterilization and Disinfection,6-2
Storage and Transportation,6-2
Supply List,6-3
Replacement Parts,6-3
Supplies,6-3

x
Contents
APPENDIX A: Preinstallation Requirements,A-1
Introduction,A-1
Space Requirements,A-1
Bio-Safety Level 3 Installation,A-2
Electrical Requirements,A-2
Attaching a Printer,A-3
APPENDIX B: Remote Access,B-1
Introduction,B-1
VNC License Information,B-2
GNU General Public License, Version 2, June 1991,B-3
Preamble,B-3
GNU General Public License Terms and Conditions for Copying,
Distribution and Modification,B-4
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Optima L, LE, L-XP, and XL
Preparative Ultracentrifuges Warranty
Related Documents

xi
Illustrations
Illustrations
1.1 Optima L-XP Control Head,1-5
1.2 Key Switch Positions,1-5
1.3 Control Panel,1-6
1.4 Settings Screen,1-6
1.5 Step Program Screen,1-7
2.1 Key Switch Positions,2-1
2.2 Touchscreen and Keypad Operation,2-3
2.3 User Login Screen,2-5
2.4 System Management Screen,2-6
2.5 Add User Screen,2-6
2.6 New PIN Screen,2-7
2.7 Confirm PIN Screen,2-7
2.8 Set Role Screen,2-8
2.9 Enable User Login Option,2-11
2.10 Settings Screen,2-12
2.11 Delay Start Screen,2-14
2.12 Precool/Heat Temperature Screen,2-15
2.13 Setup Menu,2-16
2.14 File Types,2-16
2.15 Step Program Screen,2-17
2.16 Save As Dialog,2-18
2.17 RCF Run Screen,2-19
2.18 w2t Run Screen,2-21
2.19 Substitute Rotor Screen,2-22
2.20 Auto Pelleting Run Screen,2-24
2.21 Auto Rate Zonal Screen,2-25
2.22 Open File Dialog,2-26
2.23 Calculate Menu,2-27
2.24 Calculate Pelleting Time Screen,2-27
2.25 Calculate Concentration Measures Screen,2-28
2.26 Calculate Refractive Index/Density Screen,2-29
2.27 Calculate Reduced Rotor Speed for Dense Solutions Screen,2-30
2.28 Calculate Reduced Rotor Speed for Precipitating Solutions
Screen,2-31

xii
Illustrations
2.29 Calculate Sedimentation Coefficient from Run Data Screen,2-32
2.30 Estimate Sedimentation Coefficient from Molecular Mass
Screen,2-33
3.1 Simulate Menu,3-1
3.2 ESP Pelleting Screen,3-2
3.3 ESP Rate Zonal Screen,3-3
3.4 ESP Plasmid Run Screen,3-5
3.5 ESP RNA (Best) Screen,3-6
3.6 ESP RNA (Fast) Screen,3-8
4.1 Reference Menu,4-1
4.2 Rotor Catalog Screen,4-2
4.3 Selected Rotor Specifications,4-3
4.4 Select Rotor Screen,4-3
4.5 Enter Rotor Serial Number Screen,4-4
4.6 Tube Catalog,4-5
4.7 Selected Tube Specifications,4-6
4.8 Chemicals/UPAC Name Screen,4-7
4.9 Chemical Resistances Screen,4-8
4.10 Optima L-XP Control Head with USB Hub,4-9
4.11 Export Data Screen,4-9
4.12 Logs Menu,4-10
4.13 Run Record,4-11
5.1 Removing the Control Head Cover,5-4
5.2 Depressing the Latch to Loosen the Front Panel,5-5
5.3 Interior View of Instrument (Panel Removed),5-5
5.4 Reinstalling the Front Panel,5-6
A.1 Dimensions of the Optima L-XP Ultracentrifuge,A-2
A.2 Electrical Connection,A-3
A.3 Printer Connection,A-4
B.1 About Optima L-XP Screen,B-2

xiii
Tables
Tables
1.1 Step Program Screen Features,1-7
2.1 Acceleration and Deceleration Profiles,2-14
5.1 Diagnostic Message Chart,5-2
A.1 Required Wire Connections,A-3

xiv
Tables

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xv
Introduction
Certification
Beckman Coulter Optima L-XP series ultracentrifuges 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 Optima L-XP series ultracentrifuge, its
functions, specifications, operation, and routine operator care and maintenance. Beckman Coulter
recommendsthat you read this entire manual, especially the Safety Notice and all safety-related
information, before operating the ultracentrifuge or performing instrument maintenance.
• CHAPTER 1, Description contains system specifications and a brief physical and functional
description of the ultracentrifuge, including the operating controls and indicators.
• CHAPTER 2, Operation contains ultracentrifuge operating procedures.
• CHAPTER 3, Simulations describes the use of the run simulation features.
• CHAPTER 4, Reference and Log Functions provides information about reference and log functions
of the ultracentrifuge.
• CHAPTER 5, Troubleshooting lists possible malfunctions, together with probable causes and
suggested corrective actions.
• CHAPTER 6, 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 ultracentrifuge.
• APPENDIX B, Remote Access contains information on how to access the remote access feature.
NOTE
If the ultracentrifuge 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 appropriate rotor manual is the sole responsibility of
the user.

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Introduction
CFC-Free Centrifugation
CFC-Free Centrifugation
To ensure minimal environmental impact, no CFCs are used in the manufacture or operation of the
Optima L-XP ultracentrifuge.
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.
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
A28219-AA

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xvii
Introduction
Software Copyright
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.
Software Copyright
The Optima L-XP eXPert operating software (a Microsoft Windows-based computer program) is
protected by international copyright laws. Unauthorized copying, use, distribution, transfer, or sale
is a violation of those laws that may result in civil or criminal penalties. This computer program is
also subject to additional restrictions contained in the following Microsoft OEM Customer License
Agreement for Embedded Systems:
“If you use the Device to access or utilize the services or functionality of Microsoft Windows XP
Server (all editions), or use the Device to permit workstation or computing devices to access or
utilize the services or functionality of Microsoft Windows XP Server, you may be required to obtain
a Client Access License for the Device and/or each such workstation or computing device. Please
refer to the End-User License Agreement for Microsoft Windows XP Server for additional
information.”
(The End-User License Agreement is available is available on the Microsoft Embedded Systems
Web site.)

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Introduction
Software Copyright

PN LXP-IM-7AB
1-1
CHAPTER 1
Description
Introduction
This section describes the Optima L-XP series ultracentrifuge components and their functions. It also
describes system safety features and centrifuge controls and displays. Refer to the applicable rotor manual
for rotor descriptions.
Instrument Function
The Optima L-XP ultracentrifuge is used to generate centrifugal forces for the separation of
particles. The Optima L-100 XP has a maximum rotational speed of 100,000 RPM; the L-80 XP runs
up to 80,000 RPM. Classified S, it can be used with all currently manufactured Beckman Coulter
preparative rotors.
The microprocessor-controlled Optima L-XP provides an interactive operator interface, using a
touchscreen and keypad, with the eXPert operating software.
Both manual and programmed operation are available. In manual operation, you enter the
individual run parameters and begin the run. In programmed operation, you can create, save,
recall, modify, and/or print a program, and then automatically run the ultracentrifuge via the
program. Several advanced capabilities simplify laboratory ultracentrifugation, such as:
• Setting up a run by specifying RCF (relative centrifugal force), w2t(accumulated centrifugal
effect), substitute rotor and tube combination, or sedimentation coefficient
• Performing various centrifugation-related calculations, including pelleting time,
concentration measures, refractive index, speed reduction, and sedimentation coefficient
• ESP (Efficient Sedimentation Program), a simulation that provides optimum run times using
precipitating and non-precipitating media
• Rotor and tube catalogs containing pertinent information about Beckman Coulter
ultracentrifuge rotors and tubes
• A rotor library for tracking the rotors in your lab
• Run logs for record-keeping or lab procedures purposes
• Information on compatibility between centrifugation accessories and a variety of chemicals

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1-2
Description
Safety Features
To enable printing of run parameters, program settings, and/or simulations, a parallel port on the
back of the instrument control head allows connection to a printer. See APPENDIX A, Preinstallation
Requirements for printer availability and hookup procedures.
Safety Features
The Optima L-XP ultracentrifuge has been designed and tested to operate safely indoors at altitudes
up to 2000 m (6562 ft).
Door
The high-strength structural steel chamber door has a solenoid interlock to prevent operator
contact with a spinning rotor. When the door is closed it locks automatically. It can be opened only
when the power is on and the rotor is at rest with the chamber at atmospheric pressure. If there is
a power failure, the door lock can be manually tripped for sample recovery (see CHAPTER 5,
Troubleshooting).
Barrier Ring
A 41-mm (1.63-in.) steel alloy armor ring acts as the primary barrier, surrounded by a 13-mm
(0.5-in.) vacuum chamber to provide full protection for the operator.
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.
Overspeed System
The overspeed system is a safety feature designed to ensure that the rotor does not exceed its
maximum allowable speed. This system includes a photoelectric device in the rotor chamber next
to the drive spindle and an overspeed disk on the bottom of the rotor. Individual rotor manuals
provide information on the correct overspeed disks to be used with each rotor.
The overspeed disk has alternating light and dark sectors. As the rotor spins, the passage of
reflecting and nonreflecting sectors over the photoelectric device generates a series of pulses that
are detected by the electronic circuitry and software.
After the rotor reaches 1000 RPM, the set speed is checked against the overspeed disk. If the set
speed is greater than the maximum speed permitted by the disk, the speed setting is automatically
lowered to the disk’s maximum speed, but the run continues without interruption. An error
message is displayed to alert you to the change.