Beckman Coulter Optima XL Series User manual

LXL-IM-10
Instruction Manual
PUBLISHED BY THE SPINCO BUSINESS CENTER OF BECKMAN COULTER, INC., PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304
TM
Optima™XL Series
Preparative Ultracentrifuge

Symbol
Symbol
Symbole
Símbolo
Simbolo
Title / Titel / Titre / Titulo /
Dangerous voltage
Gefährliche elektrische Spannung
Courant haute tension
Voltaje peligroso
Pericolo: alta tensione
Attention, consult accompanying documents
Achtung! Begleitpapiere beachten!
Attention, consulter les documents joints
Atención, consulte los documentos adjuntos
Attenzione: consultare le informazioni allegate
On (power)
Ein (Netzverbindung)
Marche (mise sous tension)
Encendido
Acceso (sotto tensione)
Off (power)
Aus (Netzverbindung)
Arrêt (mise hors tension)
Apagado
Spento (fuori tensione)
Protective earth (ground)
Schutzleiteranschluß
Liaison à la terre
Puesta a tierra de protección
Collegamento di protezione a terra
Earth (ground)
Erde
Terre
Tierra
Scarica a terra
!

SAFETY NOTICE
This safety notice summarizes information basic to the safe operation of the equipment
described in this manual. The international symbol displayed above is a reminder that all
safety instructions should be read and understood before installation, operation, mainte-
nance, or repair of this instrument. When you see the symbol on other pages, pay special
attention to the safety information presented. Observance of safety precautions will also
help to avoid actions that could damage or adversely affect the performance of the
equipment.
Other symbols may also be displayed on the equipment. These are reproduced and
described on the inside of the front cover.
Safety During Installation and/or Maintenance
This instrument is designed to be installed by a Beckman Coulter Field Service represen-
tative. 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,
and refer such servicing to qualified personnel.
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 properly 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 condi-
tions. 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 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 centrifuge while the drive motor is spinning.
• In the event of a power failure, do not attempt to retrieve the sample from the instru-
ment for at least one hour. Then follow the instructions for recovery of the sample
under
TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE .
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 .
• 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 mycobacterium, and certain
systemic fungi—further emphasize the need for aerosol protection. Handle other infec-
tious 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 a rotor
without taking appropriate safety precautions. Biosafe containment should be used
when Risk Group II materials (as identified in the World Health Organization
Labora-
tory 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 a Beckman Coulter Field Service representative.

LXL-IM-10
May 2001
Instruction Manual
PUBLISHED BY THE SPINCO BUSINESS CENTER OF BECKMAN COULTER, INC., PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304
© 2001 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A.
Optima™XL Series
Preparative Ultracentrifuge
TM

LISTED
I.S. EN ISO 9001

Contents
iii
Page
INTRODUCTION
Instrument Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Scope of this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Radio Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Installation Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
SECTION 1: DESCRIPTION
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Key Switch Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Revolutions Counter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Rotor Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vacuum System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Temperature Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Temperature Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Overspeed System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Rotor Energy System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
SECTION 2: RUN PREPARATION
Screen Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Other Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Key Switch Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Entering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Parameter Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Activation Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
More Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
SECTION 3: PROGRAMMED RUNS
Standard Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Sequential Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
SECTION 4: ROTOR FUNCTIONS
Lab Rotors Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Selecting a Rotor for Logging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Modifying Information in the Lab Rotors Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Rotor Catalog and Rotor Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

iv
Contents
Page
SECTION 5: THE PRINTER
Printer Menu Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Menu Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
SECTION 6: CALCULATIONS
The Calculations Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Entering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Conversions Between Speed (RPM) and Relative Centrifugal
Force (RCF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Calculate Pelleting Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Concentration Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Refractive Index Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Convert RPM, Time, and W2T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Speed Reduction, Dense Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Speed Reduction, Precipitating Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Run Duplication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
SECTION 7: ESP EFFICIENT SEDIMENTATION PROGRAM
The Efficient Sedimentation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
The Softkeys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Entering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
The ESP Protocol Selection Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
The ESP Protocol Definition Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Simulate the Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Run ESP Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
SECTION 8: SUMMARY OF RUN PROCEDURES
Key in the Normal Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Key in the Locked Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Key in the Zonal Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
SECTION 9: TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE
In Case of Power Failure During the Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Retrieving Your Sample. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Diagnostic Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Decontamination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Sterilization and Disinfection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Storage and Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Adjusting the Display Screen Brightness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Printer Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Supply List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Warranty

Illustrations
v
Page
Figure 1-1. Optima XL Control Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Figure 1-2. Key Switch Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Figure 1-3. The Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Figure 1-4. Location of Printer Within Control Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Figure 1-5. The Rotor Chamber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Figure 2-1. The Main Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Figure 2-2. CURRENT VALUES Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Figure 2-3. STOP VALUES Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Figure 2-4. SETTINGS Window, Showing the Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Figure 2-5. Inserting the Key into the Interlock Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Figure 2-6. ACCELERATION PROFILES Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Figure 2-7. DECELERATION PROFILES Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Figure 3-1. PROGRAM LIBRARY and SETTINGS Windows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Figure 3-2. Entering an Existing Program for Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Figure 3-3. SEQUENTIAL PROGRAM Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Figure 3-4. Entering Settings for Step A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Figure 4-1. Adding a Rotor to the LAB ROTORS Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Figure 4-2. Saving the Rotor Information in the LAB ROTORS Log . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Figure 4-3. The ROTOR CATALOG and ROTOR SPECIFICATIONS
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Figure 4-4. Selecting a Tube for Rotor and Tube Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Figure 5-1. PRINTER Menu Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Figure 5-2. Sample Printout of Instrument Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Figure 5-3. Sample Printout of Rotor Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Figure 5-4. Sample Printout of Current Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Figure 5-5. Sample Printout of Current Run Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

vi
Contents
Page
Figure 6-1. The CALCULATIONS MENU Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Figure 6-2. Conversions Between Speed and Relative Centrifugal Force . . . . . . . 6-3
Figure 6-3. Calculating Pelleting Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Figure 6-4. Concentration Conversions for Sucrose and CsCl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Figure 6-5. Refractive Index Conversions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Figure 6-6. Speed, Time, and
ω
2
t Conversions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Figure 6-7. Calculating Reduction in Rotor Speed When Using
Non-precipitating Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Figure 6-8. Calculating Reduction in Rotor Speed When Using
Precipitating Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Figure 6-9. Estimating the Time Required to Duplicate a Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Figure 7-1. The ESP and PROTOCOLS Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Figure 7-2. Separation Type Selection Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Figure 7-3. ESP Protocol Definition Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Figure 7-4. ROTOR CATALOG Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Figure 7-5. G-MAX TUBES Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Figure 7-6. Graphic Representation of the Simulation—Data Set 1. . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Figure 7-7. Graphic Representation of the Simulation—Data Set 10. . . . . . . . . . . 7-7
Figure 7-8. Using the ESP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Figure 9-1. Removing the Control Head Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Figure 9-2. Depressing the Latch to Loosen the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Figure 9-3. Interior View of Instrument (Panel Removed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Figure 9-4. Reinstalling the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Figure 9-5. Screen with a Diagnostic Message Displayed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Figure 9-6. Location of the Screw that Adjusts Video Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Figure 9-7. Printer Assembly in Raised Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Figure 9-8. Removing the Paper Guide and Plastic Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
Figure 9-9. Inserting the New Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Figure 9-10. Ribbon Spools Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Table
Table 9-1. Diagnostic Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

Introduction
vii
INSTRUMENT CERTIFICATION
To assure full system quality, Beckman Coulter Optima™ Series XL
preparative ultracentrifuges have been manufactured in an NSAI-registered
ISO 9001 facility. They have been designed and tested to meet the laboratory
equipment standards and regulations (only when used with Beckman Coulter
rotors) of:
•UL
• CSA
• CE Mark
INTRODUCTION
The Optima XL ultracentrifuge is used to generate centrifugal forces for
the separation of particles. It is available in three models: the XL-100K,
XL-90K, and XL-80K, with maximum speeds of 100 000, 90 000, and
80 000 rpm respectively. Classified “S,” it can be used with all currently
manufactured Beckman Coulter preparative rotors; it is also designed for
zonal and continuous flow operation.
The Optima XL is microprocessor-controlled, providing interactive, menu-
driven operation. Software functions assist with run preparation and
optimizing the efficiency of separations. The Optima XL has an extensive
database of rotor specifications and catalog of available Beckman Coulter
rotors, the ability to perform common centrifugation-related calculations, and
the ESP™ Efficient Sedimentation Program, which simulates the formation
of the gradient and separation of sample components in a wide selection
of rotors.
The Optima XL also provides a Program Library, which can hold up to nine
standard programs and a multi-step sequential program, rotor usage logging,
and a built-in printer for printing rotor and run data.

viii
Introduction
SCOPE OF THIS MANUAL
This manual is designed to familiarize you with the specifications, operation,
and routine operator care of the Optima XL.
• The following introductory pages contain the instrument specifications and
installation requirements.
• Sections 1 and 2 describe the major instrument components and how to use
the Optima XL software to enter run conditions.
• Sections 3 through 7 provide information on the additional features
described above.
• Section 8 provides a summary of run procedures.
• Section 9 discusses the care of your Optima XL and what to do if it
malfunctions.
We recommend that you read the entire manual, especially the
SAFETY
NOTICE and all safety-related information, before operating the Optima XL
or performing instrument maintenance.
➠NOTE
If the ultracentrifuge is used in a manner other than spec-
ified in this manual, the safety and performance of this
equipment could be impaired. Further, the use of any
equipment other than that intended for use 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.
To obtain additional copies of this manual, related rotor manuals, and other
referenced publications, contact:
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Technical Publications Department
1050 Page Mill Road
PaloAlto, CA 94304, U.S.A.
(Telephone [phone]; Fax [phone])

ix
Introduction
CONVENTIONS
Certain symbols are used in the manual to call out safety related and other
important information. These are reproduced and described below.
➠NOTE
Used to call attention to important information that
should be followed during installation, use, and/or
servicing of this equipment.
!CAUTION
Used to indicate a potentially hazardous situation which,
if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury
and/or mechanical damage. It is also used to alert
against unsafe practices.
WARNING
!
Used when an action or condition may potentially
cause serious personal injury or loss of life.
Mechanical damage may also result.
WARNING
Indicates high voltage or risk of electric shock. Refer
servicing of all areas displaying this symbol to quali-
fied service personnel.
RADIO INTERFERENCE
This instrument has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with this instruction manual, may cause interference
to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area
may cause interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his or her own expense.

x
Introduction
CANADIAN REGULATIONS
This digital apparatus does not exceed the ClassA limits for radio noise emis-
sions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of
the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de Classe A pre-
scrites dans le reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique édicté par le Min-
istère des Communications du Canada.
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTROL FEATURES
Only values with tolerances or limits are guaranteed data. Values without
tolerances are information data, without guarantee.
Speed
Set speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1000 to maximum speed
1
in increments of 100 rpm
Speed control . . . . . . . . . . . actual rotor speed will be ±20 rpm of the set speed
(above 1000 rpm)
POWEROFF
X 10,000
VACUUM
PRINTER
START
STOP
TIME
TEMP
ROTOR
ce
0.
123
456
789
SPEED
ENTER
1
Maximum speed will be 100 000, 90 000, or 80 000 rpm, depending on the model purchased.

xi
Introduction
Speed display . . . . . . . . . . . indicates rotor speed in increments of 10 rpm at
speeds below 1000 rpm and 100 rpm at speeds
above 1000 rpm
Time
Set time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 999 hours and 59 minutes; HOLD for runs of
unspecified length
Time display . . . . . . . . . . . . indicates time remaining in timed runs, time elapsed
in HOLD runs, and estimated time remaining in
ω
2
t runs
Rotor Temperature
Set temperature . . . . . . . . . 0 to 40°C in increments of 1°C
Temperature control . . . . . . ±0.5°C of set temperature
Temperature display . . . . . indicates rotor temperature in increments of 0.1°C
Temperature stability . . . . . within 0.3°C after equilibration
ω
2
t Integrator
Set ω
2
t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to 9.99 × 10
14
radians squared per second
ω
2
t display . . . . . . . . . . . . . shows the accumulated ω
2
t to three significant digits
(in exponential notation)
Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nine slow acceleration profiles, or maximum
acceleration from 0 rpm to set speed
Deceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nine slow deceleration profiles, no brake, or
maximum deceleration from set speed to 0 rpm
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . standard or programmed; instrument memory can
store up to nine individual programs and one
sequential program of up to five steps
Key Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . used to select normal, zonal, or locked operation
Diagnostic Messages . . . . . . . see Troubleshooting Chart in Section 9
OPERATIONAL FEATURES
Revolution Counter . . . . . . . . displays accumulated total number of rotor
revolutions in tens of thousands
Barrier Ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-mm (1.63-in.) heat-treated steel alloy armor ring
surrounded by a 13-mm (0.50-in.) steel vacuum
chamber to provide full protection for the operator
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.5-mm (0.69-in.) high-strength structural steel
Vacuum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . diffusion pump in series with a mechanical pump
reduces chamber pressure to below 5 microns (0.7 Pa)
Instrument Classification . . . . S (uses all Beckman Coulter preparative rotors
except Types 35 and 42.1 with serial numbers
1299 or lower)
RS 232C Accessory Port . . . . external connection to provide standard RS 232C
interface for computer remote control. Connector is
is a 25-pin female DIN connector, which mates with
a 25-pin male DIN connector.

xii
Introduction
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
!CAUTION
Do not attempt to install or turn on the power to the
Optima XL. Its purchase price includes installation by
Beckman Coulter personnel. Installation by anyone
other than authorized Beckman Coulter personnel
invalidates any warranty covering the instrument.
PREINSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Preinstallation requirements have been sent prior to shipment of the instru-
ment. (Copies are also attached to the outside of the shipping container.) The
following information is provided in case the Optima XL must be relocated.
Contact your Beckman Coulter Field Service representative to adjust and
level the instrument if it must be moved. (The pads on each leveling leg are
designed to prevent possible rotation of the instrument in the case of a rotor
mishap.)
Electrical Data
Instrument rating: 220 to 240 VAC, 50 Hz, 20 A
200 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 20 A
Power line range: 180 to 264 VAC, 60 or 50 Hz (single-phase), 30 A
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this equipment uses a three-wire electri-
cal cord (1.8 m; 6 ft) and plug to connect the equipment to earth ground. In
regions where the instrument is supplied with an unterminated cord, a plug
that meets local electrical and safety requirements must be supplied. (Contact
your local Beckman Coulter office for specific information regarding these
requirements.) See the Table below for the required wire connections. Make
sure that the matching wall outlet receptacle is properly wired and earth-
grounded.

xiii
Introduction
To ensure safety, the instrument should be wired to a remote emergency
switch (preferably outside the room where the centrifuge is housed, or
adjacent to the exit from that room), in order to disconnect the instrument
from the main power source in case of a malfunction.
Required Wire Connections
Wire Insulation Color Terminal
Symbol
Harmonized North American
Green/Yellow Earth ground
Light Blue Neutral N L
Brown Live or Line L L
Measured
Line Voltage
North American Plug
Wall Outlet:
Hubbell 9330,
Bryant 96-30-FR,
or Equivalent
(NEMA 6-30 R)
30-ampere
Circuit
Protector
30-ampere
Circuit
Protector Earth
Ground

xiv
Introduction
Space
Locate the Optima XL in a clean, safe, uncluttered environment. Be sure to
provide a 5.1-cm (2-in.) clearance on each side of the Optima XL as the feet
extend about 5.1 cm (2 in.) beyond the instrument. (The pads under each foot
are designed to prevent possible rotation of the instrument in the event of a
rotor mishap.) A 15.2-cm (6-in.) clearance is required at the rear of the instru-
ment for servicing and to ensure sufficient air ventilation during operation.
The instrument will operate within specifications in a laboratory with ambient
temperatures ranging from 15 to 40°C.
PHYSICAL DATA
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465kg (1025 lb)
Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (overall) 120.7 cm (47.5 in.)
Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94.0 cm (37 in.)
Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67.3 cm (26.5 in.)
Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1 cm (2 in.) sides; 15.2 cm (6 in.) rear
Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . urethane paint on top surface;
general-purpose paint on other surfaces;
coated polycarbonate finish on control panel
Maximum heat dissipation into the room . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 kW (3400 Btu/hr)
Humidity restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <95% (non-condensing)
Noise level measured 0.91 m (3 ft) in front of the instrument . . . . . . . . . 57 dBa
Installation category. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II
Pollution degree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
cm
in.
94.0
37
5.1
2
5.1
2
67.3
26.5
15.2
6

Description
1
1-1
This section describes major instrument components.
POWER
A circuit breaker, labeled I (on) and O (off), is located on the right side panel
of the Optima XL and controls the electrical power to the instrument. Power
may be left on (see Standby Mode below) except in the case of an emergency
or when maintenance is required.
A red POWER OFF button is located on the neck of the control head for your
convenience (see Figure 1-1). Pressing the POWER OFF button trips the
circuit breaker to the off position. To return power to the instrument, the
circuit breaker must be returned to the up position.
Figure 1-1. Optima XL Control Head
VACUUM
PRINTER
START
STOP
TIME
TEMP
ROTOR
ce
0.
123
456
789
SPEED
ENTER
POWER OFF
X 10,000

1-2
Description
STANDBY MODE
When the instrument is at rest, it goes into a “Standby Mode”—a condition
that requires only minimal power to keep the instrument in a ready state. In
standby mode a screen-saver allows the screen to go blank until the instru-
ment is returned to its full operational condition, or “Operating Mode,” when
any key on the control panel is pressed.
KEY SWITCH POSITIONS
A key interlock switch is used to select normal, locked, or zonal operation
(see Figure 1-2). Use the normal position for routine closed-door centrifuga-
tion, the locked position to ensure that the settings do not get changed during
the run, and the zonal position for runs in which a zonal rotor is loaded and
unloaded while spinning. (The key cannot be removed while in the zonal
position.)
REVOLUTIONS COUNTER
A seven-digit revolutions counter, located to the left of the key switch,
displays the accumulated number of rotor revolutions in tens of thousands
of revolutions.
Figure 1-2. Key Switch Positions
Normal
Locked
Zonal