Beckman Coulter SX4400 User manual

B01198AB
October 2013
Instructions For Use
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
For Use in the Beckman Coulter
Allegra X-30 Series Centrifuges
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
PN B01198-AB (October 2013)
Copyright © 2013 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

B01198AB 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.
Initial Issue, 04/2011
Rev AB, 10/2013
Links to the topics that changed are listed below:
Chapter 1:
Specifications
The Rotor
Buckets and Accessories
Installing the Rotor Yoke
Maintenance
Rotor Components

B01198AB
iv
Revision History

B01198AB v
Safety Notice
Read all product manuals and consult with Beckman Coulter-trained personnel before attempting
to use this equipment. 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.
This safety notice summarizes information basic to the safe use of the rotor described in this
manual. The international symbol displayed to the left is a reminder to the user that all safety
instructions should be read and understood before operation or maintenance of this equipment is
attempted. When you see the symbol on other pages of this publication, 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 rotor.
Alerts for Warning, Caution, and Note
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe
practices.
NOTE NOTE is used to call attention to notable information that should be followed during installation, use,
or servicing of this equipment.
Safety Information for the SX4400 Rotor
Handle body fluids with care because they can transmit disease. No known test offers complete
assurance that such fluids are free of micro-organisms. Some of the most virulent—Hepatitis (B and
C) viruses, HIV (I–V), 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 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.
!

B01198AB
vi
Safety Notice
Safety Information for the SX4400 Rotor
The rotor and accessories are not designed for use with materials capable of developing flammable
or explosive vapors. Do not centrifuge such materials in nor handle or store them near the
centrifuge.
This rotor was developed, manufactured, and tested for safety and reliability as part of a
Beckman Coulter centrifuge/rotor system. Its safety or reliability cannot be assured if used in a
non-Beckman Coulter centrifuge, in a Beckman Coulter centrifuge not specified for use with the
rotor, or in a Beckman Coulter centrifuge that has been modified without Beckman Coulter’s
approval.
Although rotor components and accessories made by other manufacturers may fit in the
SX4400 rotor, their safety in this rotor cannot be ascertained by Beckman Coulter. Use of other
manufacturers’ components or accessories in the SX4400 rotor may void the rotor warranty and
should be prohibited by your laboratory safety officer. Only the components and accessories listed
in this publication should be used in this rotor.
Hook all four buckets, loaded or empty, to the rotor for every run. Make sure that filled containers
are loaded symmetrically into the rotor and that opposing tubes are filled to the same level with
liquid of the same density.
If disassembly reveals evidence of leakage, you should assume that some fluid escaped the rotor.
Apply appropriate decontamination procedures to the centrifuge and accessories.
Never exceed the maximum rated speed of the rotor and labware in use. Refer to the section
on Run Speeds, and derate the run speed as appropriate.
Do not use sharp tools on the rotor that could cause scratches in the rotor surface. Corrosion begins
in scratches and may open fissures in the rotor with continued use.

vii
Contents
Revision History,iii
Safety Notice,v
Alerts for Warning, Caution, and Note,v
Safety Information for the SX4400 Rotor,v
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor,1
Specifications,1
Description,2
The Rotor,2
Buckets and Accessories,2
Preparation and Use,5
Tubes,5
Prerun Safety Checks,5
Installing the Rotor Yoke,6
Loading the Buckets,7
Operation,9
Removal and Sample Recovery,9
Run Speeds,10
Care and Maintenance,11
Maintenance,11
Cleaning,12
Decontamination,13
Sterilization and Disinfection,14
Tube Breakage,14
Storage,14
Returning a Rotor,14
Supply List,15
Replacement Rotor Parts,15
Other,16
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Benchtop Rotor Warranty

viii
Illustrations
Illustrations
1 The SX4400 Rotor and Accessories,3
2 Installing the Rotor Yoke on the Centrifuge Drive Shaft,6
3 Arranging tubes in the Rotor,8
4 Seating Buckets on Yoke Pivot Pins,9

ix
Tables
Tables
1 Available Tube Adapters for the SX4400 Rotor,3

x
Tables

B01198AB 1
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Specifications
1. Axis of Rotation
Maximum speed
Allegra X-30R 4700 rpm
Allegra X-30 4200 rpm
Density rating at maximum speed 1.2 g/mL
Critical speed rangea800 to 1200 rpm
Relative Centrifugal Fieldbat maximum speed at rmax (172 mm)
Allegra X-30R 4255 ´g
Allegra X-30 3398 ´g
Conditions requiring speed reductions see Run Speeds
Maximum allowable imbalance of opposing loads 10 grams
Number of buckets 4
Available labware Table 1
Nominal tube capacity (largest tube) 400 mL
Nominal rotor capacity 1600 mL
Approximate acceleration time to maximum speed
(fully loaded) 36 sec
Approximate deceleration time from maximum speed
(fully loaded) 29 sec
Weight of fully loaded rotor 5.7 kg (12.6 lb)
Rotor and bucket material anodized aluminum
Bucket cover material polysulfone
a. The critical speed range is the range of speeds over which the rotor shifts so as to rotate about its center of mass. Passing through the critical
speed range is characterized by some vibration.
b. Relative Centrifugal Field (RCF) is the ratio of the centrifugal acceleration at a specified radius and speed (rw2) to the standard acceleration of
gravity (g) according to the following formula: RCF = rw2/g — where ris the radius in millimeters, wis the angular velocity in radians per second
(2 pRPM /60), and gis the standard acceleration of gravity (9807 mm/s2). After substitution: RCF = 1.12r (RPM/1000)2
rav
(101 mm)
rmax
(172 mm)
rmin
(71 mm)
1

B01198AB
2
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Description
Description
This Beckman Coulter rotor has been manufactured in an ISO 9001 or 13485 facility for use with the
specified Beckman Coulter centrifuges.
The Rotor
The SX4400 is a four-place swinging bucket rotor. This rotor carries adapters that allow
centrifugation of a wide range of tube and bottle sizes (from 1.5-mL reaction vials to 400-mL
bottles). The SX4400 rotor develops centrifugal forces that are suitable for rapidly sedimenting
protein precipitates, large particles, cells, and cell debris.
The rotor yoke and buckets are made of aluminum and are black-anodized for corrosion protection.
The buckets are run by placing them over pivot pins on the arms of the yoke. Buckets swing out to
a horizontal position during centrifugation. This rotor was tested*to demonstrate containment of
microbiological aerosols under normal operating conditions of the associated Beckman Coulter
centrifuge, when used and maintained as instructed. A tie-down screw is used to secure the rotor
to the drive shaft during centrifugation. Figure 1 shows the rotor and accessories.
The centrifuge identifies rotor speed during the run by means of a magnetic speed sensor system in
the centrifuge rotor chamber and magnets imbedded in the rotor. The overspeed system ensures
that the rotor does not exceed its permitted speed.
Buckets and Accessories
Threaded-top buckets with screw-on transparent covers hold several sizes of labware in modular
or one-piece adapters. Each cover requires an O-ring that seats in a groove at the top of the bucket.
Although the covers are not designed to contain aerosols that may result from tube breakage, they
will contain most liquids and broken tube particles, allowing you to take appropriate precautions
before opening the covers in the event of tube breakage.
A variety of tube sizes can be centrifuged in the rotor, supported in tube adapters listed in Table 1.
The adapters can also serve as tube racks in the laboratory.
1. Bucket Cover (392266)
2. Bucket (B01664)
3. Bucket O-ring (392621)
1
3
2
* Validation of microbiological containment was done at an independent third-party testing facility (CAMR, Porton Down,
UK, or USAMRIID, Ft. Detrick, MD, U.S.A.). Improper use or maintenance may affect seal integrity and thus
containment.

B01198AB 3
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Description
Figure 1 The SX4400 Rotor and Accessories
NOTE The latest information regarding labware and accessories used in Beckman Coulter rotors can be
obtained at www.beckmancoulter.com.
1. Bucket
2. Bucket Cover
3. T-handle Rotor Wrench
4. Tie-down Screw
5. Rotor Yoke
Table 1 Available Tube Adapters for the SX4400 Rotor
Adapters Tubes Maximum
Number
Tubes per
Rotor
Part Number
(pkg 2)
Tubes per
Adapter
Description Nominal
Volume
N/A N/A Bottle, polypropylene (Part Number: B01435) 400 mL 4
392256 1 61.8 ´125 mm (flat bottom w/screw-on cap)a250 mL 4
368457 1 56.5 ´113 mm 180 mL 4
368458 1 50.5 ´99 mm 125 mL 4
368459 1 44 ´100 mm (glass) 80/100
mL
4
392261 1 38 ´112 mm 85/94
mL
4
392265 3 34 ´100 mm (glass) 50 mL 12
1
5
4
3
2

B01198AB
4
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Description
The maximum length of tubes used in the SX4400 buckets with covers is 125 mm for 250-mL bottles
and 122 mm for all other tubes (when placed near the center of the adapter*). The 3-mm difference
in length (250-mL bottles vs. other tubes) is specified because 250-mL bottle adapter 392256 is a
bottomless sleeve, while all other adapters have a bottom surface that is approximately 3 mm tall.
See the Warranty at the back of this manual for warranty information.
392258 3 28.5 ´100 mm (conical) 50 mL 12
368477 4 28.5 ´107 mm 50 mL 16
368462 5 26 ´100 mm (w/screw-on cap) 30 mL 20
368463 5 24 ´100 mm (glass w/screw-on cap) 25 mL 20
24 ´100 mm (glass, open-top)
392257 5 17 ´120 mm (conical) 15 mL 20
368468 12 16.0 ´81.1 mm 10 mL 48
368465 12 17 ´110 mm (round bottom) 10/15 mL 48
17-mm Monovettes 10 mL
16 ´100 mm Vacutainer 10 mL
16 ´125 mm Vacutainerb15 mL
368467 16 13 ´75 mm Vacutainer 5 mL 64
Hemolyse 5 mL
RIA tubes 5 mL
392263 25 12 ´75 mm RIA tubes 5 mL 100
368469 16 12 ´100 mm (glass) 7 mL 64
368470 16 11 ´38 mm 1.5/2.2
mL
64
368471 24 7 ´19 mm microfuge/PCR tubes 0.5 mL 96
a. The rotor was tested using Nalge bottle 3122-0250 (polycarbonate).
b. Bucket covers cannot be used with this tube/adapter combination.
* In multiple-place adapters, the maximum length of tubes that can be placed near the adapter periphery while still
fitting under the bucket cover is 115 mm.
Table 1 Available Tube Adapters for the SX4400 Rotor (Continued)
Adapters Tubes Maximum
Number
Tubes per
Rotor
Part Number
(pkg 2)
Tubes per
Adapter
Description Nominal
Volume

B01198AB 5
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use
Preparation and Use
Specific information about the SX4400 rotor is given here. Information about the centrifuge is contained
in the centrifuge manual, which should be used together with this manual for complete centrifuge, rotor,
and accessory operation.
NOTE Although rotor components and accessories made by other manufacturers may fit in the SX4400
rotor, their safety in this rotor cannot be ascertained by Beckman Coulter. Use of other manufacturers’
components or accessories in the SX4400 rotor may void the rotor warranty and should be prohibited by
your laboratory safety officer. Only the components and accessories listed in this publication should be
used in this rotor.
Tubes
Tubes should be pretested under anticipated run conditions (using water instead of valuable
samples) if operating below 4°C or above room temperature. Refer to Chemical Resistances
(publication IN-175) for information on the chemical resistances of tube and adapter materials.
Temperature Limits
• Plastic containers have been centrifuge tested for use at temperatures between 2 and 25°C.
For centrifugation at other temperatures, pretest tubes under anticipated run conditions.
• If plastic containers are frozen before use, make sure that they are thawed to at least 2°C prior
to centrifugation.
Prerun Safety Checks
Read the Safety Notice section at the front of this manual before using the rotor.
1 Make sure that the rotor, buckets, and bucket covers (if used) are clean and show no signs of
corrosion or cracking.
• If any evidence of damage is present, do not centrifuge the rotor.
2 Check the chemical compatibilities of all materials used (refer to Chemical Resistances,
publication IN-175).
3 Verify that the tubes and accessories being used are listed in Table 1.

B01198AB
6
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use
Installing the Rotor Yoke
NOTE Before the first use of a new rotor, lubricate the pivot pins with Spinkote (306812). After the first use,
apply Spinkote to the pivot pins approximately once a week and after cleaning or autoclaving.
NOTE Refer to the centrifuge manual for proper installation and removal instructions. Failure to follow printed
instructions may result in damage to the rotor and the centrifuge.
1 Before installing the yoke in the centrifuge, lightly coat the drive hole with lubricant such as
Spinkote (306812) (see instructions under Maintenance).
2 Carefully lower the yoke straight down onto the centrifuge drive shaft (see Figure 2).
• Be sure the yoke is properly seated on the shaft.
Figure 2 Installing the Rotor Yoke on the Centrifuge Drive Shaft
3 Fasten the tie-down screw (361367) onto the drive shaft.
• Use the T-handle rotor wrench (365636) to tighten the tie-down screw firmly on the shaft.
CAUTION
Never drop the rotor yoke onto the centrifuge drive shaft. The drive shaft can be
damaged if the rotor is forced sideways or dropped onto it.
NOTE If the yoke is left in the centrifuge between runs, before each run make sure it is properly seated on
the drive shaft and that the tie-down screw is tight.
1. Lower the yoke onto the drive shaft 2. Tighten the tie-down screw with the T-handle wrench
12

B01198AB 7
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use
Loading the Buckets
For runs at other than room temperature, refrigerate or warm the rotor and precool the centrifuge
beforehand for faster equilibration.
WARNING
Handle body fluids with care because they can transmit disease. No known test
offers complete assurance that such fluids are free of micro-organisms. Some of
the most virulent—Hepatitis (B and C) viruses, HIV (I–V), 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 other hazardous materials in this rotor without
taking all 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.
Symmetrical and Balanced Loading
To ensure optimal performance and stability, the rotor must be loaded symmetrically. Two factors
affect symmetric loading:
1. The buckets or carriers must be loaded symmetrically with respect to their pivotal axes.
2. The rotor should be loaded symmetrically with respect to its center of rotation.
For best results, load opposing buckets or carriers with the same type of labware containing the
same amounts of fluid of equal density. Additionally, opposing buckets and their contents should
weigh approximately the same (within 10 grams).
It is not necessary to completely fill all tubes or positions in buckets; however, partially filled
buckets must be balanced with respect to the bucket pivotal axis. Each tube should be placed so that
its weight is balanced by a tube in a diametrically opposite position across the pivotal axis in the
same bucket. Opposing buckets should also be filled the same way.
Using Buckets
You can load buckets before or after they are installed on the rotor yoke. In either case, we
recommend filling the appropriate labware first and then loading the labware into the buckets to
avoid tripping the imbalance detector.
1 Load the filled containers into the buckets (see Tubes, page 5 for tube information).
NOTE Tubes placed in opposing buckets must be filled to the same level with liquid of the same density.
Fewer than maximum number of tubes can be centrifuged in the multi-tube adapters if they are
arranged symmetrically in the buckets (see Figure 3).

B01198AB
8
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use
Figure 3 Arranging tubes in the Rotor
NOTE All buckets must be attached to the rotor for every run, whether loaded or empty.
Never run the rotor with fewer than four positions filled
2 Place covers on buckets, if applicable.
• Screw covers to the right (clockwise) to tighten.
3 Attach each bucket to the yoke by aligning the grooves in the bucket sides with the pivot pins,
then sliding the buckets down until the pivot pins are seated in the bucket pockets.
CAUTION
Attach all four buckets, loaded or empty, to the rotor yoke. If only two buckets are
filled, place them in opposite positions on the yoke. All four positions must contain
buckets during a run.
4 Gently swing the buckets to ensure that they are properly seated on the pivot pins.
5 Make sure buckets are properly seated over the pivot pins on the rotor yoke as shown
in Figure 4.
1. Pivotal Axis
1

B01198AB 9
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use
Figure 4 Seating Buckets on Yoke Pivot Pins
NOTE Buckets must be inserted at an angle, or the bucket bottom will rest on the rotor base and the
pivot pins will not seat in the pin pockets.
Operation
1 Refer to the centrifuge instruction manual for centrifuge operation.
2 See Run Speeds, page 10, for information about speed limitations.
Removal and Sample Recovery
CAUTION
If disassembly reveals evidence of leakage, you should assume that some fluid
escaped the rotor. Apply appropriate decontamination procedures to the
centrifuge and accessories.
1 Remove the buckets from the centrifuge.
2 Remove covers (if used) from buckets, and remove the tubes from the buckets.
NOTE If glass tubes break, remove the glass very carefully from the adapter and bucket. If all the glass
particles are not contained in the bucket or adapter, be careful when examining or cleaning the
centrifuge gasket and chamber as glass particles may be embedded in their surfaces.
1. CORRECT
2. INCORRECT
3. Pivot pins are seated in bucket pockets
4. Pivot pins are not seated in bucket pockets
Pivot pins are
seated in
bucket pockets
Pivot pins are
not seated in
bucket pockets
CORRECT INCORRECT
2
1
4
3

B01198AB
10
SX4400 Swinging Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use
3 If removing the rotor yoke, turn the T-handle wrench to the left (counterclockwise) to loosen
the tie-down screw.
• Lift the yoke straight up and off the drive shaft.
NOTE Refer to the centrifuge manual for proper installation and removal instructions. Failure to follow
printed instructions may result in damage to the rotor and the centrifuge.
Run Speeds
The centrifugal force at a given radius in a rotor is a function of speed. Comparisons of forces
between different rotors are made by comparing the rotors’ relative centrifugal fields (RCF). When
rotational speed is adjusted so that identical samples are subjected to the same RCF in two different
rotors, the samples are subjected to the same force. If RPM is entered, the RCF at each speed is
automatically calculated by the centrifuge software; if the RCF is entered, the centrifuge calculates
the equivalent revolutions per minute (rpm). Do not select rotational speeds that exceed 4700 rpm for
refrigerated centrifuges, or 4200 rpm for nonrefrigerated centrifuges.
Speed Derating
The maximum run speed listed in the rotor specifications is for operation when all conditions are
within the standard specifications. Maximum allowable run speed for the rotor must be reduced in
some circumstances.
1. The rotor can process solutions at the maximum rated speed if the solution density is 1.2 g/mL
or less. When centrifuging solutions of densities greater than 1.2 g/mL, the maximum run
speeds must be reduced according to the following equation to protect the rotor from excessive
stresses due to the added tube load:
2. When some glass tubes are used, reduce rotor speed to prevent tube breakage. Because the
strength of tubes can vary from lot to lot, and will depend on handling and usage,
Beckman Coulter highly recommends that you pretest these tubes in the appropriate labware
in the SX4400 rotor, using water samples, to determine optimal operating conditions.
NOTE Scratches (even microscopic ones) significantly weaken glass tubes.
*Use 4200 for nonrefrigerated Allegra X-30
centrifuges
reduced maximum speed = (4700 rpm)* 1.2 g/mL
density of tube contents
----------------------------------------------------------