IEC Centra-CL3 Series User manual

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OPERATION·.··
MANUAL
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IEC CENTRIFUGES
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IEC
INTERNATIONAL EQUIPMENT COMPANY
300 SECOND AVENUE, NEEDHAM HEIGHTS, MA 02194 U.SA
TEL. [phone] •TOLL FREE [phone] •FAX [phone]

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1 Introduction
1.1 General Product Description
Centra-CL3 series units are high-speed, multipurpose
centrifuges, used
in medical, industrial, and scientific
applications.
The CL3 Series
is available in two versions: ventilated
(Centra-CL3) and refrigerated (Centra-CL3R). Sections
of
this manual that apply to the refrigerated version will be
designated Centra-CL3R
or refrigerated only.
Both units accommodate a wide variety
of rotors, including
fixed angle, swinging bucket, and fixed horizontal designs.
They can process tubes, bottles, microplates, microcapillary
tubes, cytological slide carriers, and microsample tubes.
The units can centrifuge up to one liter
of fluid in a single
operation.
Each centrifuge has an easy to use front panel that provides
two modes
of operation: Manual and Programmed.
Manual mode
is used for entering temperature (CL3R only),
speed/force, and time values for individual runs.
Program mode allows you to define and save a maximum
of
ninety-nine specific sets of run parameters, to recall and
reuse.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
1

I
t TABLE
OF CONTENTS
.Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
.Chapter 1: Introduction
1. 1 General Product Description ............................................................................... 1
1.2 About this Manual .............................................................................................. 2
1.3 Warnings, Cautions, and Notes ........................................................................... 3
Chapter 2: Installation
2.1 Receiving the Unit .............................................................................................. 5
2.2 Site Preparation .................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Power Configuration........................................................................................... 7
2.4 Moving the Unit.................................................................................................. 8
2.5 The Front Panel .................................................................................................. 8
.Chapter 3: Operation
3. 1 Rotor and Accessories ...................................................................................... 13
3 .2 Starting and Stopping a Run ............................................................................. 17
3.3 Stored Programs............................................................................................... 20
3
.4 Centra-CL3 Series Refrigeration ....................................................................... 21
3. 5 Diagnostic Messages and Error Codes .............................................................. 23
Chapter 4: Applications
4.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 25
4.2 Speed and Force Tables .................................................................................... 27
4.3 Derating for Dense Samples Table .................................................................... 36
4.4 Chemical Resistance Table ................................................................................ 39
4.5 Decontamination Table ..................................................................................... 40
4.6 RCF Nomograph ..............................................................................................
41
Chapter 5: Maintenance
5.1 Introduction...................................................................................................... 43
5.2 Care and Cleaning............................................................................................. 43
5.3 Cover Interlock Bypass Switch ......................................................................... 46
5.4 Condition
of Returned Equipment..................................................................... 47
5.5 Warranty........................................................................................................... 47
Chapter 6: Specifications
Unit Specifications................................................................................................... 49
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
I

The CL3 Series features a maintenance-free, brushless
motor, and an easy-to-use front panel, which provides three
versatile timing modes: automatic timed run, momentary
spin, and continuous operation (hold mode). Acceleration
and brake rates may be controlled,
to optimize runs: rapid
for fast separations or slow for delicate samples. Repeat
runs, with the same speed and time settings, may be
achieved at the touch
of a key.
A fail-safe cover interlock insures that the cover is closed,
before a run can begin, and keeps the cover closed, until the
rotor has reached a safe low speed (below 100 rpm), even in
the event
of a power failure.
The rugged steel cabinet and rigid construction provide
quiet operation and long term reliability.
1.2 About This Manual
The Operations Manual contains all of the information
needed to install, operate, and maintain a CL3 Series
centrifuge. Refrigerated and ventilated models operate
similarly, and any differences are highlighted and noted,
throughout this manual. This manual, also, contains speed
and force, derating, chemical resistance, and
decontamination tables. The last chapter lists the units'
specifications.
This manual
is written for centrifuge operators. In addition
to operation information, it contains a few basic
troubleshooting techniques, and a chapter on maintenance.
This Operation Manual
is not a guide for servicing
centrifuge units.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
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1.3 Warnings, Cautions, and Notes
The tenns warning, caution, and note have specific
meanings
in this manual.
• A
Warning advises against certain actions or situations
that could result
in personal injury.
• A
Caution advises against actions or situations that
could damage equipment, produce inaccurate data, or
invalidate a procedure.
• A Note provides useful infonnation regarding an
operation, function,
or procedure.
Centra-CL3 Series OperationManual
3

2 Installation
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- 2.1 Receiving the Unit
·
2.2 Site Preparation
International Equipment Company (IEC) ships the
centrifuge
in a carton that protects it from shipping hazards.
Follow the unpacking instructions on the carton.
Be sure to
complete and return the postage-paid warranty card.
The unit normally resides on a bench top. The Centra-CL3
(ventilated model) can be placed
in a cold room (no colder
than 0°C), for processing temperature-sensitive samples.
When you remove the centrifuge from a cold environment,
do not operate for a minimum
of two hours, so that any
condensation will evaporate.
Note: When used
in a cold room environment, some bearing
noise may become evident. The bearing lubricant thickens
at low temperatures.
As the centrifuge speeds up, it is
thinned and distributed more evenly. Once this occurs, any
noise should subside.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
s

The following table lists the physical dimensions for the
Centra-CL3 and Centra-CL3R:
CL3R CL3
Sample Loading Height
12.5" (32 cm) 12.5" (32 cm)
Cover Closed Height
14.5" (37 cm) 14.5" (37 cm)
Cover Open Height
33" (84 cm) 33" (84 cm)
Width
26.5" (68 cm) 19.25" (49 cm)
Depth
21" (53 cm) 21" (53 cm)
A clearance of 8 cm (3 inches) should be provided on each
side
of the unit, to ensure proper ventilation. Place the
centrifuge on a clean, dry surface, to make certain that the
suction feet at the bottom grip the surface firmly. Keep the
area beneath the unit free of debris and loose materials.
The resting surface must
be level, to ensure quiet, vibration-
free operation. A rigid and stable location is important. An
improperly loaded centrifuge may vibrate
or move.
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Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
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2.3 Power Configuration
Power Cord
Circuit Breaker
The CL3 Series uses AC power in different configurations,
appropriate for use throughout the world. Please check
the
catalog number of the model that you have purchased, to
ensure that the machine you have is the proper power
configuration. Forbest results, the refrigerated centrifuge,
Centra-CL3R, should be used
on a dedicated line.
Variations in line voltage
or frequency affect the unit's
speed and other characteristics. Less than nominal line
voltage may prevent the centrifuge from reaching maximum
published specifications
of speed and/or temperature.
Power line voltage, at some locations, may sag, when
the
refrigeration system turns on.
The unit requires a grounded power supply
(3 prong
outlet).
If your facility does not have grounded power
outlets, arrange for a proper grounding. The power cord
plugs in on the left rear side of the unit.
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powerplug tbatdoes not have ~ gr~Undilig pin. ·· ·.··· ··
The power cord provided withthetiJlltiscorrectly rated forthe
highest current demand. This poweirord.shouldJ1ot be
interchanged with cords from equipinentwitb.Jower current
demand. Exchange of power cords befiVeell equipment•may
createa fire hazard.
The system provides an automatic circuit breaker, for
emergency situations, such as power surges, that could
damage the unit.
If the circuit breaker trips:
1. Unplug the unit.
2. Press the white button, on the left side of the unit.
3. Plug the unit back in.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
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2.4 Moving the Unit
2.5 The Front Panel
©
Suction cups, at the bottom of the unit, keep it anchored to
the work surface. Keeping the unit stationary is a safety
feature.
To move the unit to a new location:
1. Check that the new site meets the criteria in Section
2.2., before moving the unit.
2. Position a flat object, such as a tongue depressor, near a
suction cup at the bottom
of the unit.
3. Lift up an edge of the cup, and insert the flat object far
enough to break the vacuum seal.
4. When all four cups are disengaged, lift the unit from the
work surface.
Caution: When the unit is in its new location, ensure that
the suction cups adhere correctly to the work surface.
The Front Control Panel
(Centra-CL3R)
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
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© On/Off
key: The On/Offkey must be activated, to enable
use
of the front panel. This key applies power to the
control panel and refiigeration system (Refrigerated model
only). The On/Offkey is inoperative during actual runs.
Stop a run with the STOP key. Refrigerated models
display chamber temperature whenever they are plugged in,
but will not cool down
if the unit is off The red STOP
light indicates that the centrifuge is plugged in.
The control panel contains numeric displays for RPM/RCF
(Speed/Force), Time, and Temperature (Refrigerated only).
These displays have
two states or modes: Actual (bright
display) and Set (dim display).
In Actual mode (bright display), they indicate current run
conditions, such as:
• rotor speed
or force
• elapsed time of,
or time remaining in, the run
• actual temperature (Refrigerated only).
In Set mode (dim display), the display indicates the desired
settings for the run. Set mode
is operative:
• whenever you use the up and down arrows
• briefly, at the start
of a run
• briefly, after the unit
is switched ON
The display is bright, when it shows Actual run conditions.
The display
is dim, when it shows Set parameters. The
numeric displays can, also, display warning or error
messages (see Section 3.5). Descriptions
of the displays
appear on the following pages.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
9

0 Speed/Force display: The number in the speed/force
display (above this symbol) represents the
rotor speed in
RPM or force in RCF. Press this symbol to toggle between
RPM and RCF. When RPM is selected, the display
indicates revolutions per minute. When
RCF is selected,
the display indicates relative centrifugal force.
Use the
arrow keys
to change the set speed or force. The display
shows speed within 50 RPM. It never requires calibration.
Select speed in increments of 100 RPM, from 1,000
through 8,500 RPM. Select RCF in increments from
1 - 1,000 xg by 50 xg and above 1,000 xg by 100 xg. The
numeric display can, also, display warning
or error
messages (see Section 3.5).
Time display: The number in the display (above this
symbol) indicates time. Below ten minutes, time is
displayed as minutes:seconds. Above ten minutes,
just
minutes are displayed.
Time is set
in:
• 1 second increments, from 1 - 59 seconds.
•
15 second increments, from 1 - 5 minutes.
• 1 minute increments, from 5 - 99 minutes.
In normal timed mode, the system counts
down from the set
point. In time
Hold or momentary spin modes, the system
counts up.
In At-Start mode, the timer begins counting
at the start of a
run. In At-Speed mode, the timer begins counting when the
rotor reaches 95% of the set speed.
Temperature display: The number in the display (above
this symbol) represents temperature
in degrees Celsius,
from - 9 °C
through+ 40 °C (Refrigerated only).
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
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Program key: This key saves the currently displayed
desired settings as stored programs I through 99 (see
Section 3.3). The numeric display (above this symbol)
shows the stored program number and mode
of operation
(see Section 3.2).
Rotor/Radius Key: The display (above this symbol)
indicates the selected rotor number
or the rotor radius, in
centimeters. The rotor/radius key toggles between the two
displays. The applicable IEC rotor numbers are supplied
in
the memory, along with their maximum radii, in
centimeters. To select a rotor number, toggle
to ROTOR,
and press an arrow key under the rotor/radius display. To
change the radius, toggle to RADIUS, and press an arrow
key under the rotor/radius display.
Note that the radius
cannot be changed to a radius larger than the maximum
radius,
or less than the minimum radius, for the selected
rotor.
Use the arrow keys to view or change the Set parameters
for Speed/Force, Time, Temperature (Refrigerated only)
Rotor/Radius,
or Program. The first time the key is
pressed, the numeric display switches from Actual readings
to Set parameters, without changing them.
If you press the
key a second time, the selected parameter increases or
decreases once for each depression. If you hold the key
down, the setting
will keep changing, until you release the
key.
The longer you hold the key, the more rapidly the setting
changes. Hold a key down, to approach a desired setting.
Then, press the up or down key, repeatedly, to select the
exact setting. When you release the arrow keys for
3 seconds, the display returns to the Actual readings.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
11

Acceleration and Braking
•
Gentle acceleration and braking can be selected, when
centrifuging delicate samples. The gentle settings avoid
mixing
of density gradients or breakup of pellets.
This key controls rotor acceleration up to 400 RPM.
If the
yellow light over the rabbit is lit,
full acceleration is
selected. If the yellow light over the turtle is lit, slow
acceleration
is selected. Slow acceleration takes from 15 to
35 seconds to achieve 400 RPM, depending on the rotor
and its contents. After 400 RPM, full acceleration is
applied, until the set speed is reached.
This key controls rotor braking.
If the yellow light over the
rabbit
is lit, full braking is selected. If the yellow light over
the turtle
is lit, slow braking is selected. (This means the
rotor
will coast down from 600 RPM.) If both lights are
out,
all braking is disabled; and the rotor will coast from
operating speed to a stop.
This key starts a run. A run is governed by the Set
parameters (manual
or programmed). The associated green
light blinks, until the rotor reaches 95%
of the set run
speed. The light stays on until the end
of the run.
This key stops a run. (A run will, also, stop automatically
when the set time has elapsed
or the start key is released, in
momentary mode.) The red light will flash, to indicate the
rotor
is still slowing down (braking or coasting). When the
run ends, the red light stays on, indicating that the rotor has
stopped.
This key unlocks the cover. This key
is inoperative if a run
is
in progress. Pressing it will not stop the run. The cover
will not unlock, until the rotor has slowed to below 100
rpm. The cover will open automatically, on ventilated units
only, at the end
of a run.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
12
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3 OPERATION
3.1 Rotor and Accessories
A balanced lo.ad is essential for all centrifuges. An
unbalanced load produces vibration, and can damage the
unit. A 2 gram load imbalance, at a speed
of 4600 RPM,
imparts force equivalent to
9. I kg (20 pounds) at rest.
Always ensure that the rotor is loaded symrn.etrically, with a
full complement of accessories, and a full (or paired) set of
tubes. Tube adapters should also be installed symmetrically.
IEC rotors are dynamically balanced at the factory. IEC
matches removable parts (trunnion rings, shields, buckets,
and carriers) to within I gram, and stamps the weight on
each piece. Check these markings, whenever you
interchange parts, to ensure that opposite parts are matched.
Ensure that the total weight
of samples and removable
parts, loaded
in opposing positions, are equal in weight, to
within 1 gram. The position numbers, present on many
rotors and adapters, identify opposing tube positions.
To obtain good dynamic balance, opposite loads must not
only be equal
in mass, but must, also, have the same centers
of gravity. Opposing containers must be alike in shape,
thickness, and distribution
of glass or plastic. This is
especially important for large containers.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
13

Rotor Balance
Tubes loaded into swinging bucket rotors must be
symmetric, around the
ax.is of rotation. Verify this by
rotating the entire rotor 180°,
by hand. The loads should be
in the same apparent positions (not mirror images). In
addition, the loads within each bucket must, also, be
symmetric around the bucket's pivot axis. Verify this
by
ensuring that each bucket is loaded so that it does not tilt
from the vertical, when the rotor is
at rest. Maintaining
balance within each bucket ensures that
the bucket and the
tubes swing out to horizontal, when
the rotor reaches
operating speed, applying centrifugal force toward the
bottom
of the tubes. Failure to achieve full swing-out
causes vibration and premature wear
of the rotor and the
motor.
Samples oflike (similar) specific gravities may be processed
in the same run, provided that the samples of the same type
are balanced around the rotor, as though they were the only
pairs
in the rotor.
Caution: Do not exceed maximum rated speed for each
rotor/accessory combination. Maximum rated speeds can
be found
in Section 4.2 -Speed And Force Tables.
Load tubes in the following manner:
1. Load two tubes at positions:
9 and 18.
2. Load four tubes at positions:
1, 5 and 10, 14
or
7, 3 and 16, 12
3. Load six tubes at positions:
1, 9, 5 and 14, 18, 10
or
7, 9, 3 and 12, 18,
16
4. Loading an odd number of tubes is not
recommended.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
14
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V~ration
(
Rotor Installation
I. PRESS UP HERE
AND HOLD
Rotor Removal
All centrifuges have critical speeds, at which vibration
occurs.
As the speed increases, beyond the critical speed,
vibration will cease. This inherent condition, also,
occurs
during deceleration. An imbalanced load intensifies these
critical vibrations. Do not continuously operate this
centrifuge at observed critical speeds.
To install the #243 rotor:
1. Press the disk (located on the underside of the rotor) to
the rotor.
2. Slide the
rotor over the shaft, until it snaps into place.
Release the disk.
3. Pull the rotor straight up, to insure a positive lock.
3. PULL STRAIGHT UP ON ROTOR
TO CONf IRM SECURE ATTACHMENT
0 0
2. SLIDE ONTO SHAFI
AND RELEASE
To remove the 243 rotor:
1. Press the disk (located on the underside of the rotor) to
the rotor.
2. Lift the rotor straight up.
3. Release the disk.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
15

Rotor Adapter To install the shaft adapter for an existing rotor:
1. Press the adapter disk, and slide the adapter over the
rotor shaft. Release the disk.
2. Pull the adapter straight up, to insure a positive lock.
3. Align the rotor keyway with the key on the shaft
adapter, and place the rotor onto the adapter.
4. Tighten the rotor locking nut (with the provided
wrench), until it tightly engages the rotor.
To remove existing rotors from the shaft adapter:
1. Remove any sample tubes, shields, buckets, and other
accessories, from the rotor.
2. Unscrew and remove the locking screw.
3. Grasp the rotor, and rock it front-to-back, and side-to-
side.
4. Remove the rotor from the shaft.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
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3.2 Starting and Stopping a Run
Read Section 2.5, for a general description of the front
panel. The settings displayed on the front panel always
govern the operation
of the unit. 'fhe number or symbol,
above the Program icon, shows the unit's operating mode.
It is important that the unit be in the correct mode for the
desired operation.
These digits and symbols are displayed above the program
icon. They can be any
of the following:
blank The unit
is in manual operation.
1-99 The unit
is under control of the displayed stored
program number.
C The unit
is set to Rapid Condition, a special
program discussed
in Section 3.4.
The display indicates the last parameters selected for each
Program mode operation.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
17

Manual Operation
For manual operation, set the mode so that the display
above the Program icon
is blank. Select the desired
temperature (CL3R only), speed/g-force, run time,
acceleration mode, and braking mode. Press START, to
start the spin.
The minutes display counts down, and displays the time
remaining
in the current spin, during manual operation.
The specified run time begins when the
START key is
pressed, or when the rotor reaches 95% of set speed (see
Timing Mode). Braking begins when the elapsed time
reaches this desired setting. Run time does not include
braking time.
The spin
will stop automatically, at the end of the desired
interval. A run can, also, be stopped, at any time,
by
pressing the STOP key.
The settings can be changed during a manual run. These
changes affect the run
in progress. If the time setting is
changed, during a run, the unit adjusts the count-down
timer, to display the revised setting as the total time
of the
run.
If the new time selected is less than the elapsed time,
the run
will end.
The unit's mode (settings) cannot be changed during a
program mode spin.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
18

- j
.Timing Mode Fourtiming modes are available on these units:
To select a
timing mode, press the down arrow, under the time display,
until the time goes below zero, and the appropriate symbol
is displayed.
Momentary Mode (--) -Momentary spin is useful for
easily separated samples, for simultaneous mixing
of
samples, and to deposit condensate droplets at the bottom
·of the tube.
For momentary spin, set the mode so that three dashes (---)
appear above the Clock icon. Select temperature
(CL3R
only), speed/g-force, acceleration mode, and braking mode,
as for manual operation.
Press and hold the
START key. The run starts when you
press the key, and ends when you release the key. In this
mode, you can perform very quick separations
or protocols.
During a momentary spin, the unit displays actual values,
not desired settings. The time display counts upward, and
displays the elapsed time since the
START key was
pressed.
Hold
Mode (HLd) - For hold mode (operation without
preset time limit), set the mode so that
HLd appears in the
Time display.
Select temperature (CL3R only), speed/g-force, acceleration
mode, and braking mode, as with manual operation. Press
and release the
START key. The run starts when you press
the
key, and stops only when you press the STOP key.
Hold mode
is like manual operation, except that the time
setting
is not used. During a run in hold mode, the time
display counts upward, and displays the elapsed time
of the
spm.
At-Start Mode (ACC) -The set time will start counting
down
at the beginning of acceleration (when the start key is
pressed). The unit is originally set to this mode.
At-Speed
Mode (SPd) -The set time will start counting
down, when the rotor has reached 95%
of set speed. The
display
will alternately show the set time and SPd, during
acceleration to 95%
of the set speed.
Centra-CL3 Series Operation Manual
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