Kendro SORVALL RC-6 User manual

PN 74810-0
SORVALL®
RC-6
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS

PN 74810-0
Issued July 2004
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
SORVALL®RC-6
SUPERSPEED
CENTRIFUGE
Kendro Laboratory Products
Asheville, North Carolina
U.S.A.

SORVALL®Centrifuges
ii
This manual is a guide to the use of the
SORVALL
®
RC-6 Superspeed Centrifuge
Data herein has been verified and is believed adequate for the intended use of the centrifuge.
Because failure to follow the recommendations set forth in this manual could result in personal injury or
property damage, always follow the recommendations set forth herein. Kendro does not guarantee results
and assumes no obligation for the performance of products that are not used in accordance with the
instructions provided. This publication is not a license to operate under, nor a recommendation to infringe
upon, any process patents.
Publications prior to the Issue Date of this manual may contain data in apparent conflict with that
provided herein. Please consider all data in this manual to be the most current.
DANGER , WARNING , CAUTION , and NOTE within the text of this manual are used to
emphasize important and critical instructions.
DANGER informs the operator of an extreme hazard or an unsafe practice that will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING informs the operator of a hazard or an unsafe practice that could result in serious injury,
affect the operator’s health, or contaminate the environment.
CAUTION informs the operator of an unsafe practice that could result in damage to equipment.
NOTE highlights essential information.
DANGER , WARNING , and CAUTION are accompanied by the hazard symbol and appear in
the left sidebar near the information to which they correspond.
© 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004 by Kendro Laboratory Products

RC-6 Important Safety Information
iii
Important Safety Information
Certain potentially dangerous conditions are inherent to the use of all centrifuges. To ensure safe
operation of this centrifuge, anyone using it should be aware of all safe practices and take all
precautions described below and throughout these operating instructions.
Mechanical Safety
WARNING
For operator safety, maintain a 30-cm "clearance envelope" around the instrument while the rotor is spinning. Do not
store dangerous substances capable of developing flammable or explosive vapors in the clearance envelope.
Do not attempt to unlock the door forcefully while the rotor is spinning.
Do not attempt to slow or stop the spinning rotor by hand.
Do not incline or move the instrument while the rotor is spinning. Do not lean on the instrument.
If abnormal sound or vibration occurs, stop the operation immediately and contact Kendro or your local representative
of SORVALL®products.
CAUTION
Before using a rotor, be sure to read through the rotor instruction manual.
Maximum rotor speed depends on the rotor, buckets, assemblies, tubes or adapters to be used. Follow the instructions
in the rotor instruction manual.
Do not use corroded, scratched or cracked rotors, buckets and assemblies. Check that the rotor, buckets and
assemblies are free of such abnormalities before operation.
When using a swinging bucket, check that the buckets are properly engaged with the rotor pins before operation. An
incorrect setting can cause severe damage to the instrument.
Be sure to mount the rotor cover if provided. Check that the rotor cover is completely secured with a screw if
provided.
Mount the rotor onto the drive shaft (drive spindle) gently and properly. Do not drop the rotor or apply excessive
force to the drive shaft (drive spindle).
Clean the inside of the drive hole (drive spindle hole) of the rotor and the surface of the drive (drive spindle) of the
centrifuge once a week.
If condensation is in the rotor chamber, wipe the chamber dry with a dry sponge or cloth.
CAUTION
Do not pour any solution such as water, detergent or disinfectant directly into the rotor chamber. Otherwise, the
bearings of the drive unit may corrode or deteriorate.
Before relocating the centrifuge, remove the rotor from the rotor chamber to avoid damage to the drive shaft.
Always keep the liquid crystal panel in a visible position while the POWER switch is turned on, so that you can check
the current operating state (running or stopping).

Important Safety Information SORVALL®Centrifuges
iv
Safety During Installation and/or Maintenance
DANGER
When servicing the centrifuge, be sure to turn off the POWER switch, turn off the distribution board of your
centrifuge room, and then wait for at least three minutes before removing covers or tables from the centrifuge to avoid
electrical shock hazards.
WARNING
Level the centrifuge by using the four level adjusters and secure them completely. Improper securing can cause
significant movement of the centrifuge in the event of a rotor disengagement.
An anchoring or anti-rotation system must be provided or must be available for this centrifuge, be sure to use it to
keep the instrument in place. These systems are designed to reduce the possibility of injury or damage that could
result from centrifuge movement in the event of a major rotor mishap.
Installation or relocation of your centrifuge must be done by Kendro or a Kendro representative. Contact Kendro or
your local representative of SORVALL®products.
CAUTION
Avoid places that are exposed to ultraviolet rays for operation or storage of the centrifuge. Otherwise, the covers can
be discolored and the coating can be peeled off easily. If installation in such a place is unavoidable, cover the
centrifuge with a cloth after operation to protect from ultraviolet rays.
Electrical Safety
WARNING
Your centrifuge must be grounded properly to avoid electrical shock hazards.
CAUTION
Do not place containers holding liquid on or near the instrument or in the rotor chamber. If they spill, liquid may get
into the instrument and damage electrical components.

RC-6 Important Safety Information
v
Safety Against Risk of Fire
WARNING
This instrument is not designed for use with materials capable of developing flammable or explosive vapors or
extreme exothermic reactions. Do not centrifuge such materials in this instrument nor handle or store them near the
instrument.
Chemical and Biological Safety
WARNING
When using radioactive, toxic, or pathogenic materials, be aware of all characteristics of the materials and the hazards
associated with them in the event leakage occurs during centrifugation. If leakage does occur, neither the centrifuge
nor the rotor can protect you from particles dispersed in the air. To protect yourself, we recommend additional
precautions be taken to prevent exposure to these materials, for example, use of controlled ventilation or isolation
areas.
Always be aware of the possibility of contamination when using radioactive, toxic, or pathogenic materials. Take all
necessary precautions and use appropriate decontamination procedures if exposure occurs.
The use of sealed rotors, buckets and/or sample containers will provide increased protection from contamination
during routine operation. However, these items will not guarantee contamination protection from accidents resulting
in damage to the rotor or buckets. Do not run hazardous materials in the centrifuge unless placed in a biohazard
enclosure and operated using all appropriate safety precautions.
Notice for an Earthquake
An abnormality may be found on the centrifuge depending on the magnitude of an earthquake.
If any abnormality is found, stop using the centrifuge immediately and ask for inspection by Kendro or your local
representative of SORVALL®products.

Table of Contents SORVALL®Centrifuges
vi
Table of Contents
Page
Important Safety Information ................................................................ iii
Chapter1. INTRODUCTION & DESCTRIPTION
Centrifuge Description......................................................................... 1-1
Centrifuge Specifications..................................................................... 1-4
Centrifuge Accessories ........................................................................ 1-5
Chapter 2. INSTALLATION
Inspection............................................................................................. 2-1
Identify the Installation Site................................................................. 2-1
Securing the Centrifuge to the Floor.................................................... 2-2
Leveling the Centrifuge .......................................................................2-4
Electrical Requirements ....................................................................... 2-5
Relocation ............................................................................................ 2-6
Chapter 3. CONTROLS, DISPLAYS & INDICATORS
Controls, Displays & Indicators........................................................... 3-1
Operation Panel.................................................................................... 3-1
Power Switch ....................................................................................... 3-5
Diagnostic Indicators Safety Device.................................................... 3-5
Chapter 4. OPERATION
Reducing Speed for Loads in Excess of Design Mass......................... 4-1
Basic Operation.................................................................................... 4-2
Normal Operating Procedure ............................................................... 4-8
Saving and Changing Run Conditions............................................... 4-11
RTC (Real Time Control) Operation ................................................. 4-14
Displaying and Setting RCF ..............................................................4-18

RC-6 Table of Contents
vii
Page
Displaying and Setting ω2T ............................................................... 4-19
Emergency Recovery from Power Failure......................................... 4-21
Features on Menu Screen................................................................... 4-23
Chapter 5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Rotor Chamber..................................................................................... 5-2
Tapered Drive Shaft (Drive Spindle)...................................................5-3
Cabinet ................................................................................................. 5-3
Rotor .................................................................................................... 5-3
Condenser Fins .................................................................................... 5-3
Replacement Parts................................................................................ 5-3
Service Decontamination Policy.......................................................... 5-4
Chapter 6. TROUBLESHOOTING
Alarm Messages................................................................................... 6-1
APPENDIX
Rotor Information Table
Warranty
Index
Decontamination Information Certificates
List of Illustrations
Figure Page
1-1. Centrifuge Parts Location and Identification ............................... 1-3
2-1. Clearances for the Centrifuge....................................................... 2-2
2-2. Anchor Plates................................................................................ 2-3
2-3. Anchor Bolt .................................................................................. 2-3
2-4. Leveling the Centrifuge................................................................ 2-4

Table of Contents SORVALL®Centrifuges
viii
Table of Contents (continued)
3-1. Display Panel................................................................................ 3-2
3-2. Zoom Screen................................................................................. 3-2
3-3. Function Keys............................................................................... 3-4
3-4. POWER Switch ............................................................................ 3-5
4-1. RUN Screen.................................................................................. 4-2
4-2. Entry Line State............................................................................ 4-3
4-3. RUN Mode Indicator.................................................................... 4-8
4-4. Acceleration and Deceleration Rates............................................ 4-9
4-5. Example of RTC Operation........................................................ 4-14
4-6. Operating Mode (RTC) ..............................................................4-17
4-7. Opening the door ........................................................................ 4-22

RC-6 Introduction and Description
1-1
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION &
DESCRIPTION
This manual provides you with the information you will need to operate and maintain your SORVALL®
RC-6 Superspeed Centrifuge. If you encounter any problem concerning either operation or maintenance
that is not covered in the manual, please contact Kendro for assistance. In the United States, call toll-free
800-522-7746; outside the United States, contact your local distributor or agent for SORVALL®products.
SORVALL®product information is available on our internet web site at http://www.kendro.com or
http://www.kendro.de.
Centrifuge Description
The RC-6 is a high-speed (to 21,000 rpm) centrifuge used to
separate substances of different densities at controlled temperatures.
Some of the outstanding features of the RC-6 are:
•Speeds to 21,000 rpm (51,420 x g) without the need for a
vacuum system
•Process 4 liters of sample in a single run
•High-frequency brushless motor for fast separations and reduced
maintenance
•RCF control allows set and display of g-force
•ω2dt integrator for run-to-run reproducibility
•Real Time Control for delayed start/stop runs
•30 program memory
•9 acceleration and 10 deceleration settings
•On-line rotor catalog
•Pre-cool function for fast rotor pre-cooling
•Wide choice of rotors including SUPER-LITE® composite,
SUPER-LITE aluminum, ColorTone®and RX™ Rapid Access
rotors.

Introduction and Description SORVALL®Centrifuges
1-2
The RC-6 centrifuge is capable of operation in more than one mode
to meet a wide range of applications. Run conditions are selected
using the touch keyboard. Actual and set run conditions are
displayed. For your protection, system interlocks keep the centrifuge
from starting if the chamber door is open, and prevent the door from
being opened if a run is in progress and the rotor is spinning. System
interlocks will also automatically terminate a run in progress if a
system malfunctions.
The RC-6 drive system has a high-frequency brushless motor for fast
separations and reduced maintenance.
The refrigeration system, charged with environmentally- friendly
CFC-free SUVA®refrigerant, offers reliable performance similar to
other SORVALL®Superspeed centrifuges. The high-capacity
refrigeration system is a low temperature, hermetically-sealed unit
that consists of a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator/rotor
chamber, and interconnecting tubing. When the centrifuge is
running, the refrigeration system will maintain selected temperatures
within the range specified for the centrifuge.
The RC-6 accepts the SORVALL®Superspeed rotors listed in the
Rotor Information Table in the Appendix.
Refer to Figure 1-1 to identify the parts of the RC-6.

RC-6 Introduction and Description
1-3
Rotor chamber
Front cover POWER switch
Tab le
Display panel
Level adjusters
Door latch
Door
858 mm
752 mm 685 mm*
1112 mm
1500 mm
Keyboard
*The depth will be
835 mm by installing
rear duct assembly.
Rotor chamber
Seal rubber
Evaporator
Drive shaft
(drive spindle)
Temperature sensor
Figure 1-1. Centrifuge Parts Location and Identification

Introduction and Description SORVALL®Centrifuges
1-4
Centrifuge Specifications
Run Speed1
Speed Selection Range (rpm) ......................... 300 to 21,000
Speed Control Accuracy ..........................................±25 rpm
Maximum Relative Centrifugal Force .......51,427 x g (F20MICRO)
Run Temperature
Temperature Selection Range..................... -20°C to 40°C2,3
Temperature Control Range...............................2°C to 40°C
Temperature Control Accuracy .................................... ±2°C
Run Time Selection Range ..........1 minute to 99 hours, 59 minutes;
HOLD for continuous operation
Ambient Temperature Range........................................2°C to 40°C3
Mass (Weight).........................................................................350 kg
Maximum Capacity......................................... 4,000 ml (SLC-4000)
Dimensions
Width........................................................................ 752 mm
Height to top of control console ............................ 1112 mm
Height with door open ........................................... 1500 mm
Depth (including rear duct assembly)...................... 835 mm
Depth (without rear duct assembly)......................... 685 mm
From bottom to chamber inlet.................................. 858 mm
Noise Level .......................................................................... <64 dB4
Heat Output..................................................3.7 kW (12,600 Btu/h)5
1Speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) is related to angular velocity, ω, according to the following:
Where ω = rad/s. All further references in this manual to speed will be designated as rpm.
2The centrifuge will operate at ambient temperatures up to 40°C, but refrigeration system performance may be less than optimal above
25°C.
3After the centrifuge system has reached equilibrium. Ambient air temperature at the centrifuge air inlets must be between 2°C to 40°C
with maximum relative humidity of 80% at 31°C, linearly decreasing to 50% at 40°C. If the ambient air temperature is above 25°C, the
centrifuge may not maintain low temperatures at high speeds, therefore, avoid areas near heat sources (for example, direct sunlight,
heating pipes and radiators). Also, avoid close grouping of centrifuges or other heat-producing laboratory equipment.
4As measured with SE-12 rotor at 21,000 rpm (with compressor turned on) 3 feet from the front of the unit and four feet from the floor.
5For the SS-34 rotor spinning 20,000 rpm at 4°C, after it has reached equilibrium. Other rotors, speeds, and temperatures cause the heat output
to vary.

RC-6 Introduction and Description
1-5
Centrifuge Accessories
The following items are provided with the centrifuge:
Catalog No. Description
74810 Instruction manual
Level
Rear duct assembly (To be mounted to the rear
cover at installation)
65937 Silicon grease
61556 Lubricant grease
Rotor cleaning bar
Bolt down kit

RC-6 Installation
2-1
Chapter 2: INSTALLATION
Installation or relocation of your centrifuge must be done by an authorized Kendro Field Service
Engineer. Contact Kendro or your local representative of SORVALL®products.
After you receive your centrifuge, inspect it for damage before using it. The RC-6 centrifuge must be
installed in a location that meets all of the electrical, location, and environment requirements that are
specified below and on the following pages. Installation instructions begin on page 2-4.
Inspection
As soon as you receive your RC-6 Superspeed Centrifuge carefully
inspect it for any shipping damage that may have occurred. If you
find any damage, please report it immediately to the transportation
company and file a damage claim, then notify Kendro. If any parts
are missing, contact one of the Kendro district offices or the local
representative of SORVALL®products. You will find a list of
offices on the back cover of this manual.
Identify the Installation Site
When choosing an installation site for the RC-6 Centrifuge, consider
its dimensions, weight and noise level:
Width: 752 mm
Depth: 835m (including rear duct assembly)
Depth: 685m (without rear duct assembly)
Dimensions
Height: 1112 mm
Weight 350 kg
Noise Level <64 dB (The maximum noise output with the
centrifuge, measured with the compressor on at 0.91
m (3 ft) from the front of the centrifuge and 1.22 m (4
ft) from the floor.
Pollution Degree 2
Over Voltage
Category
II
The location for the centrifuge must meet these requirements:
•A flat, vibration-free concrete floor. Refer to the bolt down kit
instructions for the concrete floor strength requirements. Avoid
installing on a carpeted floor.
DANGER
When servicing the centrifuge, be
sure to turn off the POWER
switch, turn off the distribution
board of your centrifuge room, and
wait for at least three minutes
before removing covers or tables
from the centrifuge to avoid
electrical shock hazards.
WARNING
For operator safety, maintain a 30-
cm "clearance envelope" around
the instrument and keep out of that
area while the rotor is spinning. Do
not store dangerous substances
capable of developing flammable
or explosive vapors in the
clearance envelope.
WARNING
The RC-6 Centrifuge weighs 350
kg (772 lb.). Take the necessary
precautions when installing and
moving the centrifuge to avoid
personal injury and/or damage to
the centrifuge.

Installation SORVALL®Centrifuges
2-2
•Maximum altitude of 2000 meters.
•The unit is intended for indoor use only. Ambient air temperature
at the centrifuge air inlets must be between 2°C to 40°C with
maximum relative humidity of 80% at 31°C, linearly decreasing
to 50% at 40°C. If the ambient air temperature is above 25°C, the
centrifuge may not maintain low temperatures at high speeds,
therefore, avoid areas near heat sources (for example, direct
sunlight, heating pipes and radiators). Also, avoid close grouping
of centrifuges or other heat-producing laboratory equipment.
•Maintain a 30-cm clearance around the centrifuge. Do not store
any substances in the clearance envelope.
NOTE: The RC-6 is a Class A product and is not intended for home
use. If used in a domestic environment you must contact
your local authorities for authorization.
Figure 2-1. Clearances for the Centrifuge
Securing the Centrifuge to the
Floor
RC-6 Superspeed Centrifuge is certified to meet safety standards. To
meet these requirements, the centrifuge must be secured to the floor
using the anchoring hardware packaged with the instrument. This
will prevent the centrifuge from moving in the unlikely event of a
rotor mishap.
Complete instructions for installing the anchoring kit are packaged
with the hardware, which is shipped with the centrifuge. The
instructions include a template to be used as a guide for drilling
holes in the floor. Refer to this document for additional installation
instructions.
CAUTION
Leave adequate space for airflow
around the centrifuge and make
sure no vents are blocked.
Blocking the airflow entering
and/or exiting the centrifuge can
result in reduced performance,
overheating and possible
centrifuge damage.
About 30 cm About 30 cm
30 cm or more

RC-6 Installation
2-3
NOTE Kendro or your local representative of SORVALL®products
are not equipped to drill holes in your floor. The holes must
be drilled before your scheduled installation.
Centrifuge bolt-down instructions
1. Move the centrifuge to its desired location, confirm that a minimum
of 30 cm clearance is available on all sides of the unit and lower
front two leveling feet so that they touch the floor.
2. Place and overlap two anchor plates around each of the front feet of
the unit so that the bolt holes of the anchor plate align (see
Figure 2-2).
Overlapped
anchor plates
Figure 2-2. Anchor Plates
3. Carefully mark the four locations of the anchor plate bolt holes on
the floor. Remove the anchor plates and centrifuge from the area.
4. Precisely drill holes with a diameter of 12 mm and depth of 36 mm
in the locations marked in Step 3.
5. Completely remove dust from the drilled holes using compressed air
or other method.
6. Place the anchor nuts in the drilled holes with the chock side down
(see Figure 2-3). Hammer the anchor nuts into the hole until the top
of the nut is flush with the floor.
7. Return the centrifuge to its desired location, level the unit according
to instructions and place the anchor plates so the bolt holes align
with the anchor nuts.
8. Securely fasten the four anchor bolts with locking washers to the
anchor bolts using a 6 mm hex wrench.
A
nchor
Bolt
Chock
36 mm
12 mm
Figure 2-3. Anchor Bolt

Installation SORVALL®Centrifuges
2-4
Leveling the Centrifuge
1. Turn on the centrifuge power and open the door. (If power
supply is not yet available, perform the Emergency Recovery
from Power Failure procedure discussed in Chapter 4.)
2. Place the level across the top of the drive spindle.
3. Using a 24 mm wrench, turn each of the four level adjusters until
the casters are 5 to 15 mm off the floor.
4. Level the unit by adjusting the level adjusters.
5. When the centrifuge is level, make sure each of the four level
adjusters is secure and rattle-free.
6. Secure each of the four level adjusters with the lock nuts.
Figure 2-4. Leveling the Centrifuge
Level
Drive spindle
5 to 15 mm
Frame
Lock
Level adjuster