Labnet Spectrafuge 16M User manual

Lit Code: M00001 Rev 2 August 2016
Spectrafuge 16M Microcentrifuge
User Manual
C0160
C0160-100V
C0160-230V

About This Manual
This manual is designed to assist you in the optimal usage of your Labnet 16M
Microcentrifuge. The manual is available in English, French, German, Italian,
Portuguese, and Spanish on our website at:
www.labnetinternational.com/document-center
Safety Precautions
NEVER use the centrifuge in any manner not specified in these instructions.
NEVER operate the centrifuge without a rotor properly attached to the shaft.
NEVER fill tubes while they are in the rotor. Liquid spillage may harm unit.
NEVER put hands in the rotor area unless the rotor is completely stopped.
NEVER move the centrifuge while the rotor is spinning.
NEVER use solvents or flammables near this or other electrical equipment.
NEVER centrifuge flammable, explosive or corrosive materials
NEVER centrifuge hazardous materials outside of a hood or proper containment
facility
ALWAYS load the rotor symmetrically. Each tube should be counterbalanced by
another tube of the same type and weight
ALWAYS locate the centrifuge within easy access to an electrical outlet.
ALWAYS use only microcentrifuge tubes made from plastic and designed to
withstand centrifugal forces of at least 16,000 x g.

Table of Contents
General Information 1
Description
Safety Precautions
Technical Data
Accessories supplied with unit
Installation 2
Unpacking the centrifuge
Required space
Installing the centrifuge
Rotor and Rotor Maintenance 2
Rotors and accessories
Rotor maintenance
Mounting and securing the angle rotors
Removing the rotor
Overloading rotors
Operation 5
Closing the lid
Lid release
Lid lock
Speed selection
Selection of operating time and momentary operation
Service and Maintenance 7
Service
Cleaning
Disinfection
Replacing fuses
Troubleshooting 8
Where to call
Determination of g-values
Relative Centrifugal Force 9
Symbols and Conventions 10
Warranty 11

1
General Information:
This manual provides important safety information for the Spectrafuge 16M
laboratory microcentrifuge. It should be kept near the centrifuge for quick and
easy reference.
Description
The Spectrafuge 16M is a small benchtop centrifuge designed for separation of
various research samples. The motor is brushless and requires no routine
maintenance. The Spectrafuge 16M is supplied with an 18 x 1.5ml rotor for
micro samples. Adapters are available for tubes smaller than 1.5ml. The
Spectrafuge 16M reaches speeds of up to 14,000rpm/16,000 x g.
Safety precautions
Note: All users of the centrifuge must read the Safety Precautions section of this
manual before attempting to operate the unit!
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Do not operate the centrifuge if any of the following conditions exist:
-The centrifuge has not been installed properly
-The centrifuge is partially dismantled
-Service has been attempted by unauthorized or unqualified personnel
-The rotor has not been installed securely on the motor shaft
-Rotors and accessories not belonging to the standard range are being used
without permission being obtained from the manufacturer to use such rotors
and/or accessories in the centrifuge
Exception: Microcentrifuge tubes made of plastic, normally available in the
laboratory.
-The centrifuge is located in an explosive atmosphere
-Materials to be centrifuged are combustible and/or explosive
-Materials to be centrifuged are chemically reactive
-The rotor load is not properly balanced
Technical data
Dimensions
Width 8.25 inches
Depth 8.9 inches
Height 7.6 inches
Maximum speed 14,000rpm
Maximum RCF 16,000 x g
Maximum volume 18 x 1.5/2.0ml
Admiss. density 1.2kg/dm3
Electrical/fuse rating 120V~, 50-60Hz, 1.0A/2.5AT
230V~, 50-60Hz, 0.6A/1.25AT

2
Accessories supplied with centrifuge
Each unit is supplied with 1 instruction manual and 1 power cord. Some models
are supplied with a rotor screw wrench.
Installation
Unpacking the centrifuge
Before unpacking the centrifuge, inspect the outside of the carton for any
shipping damage. The centrifuge is delivered in a carton with protective
cushions. Remove the centrifuge from the carton. Retain the carton and cushions
until it has been established that the centrifuge is working properly. Inspect the
centrifuge for any visible signs of shipping damage. Shipping damage is the
responsibility of the transportation carrier. Any claims for damage must be filed
within 48 hours. The accessories supplied with the centrifuge should be kept with
the instruction manual near the centrifuge’s place of installation.
Required space
The centrifuge should be installed on a rigid, even surface such as a stable
laboratory bench, cabinet, etc. To guarantee sufficient ventilation, ensure that the
centrifuge has at least 15cm (6 inches) of free space on all sides, including the
rear. The centrifuge should not be located in areas subject to excessive heat
such as in direct sunlight or near radiators or the exhaust of a compressor, as a
buildup of heat may occur within the chamber.
Installation
Make certain that the timer is set to the off position. Before operating the
centrifuge, check that the power source corresponds to that on the
manufacturer’s rating label, then connect the power cord to the centrifuge and
the power source.
ATTENTION: The timer must be in the OFF position before connecting
the power cord. Failing to place the timer in the off position may result in
damage to the centrifuge and injury to personnel.
Rotors and rotor maintenance
Rotors and accessories
The following accessories are available for the Spectrafuge 16M :
Angle rotor for 18 x 1.5ml tubes
Order no. Included with unit
Tube measurement 1.5ml (10 x 40mm)
Max. speed 14,000rpm
Centrifuging radius 7.3cm
RCF (g-value) 16,000 x g

3
Adapter for 0.5ml tubes
Order no. C1205
Tube measurement 8 x 30mm
Max. speed 14,000rpm
Centrifuging radius 6.6cm
RCF (g-value) 14,462 x g
Adapter for 0.4ml tubes
Order no. C1206
Tube measurement 6 x 47mm
Max. speed 14,000rpm
Centrifuging radius 7.3cm
RCF (g-value) 16,000 x g
Adapter for 0.2ml tubes
Order no. C1222
Tube measurement 6 x 21mm
Max. speed 14,000rpm
Centrifuging radius 6.1cm
RCF (g-value) 13,366 x g
Rotor maintenance
The rotor should be cleaned thoroughly after each use. Thorough cleaning must
be performed when spinning samples containing phenol or phenol chloroform.
Periodically inspect the rotor for dents, dings, scratches, discoloration and cracks.
If any damage to the rotor is found, discontinue use of the rotor immediately and
replace.
Mounting and securing the angle rotor
Remove the rotor screw from the motor shaft by turning the screw
counterclockwise. Clean the motor shaft and the rotor mounting hole (see figures
1&2). Place the rotor on the motor shaft ensuring that the cross-pin (figure 1)
aligns correctly with the rotor slot (see figure 2). Note: Figures 1 and 2 are
located on the following page. Reinstall the rotor screw on the motor shaft by
turning it clockwise. Hold the rotor with one hand and hand-tighten the rotor
screw. Use an adjustable or 1/4 inch wrench (some units are supplied with a
wrench) to tighten the screw When loading the rotor, refer to figure 3 (located on
page 5). Loading in the pattern indicated will ensure a balanced load. Tubes to
be loaded should be filled equally by eye. The difference in the weight between
the tubes should not exceed 0.1 gram. A partially loaded rotor may be
centrifuged if the loading scheme for balancing a rotor given in figure 3 is
followed.

4
Figure 1. Chamber and motor shaft
Figure 2. Bottom of angle rotor
Figure 3. Loading the rotor

5
Removing the rotor
Using an adjustable or 1/4 inch wrench (some units are supplied with a wrench)
loosen the screw and remove the rotor retaining screw/washer assembly by
turning it counterclockwise. Lift the rotor directly upward in a straight vertical
motion.
Caution: Be sure to secure the rotor screw and tighten with a wrench before
further operation.
Overloading rotors
The maximum load of the rotor and the maximum speed have been established
by the manufacturer. Do not attempt to exceed these values. The maximum
speed of the rotor has been measured for liquids having a homogeneous density
of 1.2g/ml or less. In order to centrifuge liquids with a higher density it is
necessary to reduce the speed. Failure to reduce the speed may result in
damage to the rotor and centrifuge. The revised maximum speed can be
calculated with the following formula:
Reduced speed (nred) x max speed (nmax)
Example:
Where the density of the liquid is 1.7, the new maximum speed would be
calculated as follows:
nred = x 14,000 = 9,882 rpm
If in doubt concerning maximum speeds, please contact the manufacturer for
assistance.
Operation
ATTENTION: Never attempt to operate the centrifuge with rotors or
adapters that show signs of corrosion or mechanical damage.
Never centrifuge strongly corrosive materials that may damage the
rotors or accessories.
Closing the lid
After the rotor has been properly secured and loaded, close the centrifuge lid,
making sure that the interlock has been engaged.
Figure 4. Spectrafuge 16M Control panel layout

6
Lid release
Once the run has been completed and the rotor come to a stop, the lid will open
automatically. If the lid does not open automatically, press the lid button. Note
that the lid button will not operate while the rotor is spinning.
WARNING: Do not attempt to open the lid of any centrifuge until the rotor
has come to a complete stop.
In the event of a power failure or malfunction, it may be necessary to open the lid
manually.
1. Disconnect the power cord from the wall socket.
2. Remove the plastic plug, located on the left side of the unit, below the quick
button.
3. Pull the cord (attached to the plug) to open the lid lock manually.
Lid lock
The centrifuge can be started only with the lid securely closed. When the rotor
begins to accelerate, the lid lock indicator light turns on and the lid button
becomes inoperable. Do not attempt to open the lid until the lid lock indicator
turns off. At the end of the run, the lid will automatically open.
Speed selection
The speed (rpm) can be selected to 14,000rpm with the knob labeled “speed”.
The scale is directly proportional to the speed - a setting of 9 corresponds to
9,000rpm, a setting of 13 corresponds to a speed of 13,000rpm, etc.
Selection of operating time and momentary operation
Operation of the centrifuge begins when the timer knob is turned clockwise to set
a run time. For run times less than 5 minutes, turn the knob clockwise past the
halfway point and then counterclockwise to the desired time. For run times longer
than 5 minutes, turn the knob clockwise to the desired time.
When the preselected time expires, the centrifuge will stop automatically. To stop
the centrifuge prior to the expiration of set time, turn the timer knob to the zero
position.
The centrifuge may be operated manually by pressing and holding the quick
button. The centrifuge will continue to run as long as the button is depressed.
Some models are equipped with a timer that includes a hold position. Continuous
operation of these models may be achieved by turning the timer knob firmly to
the left. The centrifuge will continue to operate until the knob is turned to the zero
position.
Note: The timer knob may be turned in either direction during operation of the
centrifuge without damage to the timer mechanism.

7
Service and Maintenance
Centrifuge service
The brushless motor in the Spectrafuge 16M requires no routine maintenance.
Any required service should be performed by authorized, qualified personnel only.
Repairs performed by unauthorized personnel may void the warranty.
Cleaning the centrifuge
Always keep the centrifuge housing, rotor chamber, rotor and rotor accessories
clean. All parts should be wiped down periodically with a soft cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, use a neutral cleaning agent (pH between 6 and 8) applied
with a soft cloth. Excessive amounts of liquid should be avoided. Liquid should
not come into contact with the motor. After cleaning, ensure that all parts are
dried thoroughly by hand or in a warm air cabinet (maximum temperature 50ºC).
Cleaning the rotor
The rotor should be cleaned after each use. When spinning 8 samples containing
phenol or phenol chloroform, the rotor should be cleaned immediately after use.
Disinfection
Should a spill of infectious materials occur within the rotor or chamber, the unit
should be disinfected. This should be performed by qualified personnel with
proper protective equipment.
Replacing fuses
Check the fuse when it is recommended in the Troubleshooting Guide located in
this manual. The fuse holder is located in the power inlet on the rear of the unit.
Disconnect the power cord from the power inlet. Open the fuse holder drawer by
inserting a small screwdriver under the tab and prying it open. Remove the
innermost (operative) fuse from its retaining tabs and replace the fuse if
necessary. A spare fuse is located in the outermost chamber of the fuse drawer.
Replace only with a fuse of exactly the same value as the original. (Fuse type
may be found in the Technical data section of this manual.)