Thermo Scientific MicroCL 17 User manual

IEC
Instructions for use
MICROCL17/17R 21/21R

How to use this manual
Use this manual to get acquainted with your
centrifuge and its accessories.
The manual helps you to avoid inappropriate handling.
Make sure to keep it always close to the centrifuge.
A manual that is not kept available cannot provide
protection against improper handling and thus
against damage to persons and objects.
This manual comprises chapters on
•Safety regulations
•Instrument description
•Transportation and hook-up the centrifuge
•Rotor program and accessories
•Use of the centrifuge
•Maintenance and care
•Troubleshooting
•Technical data
•Index
Please fold out
Overleaf you will find a graphic illustra-
tion of the control panel with a survey of
the most important functions

rotor turns
rpm/RCF
switch key
display
run time quick run
open lid
(only for instruments with refrigeration unit)
temperature
speed/RCF
stop
start
“set“ keys“set“ keys pre-temperature-regulation
(only for instruments with refrigeration unit)
Before switching on the centrifuge
please read this manual!
Note that “min-
1
” stands for “rpm” and
“x g” stands for “RCF”

Control panel
Display panels
Speed / RCF
Resting state: current value (0) or pre-selected set-point value
During run: present current value of speed or RCF
(after activation of switch key)
Circulating light-points:
rotor turns
End: „End“
Error codes: flashing display with error code
Run time
Resting/End: current value (0) / “End”, or pre-selected set
point value
(in minutes, or "hd" for permanent operation)
Time selection/run: - remaining time till “0” in minutes
Permanent operation (hd): - run time passed in seconds/ minutes
„Quick run“: - run time passed in seconds/ minutes
Temperature*
according to: current sample temperature in °C
(in temperature equilibrium)
* only for instruments with refrigeration unit
Keys
start: start of the centrifuge
stop: manually stop of a run
open lid: open lid
(possible only with the instrument switched on and
standstill of the rotor)
quick run: short-term run up of the centrifuge as long as key
remains pressed
Switch
Speed/RCF: switching between speed and RCF display
Pre-temp: pre-temp-function*
"set" keys: stepwise increase/decrease of set-point values
Short pressing of any of the "set" keys:
switch from current to pre-selected set-point value, signaled by
flashing display.
(Error codes (see „troubleshooting“section):
E-14: over temperature centrifuge chamber (> 50 °C)
E-22: troubled speed measurement
E-24: lid will not open
E-31: over temperature motor
E-36: over amperage or over voltage
E-46: lid was opened manually during run
E-57: imbalance
E-60: under temperature centrifuge chamber (< -20 °C)

Contents
1
Contents
For your safety............................................3
Safety instructions in this manual ............................3
Proper use................................................................ 4
Improper use............................................................ 4
Centrifuging hazardous materials ............................ 4
Handling the centrifuge............................................ 4
Conformity to current standards............................... 5
Description of the instrument.................... 7
Pieces delivered.......................................................7
Safety systems......................................................... 7
Properties................................................................. 8
Before use................................................... 9
Where to install the centrifuge ................................. 9
Transport and installation the centrifuge..................9
Centrifuge with refrigeration unit .......................... 9
Mains connection................................................... 10
Removing the transport protection.........................10
Accessories .............................................. 11
Rotors for the IEC MIRCOCL 17 ............................. 12
Rotors for the IEC MICROCL 21 ............................. 14
Rotors for the IEC MICROCL 17R........................... 16
Rotors for the IEC MICROCL 21R........................... 18
Adapter...................................................................20
Handling the rotor .................................... 21
Rotor lid with a spring lock .................................21
Operation without rotor lid .................................. 22
Rotor lid with screw plug ....................................23
Aerosol-tight application......................................... 24
Checking for aerosol-tightness...........................26
Operation .................................................. 27
Switching on the centrifuge....................................27
Opening the lid.......................................................27
Closing the lid.........................................................27
Installing the rotor...................................................28
Loading the rotor....................................................30
Maximum load.................................................... 30
Filling the centrifuge tubes .................................30
Placing the tubes in the rotor..............................31
Entering parameters...............................................32
Switching from speed to RCF display....................32
Selecting speed......................................................32
Entering the RCF value..........................................33
Concerning the RCF value................................. 33
Selecting the run time ............................................34
Run time selection..............................................34
Continuous operation ......................................... 34
Setting the temperature..........................................35

Contents
2
Pretemp..............................................................36
Starting the centrifuge............................................37
Changing the settings during the run.....................37
Stopping the centrifuge ..........................................38
Preset run time ...................................................38
Continuous operation .........................................38
Short-time centrifugation........................................38
Removing the rotor.................................................39
Audible alarm .........................................................39
Turning off the centrifuge .......................................40
WEEE Compliance:................................................40
Maintenance and care ..............................41
Maintenance to be performed by the customer .....41
Cleaning..............................................................41
Cleaning the filter unit.........................................42
Disinfection.........................................................43
Decontamination.................................................45
Autoclaving.........................................................45
The Thermo Electron Service offer........................46
Warranty conditions................................................46
Troubleshooting .......................................47
Mechanical emergency lid release.........................47
Problems you can handle yourself.........................49
Contacting Service.................................................55
Technical data...........................................57
Component parts....................................................57
The "Easycontrol" user interface............................58
Performance...........................................................59
Electrical connections.............................................61
Appendix ...................................................63
Speed / RCF diagram.............................................65
Autoclaving protocol...............................................71
Index..........................................................73

For your safety
3
For your safety
Safety instructions in this manual
This symbol denotes potential hazards
to persons.
This symbol denotes potential damage
to the centrifuge or parts in its imme-
diate surroundings.
Warning: hot surfaces
General danger area
Before switching on the centrifuge please
read this manual!
General hints are marked with this
symbol.
IEC centrifuges are manufactured according to current
technical standards and regulations. Nonetheless,
centrifuges may pose danger to individuals and sur-
rounding if
•they are not used as designed
•they are operated by untrained personnel
•their design is improperly changed
•the safety instructions are not followed
Therefore, personnel involved with op-
eration and maintenance of the centri-
fuge must read and follow the safety
instructions.
In addition, the pertinent regulations for prevention of
accidents must be strictly followed.
This manual is an integral part of the centrifuge as-
sembly and must be kept close at hand at all times.
When damages to the power cord or at
casing are noticed the centrifuge must
be set out of operation!

For your safety
4
Proper use
The centrifuge is designed to separate liquid-
suspended materials having different densities and
particle size (maximum sample density is 1.2 g/cm³ at
maximum speed).
Improper use
During a run, a safety zone of 30 cm around the centri-
fuge must be maintained where neither persons nor
hazardous materials may be present.
The centrifuge may cause harm to its user or other
persons or may damage goods if safety measures are
not followed:
Centrifuging hazardous materials
•The centrifuge is neither made inert, nor is it explo-
sion-proof. Therefore never use the centrifuge in an
explosion-prone environment.
•Do not centrifuge explosive or flammable sub-
stances. The same holds for substances prone to
react violently with each other.
•Do not centrifuge toxic or radioactive substances or
pathogenic micro-organisms without suitable safety
systems.
If microbiological samples of risk group II (accord-
ing to "Laboratory Bio-safety Manual" of WHO) are
being centrifuged, aerosol-tight bio-seals have to be
used.
For materials in a higher risk group, more than one
precaution is required.
•Should toxins or pathogenic substances enter the
centrifuge or its parts, you must perform appropri-
ate procedures for disinfection (see "Maintenance
and care – Disinfection").
•Strongly corrosive substances that may cause
damage to materials and reduce the mechanical
strength of the rotor may be centrifuged only inside
protective tubes.
Handling the centrifuge
•Use only original accessories for the centrifuge.
The only exceptions are common glass or plastic
centrifuge tubes if they are approved for the rotor
speed and RCF values.
•Never use the centrifuge unless the rotor is properly
installed.
•You may use the centrifuge only with a properly
loaded rotor. You must not overload the rotor.
•Strictly follow the rules and regulations for cleaning
and disinfection.
•If the rotor or the rotor lid shows signs of corrosion
or wear, you must stop using it.

For your safety
5
•Never open the lid manually if the rotor is still turn-
ing.
•You may use the emergency lid release only in
case of emergency, e.g. during an interruption of
power supply
(see chapter "Troubleshooting").
•Never use the centrifuge with an opened lid.
•Never use the centrifuge if the front panel has been
partially or totally removed.
•Changes in mechanical or electrical components of
the centrifuge may only be carried out by individu-
als authorized by Thermo Electron.
Conformity to current standards
IEC centrifuges are manufactured and tested accord-
ing to the following standards and regulations
- for all voltages
•IEC 61010-1
IEC 61010-2-020
- for 120 V only
•
- for 230 V only
•
Please get acquainted with the details of the test stan-
dards from the technical data

For your safety
6
for your notes

Description of the instrument
7
Description of the instrument
The descriptions apply generally for all instrument
variants.
Pieces delivered
•rotor
•a special wrench for securing the rotor
•cable for mains connection
•this Manual
Safety systems
The MICROCL 17/21 and MICROCL 17R/21R are
equipped with several safety measures:
•Housing made of highly impact-resistant plastic;
Extra steel armor.
•Lid with window and lid latch with locking mecha-
nism.
You can open the centrifuge lid only when the cen-
trifuge is switched on and the rotor is standing. You
can only start the centrifuge if the lid is properly
locked.
•Lid emergency release: Only in case of emergency,
e.g. the power supply is interrupted.
(see chapter „troubleshooting“)
Do not tamper with the safety systems!

Description of the instrument
8
Properties
The MICROCL 17/21 and MICROCL 17R/21R are table-
top centrifuges designed for the use in biochemical and
medical laboratories.
The preset speed is reached in seconds. You can also
spin samples for only a few seconds using the
"PULSE" key ( ) if this is required for the task in ques-
tion. The extremely long-lived, maintenance-free induc-
tion motor provides quiet and vibration-free operation
even at high speeds.
The user-friendly user interface „Easy control“ permits
easy handling. Prior to the run, when the centrifuge is
switched on and the lid is closed, the current values
are displayed and the pre-selected set point value can
be set. While the centrifuge is operating, the display
informs of current values or (by quickly pressing one of
the “set” keys or ) the pre-selected set point val-
ues for speed/RCF and runtime, as well as tempera-
ture in the refrigerated units. After the run, the speed
control panel displays "End".
If you press one of the keys or repeatedly, you
increase or decrease the corresponding pre-selected
set point value stepwise. If you press the chosen key
and hold it pressed, the respective chosen measure-
ment value increases or decreases continuously, at
first slowly and, after a few seconds, at an accelerated
pace.
You can change the set values during operation.
"Quick run" operation
As long as the "PULSE" key ( ) is pressed, the rotor
is accelerated with maximum power (potentially up to
the maximum speed).

Before use
9
Before use
Where to install the centrifuge
The centrifuge may only be used indoors. Its location
must meet the following criteria:
•A safety zone of 30 cm around the centrifuge must
be maintained. Hazardous materials must not be
kept within this zone during centrifugation.
•The substructure must be stable and resonance-
free. A good support is provided by a plane labora-
tory bench or a large laboratory carriage with cast-
ers that may be locked.
•In the area of 15 cm around the centrifuge a suffi-
cient air circulation has to be ensured.
•The centrifuge must be protected from heat and
direct sunshine. The ultraviolet radiation may dam-
age the housing.
•The installation site should be always well venti-
lated.
Transport and installation the centrifuge
Transport the centrifuge only in
the upright position, using the
special box provided with the in-
strument, and secure it properly.
Place the centrifuge carefully to
avoid damages.
Lift up the instrument only on the bottom
plate. Mind the weight of the centrifuge
during the transport!
(See „Technical data“)
Let someone assist you in carrying the
centrifuge!
Centrifuge with refrigeration unit
In order to allow the coolant to set-
tle down in the compressor, the
instrument must be left idle at the
new location for approx. 1 hour.

Before use
10
Mains connection
Make sure that the mains supply and the frequency
meet the specifications printed on the centrifuge type
plate.
First turn the mains switch of the centrifuge off (press
"0") and only then connect the centrifuge with the
mains supply using the power cord supplied.
Removing the transport protection
Before using the centrifuge, make sure
that the rotor transport protection has
been removed!
Turn the instrument on at the power switch. Open the
centrifuge lid by pressing the "open lid" key and
remove the transport protection for the rotor.
Check the free run of the rotor body by lightly turning it,
and make sure the rotor is tightly screwed and the rotor
lid is securely mounted.

Accessories
11
Accessories
You may choose from among a large variety of rotors
available as accessories.
In addition, there are sets of adapters and reduction
sleeves for diverse commercially available vessels.
Please consult our sales documentation for a complete
collection of accessories including technical data and
order numbers.
For more information you can visit our web site at
http://www.Thermo.com

Accessories
12
Rotors for the IEC MIRCOCL 17
Table 1: Performance characteristics for IEC MICROCL 17
rotor designation
order no.
Micro liter-rotor
24 x 2 ml
75003424
Micro liter-rotor
36 x 0,5 ml
75003436
Dual-rotor
18 x 2 ml / 0,5 ml
75003418
places / volume 24 x 1.5 / 2 ml 36 x 0.5 ml 18 x 2 ml + 18 x 0.5 ml
maximum permissible load [ g ] 24 x 4 36 x 0.5 18 x 4 + 18 x 0.5
minimum speed nmin [ min-1 ] 300 300 300
maximum speed nmax [ min-1 ] 13 300 13 300 13 300
maximum RCF value at nmax 17 000 15 600 16 800
acceleration / deceleration time [ s ] 11 / 12 9 / 10 11 / 12
radius maximum/ minimum [ cm ] 8.6 / 5.1 7.9 / 5.0 8.5 / 4.8
angle [ ° ] 45 45 45
heating of samples at nmax [ °C ]
relative to room temperature 23°C,
run time 1 hour 33 31 33
aerosol-tight * yes no no
permissible temperature range
autoclavable (number of cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles)
* Tested and approved by HPA, Porton-Down, UK – Please see the references in the chapter "Aerosoltight application"!

Accessories
13
Table 1: Performance characteristics for IEC MICROCL 17
rotor designation
order no.
PCR-rotor
4 x 8
75003440
PCR-rotor
8 x 8
75003489
Haematocrit-rotor
75003473
places / volume 4 x PCR-Strip 8 x PCR-Strip 24 x Blood capillary tubes 75 mm
maximum permissible load [ g ] 4 x 4 (32 x 0,5) 8 x 4 (64 x 0,5) 24 x 0,2
minimum speed nmin [ min-1 ] 300 300 300
maximum speed nmax [ min-1 ] 13 300 13 300 13 300
maximum RCF value at nmax 13 100 13 800 16 800
acceleration / deceleration time [ s ] 10 / 11 7 / 8 10 / 11
radius maximum / minimum [ cm ] 6,6 / 4,7 7,0 / 4,4 2,0 / 8,5
angle [ ° ] 45 60 90
heating of samples at nmax [ °C ]
relative to room temperature 23°C,
run time 1 hour 31 31 34
aerosol-tight * yes no no
permissible temperature range
autoclavable (number of cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 134°C
* Tested and approved by HPA, Porton-Down, UK – Please see the references in the chapter "Aerosoltight application"!

Accessories
14
Rotors for the IEC MICROCL 21
Table 2: Performance characteristics for IEC MICROCL 21
rotor designation
order no.
Micro liter-rotor
24 x 2 ml
75003424
Micro liter-rotor
36 x 0,5 ml
75003436
Dual-rotor
18 x 2 ml / 0,5 ml
75003418
places / volume 24 x 1.5 / 2 ml 36 x 0.5 ml 18 x 2 ml + 18 x 0.5 ml
maximum permissible load [ g ] 24 x 4 36 x 0.5 18 x 4 + 18 x 0.5
minimum speed nmin [ min-1 ] 300 300 300
maximum speed nmax [ min-1 ] 14 800 14 800 14 800
maximum RCF value at nmax 21 100 19 300 20 800
acceleration / deceleration time [ s ] 13 / 13 10 / 11 11 / 12
radius maximum/ minimum [ cm ] 8.6 / 5.1 7.9 / 5.0 8.5 / 4.8
angle [ ° ] 45 45 45
heating of samples at nmax [ °C ]
relative to room temperature 23°C,
run time 1 hour 36 34 33
aerosol-tight * yes no no
permissible temperature range
autoclavable (number of cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles)
* Tested and approved by HPA, Porton-Down, UK – Please see the references in the chapter "Aerosoltight application"!

Accessories
15
Tabelle 2: Performance characteristics for IEC MICROCL 21
rotor designation
order no.
PCR-rotor
4 x 8
75003440
PCR-rotor
8 x 8
75003489
Haematocrit-rotor
75003473
places / volume 4 x PCR-Strip 8 x PCR-Strip 24 x Blood capillary tubes 75 mm
maximum permissible load [ g ] 4 x 4 (32 x 0,5) 8 x 4 (64 x 0,5) 24 x 0,2
minimum speed nmin [ min-1 ] 300 300 300
maximum speed nmax [ min-1 ] 14 800 14 800 14 800
maximum RCF value at nmax 16 200 17 100 16 800
acceleration / deceleration time [ s ] 12 / 13 8 / 9 11 / 12
radius maximum / minimum [ cm ] 6,6 / 4,7 7,0 / 4,4 2,0 / 8,5
angle [ ° ] 45 60 90
heating of samples at nmax [ °C ]
relative to room temperature 23°C,
run time 1 hour 33 32 35
aerosol-tight * yes no no
permissible temperature range
autoclavable (number of cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C
121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C
121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C
134°C
* Tested and approved by HPA, Porton-Down, UK – Please see the references in the chapter "Aerosoltight application"!

Accessories
16
Rotors for the IEC MICROCL 17R
Table 3: Performance characteristics for IEC MICROCL 17R
rotor designation
order no.
Micro liter-rotor
24 x 2 ml
75003424
Micro liter-rotor
36 x 0,5 ml
75003436
Dual-rotor
18 x 2 ml / 0,5 ml
75003418
places / volume 24 x 1,5 / 2 ml 36 x 0,5 ml 18 x 2 ml + 18 x 0,5 ml
maximum permissible load [ g ] 24 x 4 36 x 0,5 18 x 4 + 18 x 0,5
minimum speed nmin [ min-1 ] 300 300 300
maximum speed nmax [ min-1 ] 13 300 13 300 13 300
maximum RCF value at nmax 17 000 15 600 16 800
acceleration / deceleration time [ s ] 10 / 12 8 / 10 10 / 12
radius maximum / minimum [ cm ] 8,6 / 5,1 7,9 / 5,0 8,5 / 4,8
angle [ ° ] 45 45 45
minimum temperature at nmax [ °C ]
relative to room temperature 23°C < 0 < 0 < 0
aerosol-tight * yes no no
permissible temperature range
autoclavable (number of cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles) -9 °C to +40 °C 121°C, (20 cycles)
* Tested and approved by HPA, Porton-Down, UK – Please see the references in the chapter "Aerosoltight application"!