Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 User manual

Thermo Scientific
Sorvall MTX 150
for Micro-ultracentrifuges
Instruction Manual
46982-c• 12 / 2021
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Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 i
C
Chapter 1 Description..............................................................................................................................1-1
External view of micro-ultracentrifuge .......................................................................1-2
Structure....................................................................................................................1-2
Touchscreen ..........................................................................................................1-2
Rotor chamber.......................................................................................................1-6
Safety devices .........................................................................................................1-6
Chapter 2 Operation.................................................................................................................................2-1
Run preparation.........................................................................................................2-3
Starting up this machine ........................................................................................2-3
Preparing tubes/bottles and rotors..........................................................................2-3
Applicable rotors....................................................................................................2-4
Basic operation ..........................................................................................................2-5
Setting run conditions ...........................................................................................2-5
Operational procedure .........................................................................................2-10
Acceleration rate and deceleration rate .................................................................2-14
How to use the option function...............................................................................2-15
Programmed operation ........................................................................................2-16
Step-mode operation............................................................................................2-30
Displaying and setting RCF.................................................................................2-38
Selecting the rotor................................................................................................2-39
Displaying and setting RCF.................................................................................2-41
User login ............................................................................................................2-44
Features of the MENU screenFeatures of the MENU scree .....................................2-46
Displaying the Run History and loading the information about run
parameters ........................................................................................................2-47
Rotor Catalog ......................................................................................................2-48
Rotor Management..............................................................................................2-49
RTC (real-time control) operation...........................................................................2-54
Customizing the settings......................................................................................2-58
Administrator (Admin) functions ........................................................................2-62
Emergency recovery from power failure ...................................................................2-70
Chapter 3 Maintenance...........................................................................................................................3-1
Rotor chamber...........................................................................................................3-3
Drive shaft (Spindle)..................................................................................................3-3
Cabinet......................................................................................................................3-3
Chamber door seal.....................................................................................................3-3
Removing the door seal O-ring..............................................................................3-4
Vacuum pump...........................................................................................................3-4
Contents

Contents
ii Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific
Others .......................................................................................................................3-4
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................... 4-1
Alarm indicators........................................................................................................4-2
User-corrected problem .............................................................................................4-4
Chapter 5 Installation ............................................................................................................................. 5-1
Chapter 6 Specifications........................................................................................................................ 6-1
Chapter 7 Supply list............................................................................................................................... 7-1
Appendix A Chemical Compatibility Chart ............................................................................................A-1
Appendix B Warranty .................................................................................................................................B-1
Appendix C Contact Information ..............................................................................................................C-1

Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 iii
P
Preface
General description
The Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 micro-ultracentrifuge is designed to separate
liquid-suspended materials having different densities and particle size.
The Sorvall® MTX 150 is a product that delivers user-friendliness and reliability based on our many years of
experience in developing centrifuges. This micro-ultracentrifuge offers many features that we are confident
of satisfying your requirements. These features include the following.
1. The maximum speed (g-force) is 150,000 rpm (1,048,680 x g).
2. Small and compact tabletop type for use as a personal micro-ultracentrifuge.
3. The touchscreen with easy-to-see color liquid crystal screen.
4. The displayed language can be switched between Japanese and English.
5. Various alarm indicators can notify users of the causes and necessary actions of the troubles. It can
make troubleshooting easier and quicker.
6. Rotors are automatically secured to the drive shaft in the rotor chamber eliminating the need for
push buttons and tools.
7. Samples can be balanced visually (see “Preparing tubes/bottles and rotors” on page 2-3).
8. This product operates very quietly, and is thus well suited for personal use on the lab bench.
9. A CFC-free thermomodule cooling system is employed featuring a powerful cooling capacity.
(Samples can be kept at 0°C at maximum speed when the ambient temperature is 30°C.)
10. The real-time control (RTC) feature enables setting a start time or a finish time, thus letting you
run your machine at a desired date and time.
11. Either Rotations Per Minute (RPM) or Relative Centrifugal Force (RCFmax and RCFavg) can be
displayed and set.
12. Twenty varieties of nine stepped modes can be programmed for a wide range of applications such
as step running.
13. In addition to a door lock and an imbalance detector, two independent microprocessors are
incorporated for overspeed detection (a dual CPU overspeed prevention mechanism) for even
greater safety.

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iv Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific
Safety notices
Safety reminders
Carefully read and fully understand the following safety instructions.
• Operate your instrument according to the instruction manual.
• Be sure to observe all safety precautions in the instruction manual and safety instructions on your
instrument. If neglected, personal injury and/or instrument damage can be caused.
• If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired.
• The safety reminders are indicated as shown below. The signal words “DANGER”, “WARNING”
and “CAUTION” are indicated together with the hazard alert symbols in this manual.
This hazard alert symbol indicated together with a signal word is a reminder to emphasize important
safety instructions.
• Do not perform any operation not specified in the instruction manual. If any problem is found on
your instrument, contact a Thermo Fisher Scientific authorized sales/service representative.
• Although the safety precautions in the instruction manual and safety instructions on your
instrument have been fully considered, an unexpected situation may arise. Observe the instructions
in the instruction manual and always be careful when operating this instrument.
DANGER This note indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which if not strictly
observed, could result in personal severe injury or possible death.
WARNING This note indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not strictly
observed, could result in personal severe injury or possible death.
CAUTION This note indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not strictly
observed, could result in personal injury or severe damage to the instrument.
Note indicates a note which has no direct bearing on personal safety.

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Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 v
Mechanical Safety
WARNING
• Do not open the door 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 place any
object on the instrument or lean on the instrument.
• Do not attempt to unlock the door forcefully while the rotor is spinning.
• 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 on or near the micro-ultracentrifuge.
• Repairs, disassembly, and other modifications to the micro-ultracentrifuge are strictly
prohibited unless performed by a Thermo Fisher Scientific authorized sales/service
representative.
• Do not use the other’s manufacturer’s rotor without Thermo Fisher Scientific’s permission.
• Always use a quick-setting rotor for this micro-ultracentrifuge. The screw-type rotors are
inapplicable.
• Check the chemical resistance chart attached to the rotor, and do not use any sample
inapplicable to the rotor (including the buckets). Using such a sample could corrode the
rotor (including the buckets).
• Do not exceed the maximum rated speed of the rotor or buckets in use.
• Do not use corroded, scratched or cracked rotor and buckets. Check that the rotor and
buckets are free of such abnormalities before operation.
• When using a swing rotor, check that the buckets are properly engaged with the rotor
pins before operation. Wrong setting can cause severe damage to the instrument. Make
sure that all the rotor buckets are of the same type.
• If abnormal sound or vibration occurs, stop the operation immediately and contact a
Thermo Fisher Scientific authorized sales/service representative.

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vi Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific
Safety during installation and maintenance
CAUTION
• Position the micro-ultracentrifuge on a level surface, such as a table or laboratory bench
that can support the weight of the micro-ultracentrifuge and resist vibration.
• Be sure to remove the rotor from the rotor chamber when micro-ultracentrifuge is not
used for a long time or when the machine is moved. Otherwise the drive shaft (crown)
may be damaged.
• Before using a rotor, be sure to read through the rotor instruction manual.
• Check the chemical resistance chart attached to the rotor, and do not use any sample
inapplicable to the tubes, tube caps, bottles, or bottle caps, etc. Using such a sample could
corrode or deteriorate such parts.
• Use the rotor tubes and bottles within their actual capacities.
• Mount the rotor onto the drive shaft gently and properly.
• Do not drop the rotor or apply excessive force to the drive shaft to avoid damage to the
drive shaft.
• Maximum rotor speed depends on the tubes or adapters to be used. Follow the
instructions on the rotor instruction manual.
• This micro-ultracentrifuge might convey vibration to a table while the rotor is rotating.
If a measuring device is positioned on a table and near this micro-ultracentrifuge, use a
measuring device carefully.
• Approximately even quantities of sample in the tubes are sufficient for balancing, and
extremely different sample quantities must be avoided (Refer to “Preparing tubes/bottles
and rotors” on page 2-3 for the sample balancing).
• Clean the inside of the drive hole (crown hole) of the rotor and the surface of the drive
shaft (crown) of the micro-ultracentrifuge once a month.
• When storing the rotors on a shelf, take appropriate safety measures in areas prone to
earthquakes
• Do not pour any solution such as water, detergent, or disinfectant directly into the rotor
chamber and be careful not to spill the sample into the rotor chamber. If you do so, the
bearings of the drive unit might corrode or deteriorate and it might cause vacuum failure.
• Do not operate the display panel (Touchscreen) using a ball-point pen.
DANGER
• Before removing the cover, top deck, or other component for maintenance, always turn
off the POWER switch of the instrument, unplug the power cord from the wall outlet,
and wait at least three minutes to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
WARNING
• For maintenance and repairing of the rotors, tubes, etc., see the rotors and tubes
instruction manual.
• After installation and before any test-run, this micro-ultracentrifuge always needs the
internal check by a Thermo Fisher Scientific authorized sales/service representative.
• Repairs, disassembly, and other modifications to the micro-ultracentrifuge are strictly
prohibited unless performed by a Thermo Fisher Scientific authorized sales/service
representative.

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Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 vii
Electrical Safety
Safety against Risk of Fire
Chemical and Biological Safety
CAUTION
• If the micro-ultracentrifuge is exposed to ultraviolet rays for a long time, the color of the
covers may be changed or the coating may be peeled off. After use, cover the
micro-ultracentrifuge with a cloth to protect it from direct exposure.
WARNING
• Your micro-ultracentrifuge must be grounded properly to avoid electrical shock hazards.
CAUTION
• Do not place containers holding liquid in the rotor chamber or on or near the
instrument. If they spill, liquid may get into the instrument and damage electrical
components.
• If the machine will not be used for a long time, turn off the main circuit breaker.
WARNING
• This micro-ultracentrifuge is not explosion-proof. Never use explosive or flammable
samples or materials that chemically react vigorously. Do not centrifuge such materials in
this instrument or handle or store them near the instrument.
WARNING
• Take all necessary safety measures before using samples that are toxic or radioactive, or
blood samples that are pathogenic or infectious. You use such samples at your own
responsibility.
• Take all necessary safety measures when Risk Group II materials (as identified in the
World Health Organization “Laboratory Biosafety Manual”) are handled, and that more
than one level of protection shall be provided in the case of materials of a higher group.
• If the micro-ultracentrifuge, rotor, or an accessory is contaminated by samples that toxic
or radioactive, or blood samples that pathogenic or infectious, be sure to decontaminate
the item according to good laboratory procedures and methods.
• If there is a possibility that the micro-ultracentrifuge, rotor, or an accessory is
contaminated by samples that might impair human health (for example, samples that are
toxic or radioactive, or blood samples that are pathogenic or infectious), it is your
responsibility to sterilize or decontaminate the micro-ultracentrifuge, rotor, or the
accessory properly before requesting repairs from a Thermo Fisher Scientific authorized
sales/service representative.
• It is your responsibility to sterilize and/or decontaminate the micro-ultracentrifuge,
rotor, or parts properly before returning them to a Thermo Fisher Scientific authorized
sales/service representative.

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viii Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific
Notice for an Earthquake
Depending on the magnitude, an earthquake might damage micro-ultracentrifuge. If you observe some
abnormality, stop using the micro-ultracentrifuge immediately and ask for inspection by the Thermo
Fisher Scientific service representative.

Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 1-1
1
Description
Contents
•“External view of micro-ultracentrifuge” on page 1-2
•“Structure” on page 1-2

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1-2 Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific
External view of micro-ultracentrifuge
The Sorvall MTX 150 micro-ultracentrifuge is tabletop type and requires a small amount of space.
Figure 1-1. External view of Sorvall MTX 150 micro-ultracentrifuge
Structure
Touchscreen
The touchscreen with color liquid crystal screen is incorporated in the Sorvall MTX 150
micro-ultracentrifuge. You can set the run conditions, perform the operation, and display Run History,
Programmed Run, and User Customizations Screens by pressing the screen. Fig. 1-2 shows the touchscreen.
Note * This size is the minimum size and depends on the installation conditions
590
58
2
408
*
Unit: (mm)
Touchscreen (display/operation)
POWER switch
Door
Top deck
Front cover
External connection
582

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Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 1-3
Display at the normal operation
The following screen appears by pressing the SPEED, TIME, or TEMP button.
Display when setting the run conditions such as the speed etc.)
Figure 1-2. Touchscreen
Tabs of each screen
(7) RTC button
(6) PROGRAM button
(5) STOP button
(4) START button
(3) VACUUM
button/Indicator
(2) Rotor indicator
(8) USER button
(1) Field display
(9) Keypad display

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1-4 Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific
Table 1-1.Functions of the Run screen
No. Name and Symbol Functions and Actions
(1) Field display
SPEED column
(RCF column)
TIME column
TEMP column
button
button
Display various fields.
The SPEED (RCF), TIME, and TEMP fields give the current status indicator in the top row and
the setting indicator in the bottom row. (For setting, see “Setting run conditions” on page 2-5.)
• SPEED (Speed indicator)
(Top row) Displays speeds in increments of 10 rpm at lower than 5,000 rpm, and in steps of 100
rpm at 5,000 rpm or more.
(Bottom row) Sets speeds from 5,000 to maximum speed in increments of 1,000 rpm. The lower
three digits (one, ten, and one-hundred positions) display zeros.
Maximum speed: 150,000 rpm
For RCF, see “Displaying and setting RCF” on page 2-41.
• TIME(running time indicator)
(Top row) Displays the remaining operation time. If the running time is set to HOLD, this field
displays time elapsed.
(Bottom row) Specifies a setting in the range from 1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes in steps of
minutes and hours.
• TEMP(temperature indicator)
When the pressure in the rotor chamber equals the atmospheric pressure, the temperature of
the inside of the rotor chamber is kept at 25 °C to prevent condensation.
(Top row) Displays in steps of 0.1 °C.
(Bottom row) Sets a setting in the range from 0 °C to 40 °C in increments of 1 °C
The column is shifted from SPEED (RCF) column to RCF (SPEED) column by pressing this
button.
The Acceleration rate and Deceleration rate are set by pressing this button.
• ACCEL(acceleration mode indicator)
Displays acceleration modes 1 through 9.
• DECEL(deceleration mode indicator)
Displays deceleration modes 1 through 9, along with free coast (F).
(2) Rotor indicator ROTOR CATALOG is displayed by pressing this button and you can select the desired rotor.
(3) VACUUM button • Press this button to turn the vacuum pump on or off. When the vacuum pump is turned off,
the pressure in the rotor chamber will change to equal the atmospheric pressure. (While the
rotor is rotating, you can not turn off the vacuum pump.)
• Temperature control starts as soon as the vacuum pump is turned on.
Displays the following four stages according to the vacuum of the rotor chamber.
(1) Atmospheric state.
The vacuum pump is not activated.
(2) Low vacuum. The rotor waits at 5,000 rpm until the vacuum
reaches an intermediate level.
(3) Intermediate vacuum.
(4) High vacuum.
(4) button Starts rotor rotation. If VACUUM is off, pressing this button activates the vacuum pump and
starts temperature control.
NOTE: If the sample is sensitive to a
temperature rise, do not press the START
button until the chamber is at a high
vacuum level

1
Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 1-5
(5) button Stops rotor rotation.
(6) button Displays the program No. if program operation has been selected. Press this button to specify
program settings (see “Programmed operation” on page 2-16).
(7) button Displays the start time or finish time for centrifugation. Press this button to set a start time or
finish time (see “RTC (real-time control) operation” on page 1-1).
(8) button Displays the user name (see “Administrator (Admin) functions” on page 2-62).
Table 1-2. Functions of the keypad display
No. Name and Symbol Functions and Actions
(9) Keypad display
When entering the deceleration
rate, FREE is displayed in the
position of Hold.
Use the keypad display to enter numeric values for run parameters.
: When entering a time: Switches from hours to minutes
Hold When entering the operation time: Sets continuous running.
Free When entering deceleration conditions: Sets free coasting.
CE Press this to cancel input (for example, if you enter the wrong number
or the wrong value for a run parameter)
Enter Press this to save the entered setting.
X Press this to close the keypad display.
Table 1-3. External connection
No. Name and Symbol Functions and Actions
(10) USB (host side) Use the USB connection to output the operation history of the micro-ultracentrifuge to
USB memory.
(11) USB (device side) Use for connecting optional items.
Table 1-1. Functions of the Run screen
No. Name and Symbol Functions and Actions

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1-6 Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific
Rotor chamber
The structure of the rotor chamber (vacuum chamber) is shown in Fig. 1-3.
Figure 1-3. Rotor Chamber
Safety devices
1. Protection of rotor chamber
Should the rotor fail at high speed (or comes off the drive shaft), the safety of the operator is
ensured by the thick armored barrier ring enclosing the cooling bowl (Fig. 1-3).
2. Imbalance detector
If during operation the vibration of the rotor becomes excessive due to serious imbalance or
improper bucket setting, the imbalance detector detects the situation and decelerates the rotor
immediately. However, the micro-ultracentrifuge is designed to tolerate imbalance associated with
visual balancing - it is equipped with an imbalance tolerant drive. (For more information on the
balancing of rotors, see “Preparing tubes/bottles and rotors” on page 2-3.)
3. Door lock system
The chamber door automatically locks for safety while the rotor is spinning. When the power supply
is off, the door remains locked. The door can only be opened and closed when the rotor is at rest and
the rotor chamber vacuum has been vented. To open the door in the event of a power failure, see
“Emergency recovery from power failure” on page 2-70.
4. Overspeed detector
This micro-ultracentrifuge incorporates a detector designed to prevent the rotor from spinning at a
speed exceeding the maximum allowable speed.
Two independent microprocessors (CPUs) check the rotor for overspeed, thus increasing safety
Cooling bowl (Rotor Chamber)
Cools the rotor.
Drive shaft (crown)
Sets the rotor and
rotates.
Protector
(Barrier Ring)
Temperature sensor
Measures the temperature
in the rotor chamber.
Imbalance detection device
Detects abnormal balance and stops the rotor.
Over-speed sensor
Stops the rotor if it rotates faster than the
maximum allowable speed of the rotor. (Two
sensors provided)
Chamber door seal

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Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 1-7
further (dual CPU overspeed preventive mechanism).
The first CPU detects overspeed and performs control and display. Should the rotor be set to a
speed exceeding the permissible speed, this CPU detects an alarm massage of “SPEED” from the
low speed range (about 2,000 rpm), and stops the rotor.
(But this second CPU does not display an alarm message, because it is not connected to the
display-performing CPU. Should the alarm device be activated, pressing START button will not
run the instrument. Turn off the POWER switch, wait for several minutes, turn the POWER
switch on again, then pressing START button.)

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1-8 Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific

Thermo Scientific Sorvall MTX 150 2-1
2
Operation
Contents
•“Run preparation” on page 2-3
•“Basic operation” on page 2-5
•“How to use the option function” on page 2-15
•“Features of the MENU screen” on page 2-46
•“Emergency recovery from power failure” on page 2-70

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2-2 Sorvall MTX 150 Thermo Scientific
The Sorvall MTX 150 micro-ultracentrifuge is capable of operation in more than one mode to meet a
wide range of applications. The outline of each available mode is given below:
Brief Description Reference
Normal operation “Basic operation” on page 2-5
Other features
Programmed operation
You can store set run conditions in memory for later use in
repeated operation.
“Programmed operation” on
page 2-16
Step-mode operation
More than one normal operation can be combined into a sequence
of operations or step for successive centrifugation.
“Step-mode operation” on
page 2-30
RCF (centrifugal force)
value display setting
This feature calculates centrifugal force (RCF) values from set
speed. It can also calculate reversely, i.e., finding speed from such
values.“Displaying and setting RCF” on
page 2-41
Spin-down operation
Spin-down operation is useful to remove the adhered samples on
the interior walls of the tubes.
“Spin-down operation” on
page 2-53
RTC (real-time control)
operation
Run starts or completes at a required date and time.
“RTC (real-time control)
operation” on page 2-1
Speed
Time
Speed
Speed
Time Time
Store Call
Progr No.
Speed
Time
Speed
Time
Speed
Time
A finish date
and time re-
quired
Press START
button