Thermo Scientific SORVALL RC-5C PLUS User manual

Analyze • Detect • Measure • Control™
RC-5C Plus
User´s Manual
PN 74559 - 9

PN 74559-9
Issued February 2007
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
SORVALL RC-5C PLUS
Superspeed
Centrifuge
Thermo Scientific
Asheville, North Carolina
U.S.A.


SORVALL®Centrifuges
ii
This manual is a guide for use of the
SORVALL®RC-5C PLUS 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 produce personal injury or property
damage, always follow the recommendations set forth herein. Thermo 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 ssue 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 curent.
WARNING , CAUTION , and NOTE within the text of this manual are used to emphasize important
and critical instructions.
WARNING informs the operator of a hazard or an unsafe practice that could result in personal
injury, affect the operator's health, or contaminate the environment.
CAUTION informs the operator of an unsafe practice that could result in damage of equipment.
NOTE highlights essential information.
CAUTION and WARNING are accompanied by a hazard symbol
!
and appear in the left
sidebar near the information they correspond to.
© 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003 by Thermo Scientific

RC-5C PLUS
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 this manual.
W A R N I N G
Use specified SORVALL® rotors only. Use of another manufacturer's rotor can cause rotor failure which could result in
personal injury and/or centrifuge damage.
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. n the event of a tube failure, a rotor without a
biocontainment seal cannot protect you from particles dispersed into the air; if a rotor fails, the centrifuge cannot protect
you from particles dispersed into 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.
Never use any material capable of producing flammable or explosive vapors or creating extreme exothermic reactions.
Never exceed the maximum rated speed of the installed rotor; to do so can cause rotor failure.
Always reduce (derate) rotor speed as instructed in this manual whenever:
•the rotor speed/temperature combination exceeds the solubility of the gradient material and causes it to precipitate.
•the compartment load exceeds the maximum allowable compartment load specified.See Chapter 4, Operation.
Failure to reduce rotor speed under these conditions can cause rotor failure.
Centrifuges routinely deal with high energy levels and could move suddenly in the unlikely event of rotor failure. During
centrifuge operation, never lean on or move the centrifuge, keep the surrounding area clear of objects (including all
hazardous materials), and do not work on top of or next to the centrifuge.
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.
Do not attempt to open the chamber door when the rotor is spinning; never override or otherwise disable any of the safety
systems of the centrifuge.
C A U T I O N
Do not operate or precool a rotor at the critical speed, as this will have a detrimental effect on centrifuge component life.
See Appendix, Rotor nformation Table, for critical speeds of rotors.
Do not operate the centrifuge with the rotor out of balance. Operating the rotor out of balance can cause damage to the
centrifuge drive assembly.
Do not operate the centrifuge unless the rotor is properly seated on the drive spindle and locked in place. See the rotor
instruction manual.
Locate the centrifuge on a level surface to avoid rotor imbalance during operation.
The centrifuge can be damaged if it is connected to the wrong voltage. Check the voltage before plugging the centrifuge
into a power source. Thermo is not responsible for incorrect installation. See Chapter 2.
Always maintain the centrifuge in the recommended manner. See Chapter 5, Care and Maintenance.
Important Safety Information
!
!

SORVALL®Centrifuges
iv
Table of Contents
Page
mportant Safety nformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION
Centrifuge Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Centrifuge Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Centrifuge Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Chapter 2. INSTALLATION
nspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Environment Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Location Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
nstallation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Chapter 3. CONTROLS, DISPLAYS, & INDICATORS
Controls, Displays, & ndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Key Switch and Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Temperature Switches and Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Speed Switches, Display, and ndicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Time/
∫ω
2dt Switches, Display, and ndicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rotor Code Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
TIMED/HOLD Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
OFF/BRAKE Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
START Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
STOP Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
RPM/RCF Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
OFF/ARC Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
OFF/
∫ω
2dt Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Backlit Advisory Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Diagnostic ndicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

RC-5C PLUS
v
Table of Contents
Page
Chapter 4. OPERATION
Setting the Centrifuge Power ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Opening the Centrifuge Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Normal Mode Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Rate Control (ARC) Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Zonal Mode Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
ntegrator Mode Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
ntegral Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Rotor Precool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7
Reducing Speed for Loads in Excess of Design Mass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
RCF Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
Test Run for Low Speed and Low Temperature Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Entry Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Chapter 5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Cleaning and Decontamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
LED and ndicator Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Parts Ordering nformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Emergency Sample Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Service Decontamination Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
APPENDIX
Rotor nformation Table
Warranty
Glossary and Abbreviations
ndex
Decontamination nformation Certificates

SORVALL®Centrifuges
vi
List of Illustrations
Figure Page
1-1. Centrifuge Parts Location and dentification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
3-1. Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
4-1. ntegral Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
5-1. Door Latch Override Button Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
List of Tables
Table Page
4-1. Rotor Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
5-1. Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Table of Contents
Table of Contents (continued)

RC-5C PLUS 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-5C PL S Superspeed Centrifuge. If you encounter any problem concerning either operation or
maintenance that is not covered in the manual, please contact our Technical Support Group for
assistance. In the nited States, call toll-free 800-522-7746; outside the nited States, contact your local
distributor or agent for SORVALL® products. SORVALL® product information is available on our internet
web site at http://www.thermo.com or http://www.thermo.de.
Centrifuge Description
The RC-5C PL S 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-5C PL S are:
• A high-performance brushless dc drive motor.
• Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF, or g-force) calculator. It allows
you to calculate RCF before a run and display RCF at any time
during a run.
• Automatic temperature compensation for all compatible
SORVALL® superspeed rotors.
• Integrator (
∫ω
2dt). It can be used either as a control or a display
or both. When used as a control, the centrifuge will shut down
based on a preselected integral value rather than a preselected
time and when used as a display, the accumulated integral
value will be displayed during and after a timed run.
• Automatic rate-controlled slow start and slow stop.
• Refrigeration system charged with CFC-free S VA® refrigerant.
• Automatic diagnostic indicators to alert of a system malfunction,
plus other indicators that let you know system status.
• Automatic self-test routine by the microcomputer. Every time
the centrifuge is started, the microcomputer will go through a
routine check to ensure its proper performance.
The centrifuge can be operated in several modes or a combination
of modes. Run conditions are selected by setting the switches on the
front control panel, and during operation, actual run conditions are
indicated on easy-to-read displays. 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.

Introduction and Description SORVALL®Centrifuges
1-2
The RC-5C PL S drive system has a directly coupled, fan-cooled
brushless dc motor designed to provide long life without the need
to change motor brushes. The high-torque motor provides smooth,
quiet operation at all speeds, while delivering precise speed control
and exceptional acceleration and braking performance. The gyro-
action self-centering drive design allows users to, in many cases,
balance the centrifuge tubes by "eye" rather than by weighing them.
The refrigeration system, charged with environmentally-friendly
CFC-free S VA® refrigerant, offers reliable performance similar to
earlier 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. During operation, the
refrigeration system will maintain selected temperatures within the
range specified for the centrifuge.
The RC-5C PL S 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-5C PL S.
Figure 1-1 Centrifuge Parts Location and Identification

RC-5C PLUS Introduction and Description
1-3
Centrifuge Specifications
Run Speed1
Speed Selection Range (rpm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 to 21 000
Speed Control Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±1% or 100 rpm,
whichever is
greater
Maximum Relative Centrifugal Force . . . . . . . . . 51 427 g
Run Temperature
Temperature Selection Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . –20 to +40°C
Temperature Control Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +2 to +40°C2,3
Temperature Control Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . ±2°C3,4
Run Time Selection Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 to 99 hr, 59 min
or Hold
Ambient Temperature Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +15 to +38°C3
Mass (Weight) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362 kg (800 lb)
Dimensions
Width. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 cm (30 in)
Height to top of control console . . . . . . . . . . . 114 cm (45 in)
Depth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 cm (39 in)
Noise Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <62 dB5
Heat Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 kW6
(13 500 Btu/h6)
Electrical Requirements
Input Power (single phase, 30 A) . . . . . . . . . . 240 V, 50 Hz
230 V, 60 Hz
230 V, 50 Hz
220 V, 50 Hz
208 V, 60 Hz
200 V, 60 Hz
200 V, 50 Hz
Input Power (polyphase, 30 A) . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 V, 50 Hz
1 Speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) is related to angular velocity, ω , according to the following:
ω = (rpm) = (rpm) (0.10472)
Where ω = rad/s. All further references in this manual to speed will be designated as rpm.
2 May vary at very low speeds (below approximately 2000 rpm).
3 The centrifuge will operate at ambient temperatures up to 38°C, but refrigeration system performance may be less than optimal above 25°C.
4 After the centrifuge system has reached equilibrium.
5 For the SE-12 rotor at 21 000 rpm, measured 3 feet from the front panel at an approximated operator's height.
6 For 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.
2π
60
)
(

Introduction and Description SORVALL®Centrifuges
1-4
Centrifuge Specifications (continued)
Electrical Requirements, continued
Receptacles
– for 230 V, 50Hz, single phase . . . . . . . . . . . 3-pin IEC 60309
– for all other single phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEMA 6-30R
(for NEMA 6-30P grounded plug, supplied)
– for 230 V, 50Hz, polyphase . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-pin IEC 60309
Centrifuge Accessories
The following items are provided with the centrifuge:
Catalog No. Description
74567 Condensed Operating Instructions
74559 Instruction Manual
68025 9/16-inch Wrench
91499 NORMAL/ZONAL Key

RC-5C PLUS Installation
2-1
Chapter 2: INSTALLATION
After you receive your centrifuge, inspect it for damage before using it. The RC-5C PLU centrifuge must
be installed in a location that meets all of the electrical, location, and environment requirements that are
specified below and on the next page. Installation instructions are on page 2-3.
Inspection
As soon as you receive your RC-5C PLU , 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 Thermo. If any parts are missing,
contact one of the Thermo district offices or the local representative
of ORVALL® products. You will find a list of offices on the back
cover of this manual.
Electrical Requirements
The appropriate power source must be available to plug the
centrifuge into. Check the nameplate on the back panel of the
centrifuge to determine the electrical configuration of your
centrifuge, which should be one of the following:
200V, 60Hz, 30A, single phase230V, 60Hz, 30A, single phase
200V, 50Hz, 30A, single phase230V, 50Hz, 32A, single phase
208V, 60Hz, 30A, single phase230V, 50Hz, 32A, polyphase
220V, 50Hz, 30A, single phase240V, 50Hz, 30A, single phase
Check the supply line voltage with a voltmeter, then verify that the
voltage indicated on the nameplate is in agreement with the mea-
sured line voltage. If the measured line voltage is not within 10% of
the voltage specified on the nameplate, do not connect the power
cord and operate the centrifuge. Damage to the centrifuge may
result. To connect the centrifuge to a voltage other than what is
specified on the nameplate (including polyphase), it will have to be
rewired and its power cord may have to be replaced. Contact Thermo
to have a Field ervice Engineer do the rewiring.
Single phase RC-5C PLU Centrifuges are equipped with a three-
wire power cord with three-prong connector to fit a NEMA 6-30P
receptacle or equivalent or, on 230V 50Hz centrifuges, an IEC 60309-
type three-pin receptacle (32A, 2-pole and earth). 230V 50Hz polyphase
RC-5C PLU Centrifuges are equipped with a four-wire power cord
with five-pin connector to fit an IEC 60309-type five-pin receptacle
(32 A, 3-pole, neutral and earth).
C A U T I O N
The centrifuge can be dam-
aged if it is connected to the wrong
line voltage, or if line voltage varies
more than ±10% of its nominal value.
Check the voltage before plugging
the centrifuge into any power source.
Thermo is not responsible for improper
installation.
!

Installation SORVALL®Centrifuges
2-2
A qualified technician may change the power cord to meet local
electrical code requirements; the green and yellow wire is the ground
and must be connected to the centrifuge frame.
A dedicated circuit is required. The ON/OFF main power switch is
a 30-Amp circuit breaker; however, for emergency disconnect pur-
poses, we recommend a separate means of power interruption in a
remote location.
Environment Requirements
Ambient air temperature at the centrifuge air inlets must be be-
tween 15°C to 38°C (59°F to 100°F), with relative humidity ≤90%,
for the centrifuge to operate. 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, heat-
ing pipes and radiators). Also, avoid close grouping of centrifuges
or other heat-producing laboratory equipment.
The centrifuge is intended for use in 1) a Pollution Degree 2 Envi-
ronment, 2) an installation category II supply circuit, 3) at a maximum
altitude of 2000 meters, and 4) for indoor use only.
Location Requirements
Locate the RC-5C PLU centrifuge on a level floor. In addition to
considering ambient temperature (see environment requirements,
above), allowing adequate space for air circulation is important for
the centrifuge to function properly. To ensure free air circulation,
the centrifuge must be positioned so that no air vents are blocked,
in a location that allows an additional 10 cm (4 inches) clearance
from all sides of the centrifuge.
For safety, personnel should know that centrifuges routinely deal
with high energy levels and could move suddenly in the unlikely
event of a rotor failure. Laboratory management procedures should
require that no person or any hazardous materials are within a
“clearance envelope” boundary of 300 mm (12 inches) from the
centrifuge while it is operating. During centrifuge operation, per-
sonnel should be instructed not to lean on or move the centrifuge,
not to stay within the clearance envelope longer than necessary for
operational reasons, and not to deposit potentially hazardous ma-
terials within the clearance envelope.
C A U T I O N
Leave adequate space for
air flow around the centrifuge and
make sure no vents are blocked.
Blocking the air flow entering and/or
exiting the centrifuge can result in
reduced performance, overheating
and possible centrifuge damage.
!

RC-5C PLUS Installation
2-3
C A U T I O N
The centrifuge can be seri-
ously damaged if it is operated when
it is not level.
!
Installation
Install the RC-5C PLU centrifuge as follows, observing all electrical,
location, and environment requirements listed on the preceding
pages:
1. If you are installing a new centrifuge, remove any packaging.
2. Roll centrifuge into position, then turn the two front feet (one at
each corner) to lower them so that they both touch the floor.
3. If the chamber door is not already open, open it by following the
emergency sample recovery procedure in Chapter 5.
4. Install a rotor on the drive spindle WITHOUT its lid. Place a
level on the center hub of the rotor.
5. Using the 9/16-inch wrench provided, alternately turn the two
front feet to raise or lower the front corners of the centrifuge
until the centrifuge is level and both feet bear weight. Read the
CAUTION/WARNING.
6. Remove the level and the rotor from the rotor chamber.
7. Plug the centrifuge into the appropriate electrical outlet.
2-3/2-4
W A R N I N G
The RC-5C PLUS Centri-
fuge weighs 362 kg (800 lb). Take
the necessary precautions when in-
stalling and moving the centrifuge to
avoid personal injury and/or damage
to the centrifuge.
!
W A R N I N G
The front feet must be used
as explained in this section to lift the
casters off the floor. This will help
minimize centrifuge movement in the
event of a rotor failure.
!

RC-5C PLUS Controls, Displays, and Indicators
3-1
Chapter 3: CONTROLS, DISPLAYS & INDICATORS
This chapter describes the RC-5C PLUS centrifuge controls, displays, and indicators and includes their
locations and functions.
Controls, Displays, & Indicators
The RC-5C PLUS control switches are used to select desired run
para eters and, during a run, digital displays indicate actual run
conditions, such as esti ated sa ple te perature, rotor speed,
re aining or elapsed run ti e or accu ulated integral value.
Indicators light up, as required, to show that you have selected
certain run conditions (for exa ple, HOLD or
∫ω
2dt) or to let you
know when the centrifuge is not functioning properly.
Refer to figure 3-1 for the location of the controls, displays, and
indicators described in this chapter.
Figure 3-1. RC-5C PLUS Control Panel
SPEED
RPM
TIME
HRS MIN
RPM
RCF
COEF EXP
∫w
2
dt
HRS MIN
ROTOR
CODE
ACCESSORY MODE NORMAL MODE
OFF TIMED OFF
START STOP
RPM
RCF
OFF
ARC HOLD BRAKE
OUT OF
BALANC
C
OVER
TEMP
OVER
SPEEE BRUSHES DOOR
FAULT ENTRY
ERROR ∫w
2
d
t
HOLD ROTOR
CODE
10 11 12
13 14 15 16
9
1234
5678
TEMP
°C
RUN MAX ∫w
2
dt
R
R
1
00
3
20000
TEMPERATURE
DISPLAY SPEED/RCF
DISPLAY TIME/∫w2dt
DISPLAY
1
00
4
+
05
DIAGNOSTIC
INDICATORS
BACKLIT
ADVISORY
MESSAGES
TEMPERATURE
SWITCHES SPEED (RPM) SWITCHES TIME/∫w2dt
SWITCHES ROTOR CODE
SWITCHES ACCESSORY SWITCHES:
RPM/RCF,
OFF/ARC,
OFF/∫w2dt
NORMAL MODE
SWITCHES:
TIMED/HOLD,
OFF/BRAKE,
START, STOP

Controls, Displays, and Indicators SORVALL®Centrifuges
3-2
Key Switch and Power Switch
The key switch and power switch are located in the upper right-
hand corner of the front cabinet panel. The key switch is set using
the key that is supplied with the centrifuge; the position of this
switch deter ines the ode of centrifuge operation. The key should
be kept in the NORMAL position unless you need to dyna ically
load the TZ-28 zonal rotor. The power switch (30 A circuit breaker)
is an ON/OFF toggle switch that, when set to ON, applies power to
the centrifuge.
Temperature Switches and Display
The te perature display indicates esti ated sa ple te perature.
The RUN te perature switch is used to set desired sa ple
te perature. The MAX te perature switch is used to set the
overte perature, which is the axi u per issible sa ple
te perature. (If the sa ple te perature exceeds this li it, the
centrifuge will shut off and the OVERTEMP essage will light.)
Speed Switches, Display, & Indicator
The Speed/RCF display indicates rotor speed in rp (revolutions
per inute) or RCF (relative centrifugal force, co only referred
to as g force) when the RPM/RCF switch is pressed to RCF.
The indicator below the display lights when the RPM/RCF switch
is pressed to RCF.
The RPM switches are used to set the desired run speed.
NORMAL ZONAL ON
I
O
OFF

RC-5C PLUS Controls, Displays, and Indicators
3-3
Time/ ∫ω
2dt Switches, Display, & Indicator
The Ti e/ ∫ω
2dt display shows one of the following values during a
run: (1) accu ulated run ti e if the TIMED/HOLD switch is set to
HOLD, (2) re aining run ti e if the TIMED/HOLD switch is set to
TIMED and the OFF/
∫ω
2dt switch is set to OFF, or (3) accu ulated
integral value if the OFF/
∫ω
2dt switch is set to
∫ω
2dt. Ti e values are
displayed in hours and inutes and integral values are displayed
as a coefficient and an exponent (for exa ple, 15 20 eans 1.5 x 10
20).
The indicator below the display will light if the OFF/ ∫ω
2dt switch is
set to
∫ω
2dt.
The Ti e/
∫ω
2dt switches are used to select either the desired length
of run ti e (hours and inutes) or the desired integral value
(coefficient and exponent), depending on the setting of the OFF/
∫ω
2dt switch when the START switch is pressed. The centrifuge will
shut off when the preselected value is achieved, provided the
TIMED/HOLD switch is set to TIMED (if the switch is set to HOLD,
the run will continue until STOP is pressed).
Rotor Code Switches
The code nu ber of the rotor in use ust be set on these switches
for proper auto atic te perature co pensation, speed control,
and RCF calculation. At the beginning of each run, the ROTOR
CODE essage light will flash on and off to re ind you to enter the
proper code nu ber.
TIMED/HOLD Switch
The setting of this switch deter ines how the run will end:
• If the TIMED/HOLD switch is set at TIMED when the START
switch is pressed, the run will end when the preselected length
of ti e has elapsed or the preselected integral value has
accu ulated, depending on the setting of the OFF/ ∫ω
2dt switch.
• If set at HOLD when the START switch is pressed, the run will
continue until you press the STOP switch. If the setting is changed
fro TIMED to HOLD during a run, the run will not end until
you press the STOP switch.

Controls, Displays, and Indicators SORVALL®Centrifuges
3-4
OFF/BRAKE Switch
When the OFF/BRAKE switch is set to BRAKE, the rotor will brake
(rather than coast) all the way fro set speed to 0 rp at the end of
the run, unless the OFF/ARC switch is set to ARC; if this is the case,
the rotor will brake fro set speed to 768 rp , then continue to
decelerate to 0 rp at a controlled rate.
When the OFF/BRAKE switch is set to OFF the rotor will coast all
the way fro set speed to 0 rp at the end of the run, unless the
ARC is on; if this is the case it will coast to 768 rp , then continue to
decelerate at the controlled rate.
START Switch
The START switch starts the run when is it pressed.
STOP Switch
The STOP switch ends the run when it is pressed.
RPM/RCF Switch
This switch is nor ally set to RPM, which causes the SPEED display
to show rotor speed. When pressed down to RCF during a run, the
SPEED display nu bers will change fro the current rotor speed to
the current relative centrifugal force (RCF, co only referred to as
g force) value. To be sure that the RCF value is correct, ake sure
the proper rotor code nu ber is set on the ROTOR CODE switches.
When the RPM/RCF switch is released, the display will change
back to show rotor speed.
This switch can also be used to calculate RCF values before a run
has been started (see Chapter 4).
OFF/ARC Switch
When the OFF/ARC switch is set to ARC it causes an auto atic
rate-controlled slow start fro 0 rp to 512 rp and a slow stop
fro 768 rp to 0 rp . The setting of the OFF/BRAKE switch will
deter ine the rate of deceleration fro set speed down to
768 rp —if it is set to OFF, the rotor will coast fro set speed to
768 rp ; if it is set to BRAKE, the rotor will brake fro set speed to
768 rp .
If the OFF/ARC switch is set to OFF, the rotor will accelerate to set
speed at the nor al ( axi u ) rate, then it will decelerate fro set
speed down to 0 rp in accordance with the setting of the OFF/
BRAKE switch.

RC-5C PLUS Controls, Displays, and Indicators
3-5
OFF/ ∫ω
2dt Switch
• If the OFF/ ∫ω
2dt switch is set to
∫ω
2dt and the TIMED/HOLD
switch is set at TIMED when the START switch is pressed, the
TIME display will show accu ulated integral value during the
run and the run will end when the preselected integral value
has accu ulated.
• If the OFF/
∫ω
2dt switch is set to
∫ω
2dt and the TIMED/HOLD
switch is set at HOLD when the START switch is pressed, the
TIME display will show accu ulated run ti e and the run will
continue until you press the STOP switch. However, the setting
on the switches has been interpreted as an integral value rather
than ti e; therefore, if you change the setting of the TIMED/
HOLD switch to TIMED during the run, the display will change
to show accu ulated integral value and the run will end when
the set value is reached.
• If the OFF/ ∫ω
2dt switch is set to OFF when the START switch is
pressed, the centrifuge will operate in either a ti ed ode or a
continuous run (HOLD) ode, depending on the setting of the
TIMED/HOLD switch. The TIME display will show either
re aining run ti e (TIMED) or accu ulated run ti e (HOLD).
During a TIMED run, the accu ulated integral value can be
displayed by changing the setting of this switch to ∫ω
2dt (the run
will still be controlled by ti e, not integral). Even though the
run is controlled by ti e, the integral value accu ulates fro
the ti e the START switch is pressed until the rotor decelerates
to 0 rp at the end of the run.
• At the end of any TIMED run (but before the START switch is
pressed again), the integral recall value for the run can be
displayed by changing the OFF/ ∫ω
2dt switch to
∫ω
2dt. If you
know the integral recall value of a particular run, you can then
duplicate the run by selecting the integrator ode and setting
the switches for the integral value (see Integrator Mode in
Chapter 4).