Thermo Scientific Sorvall T3 User manual

Service Manual 11290099 page 1 of 44
Sorvall T3 RT3
Service Manual
120V/230V
Analyze •Detect •Measure •Control™

Service Manual 11290099 page 2 of 44
SORVALL T3 / RT3
Centrifuges
SERVICE MANUAL
11290099
CAREFULLY READ THIS MANUAL AND THE OPERATING MANUAL
BEFORE REPAIRING YOUR INSTRUMENT
THIS DOCUMENT IS PROPERTY OF THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
it may not be duplicated or distributed without the owner's authorisation
The validity of the guarantee is subject to the observation of the
instructions and precautions described in this document

REVISION STATUS
Service Manual 11290099 page 3 of 44
INDEX DATE AMENDED PAGES NOTES
a
b
c
19/02/07
05/07/07
30/01/08
P 40
Initial release
Modification of cooling system part
numbers
Branding change

WARRANTY
Service Manual 11290099 page 4 of 44
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC guarantees that this unit is free from defects in materials and
workmanship when it leaves the factory and undertakes to replace or repair the unit if it proves defective
in normal use or during service for a period of ONE YEAR from the delivery.
Our liability under the guarantee is limited to repairing the defective unit or any part of the unit providing
it is sent, postage paid, to an authorized service centre or the SAINT-HERBLAIN office.
This guarantee is invalid if the unit is incorrectly used, poorly serviced or neglected, mis-used or
accidentally damaged.
There is no explicit guarantee other than as stated above.
For further information, assistance or service :
Technical Service Address
North America: [phone]
Europe: Austria [phone]
Belgium [phone]
Finland [phone]
France [phone] or [phone]
Germany [phone] or [phone]
Italy [phone]
Netherlands [phone]
Russia/CIS [phone]
Spain/Portugal [phone]
Switzerland [phone]
UK/Ireland [phone]
Asia: India [phone]
Japan [phone]
China [phone] or [phone]
Other Asian countries [phone]
Countries not listed: [phone] or
33 2 28 03 20 00

CONTENTS
Service Manual 11290099 page 5 of 44
1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................7
1.1. PURPOSE.....................................................................................................................................7
1.2. PRESENTATION........................................................................................................................7
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................................................8
1.2.1. Dimensions and weight............................................................................................................................8
1.2.2. Electrical Specifications...........................................................................................................................8
1.2.3. Performance .............................................................................................................................................8
1.3. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE...............................................................................................9
2. THEORY OF OPERATION.................................................................................................. 10
2.1. DESCRIPTION..........................................................................................................................10
2.2. COMPONENT LAY-OUT........................................................................................................10
2.3. MOTOR CONTROL PRINCIPLE..........................................................................................12
2.3.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................................12
2.3.2. The motor...............................................................................................................................................12
2.3.3. Power control.........................................................................................................................................13
2.4. ELECTRONICS - STRUCTURE.............................................................................................15
2.4.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................................15
2.4.2. Microprocessor + Power pcb..................................................................................................................15
2.4.3. Imbalance sensor....................................................................................................................................16
2.4.4. Tacho sensor...........................................................................................................................................16
2.4.5. Temperature sensor (RT3) .....................................................................................................................16
2.4.6. Refrigeration control board (RT3) .........................................................................................................16
2.4.7. Input - Output.......................................................................................................................................17
3. DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS........................................................................................... 18
3.1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................18
3.2. FUNCTIONAL TEST ...............................................................................................................18
3.2.1. Eprom version........................................................................................................................................18
3.2.2. Test mode...............................................................................................................................................18
3.3. FAULT CODES.........................................................................................................................21
3.4. TROUBLESHOOTING CHART.............................................................................................22
4. REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES .......................................................................................24
4.1. MOTOR REPLACEMENT......................................................................................................24
4.1.1. VENTILATED model - T3....................................................................................................................24
4.1.2. Refrigerated model RT3........................................................................................................................26
4.2. IMBALANCE DETECTOR REPLACEMENT .....................................................................27
4.3. REPLACEMENT OF THE LID LOCK ASSEMBLY...........................................................27
4.4. LID LOCK ASSEMBLY ELEMENT REPLACEMENT......................................................28
4.4.1. Lid lock microswitch replacement.........................................................................................................28
4.4.2. Lock solenoid microswitch replacement................................................................................................28
4.4.3. Solenoid replacement.............................................................................................................................29
4.5. POWER SUPPLY RACK REPLACEMENT.........................................................................29
4.5.1. Dismounting...........................................................................................................................................29
4.5.2. Refitting .................................................................................................................................................29
4.5.3. Refrigeration board (RT3 ) replacement ................................................................................................29

CONTENTS
Service Manual 11290099 page 6 of 44
4.6. ELECTRONIC BOARD REPLACEMENT...........................................................................30
4.6.1. Microprocessor + Power pcb..................................................................................................................30
4.6.2. Display board.........................................................................................................................................30
4.7. GAS SPRING REPLACEMENT.............................................................................................31
4.8. EPROM REPLACEMENT.......................................................................................................32
4.9. LID REPLACEMENT ..............................................................................................................32
4.10. REFRIGERATION SYSTEM REPAIRS (RT3) ....................................................................33
4.10.1. Refrigeration SYSTEM replacement.................................................................................................33
4.10.2. Condenser components replacement .................................................................................................34
4.11. Motor checking...........................................................................................................................34
5. SPARE PARTS.......................................................................................................................35
5.1. T3 GENERAL SCHEMATIC .................................................................................................35
5.2. RT3 GENERAL SCHEMATIC...............................................................................................36
5.3. MOTOR......................................................................................................................................37
5.4. LOCK..........................................................................................................................................38
5.5. ELECTRONIC RACK..............................................................................................................39
5.5.1. Rack T3..................................................................................................................................................39
5.5.2. Rack RT3 ..............................................................................................................................................39
5.6. FRONT PANEL.........................................................................................................................40
5.7. COOLING UNIT (RT3)............................................................................................................41
6. WIRING DIAGRAMS............................................................................................................ 42

Service Manual 11290099 page 7 of 44
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. PURPOSE
This manual contains maintenance instructions intended for use by a qualified maintenance
or service technician. It is organized to provide maintenance personnel with basic data on
the theory of operation to assist in troubleshooting. Moreover, it outlines parts replacement
and calibration procedures for putting the centrifuges back into service.
Should a specific maintenance problem arise which is not covered in this manual, please
ask the authorized service organization in your area for assistance, or contact our sales
department : THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC
10 Rue Duguay Trouin
44807 SAINT HERBLAIN
Tel : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
1.2. PRESENTATION
The T3, RT3 (refrigerated) centrifuges are instruments designed for laboratory use. Using
relative centrifuge force (RCF) allows elements of different density to be separated.
The rotor is the main load ; a swing-out design allows a higher load than does an angle
design. The larger the rotor diameter is, the higher the load can be and thus the slower the
speed will be. The RCF is directly proportional to the radius of sedimentation and to the
square of the speed.
The gas used in the refrigeration system (RT3) is R130a, without CFC, recommended by
the applicable directive for protection of the ozone layer.
Sorvall T3 and Sorvall RT3 operator panel overlay.

Service Manual 11290099 page 8 of 44
SPECIFICATIONS
1.2.1. DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Dimensions (H x W x D) SORVALL T3 : 43 x 58 x 69 cm SORVALL RT3: 43 x 85 x 69 cm
Packed (H x W x D) SORVALL T3 : 58 x 78 x 69 cm SORVALL RT3: 58 x 105 x 69 cm
Weight – uncrated / crated SORVALL T3 : 80 kg / 91 kg SORVALL RT3: 108 kg /121 kg
1.2.2. ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Mains supply 220/240 VAC 50 Hz Mains supply 120 VAC 60 Hz
SORVALL T3
SORVALL RT3 75002385 75002387 SORVALL T3 SORVALL RT3 75002386 75002388
Max power SORVALL T3 : 1200 W SORVALL RT3 : 1500 W
Average power SORVALL T3 : 700 W SORVALL RT3 : 1400 W
Refrigeration SORVALL RT3 : 700 W
1.2.3. PERFORMANCE
Max speed Swing-out : 4000 rpm (SORVALL T3) Angle : 7800 rpm (SORVALL T3)
Swing-out : 4500 rpm (SORVALL RT3) Angle : 8000 rpm (SORVALL RT3)
Max RCF Swing-out : 3800 x g (SORVALL T3) Angle : 9360 g (SORVALL T3)
Swing-out : 4800 x g (SORVALL RT3) Angle : 9600 g (SORVALL RT3)
Max capacity Swing-out : 4 x 750 ml Angle : 8 x 100 ml
Display High visibility digital display
Memory size 5 programs, direct access
Program protection Recall key lock
Speed Range 500 to 8000 rpm
Step 10 - 100 rpm
Accuracy ±20 rpm
Timer Range 30 sec to 99 min + hold position
Step 30 sec to 1 min
Acceleration rates 5
Braking rates 5 (from 1 tom 5) + 0 = brake cancel (coasting from 2000 rpm to 0 rpm)
Temperature
SORVALL RT3 Range -9°C to +40°C
Step 1°C
Accuracy ±1,5°C
Typical performance 4°C at 4500 rpm (4 x 750ml swing-out)
1°C at 7800 rpm (30 x 1,5 ml angle) ± 1.5°C
Max density 1,2 g/cm3
Max energy 30000 J (CD2 rotor at 8000 rpm)
Radius Range 64 to 178 mm
Step 1 mm

Service Manual 11290099 page 9 of 44
1.3. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT:
at least two people are required to lift the centrifuge from the palette and place it on
the bench.
Incorrect installation will affect safety and equipment performances.
The machine must be installed in a dust and non corrosive environment.
1. The Bench top must be rigid, sufficiently strong and levelled.
2. 300 mm of free space gap must be left on each side of the machine to ensure the proper
ventilation.
The centrifuge could move as a result of rotor imbalance, rotor disruption or drive
failure. To avoid dangerous consequences a safety envelope clearance around the unit
must be respected.

Service Manual 11290099 page 10 of 44
2. THEORY OF OPERATION
2.1. DESCRIPTION
The microprocessor system which controls the SORVALL T3 and SORVALL RT3 centrifuges
ensures the operation of the following major elements :
- Management of the operating modes,
- Generation of alternating current amplitude and frequency,
- Adjustable components for the motor speed servo,
- Management of the acceleration and braking profile/rates,
- Management of the temperature regulation (SORVALL RT3),
- Management of the safety devices :
. Lid lock
. Zero speed detection
. Imbalance detection
. Motor over temperature detection.
- Management of fault diagnosis
2.2. COMPONENT LAY-OUT
The input and control devices are located on the front panel and are comprised of a
membrane keyboard and three digital displays.
Everything is controlled by a 16 bit microprocessor. The control program of the centrifuge is
stored in an EPROM.
Data are conveyed into a dynamic RAM and are saved even when the power is down, thanks
to an internal battery, which supplies power.

Service Manual 11290099 page 11 of 44

Service Manual 11290099 page 12 of 44
2.3. MOTOR CONTROL PRINCIPLE
2.3.1. INTRODUCTION
The SORVALL T3 / SORVALL RT3 family of centrifuges is fitted with an asynchronous 3
phase motor. During centrifugation, the microprocessor generates a system of sinusoidal 3 phase
voltages variable in amplitude and frequencies. During the braking phase the energy from the
rotating parts is commuted across a resistance.
2.3.2. THE MOTOR
The motor is comprised of a 3 phase stator and a short-circuited rotor.
When correctly powered, the stator creates a magnetic field rotating at the synchronised speed
Ns :
Ns = F/p
F : supply frequency
P : number of pairs of poles of the motor
The rotating field generated in the motor induces e.m.f.'s. These e.m.f.'s produce currents in the
short circuited rotor.
These induced currents found in the magnetic field create forces opposed to those which induced
them.
It is the relative speed between the rotor and stator which is the cause of these induced currents,
thus the forces will reduce this relative speed by driving the rotor at a speed close to that of the
fields created at the stator.
The difference (s) between the synchronised speed Ns and the actual speed N of the rotor is
called the slippage.
s = Ns - N
Ns
At a given frequency, the slippage value depends on the resisting torque (i.e. that of the rotor).
Rotor
Stato
r

Service Manual 11290099 page 13 of 44
2.3.3. POWER CONTROL
It is necessary to supply, from a single phase mains supply (230 V - 50 Hz or 120 V - 60 Hz),
three variable tensions with amplitude and with frequency, dephased by 2π/3.
The voltage is rectified then filtered by C to supply the constant voltage +E. The value of the
capacitor C is high.
For a 230V – 50 Hz mains supply E = 230 √2 = 325 V
C = 1000 µF / 400 V
The 6 transistors act as switches (open or closed).
These transistors commute at a fixed frequency (8 kHz).
To affect the voltage at T we act upon the commands of the transistors a and b, b always being
the opposite to a (a = closed, b = open). By changing the cyclic ratio (closed/open) we obtain a
mean sinusoidal value so we are able to vary the amplitude and frequency.
The pilot frequency must be elevated compared to the frequency of the generated sinusoidal
voltage. The latter is around 400 Hz at 24000 r.p.m. (f pilot / f sin = 10 at max. speed).
In the same way, the voltages at points R and S will be sinusoidal between OV and +E and
dephased by 2π/3 between them.
These 3 voltages are simple voltages varying between OV and +E. They are partly sinusoidal
and partly on a baseline situated at +E/2. Thus the O of the sinusoidal voltage corresponds to 50
% of the cyclic ratio.
The voltages applied to the rotor phases are the compound voltages VR-VS,VS-VT, VT-VR and
will vary between +E and –E (0-(+E) = -E).
Thus the voltages with amplitude close to that of the mains are reproduced at the motor
terminals.
Speed synchronisation is directly proportional to the frequency of the voltage supplied to the
motor.
Ns = fx 60 (for a 2pole motor).
The motor rotates at a speed N below the speed Ns.
Ns – N = SLIPPAGE (the slippage varies between 1 and 3 %).
Ns
E
0
+
S
T
AR
B
C

Service Manual 11290099 page 14 of 44
To vary the speed, it is necessary to vary NS and thus the frequency of the voltage supplied to
the motor.
The torque characteristics will be translated on the speed axis. The supply voltage will vary from
O to 4000 r.p.m. in order to keep the U/f ratio constant and not saturate the magnetic circuit.
Vitesse
Couple
résistant
Couple
Speed
Torque

Service Manual 11290099 page 15 of 44
2.4. ELECTRONICS - STRUCTURE
2.4.1. INTRODUCTION
The electronic part of the apparatus consists of two boards : the microprocessor + power pcb,
where every function is located and the user interface pcb with display, and LEDs. The former is
located inside the body of the machine, the second behind the front panel.
The electronic imbalance sensor is located on the motor stabilizer and allows the detection of
excessive imbalance due to the rotor loading.
2.4.2. MICROPROCESSOR + POWER PCB
On the microprocessor + power pcb, 3 distinct zones can be identified, whose functions are
described below. Each zone has its own independent power supply.
ZONE 1
This zone includes the microprocessor, the EPROM containing the software and the non-volatile
RAM containing the program parameters.
The set of components in this zone is at the potential of the microprocessor : 5 VDC.
ZONE 2
This zone ensures the conformity of the signal type coming from the different detectors before
their arrival at the microcontroller via opto couplers. It also monitors the lid lock control and
refrigeration group command.
The power supply for this zone is 12 VDC.
The different signals coming to this zone are :
- Bowl temperature
- Signal coming from the imbalance sensor
- Tacho signal
- Lid position signal
- The motor over temperature and the lid solenoid control

Service Manual 11290099 page 16 of 44
ZONE 3
WARNING : THIS ZONE IS AT MAINS VOLTAGE
This zone, isolated from the microprocessor part by opto-couplers, is the electronic part related
to the power in the system. This zone includes :
- The 15 VDC power supply for the control electronics for this zone.
- The control circuit of the 6 basic signals of the IGBT module.
- The 3 PWM commands coming from the microcontroller.
- The command of activation of the module of power coming from the micro-controller.
- The brake GBT with the command which permits flow through the braking resistor.
- The diode bridge which, from the mains, charge the capacitor of the continuous bus.
- The relay which, controlled by the supply of power, then short circuits the resistance of the
charge of the capacitors of the continuous bus a few moments after switch-on.
- The module of 6 IGBTs and its heat sink which power the motor.
2.4.3. IMBALANCE SENSOR
As described in the introduction, this sensor allows the detection of an excessive imbalance in
the rotor loading.
The device amplifies vibrations due to the imbalance and generates a signal beyond a preset
threshold.
After shaping, this signal is sent to the microprocessor for the safety devices.
2.4.4. TACHO SENSOR
The tacho sensor is comprised of an optical sensor, which generates two pulses per revolution.
2.4.5. TEMPERATURE SENSOR (RT3)
The sensor is a double thermistor. It delivers a signal proportional to the temperature.
2.4.6. REFRIGERATION CONTROL BOARD (RT3)
The board controls the power signal to the refrigeration group.

Service Manual 11290099 page 17 of 44
2.4.7. INPUT - OUTPUT
Imbalance detection
Towards display board Alim face
Alim
Alim
Termal
p
robe
Tachy hall
Temp. motor
Alim. 24
Switch electro
Switch lock
Electro
Order goup
Sector
power
Diodes
version
120V
R Brake
Motor
Contactor
ST1

Service Manual 11290099 page 18 of 44
3. DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS
3.1. INTRODUCTION
The SORVALL T3 and SORVALL RT3 are equipped with a diagnostic menu in order to help
locate possible breakdowns. The possible conditions of malfunction are communicated to the
user by means of error codes on the display and buzzer alarms.
3.2. FUNCTIONAL TEST
Certain functional tests can be done directly using the keyboard and display.
These tests must only be undertaken by someone qualified to do so. They are protected by an
access code.
3.2.1. EPROM VERSION
The first message that appears when the machine is switched on remains active for a few
seconds (machine set up).
SORVALL T3 SORVALL RT3
Display RPM M30 M30r
Display Time 40 or 41 80 or 81
Display Temp “FW Revision” “FW Revision”
Note: Display Time – the second digit (0 or 1) indicates the position of jumper ST1 factory
-selected.
3.2.2. TEST MODE
This mode is accessible by using a combination of keys while the machine is setting up (at
power ON).
Press on the following two keys at the same time :
•Acceleration profiles programming key
•Braking profiles programming key

Service Manual 11290099 page 19 of 44
Test 1 : Miscellaneous test
0 0 0 0 0 5 digit display : speed read
T - 1 3 digit display : T-1 for Test 1
2 0 2 digit display : actual temperature
Tachometer test :
Turn the rotor by hand : the speed should appear on the 5 digit display.
Lid solenoid test :
Press on the key corresponding to program 2 to power and/or release the solenoid.
Resetting of the 5 programs :
Keep pressing on the key corresponding to program 4.
Complete program resetting on RAM :
Press simultaneously on the Δspeed programming key and the PULSE key to allow
complete resetting of the machine when it is next switched on.
-Press START to pass to the next test
-Press STOP to leave the test mode
Test 2 : Run linking
This test safety used in the factory, starts a series of preset runs after having pressed the
pulse key :
C Y C L E Run cycles of the selected program can be run with a one
minute pause between each
- - -
6 Press Δand ∇to change the number of runs from 1 to 99
Cycles won't start if cycles number is less than 3.
During the run, when rotating, displays are the same as they would be outside the test
mode.
Between two runs (1 minute pause) displays are :
C Y C L E
0 0 0 Reserved for factory testing
2 Next run number
-Press START key to go to the following test
-Press STOP key to exit from the test mode

Service Manual 11290099 page 20 of 44
Test 3 : Statistical analysis
S T A T S Press Δand ∇to scroll on the 5 digit display
- - -
0 1 : running hours total (x 100)
2 : total number of runs
3 : number of hours above 5000 rpm
4 : number of runs above 5000 rpm
-Press START key to go back to test 1
-Press STOP key to exit from the test mode