VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 User manual

Instruction Manual
VWR®MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R
50142582
EU Catalogue Numbers:
VWR MEGA STAR 3.0: 521-1751
VWR MEGA STAR 3.0R: 521-1752
Version: b
Issued: 25.06.2020

2 VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R ver b, rel 25.06.2020
Legal Address of Manufacturer
Europe
VWR International bv
Researchpark Haasrode 2020
Geldenaaksebaan 464
B-3001 Leuven
+ 32 16 385011
www.vwr.com
Country of origin
VWR Mega Star 3.0 / 3.0R: Germany

5 VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R ver b, rel 25.06.2020
Table of Contents
Legal Address of Manufacturer ................................................................................... 2
Warning.......................................................................................................................... 7
Safety Information......................................................................................................... 7
Package Contents ......................................................................................................... 9
Delivery Content ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Unpacking and Installation........................................................................................... 9
Before setting up ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Transporting the centrifuge ....................................................................................................................... 9
Location ................................................................................................................................................... 10
Aligning the centrifuge............................................................................................................................. 10
Mains Connection.................................................................................................................................... 10
Storage .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Intended Use................................................................................................................ 11
Symbols and Conventions ......................................................................................... 11
Product Specifications ............................................................................................... 12
Characteristics of the VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R .............................................................................. 12
Refrigerant...............................................................................................................................................12
Mains supply............................................................................................................................................ 12
Technical data ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Functions and features ............................................................................................................................ 14
Description of Buttons and Switches........................................................................ 15
Control panel ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Operational keys...................................................................................................................................... 15
Getting Started and Operation ................................................................................... 16
Switch on Centrifuge ............................................................................................................................... 16
Lid Opening ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Close Lid.................................................................................................................................................. 16
Rotor installation...................................................................................................................................... 16
Entering parameters ................................................................................................................................ 17
Centrifugation .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Temperature Adaption during Standstill .................................................................................................. 21
Short-term Centrifugation ........................................................................................................................ 21
Removing the rotor .................................................................................................................................. 21
Aerosol-tight rotors .................................................................................................................................. 22
Aligning the Centrifuge ............................................................................................................................ 22
System Menu........................................................................................................................................... 23
Description............................................................................................................................................... 24

6 VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R ver b, rel 25.06.2020
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 26
Mechanical emergency door release ...................................................................................................... 26
Troubleshooting by user.......................................................................................................................... 27
Repair and Maintenance ................................................................................................ 31
Maintenance and care............................................................................................................................. 31
Technical service............................................................................................................ 35
Warranty.......................................................................................................................... 35
Compliance with local Laws and Regulations ............................................................. 35
WEEE Conformity........................................................................................................... 36
APPENDIX ....................................................................................................................... 37
Chemical Compatibility chart................................................................................................................... 37
Autoclaving Protocol................................................................................................................................ 42

7 VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R ver b, rel 25.06.2020
Warning
Before starting to use the centrifuge, read through this instruction manual carefully and follow the
instructions.
The information contained in this instruction manual is the property of VWR; it is forbidden to copy or pass
on this information without explicit approval.
Failure to follow the instructions and safety information in this instruction manual will result in the expiration
of the seller’s warranty.
Safety Information
WARNING If a hazardous situation occurs, turn off the power supply to the centrifuge and
leave the area immediately.
WARNING Plug the centrifuge only into sockets which have been properly grounded.
•Prerequisite for the safe operation of the VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R is a work
environment in compliance with standards, directives and trade association safety
regulations and proper instruction of the user.
•The safety regulations contain the following basic recommendations:
•Maintain a radius of at least 30 cm around the centrifuge.
•Implementation of special measures which ensure that no one can approach the
centrifuge for longer than absolutely necessary while it is running.
•The mains plug must be freely accessible at all times. Pull out the power supply plug
or disconnect the power supply in an emergency.
In order to ensure safe operation of the VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R, the following general safety
regulations must be followed:
•The centrifuge should be operated by trained specialists only.
•The centrifuge is to be used for its intended use only.
•While handling centrifuge, rotor and samples you must wear laboratory clothing
(e.g. gloves).
•Do not move the centrifuge while it is running.
•Do not lean on the centrifuge.
•Use only rotors and accessories for this centrifuge which have been approved by
VWR.
Exceptions to this rule are commercially available glass or plastic centrifuge tubes,
provided they have been approved for the speed or the RCF value of the rotor.
•Do not use rotors which show any signs of corrosion and / or cracks.
•Do not touch the mechanical components of the rotor and do not make any changes to
the mechanical components.

8 VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R ver b, rel 25.06.2020
•Use only with rotors which have been properly installed.
•Use only with rotors which have been loaded properly.
Follow the instructions given in the rotor manual.
•Never overload the rotor. Follow the instructions given in the rotor manual.
•Never open the lid until the rotor has come to a complete stop and this has been
confirmed in the display.
•The lid emergency release may be used in emergencies only to recover the samples
from the centrifuge, e.g. during a power failure.
•Never use the centrifuge if parts of its cover panels are damaged or missing.
•Do not touch the electronic components of the centrifuge or alter any electronic or
mechanical components.
•Please observe the safety instructions.
Please pay particular attention to the following aspects:
•Location: Well-ventilated environment, set-up on a level and rigid surface with
adequate load-bearing capacity.
•Rotor installation: Make sure the rotor is locked properly into place before operating
the centrifuge.
•Especially when working with corrosive samples (salt solutions, acids, bases), the
accessory parts and vessel have to be cleaned carefully.
•Always balance the samples.
Centrifuging hazardous substances:
•Do not centrifuge explosive or flammable materials or substances which could react
violently with one another.
•The centrifuge is neither inert nor protected against explosion. Never use the
centrifuge in an explosion-prone environment.
•Do not centrifuge inflammable substances.
Remaining risk: Improper use can cause damages, contamination and injuries
with fatal consequences.
•Do not centrifuge toxic or radioactive materials or any pathogenic micro-organisms
without suitable safety precautions.
When centrifuging microbiological samples from the Risk Group II (according to the
“Bio-safety Manual” of the World Health Organization (WHO)), aerosol-tight biological
seals have to be used.
For materials in a higher risk group, extra safety measures have to be taken.
•If toxins or pathogenic substances have gotten into the centrifuge or its parts,
appropriate disinfection measures have to be taken.
•Highly corrosive substances which can cause material damage and impair the
mechanical stability of the rotor, should only be centrifuged in corresponding protective
tubes.

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Package Contents
Description Quantity
Centrifuge VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R 1
Power supply cable 2
Instruction manual 1
Anti-corrosion oil 1
If any parts are missing, please contact your nearest VWR representative.
Delivery Content
The VWR Mega Star 3.0 / 3.0R centrifuge is supplied with 1 TX-750 rotor.
Unpacking and Installation
Before setting up
1. Check the centrifuge and the packaging for any shipping damage.
Inform the shipping company and VWR immediately if any damage is discovered.
2. Remove the packaging.
3. Remove the rotor transport protection. The cardboard is supposed to prevent damage due to
impact.
4. Check the order for completeness.
If the order is incomplete, please contact VWR.
Transporting the centrifuge
WARNING Always lift the centrifuge on both sides. Never lift the centrifuge by its front or the
back panel.
Transport the centrifuge if possible, in its packaging and with the rotor transport protection.
•Due to its weight, the centrifuge should be carried by several people.
•Always lift the centrifuge at both sides on the bottom plate.
Figure 1. Lifting the centrifuge at both sides.
•The centrifuge can be damaged by impacts.
•Transport the centrifuge upright and if at all possible, in its packaging.

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Location
The centrifuge should only be operated indoors.
The set-up location must fulfil the following requirements:
•A safety zone of at least 30 cm must be maintained around the centrifuge.
People and hazardous substances must be kept out of the safety zone while centrifuging.
•The supporting structure must be stable and free of resonance, for example a level laboratory
bench.
•The supporting structure must be suitable for horizontal setup of the centrifuge.
•The location must be free of grease and dust.
•The centrifuge should not be exposed to heat and strong sunlight.
WARNING UV rays reduce the stability of plastics.
Do not subject the centrifuge, rotors and plastic accessories to direct sunlight.
•The set-up location must be well-ventilated at all times.
Aligning the centrifuge
The horizontal alignment of the centrifuge must be checked every time after moving it to a different location.
The supporting structure must be suitable for horizontal setup of the centrifuge.
CAUTION If the centrifuge isn’t level, imbalances can occur and the centrifuge can be
damaged.
Do not place anything under the centrifuge to level.
Mains Connection
Figure 2. Mains connection

11 VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R ver b, rel 25.06.2020
1. To turn off the centrifuge, put the mains switch to “0”.
2. Plug the centrifuge into grounded electrical sockets only.
Note: The centrifuge must be connected directly to the socket. Extension cords and multiple
sockets are not allowed.
3. Check whether the cable complies with the safety standards of your country.
4. Make sure that the voltage and frequency correspond to the figures on the rating plate.
5. Establish the connection to the power supply with the connecting cable.
Storage
•Before storing the centrifuge and the accessories it must be cleaned and if necessary disinfected
and decontaminated.
•Store the centrifuge in a clean, dust-free location.
•Be sure to place the centrifuge on its feet.
•Avoid direct sunlight.
Intended Use
•This centrifuge is a laboratory product designed to separate components by generation of a
relative centrifugal force. It separates human samples (e.g. blood, urine and other body fluids)
collected in appropriate containers, either alone or after addition of reagents or other additives.
•As general-purpose centrifuge, it is designed to also run other containers filled with chemicals,
environmental samples and other non-human body samples.
•This centrifuge should be operated by trained specialists only.
•The centrifuge is to be used for separating materials of different density or particle size
suspended in a liquid.
Maximum sample density at maximum speed: 1.2 

Symbols and Conventions
The following chart is an illustrated glossary of the symbols that are used in this manual.
This symbol refers to general hazards.
CAUTION means that material damage could occur.
WARNING means that injuries or material damage or contamination could occur.
This symbol refers to biological hazards.
Observe the information contained in the instruction manual to keep yourself and your
environment safe.

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Product Specifications
Characteristics of the VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R
Several rotors with a wide range of tubes can be used.
The set speed is reached within seconds. The maintenance-free induction motor ensures quiet and
low-vibration operation even at high speeds and guarantees a very long lifetime.
The user-friendly control panel makes it easy to pre-set the speed, RCF value, run time and temperature.
You can choose between the display of speed and RCF or the entry mode.
These settings can be changed even while the centrifuge is running.
With the help of the PULSE key , you can also centrifuge a sample for just a few seconds, if called for.
The VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R is equipped with various safety features:
•The housing is made of impact-resistant plastic and the interior of armour steel.
•The lid is equipped with a view port and a lock.
•The lid of the centrifuge can only be opened while the centrifuge is switched on and the rotor has
come to a complete stop. The centrifuge cannot be started until the lid has been closed properly.
•Lid emergency release: For emergencies only, e.g. during power failures.
Contains fluorinated greenhouse gases in a hermetically sealed system.
Mains supply
The following table contains an overview of the electrical connection data for the VWR MEGA STAR
3.0 / 3.0R. This data istobe taken into consideration when selecting the mains connection socket.
Cat. Mains voltage Frequency Rated
current
Power
consumption
Equipment fuse Building
fuse
521-1751230 V ±10 % 50 / 60 Hz 11 A 1700 W 4 A, 2-pole circuit
breaker
16 AT
521-1752 230 V ±10 % 50 / 60 Hz 10.5 A 1950 W 4 A, 2-pole circuit
breaker
16 AT
Refrigerant
Order No. Centrifuge Refrigerant Quantity Pressure GWP CO2e
521-1752VWR MEGA STAR 3.0R R-134a 0.43 kg 21 bar 1430 0.61 t

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Technical data
The technical data of the VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R is listed in the following table.
Feature MEGA STAR 3.0 MEGA STAR 3.0R
Environmental conditions - Use in interior spaces.
- Altitudes of up to 2,000 m above sea level.
- max. relative humidity 80 % up to 31 °C; decreasing linearly up to
50 % relative humidity at 40 °C.
Permissible ambient temperature
during operation
+2 °C to +35 °C +2 °C to +35 °C
Overvoltage category II II
Pollution degree 2 2
Heat dissipation 230 V 230 V
5800 BTU/h 6653 BTU/h
IP 20 20
Run time unlimited unlimited
Max speed nmax 15,200 rpm (depending on the
rotor)
15,200 rpm (depending on the
rotor)
Min speed nmin 300 rpm 300 rpm
Maximum RCF value at nmax 25,314 x g 25,314 x g
Maximum kinetic energy 62.5 kJ 51.7 kJ
Noise level at maximum speed < 64 dB (A) < 64 dB (A)
Temperature setting range -10 °C to +40 °C
Dimensions
Height
Width
Depth
Table top height
360 mm
550 mm
670 mm
310 mm
360 mm
745 mm
670 mm
310 mm
Weight with empty rotor 86 kg 116 kg

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Functions and features
The following table gives an overview of the important functional and performance characteristics of the
VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R.
Component / function Description / features
Structure / housing Galvanized steel chassis with armoured plating
Chamber Stainless steel
Drive Induction drive without carbon brushes
Keys and display Easy-to-clean keypad and display surface
Controls Microprocessor-controlled
Internal memory The most recent data is saved
Functions RCF-selection, temperature control, pretemp with cooling equipped
devices
Acceleration / braking profiles 9 acceleration and 10 braking curves
Rotor recognition Automatic
Imbalance recognition Electronic, contingent on rotor and speed
Lid lock Automatic lid closing and locking starting from an initial hold position

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Description of Buttons and Switches
Control panel
In the control panel you find the keys and displays of the centrifuge. All parameters can be selected and
changed during operation.
Figure 3. Control Panel of VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R
Operational keys
The keys allow user intervention for controlling the operating mode as follows:
Key Display contents
Start Normal start of the centrifuge
Stop End run manually
Open lid Automatic release (possible only when device is switched on).
Emergency release.
Pulse
By pressing the PULSE key the centrifuge starts immediately and accelerates
up to the end speed. Releasing the key initiates, a stopping process at the
highest braking curves.
Change Value By pressing the keys in order to modify the displayed value.
Changing the
display mode Use the key to change the display mode. (Speed / RCF Value)
PreTemp Press the key for prewarming or precooling the centrifuge.

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Getting Started and Operation
Switch on Centrifuge
1. Turn on the power switch on the back of the device.
The device performs a self-check of its software.
1. When the centrifuge lid is closed the following display shows:
The speed and time displays read 0. The temperature indicator displays the current temperature
inside the rotor chamber. The preset acceleration and braking curves and the selected bucket are
also displayed.
2. When the centrifuge lid is open the following display shows:
The speed and time displays show the preset values. The temperature indicator displays the
current temperature inside the rotor chamber. The preset acceleration and braking curves and
the selected bucket are also displayed.
Lid Opening
Press the OPEN key .
WARNING Do not reach into the crack between the lid and the housing. The lid is drawn shut
automatically.
Use the emergency release only for malfunctions and power failures.
Close Lid
Close the lid by pressing down on it lightly in the middle or on both sides of it. One lock closes the lid
completely.
Note: The lid should audibly click into place.
WARNING Do not reach into the crack between the lid and the housing. The lid is drawn shut
automatically.
Rotor installation
CAUTION Unapproved or incorrectly combined accessories can cause serious damage to the
centrifuge.
The centrifuge is equipped with an Auto-Lock™ locking system.
This system is used to automatically lock the rotor to the centrifuge spindle. The rotor does not have to be
bolted on to the centrifuge spindle.

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Proceed as follows:
1. Open the lid of the centrifuge and if necessary, remove any dust, foreign objects or residue from
the chamber.
Auto-Lock and O-ring must be clean and undamaged.
Figure 4. Auto-Lock
2. Place the rotor over the centrifuge spindle and let it slide slowly down the centrifuge spindle.
The rotor clicks automatically into place.
CAUTION Do not force the rotor onto the centrifuge spindle.
If the rotor is very light, then it may be necessary to press it onto the centrifuge spindle with a
bit of pressure.
3. Check if the rotor is properly installed by lifting it slightly on the handle. If the rotor can be pulled
up, then it must be reclamped to the centrifuge spindle.
WARNING If the rotor cannot be properly locked in place after several attempts, then the
Auto-Lock is defective and you are not permitted to operate the rotor.
Check for any damage to the rotor: Damaged rotors must not be used.
Keep the centrifuge spindle area of the rotor clear of objects.
CAUTION Check that the rotor is properly locked on the centrifuge spindle before each
use by pulling it at its handle.
4. If available close the rotor with the rotor lid.
Be sure to check all sealings before starting any aerosol-tight applications.
See the information in the rotor instruction manual.
5. Close the centrifuge lid.
Entering parameters
The VWR Mega Star 3.0/ 3.0Rcentrifuge offers you a total of 9 acceleration and 10 braking curves with
which samples and gradients can be centrifuged.
After the centrifuge is turned on, the last running profile selected is shown.
Auto-Lock
Auto-Lock
O-Ring

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Acceleration curve
1. Press the key below the ACC display in order to open the acceleration profile selection
menu.
The display shows the message "Set acceleration".
2. Select the profile by pressing the key , until the desired acceleration curve shows.
Braking curve
1. Press the key below the DEC display in order to open the braking profile selection menu.
The display shows the message "Set deceleration".
2. Select the profile by pressing the key , until the desired braking curve shows.
Preselecting Speed / RCF
1. Press the key below the “SPEED” display in order to open the speed / RCF value menu.
The display shows the "RPM“ or the "RCF"-value depending on the display setting. Press the
CHANGE key to toggle between the two modes.
2. Enter the desired value by pressing the key repeatedly, until the desired value shows.
Note: If an extremely low RCF value has been selected, it will be corrected automatically if the resulting
speed is less than 300 rpm.
Explanation of RCF value
The relative centrifugal force (RCF) is given as a multiple of the force of gravity g. It is a unitless
numerical value which is used to compare the separation or sedimentation capacity of various
centrifuges, since it is independent of the type of device. Only the centrifuging radius and the speed
come into play in it:
RCF = 11.18 x (
1000)2 x r
r = centrifuging radius in cm
n = rotational speed in rpm
The maximum RCF value is related to the maximum radius of the tube opening.
Remember that this value is reduced depending on the tubes and adapters used.
This can be accounted for in the calculation above if required.

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Run time preselection
1. Press the key below the TIME display in order to open the runtime selection menu.
The display shows the message "Set Time".
Enter the desired runtime in H.mm.
2. Enter the desired value by pressing the key repeatedly, until the desired value shows.
Continuous operation
1. Press the START key .
Preselecting the temperature
You can preselect temperatures between -10 °C and +40 °C.
To set the temperature, proceed as follows:
1. Press the key below the TEMPERATURE display in order to open the temperature selection
menu.
The display shows "Set temp":
2. Enter the desired value by pressing the key repeatedly, until the desired value shows.
Prewarming or precooling the centrifuge
For setting the pretemp value for the centrifuge proceed as follows:
1. Press the key in order to open the temperature selection menu.
The display shows the message "Set PreTemp".
2. Enter the desired value by pressing the key repeatedly, until the desired value shows.
3. The display shows:
The display shows the current temperature inside the rotor chamber.
4. Press the START key .

20 VWR MEGA STAR 3.0 / 3.0R ver b, rel 25.06.2020
The rotor chamber is cooled down or heated up to the preset temperature.
5. Press the STOP key .
The display shows the current temperature inside the rotor chamber.
Bucket selection
Bucket selection is only possible for swing-out rotors. The bucket code corresponds to the last four digits of
the bucket catalog number.
1. Press the BUCKET key .
The display shows the following message:
2. Press the BUCKET key repeatedly until the bucket being used is displayed.
Saving programs
1. Enter the program parameters.
2. Press any of the program store keys for 4 seconds.
Centrifugation
Once the rotor has been properly installed, the main switch has been turned on and the lid has been closed,
you can start centrifuging.
Starting centrifuge program
Press the key on the control panel. The centrifuge accelerates to the preset speed with the time display
active.
If the speed setting is higher than the maximum permissible speed or RCF-value for the particular rotor, then
the display will show the message max. 4,700 rpm once the centrifuge has been started.
Within 15 seconds you can apply this value by pressing the START key again, and the centrifuging
program will continue. Otherwise the centrifuge will stop and you will have to enter a valid number.
You cannot open the lid as long as the centrifuge is running.
Imbalance indicator
If a load is imbalanced, this will be indicated at speed higher than approx. 300 rpm by the message
"Imbalanced load".
The run will terminate.
Check the loading and start the centrifuge once again. See the information on proper loading in the
rotor instruction manual. For information on troubleshooting.