VWR Micro Star 12 User manual

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Table of Contents
Declaration of Conformity............................................................................................................ 3
Warnings........................................................................................................................................ 6
Notes and Warnings...................................................................................................................... 6
Safety Information......................................................................................................................... 6
Package Contents ......................................................................................................................... 8
Installation...................................................................................................................................... 8
Intended Use.................................................................................................................................. 9
Overview......................................................................................................................................... 11
Operation........................................................................................................................................ 12
Maintenance and Care.................................................................................................................. 13
Trouble Shooting........................................................................................................................... 15
Accessories ................................................................................................................................... 16
Technical service .......................................................................................................................... 17
Warranty......................................................................................................................................... 17
Equipment disposal ...................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix........................................................................................................................................ 20
Local VWR offices in Europe and Asia Pacific........................................................................... 21

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Warnings
Before using, read this operation manual to ensure correct usage and thorough understanding of the
instrument. Incorrect handling could possibly result in personal injury or physical damage of the unit or its
accessories. The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for any damage caused by mishandling that is
beyond normal usage as defined in this manual. The manufacturer is only responsible for the security,
reliability and performance of the instrument, if the unit is operated in accordance with the operating
instructions. Any adjustments, changes or repairs must be performed by authorized personnel.
NOTES AND WARNINGS
Notes and warnings appear throughout this manual to provide additional information and directions so that
specific actions can be taken to protect both personnel and the instrument.
Safety Information
For your own safety, please review the following precautions:
NEVER use a power source other than that designated for the instrument.
NEVER operate the instrument, if it has not been installed or repaired properly. Repairs must be
performed only by qualified personnel authorized by VWR
NEVER use unapproved rotors and associated components. Contact the manufacturer prior to
such use to prevent possible damage to the instrument.
NEVER attempt to open the lid or move the instrument unless the rotor is completely stopped.
NEVER operate the instrument without a rotor and lid installed correctly and secured to the
motor shaft.
NEVER centrifuge flammable, toxic, radioactive, explosive, or corrosive materials.
This symbol indicates additional warnings to prevent actions that may result in equipment
damage, property damage, or personal injury.
NOTE
Notes are intended to provide additional information to clarify specific instructions or
highlight information requiring special attention.

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NEVER exceed the rated speed or specific gravity. Samples whose density is greater than
1.2 g/ml must have reduced maximum rotational speed to avoid rotor failure.
ALWAYS load the rotor symmetrically with evenly weighted samples to avoid rotor imbalance. If
necessary, use the water blank to counterbalance the unpaired sample.
NEVER use Biosafety rotor without lid
ALWAYS locate the instrument on a flat, level, rigid, and vibration free surface.
ALWAYS mark a safety zone of 30 cm around the centrifuge to indicate that neither hazardous
materials nor persons should be permitted within the area during operation, as safety regulations
required.
ALWAYS position the instrument with additional free space on each side of instrument to ensure
proper ventilation.
ALWAYS install the instrument within a temperature and humidity controlled environment.
(Permissible ambient temperature: +5 °C –+35 °C, Relative humidity: ≤ 80 %)
ALWAYS disconnect the power supply prior to maintenance and servicing to avoid electrical
shock. Do not immerse.
ALWAYS use proven disinfection procedures when centrifuging bio-hazardous materials.
Please follow the guidelines above, and read this manual in its entirety to ensure safe operation of the unit.
NOTE
When it is required to handle the Risk Group II materials that are known to be toxic,
radioactive materials or pathogenic micro-organisms, as identified in the World Health
Organization (WHO): “Laboratory Biosafety Manual,” the guidelines recommended by
WHO should be followed to ensure the safety.
(http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/biosafety/Labbiosafety.pdf)

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Package Contents
Main Body, 1 unit
Rotor: Autoclavable fixed angle rotor with 12 tube holes for 1.5 / 2.0 ml tubes, 1 unit
Rotor Lid: Autoclavable biosafety rotor lid, 1 unit
Adapter: Adapter for 0.2 ml PCR tubes, 12 units
Power Supply: AC Power Cable (3m), 1 unit
L-type rotor wrench, 5 mm, 1 unit
Operation Manual, 1 unit
Main Body
Rotor & Lid
Adapter for 0.2 ml tubes
Power Cord
Installation
1. Inspect the instrument and the parts for any visible signs of shipping damage.
2. Unpack the unit and verify the contents of the package.
3. Place the instrument on a clean, flat, level, and vibration free surface.
4. Plug the power cord into the appropriate power outlet.
WARNING!
Safety regulations require a safety zone of 30 cm around the centrifuge that
needs to be marked to indicate that neither hazardous materials nor persons
should be permitted within the area during operation.
Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent the overheating of samples.
NOTE
Check that the power supply corresponds with the manufacturer’s specified electrical
requirements.

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Turn the power on. The switch is located on the rear side of the unit.
5. Once the power is applied, the door will be opened automatically.
6. Carefully place the rotor onto the motor shaft. Hold the rotor with one hand and securely tighten
with the supplied rotor wrench the rotor nut to the shaft by turning clockwise.
Intended use
VWR Micro Star 12
is a benchtop high-speed, multi-purpose micro-centrifuge designed to be used in medical,
industrial, and scientific applications. Its user-friendly control features and compact, space-saving design
delivers maximum solid performance for your daily centrifugation needs. VWR Micro Star 12 is supplied
with an easily interchangeable rotor to accommodate micro-tubes and (with optional rotor) PCR strips.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Maximum centrifugation speed/force of 13,500 rpm / 12,300 x g
Compact and space saving design with a small foot print
Reduce operating time with fast acceleration (≤ 12 sec) / deceleration rates (≤ 16 sec)
“Pulse” for quick runs
Highly visible LCD display (blue backlit with white text) and intuitive controls with a soft touch
keypad
Automatic RPM/RCF conversion
Automatic detection system with audible alarm alerting the user when speed, heating and weight
limit is exceeded
3-layered stainless steel door with interlock system for safety and durability
Maintenance free and environmentally friendly high torque AC induction motor ensures quiet
operation
Unique air flow design prevents overheating of samples
Supplied with autoclavable fixed angle rotor with screw on biosafety lid.
Optional PCR rotor
NOTE
Turn the rotor nut counterclockwise to release the rotor from the shaft.
Place the biosafety lid on the rotor and screw on clockwise to secure, see photo Rotor &
Lid

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[Schematic diagram of mini’s air flow design]
The patented, unique internal design circulates an efficient airflow inside the instrument, reduces
spinning frictions, whilst minimizing both the motor temperature and the noise levels.
SPECIFICATIONS
Angle Rotor
PCR Rotor
Maximum RPM
13,500 rpm
6,000 rpm
Maximum RCF
12,300 x g
1,850 x g
Maximum Capacity
12 x 1.5/2.0 ml
4 x (8 x 0.2 ml) PCR strips
Run Time
Timed ≤ 30 min
Acceleration Time
≤ 12 seconds
Deceleration Time
≤ 16 seconds
Noise Level
≤ 60 dB(A)
Motor
High torque AC induction motor
Power & frequency
230 V, 50/60Hz
Power consumption
122 Watt
Weight
4.4 kg (for main body only)
Dimension (W x D x H)
208 x 245 x 145 mm
RPM/RCF Conversion
Automatic
Safety lid lock
Automatic
Certification
CE

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Overview
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
1. Door
2. Door Lock
3. Ventilating Hole & Center Win
4. Rotor
5. Rotor Lid
6. Control Panel
7. Power Switch
8. Power Socket
9. Emergency Door Open Hole
FRONT CONTROL PANEL DESCRIPTION
1. Display LCD control panel: Displays set values and actual operating conditions
Speed/Force (RPM/RCF): Displays rotor speed/force in RPM/RCF x 1000
Centrifugation: Sign ”blinks” whilst spinning.
Status of door: Indicates door status as for open or for closed.
Time: Displays remaining time in min or sec.

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2. Speed/force Setting Button: Press to set speed/force value and to switch between RPM and
RCF.
3. Door Button: Press to open door.
4. Time Setting Button: Press to set run time between 1 min to 30 min.
5. Pulse Button: Press to use for quick separation.
6. Start & Stop Button: Press to start and stop operation.
7. Up & Down Arrow (▲, ▼) Buttons: Press to change input data.
Operation
1. Turn the power switch to “ON” position. The switch can be found on the rear of the instrument.
2. Press the “Door” button on the control panel to open the door.
3. Load sample tubes into the rotor symmetrically with evenly weighted samples and securely close
the rotor lid by placing the biosafety lid on the rotor and securing by screwing on in clockwise
manner.
4. To set or change the centrifugation parameters, follow the instruction below.
WARNING!
Check tubes and rotors for cracks and deformities before each use.
Do not attempt to open the lid unless the rotor has stopped completely.
Do not exceed safe rotor speed.
The operator should not leave the centrifuge until the full operating speed is
attained and the machine appears to be running safely without vibration.
Stop the centrifuge immediately and unplug the power cord if an unusual
condition (noise or vibration) begins.
If tube breakage occurs, turn centrifuge off immediately. Leave for 30 minutes
to reduce the risk of aerosols. The operator should wear suitable gloves,
remove debris, clean and disinfect centrifuge interior and rotors.
If breakage occurs rotor should be opened in a Biological Safety Cabinet to
prevent contamination from any aerosol that has formed
Clean all spills immediately and decontaminate the instrument and rotor after
use with biological or radioactive materials.
NOTE
Do not attempt to exceed the maximum load or speed of the rotor. The maximum
allowable speed needs to be reduced to spin solutions with a density greater than 1.2
g/ml, see Appendix for details.

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Speed/Force: Press the “RPM/RCF” button and press the arrow buttons (▲, ▼) to select or
change speed in increments of 100 RPM from 1,200-13,500 RPM.
Time: Press the “Time” button and press the arrow buttons (▲, ▼) to adjust the desired
length of spin time from 1 ~ 30min. The remaining operation time will be displayed.
Pulse: Press the “Pulse” button on the control panel for quick spin cycle. Press and hold the
button for desired length of time and release to deactivate it.
5. Close the centrifuge door by press down firmly until the latch handle is fully retracted.
6. Press the “Start/ Stop” button to start the centrifuge, and at any time, press the button again to
stop the operation.
7. The door opens automatically at the completion of the run and the rotor stops fully.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
NOTE
Press the “RPM/RCF” button once again to enter or change the force in RCF or convert
speed in RPM to RCF.
NOTE
The parameters can be adjusted during the centrifugation.
NOTE
The instrument will not operate if the door is not properly latched.
NOTE
In the event of a power failure or malfunction, the door can be opened manually with
Emergency Door Open function. See overview of features pos. 9. Do not turn the
instrument upside down when using this function, but lift the instrument so you can get
access to Emergency door open hole. Use a screw driver to move the latch in the
advised direction.
Remove the samples. Clean the instrument and rotor thoroughly.
WARNING!
Do not immerse the instrument in liquid or pour liquids over it.
Before cleaning or maintenance, always isolate and disconnect the power
supply to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
Do not use any volatile chemicals such as alcohol, benzene, acetone, and etc.
Liquids must not come into contact with the motor.
Always use a lint-free cloth and non-corrosive, neutral cleaning agents with pH
value 6-8 to clean all parts. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and dry
completely.

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ROTOR
Preparation for the cleaning
1. Remove any rotor adapters and tubes from the rotor prior to cleaning.
2. Remove the rotor securing nut from the motor shaft by turning counterclockwise,
3. To remove the rotor from the motor shaft, carefully lift the rotor directly upward in a straight
vertical motion.
Keep the rotor clean and dry at the end of each work day, and immediately after any spill.
Periodically inspect the rotor for dents, dings, scratches, discoloration and cracks. If any of these
signs are evident, discontinue use and replace the rotor immediately.
Always use non-metallic, soft brush to wash rotors to prevent corrosion that can emanate from scratches.
Remove adapters after use and inspect for corrosion.
Remove O ring prior to sterilization of the rotor
Check O ring for signs of wear and tear
The rotor and the rotor lid can be autoclaved at 121 0C in 20 minutes
CENTRIFUGE BODY (External surfaces and the Chamber)
All parts should be wiped down periodically to prevent corrosives or contaminants from drying on
component surfaces.
In case of glass tube breakage, all parts must be thoroughly cleaned and all broken particles
must be removed completely.
Abrasions or scratches should not be made on the surfaces, as corrosion may result.
TRANSPORT
Avoid impacts during transportation and do not drop the unit as damage will result.
Always remove the rotor and pack the inside of the chamber with protective packaging before
transporting the instrument. This prevents damage and minimizes any impact to the shaft.
RETURN
Before returning the unit and/or associated accessories, for any reason, prior permission must be
obtained from the manufacturer.
All parts MUST be shipped along with “Return Authorization Document” (RAN) and
“Certificate of Decontamination.” Please contact VWR Service to obtain the forms.
NOTE
In order to protect our personnel, Certificate of Decontamination needs to be filled out
completely to ensure that all parts are free from pathogens, chemical hazards, and/or
radioactivity. Sterilization and decontamination MUST be done prior to returning the parts.

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Failure to attach the forms will result in return or disposal of the items without review of the
reported problem.
Troubleshooting
In the event of a malfunction, the error message with code number appears to indicate the probable causes
and the instrument will cease to operate. If other malfunctions without error code indication occur, turn off the
power immediately, identify the causes and follow the corrective actions as recommended below. For any
problems not covered here or you are unable to correct the malfunction, contact VWR Service for assistance.
If the instrument stops due to an error indication, the run cannot be restarted until the error is cleared. After
the problem is corrected, reset the instrument to check if the error occurs again.
Error Indication
Possible Reason
E1
• Instrument is powered up incorrectly
No display or power:
Power failure during
operation; display screen is
blank
Corrective
Action
1. Plug the power cord into the appropriate power
outlet.
2. Turn the power switch off and back on to reset.
• Instrument is not connected to the power outlet
Corrective
Action
1. Make sure to securely connect the power cord to the
power outlet.
2. Turn the power switch off and back on to reset.
• Temporary system error
Corrective
Action
Turn the power switch off and back on to reset.
* If problem cannot be resolved, use the Emergency
Door Open function to open the door manually to save
samples. Call VWR Service Department
E2
• Rotor recognition or sensor error
Operation cannot start
Corrective
Action
Perform the recommended corrective action as listed in
E1 and/or E9.
E3
• Door is not closed completely
Corrective
Action
1. Make sure to press down the door firmly until the
latch handle is fully retracted.
2. Turn the power off and back on to reset.

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E4
• Door switch or sensor error
Corrective
Action
Turn the power off and back on to reset.
* If problem cannot be resolved, use the Emergency
Door Open function to open the door manually to save
samples. Call VWR Service Department.
E5
• Temporary system error
Corrective
Action
Turn the power switch off and back on to reset.
* If problem cannot be resolved, call VWR Service Department
E6
• Door switch or sensor error
Door does not open
• Door latch is not operating properly
E7
Corrective
Action
Turn the power off and back on to reset.
* If problem cannot be resolved, use the Emergency
Door Open function to open the door manually to save
samples. Call VWR Service Department.
•Door switch or sensor error
Door does not close
• Door latch is not operating properly
E8
Corrective
Action
Turn the power off and back on to reset.
* If problem cannot be resolved, use the Emergency
Door Open function to open the door manually to save
samples. Call VWR Service Department.
E9
• Rotor is not balanced
Instrument is vibrating
excessively or making
unusual noise
Corrective
Action
Perform the recommended corrective action as listed in
E8.
• Mechanical failure or damage
Corrective
Action
Turn the power off immediately and call VWR Service
Department.
* If problem cannot be resolved, call VWR Service Department.

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Equipment disposal
This equipment is marked with the crossed out wheeled bin symbol to indicate that this equipment must not
be disposed of with unsorted waste.
Instead it's your responsibility to correctly dispose of your equipment at lifecycle -end by handling it over to an
authorized facility for separate collection and recycling. It's also your responsibility to decontaminate the
equipment in case of biological, chemical and/or radiological contamination, so as to protect from health
hazards the persons involved in the disposal and recycling of the equipment.
For more information about where you can drop off your waste of equipment, please contact your local dealer
from whom you originally purchased this equipment.
By doing so, you will help to conserve natural and environmental resources and you will ensure that your
equipment is recycled in a manner that protects human health.
Thank you

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APPENDIX
Allowable Maximum Speed
The maximum allowable speed needs to be reduced when centrifuging a solution with a density greater than
1.2 g/mL. Failure to reduce the speed may result in damage to the rotor and centrifuge. The revised
maximum speed can be calculated with the following formula.
Example:
Where the density of the liquid is 1.9, the new allowable maximum speed would be calculated as follows:
Reduced Speed = √(1.2/1.9) x 13,500 = 10,729 rpm
RPM to RCF conversion
RPM can be converted in RCF with the following calculation.
RCF = 11.2 × r (RPM/1000)2or RCF = 1.12 × 10-5 x r (RPM)2
Example:
Where the RPM is 12,000 RPM and radius of rotor is 6 cm, Rcf would be calculated as follows:
RCF = 1.12 × 10-5 (6)(12,000)2= 9,651 x g