VWR MICRO STAR 17 User manual

Instruction manual
VWR®MICRO STAR 17 / 17R
50134113
EU Catalogue Numbers:
VWR MICRO STAR 17: 521-1646
VWR MICRO STAR 17R: 521-1647
Version: c
Issued: 09.06.2020

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
Germany

M3-F46_V6EEE
1 of 2
EU Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer: VWR International bv, Haasrode Researchpark 2020,
Geldenaaksebaan 464, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium, www: be.vwr.com, email: vwr[email protected]
The undersigned states that this declaration is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer, VWR
International bv, and that the object(s) of the declaration described in Appendix 1 are in conformity with the relevant
Union harmonization legislation.
In the event of unauthorized modification of any of the products listed in the Appendix 1, this declaration becomes
invalid.
Object Name: VWR MicroStar 17 Microcentrifuge
Relevant EC Directives: Machinery Directive 2006/42/EU as last amended
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU as last amended
EMC Directive 2014/30/EU as last amended
RoHS 2011/65/EU as last amended
Harmonized Standards: EN 61010-1:2010+A1:2016
EN 61010-2-020:2016
EN 61326-1:2006 (Class B)
Document Number: 10691.2020.01
Place & date of issue: Leuven, 1/10/2020
Signed for and on behalf of VWR International bv:
Kris Nijs
Managing Director
DocuSign Envelope ID: 42388E43-532E-495D-B837-C843154ED7FB

M3-F46_V6EEE
2 of 2
Appendix 1
Cat. No.
Product
521-1646
VWR MicroStar 17 Microcentrifuge
521-1647
VWR MicroStar 17R Refrigerated Microcentrifuge
DocuSign Envelope ID: 42388E43-532E-495D-B837-C843154ED7FB

Table of Contents
Legal Address of Manufacturer.................................................................................... 2
Warning.......................................................................................................................... 7
Safety Information......................................................................................................... 7
Package Contents ......................................................................................................... 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 MICRO STAR 17 / 17R............................................................................... 12
Refrigerant............................................................................................................................................... 12
Mains supply............................................................................................................................................ 12
Technical data ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Functions and features............................................................................................................................ 14
Description of Buttons and Switches........................................................................ 14
Control panel ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Operational keys ......................................................................................................... 15
Getting Started and Operation ................................................................................... 16
Switch on centrifuge ................................................................................................................................ 16
Door opening........................................................................................................................................... 16
Close door ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Rotor installation...................................................................................................................................... 16
Entering parameters................................................................................................................................ 18
Centrifugation .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Short-term centrifugation......................................................................................................................... 22
Removing the rotor.................................................................................................................................. 22
Aerosol-tight rotors .................................................................................................................................. 22
Audible alarm........................................................................................................................................... 22
Turning off the centrifuge ........................................................................................................................ 23
Rotor Life-time......................................................................................................................................... 24
Rotor Installation ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Operating the Rotor without Lid............................................................................................................... 25
Aerosol-tight Applications........................................................................................................................ 26
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... 28
Mechanical emergency door release ...................................................................................................... 28
Troubleshooting by user.......................................................................................................................... 29

Repair and maintenance............................................................................................. 35
Maintenance and care............................................................................................................................. 35
User replaceable accessories and spare parts ........................................................ 39
Rotor Accessories ................................................................................................................................... 39
Replacement parts .................................................................................................................................. 39
Technical service ........................................................................................................ 39
Compliance with local laws and regulations ............................................................ 40
WEEE Conformity........................................................................................................ 41
APPENDIX.................................................................................................................... 42
Autoclaving Protocol................................................................................................................................ 47

7 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
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 MICRO STAR 17 / 17R 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 MICRO STAR 17 / 17R, 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.
•Use only with rotors which have been properly installed.
•Use only with rotors which have been loaded properly.

8 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
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.
Remaining risk: Improper use can cause damages, contamination and injuries
with fatal consequences.
•Highly corrosive substances which can cause material damage and impair the
mechanical stability of the rotor, should only be centrifuged in corresponding protective
tubes.

9 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
Package Contents
Description Quantity
Centrifuge VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R 1
Power supply cable 1
Rotor 1
Square box wrench 1
USB stick with manual 1
If any parts are missing, please contact your nearest VWR representative.
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.
CAUTION Refrigerated centrifuges must be left idle at the new location for about an hour in
order for the coolant to settle in the compressor. Do not start the centrifuge in the time.

10 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
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
MICRO STAR 17
MICRO STAR 17R
Main power
Main power
Mains plug
Mains plug

11 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
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.
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.
•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 
²
For research use only. Not intended for any animal or human therapeutic or diagnostic use.
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.
This symbol refers to general hazards.
CAUTION means that material damage could occur.
WARNING means that injuries or material damage or contamination could occur.

12 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
Product Specifications
Characteristics of the VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R
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 key, you can also centrifuge a sample for just a few seconds, if called for.
The VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R 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.
Refrigerant
Order No. Centrifuge Refrigerant Quantity Pressure GWP CO2e
521-1647 VWR Micro Star 17R R-134a 0.26 kg 21 bar 1430 0.37 t
Mains supply
The following table contains an overview of the electrical connection data for the VWR MICRO STAR
17 / 17R. This data is to be taken into consideration when selecting the mains connection socket.
Cat. Mains voltage Frequency Rated
current
Power
consumption
Equipment fuse Building
fuse
521-1646 230 V ±10 % 50 / 60 Hz 1.4 A 180 W 4 A, 2-pole circuit
breaker
16 AT
521-1647 230 V ±10 % 50 / 60 Hz 1.9 A 300 W 4 A, 2-pole circuit
breaker
16 AT

13 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
Technical data
The technical data of the VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R is listed in the following table.
Feature MICRO STAR 17 MICRO STAR 17R
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.
- 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
+5 °C to +40 °C +5 °C to +40 °C
Permissible ambient
temperature during storage
and transport
-10 °C to +50 °C -10 °C to +50 °C
Overvoltage category II II
Pollution degree 2 2
Heat dissipation 614 BTU/h 1126 BTU/h
IP 20 20
Run time unlimited unlimited
Max speed nmax 13,300 rpm 13,300 rpm
Min speed nmin 300 rpm 300 rpm
Maximum RCF value at nmax 17,000 x g 17,000 x g
Maximum kinetic energy <1.90 kNm <1.90 kNm
Noise level at maximum speed < 56 dB (A) < 50 dB (A)
Temperature range Adjustable from -9 °C to 40 °C, in
1 °C increments.
Dimensions
Height
Width
Depth
230 mm
240 mm
350 mm
330 mm
292 mm
440 mm
Weight with empty rotor 10.5 kg 28.0 kg

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Functions and features
The following table gives an overview of the important functional and performance characteristics of the
VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R.
Component / function Description / features
Structure / housing Sheet metal with attached plastic housing and steel chamber
Rotor chamber Plastic
Up to 48 ml of spilled liquid is retained in the chamber and cannot enter
the instrument.
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, temperature and pretemp selection
Lid lock Automatic lid closing and locking starting from an initial hold position
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 MICRO STAR 17 / 17R

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No Description
1 Display for speed / RCF value
2 LED (lights up and moves during a run)
3 LED for speed / RCF value
4 Display for run time
5 Display for temperature
6 LED for pretemp function
7 PreTemp
8 Key for temperature setting
9 Key for run time setting
10 Open lid
11 Stop
12 Start
13 Pulse
14 Toggle between speed / RCF value
15 Key for speed / RCF value setting
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)
Pulse
By pressing the key the centrifuge starts immediately and accelerates up to
the end speed. Releasing the key initiates, a stopping process at the highest
braking curves.
By pressing the key up and down you change the value in the display. If
you hold the key pressed, the display changes continuously at first slowly and
after a few seconds at an accelerated pace to the higher or lower values. By
pressing the key briefly, you increase or decrease the speed in one step. When
pressing both arrows the cursor moves to the left.
Changing
the display
mode
By pressing the key you toggle between the display for speed and RCF
value.
PreTemp By pressing the key you start the pretemp function of the centrifuge.

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Getting Started and Operation
Switch on centrifuge
1. Switch on the centrifuge.
The centrifuge shows the actual value in the display. Speed and runtime show “0”. The display
shows the current temperature of the sample.
Door opening
1. Press the key.
The display shows the following message:
Note: Use the emergency release only for malfunctions and power failures.
Close door
1. Close the door by pressing down on it lightly in the middle or on both sides of it.
Note: The door should audibly click into place.
CAUTION Do not slam the door.
Rotor installation
CAUTION Unapproved or incorrectly combined accessories can cause serious damage to the
centrifuge.
Proceed as follows:
1. Open the lid of the centrifuge and if necessary, remove any dust, foreign objects or residue from
the chamber.
Thread and O-ring must be clean and undamaged.
CAUTION Do not install the rotor when the temperature difference between shaft and rotor
lock is >20 °C. Otherwise the rotor might jam during the installation. A jammed rotor can lead
to damages of centrifuge and rotor.
2. Hold the rotor over the centrifuge spindle. The two bars in the labelling on the upper side of the
rotor (a) must be above the retaining pin (b) of the centrifuge spindle.

17 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
(a)
(b)
3. Let the rotor slide slowly down the centrifuge spindle.
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.
4. Thread the fastening tool into the centrifuge spindle clockwise. Hold the rotor with the other hand
into position.
5. Close the rotor.
6. Check if the rotor is properly installed by lifting it slightly on the handle.
WARNING 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. Fasten the rotor if necessary.
Be sure to check all seals before starting any aerosol-tight applications.
See the information in the rotor instruction manual.

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Entering parameters
Note: Due to limited display digits there is a need to round the values. The direct comparison between the
two values speed and RCF is therefore restricted.
Select speed or RCF value
1. Press the key under the left display. When the lower indicator is lit the display shows the
speed. Press the key to toggle between the two modes.
2. When the upper indicator is lit the display shows the RCF value. Press the key to toggle
between the two modes.
Preselecting speed
1. Enter the desired value by pressing the key repeatedly, until the desired value shows.
You can adjust the speed in 100 rpm increments.
2. Press the key to confirm the preselected value.
If you do not press any key, the display flashes for a few seconds. The new preselected value is
now stored, and the display shows the actual value.
Note: The centrifuge speed can be set to a minimum of 300 rpm.
The maximum speed depends on the centrifuge variant.
Preselecting RCF
1. Enter the desired value by pressing the key repeatedly, until the desired value shows.
You can adjust the RCF preselected value in steps of 100 x g.
2. Press the key to confirm the preselected value.
If you do not press any key, the display flashes for a few seconds the new preselected value is now
stored, and the display shows the actual value.
Note: The RCF value can be set to a minimum of 100 x g.
The maximum speed depends on the centrifuge variant.
The displayed RCF value is always corresponding to the maximum of centrifuge radius.
RCF display
Speed display

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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.
Run time preselection
Note: You can select a run time between 1 and 99 min or continuous operation.
1. Enter the desired value by pressing the key below the display in the middle repeatedly, until
the desired value shows.
You can adjust the run time in steps of 1 min.
2. Press the key to confirm the preselected value.
If you do not press any key, the display flashes for a few seconds the new preselected value is now
stored, and the display shows the actual value.
Continuous operation
1. Press the key until hd is shown.
2. During continuous operation, the centrifuge will continue running until you stop it manually with
the key.
CAUTION Please note that the lifetime of particularly plastic rotor tubes is limited. Continuous
operation (extended use) may cause damage to them.

20 VWR MICRO STAR 17 / 17R ver c, rel 09.06.2020
Preselecting the temperature
You can determine the sample temperature in °C. Proceed as follows:
1. Enter the desired value by pressing the key under the right display repeatedly, until the
desired value shows.
You increase or decrease the temperature in steps of 1 °C.
2. Press the key to confirm the preselected value.
If you do not press any key, the display flashes for a few seconds the new preselected value is now
stored, and the display shows the actual value.
3. Restart the centrifuge.
The refrigeration starts operating if the pre-selected temperature is below the current temperature of the
rotor chamber.
Prewarming or precooling the centrifuge
In order to pretemp the centrifuge and the unloaded rotor proceed as follows:
1. Press the key.
An indicator above the key indicates operation at the activated pretemp function.
2. Enter the desired value by pressing the key under the right display repeatedly, until the
desired value shows.
You increase or decrease the temperature in steps of 1 °C.
3. Press the key.
The rotor will be operated at optimal speed.
Note: When you press a different key than the key you will quit the pretemp function.
Note: If you wish to change the temperature of your samples, please consider that the time required
for temperature adjustment is prolonged. For critical applications you should take other precautions
to ensure that the desired temperature is actually reached and maintained.
Changing the settings during the run
You can change the settings during the run as follows:
1. Press one of the three keys in the control panel.
The current value will switch into the preselecting value mode.
2. Enter the new value as described above.
3. Press the key.
The value is taken over immediately.