Frozen Centrifuge Maintenance and Servicing Instructions

Refrigerated centrifuge: Equipped with refrigeration, these centrifuges typically operate at around 4°C. The lowest temperature that such machines can achieve usually ranges from approximately -20°C to -9°C. As for high-capacity refrigerated centrifuges, their rotational speeds generally aren't very high—typically between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm. To ensure optimal speed and efficiency, it’s important to provide proper care and maintenance.

You might want to take a good look at these nine guidelines for the maintenance and care of refrigerated centrifuges:

1. When the instrument is not used for an extended period or during maintenance, the main power plug should be removed. Otherwise, the instrument will remain energized, which could easily lead to safety accidents, especially during maintenance.

2. To protect the refrigeration compressor, the interval between turning the freezer centrifuge off and on must be greater than 3 minutes; otherwise, the compressor may be damaged.

3. When not in use, the rotor should be removed from the centrifuge chamber and promptly cleaned and dried with a neutral detergent to prevent chemical corrosion. Store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not clean the rotor with non-neutral detergents, nor dry it using electric heating air blowers. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the central hole of the rotor for protection.

4. When using a centrifuge rotor, be sure to confirm that the rotor number you’ve set is correct and accurate. If the rotor number is set incorrectly, it could lead to over-speed operation of the rotor or failure to achieve the desired centrifugal effect. In particular, operating the rotor at excessive speeds may result in a serious accident—such as rotor rupture—which must never be taken lightly.

5. To ensure optimal freezing performance, when the ambient temperature exceeds 30℃, both the rotor and the centrifuge chamber should be pre-cooled. Additionally, the rotor speed should be reduced by 15% during operation.

6. Centrifuge tubes should be replaced regularly, and the use of centrifuge tubes that are on the verge of rupture is strictly prohibited.

7. Polypropylene (PP) centrifuge tubes (bottles) must not be used in contact with concentrated nitric acid (95%), aqua regia, toluene, benzene, gasoline, kerosene, diethyl ether, or similar substances. Polycarbonate (PC) centrifuge tubes (bottles) must not be used in contact with hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid (30% and 50%), sulfuric acid (10%), nitric acid (95%), aqua regia, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, ammonia solution, aluminum fluoride, ammonium sulfide, ammonium acetate, ammonium carbonate, sodium nitrate, chromic acid (50%), toluene, benzene, gasoline, acetaldehyde, acetone, ethanol, isobutanol, diethyl ether, or cresol, among others. Polyethylene (PE) centrifuge tubes (bottles) must not be used in contact with sulfuric acid (50% and 75%), benzene, gasoline, kerosene, or diethyl ether, among others.

8. Before each use, carefully inspect the rotor for any signs of corrosion or minute cracks. Do not use rotors that are corroded or have cracks, nor use rotors that have exceeded their shelf life, to ensure personal safety.

9. After centrifugation is complete, be sure to wipe dry any moisture remaining inside the centrifuge chamber. Every week, apply a small amount of neutral lubricating grease to the conical surface of the motor spindle to protect it and prevent the rotating shaft from rusting. If the centrifuge will not be used for an extended period, remove the rotor, clean it thoroughly, and store it in a dry place to avoid rusting.

The above information is provided by Luxiangyi Centrifuge Instrument Co., Ltd. Please cite the website source when reprinting.