The product quality of centrifuges is just as important as user training on their proper use.

　　Key Summary: Centrifuge Several serious accidents have occurred during use; among the causes of these accidents were both product quality issues with the centrifuge and improper user practices.
　　The safety of centrifuges primarily involves two aspects: mechanical strength safety and electrical usage safety. As for the latter, as long as users follow the instructions in the user manual, accidents can be avoided. The topic of mechanical strength safety is rather broad, and most ordinary users don't have much opportunity to learn about it in detail. Among centrifuge accidents, the most serious—such as "head explosion" and shaft breakage—are generally related to the rotor. When using a centrifuge, users mainly interact with the rotor, and many accidents occur precisely because users handle the rotor improperly.
　　The centrifuge’s spindle rotation and indicator readings are normal, and the vacuum system is functioning and indicating properly. However, the temperature indicator is malfunctioning, and the automatic control system has failed. After powering on, the refrigeration system has not yet started, yet the temperature indicator shows -20°C. In reality, the chamber temperature is at normal room temperature. After a step-by-step inspection, it was discovered that the thermistor R is open-circuited, with its resistance reading infinitely high. Since the thermistor has a negative temperature coefficient, the higher its resistance, the lower the indicated temperature. We borrowed a thermistor from another unit of the same model centrifuge and measured its typical temperature-resistance characteristic curve. After careful screening, we selected a thermistor whose characteristics closely matched this curve. Using a standard resistor box, we adjusted the thermistor’s resistance. Through repeated adjustments, we finally connected the thermistor into the circuit and verified its accuracy using a thermometer; the discrepancy should be within 1–2°C.
　　Before starting the centrifuge, first disconnect the power supply and then loosen... Centrifuge Brake the machine and manually rotate the drum to check for any binding or seizing. Inspect other parts for looseness or abnormal conditions. Once power is connected, start the machine by turning it clockwise (typically, it takes about 40–60 seconds from a standstill to reach normal operating speed). Usually, after each piece of equipment is delivered to the site, it should be run empty for approximately 3 hours; only when no abnormalities are detected can it begin actual operation. Materials should be loaded as evenly as possible. The machine must be operated by a dedicated person, and the load must not exceed the rated capacity. It is strictly forbidden to run the machine at speeds higher than its rated maximum, as this could shorten its service life.
　　The centrifuges involved in the accidents include both imported and domestically produced models. Among these accidents, some resulted in “rotor explosions” (sudden rotor failure during operation), while others involved shaft fractures. When high-speed centrifuges are operated improperly, they can lead to catastrophic accidents that result in both machine damage and loss of life. Once a centrifuge is spinning at high speed, if an issue is detected, it’s already too late for us to take effective action—simply shutting down the machine cannot completely prevent an accident from occurring. The reason is that the enormous inertia of the rotor when it’s spinning at high speed prevents it from coming to an immediate stop. However, it’s important to note that as long as the centrifuge is operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the equipment itself is of reliable quality, such accidents can be entirely avoided.
　　After the centrifuge is started, if any abnormal conditions are detected, it must be stopped immediately for inspection and, if necessary, disassembled, cleaned, and repaired. During operation, the centrifuge runs at high speed; therefore, never touch its rotating drum with your body to avoid accidents. The mesh size of the filter cloth should be selected according to the particle size of the solid phase in the material being separated; otherwise, the separation efficiency will be compromised. Additionally, when installing the filter cloth, make sure to snap the sealing ring of the filter cloth into the sealing groove on the rotating drum to prevent material from leaking out. To ensure the centrifuge operates properly, lubricate and maintain its rotating parts every six months. At the same time, check the lubrication condition of the bearings for any signs of wear; inspect the components in the braking system for wear, and replace any severely worn parts promptly; also check whether there are oil leaks from the bearing covers. After use, thoroughly clean the machine and keep it tidy. Do not use non-corrosion-resistant centrifuges to separate materials that are highly corrosive. Furthermore, always operate the equipment strictly in accordance with its requirements and regulations—non-explosion-proof models... Centrifuge Do not use in flammable or explosive environments. For the separation of corrosive materials; also, strictly comply with explosion-proof regulations.