Sigma 2-5, Operating Instruction

Page: 42 / 55

Operating Manual SIGMA 2-5, page 42 of 55
03/06
6.1 Care and Cleaning of Centrifuge
Please use water-soluble, mild detergents for cleaning. Avoid corroding and
aggressive substances. Do not use alkaline solutions or solvents or agents with
abrasive particles. Before using detergents or decontamination agents which had
not been recommended by us, the user has to contact us to make sure that such
procedure would not damage the centrifuge.
Remove product particles from the rotor chamber using a cloth or paper towl. It is
recommended to open the cover when the centrifuge is not in use so that
moisture can evaporate. Increased wear of the motor bearings will thus be
avoided. If there is the risk of toxic, radioactive or pathogene
contamination, special safety measures must be kept.
6.2 Care and Cleaning of Accessories
For care of accessories special safety measures must be considered as these
are measures ensuring operational safety at the same time.
Chemical reactions as well as stress-corrosion (combination of oscillating pres-
sure and chemical reaction) can affect or destroy the metals. Hardly detectable
cracks on the surface expand and weaken the material without visible signs.
When detecting a visible damage of the surface, a crack, a mark or any other
change, also corrosion, the part (rotor, etc.) must be replaced immediately.
In order to avoid corrosion, rotor incl. tie-down screw and cover seal and
adapters must be cleaned and greased regularly with the supplied slushing oil
(Sigma part no.: 70104 for 20 ml slushing oil). Before using detergents or
decontamination agents which had not been recommended by us, the user has
to contact us to make sure that such procedure would not damage the centrifuge.
The rotor tie-down screw must be greased using grease (Sigma part no.: 70284).
Cleaning of accessories should be done outside of the centrifuge once a week or
preferably after every use. Adapters should be removed. After this the parts
should be dried with a soft cloth or, alternatively, in a drying chamber at approx.
50 °C. If there is the risk of toxic, radioactive or pathogene contamination,
special safety measures must be kept.
Especially aluminium parts are extremely corrosive. A neutral cleaning detergent
with a pH-value between 6 and 8 should be used for such parts. Alkaline agents
exceeding pH 8 must be avoided. Especially aluminium parts must be greased
regularly with slushing oil. This procedure essentially increases life time and
reduces corrosion.
Careful maintenance increases life time and avoids premature failure of the rotor.
Corrosion or resultant damages which are caused by insufficient care do not
constitute a warranty claim.