CONTROLLED COPY
Centre for Biological Engineering
Standard Operating Procedure
SOP122
Title: Use and Maintenance of Sigma Refrigerated Centrifuge 3-16PK
Location:
CBE Laboratory Unit (H21/22)
Version 003
Effective Date: 26
th
June 2018
Review 26
th
June 2020
Written by: Victoria Workman
Reviewed by: P.Hourd
Approved by: R/I.Temple
Page 12 of 22
(ii) To avoid corrosion, do not expose aluminium rotor components to strong acids or bases, alkaline
lab detergents, or salts (chlorides) of heavy metals (e.g., caesium, lead, silver or mercury).
(iii) Check that the centrifuge chamber, drive spindle, and tapered mounting surface of the rotor are
clean and free of scratches or burrs.
CAUTION: Damaged rotors MUST NOT be used.
(iv) Wipe drive surfaces prior to installing the rotor.
(v) Make sure rotor, tubes, and spindle are dry and that the rotor is properly seated and secured to
the drive hub. Do not operate the centrifuge without the appropriate rotor cover securely fitted
with seals in place.
(vi) If the temperature of the chamber is below room temperature, pre-cool the rotor to the lower
temperature before securing the rotor (this will minimize the chance of it seizing to the tapered
spindle).
(vii) Never exceed the stated maximum speed for any rotor.
(viii) Balance the rotor to within the limits specified (take care that materials of similar densities are in
opposite positions of the rotor).
(ix) A service of the centrifuge is performed every 2 years. The report is filed in the equipment file.
5.5.2. Tube Care
(i) Before use, tubes should be checked for cracks. The inside of cups should be inspected for
rough walls caused by corrosion and adhering matter should be removed. Metal or plastic tubes
(other than nitrocellulose) should be used whenever possible.
(ii) Make sure each tube compartment is clean and corrosion free.
(iii) Tubes must be properly balanced in the rotor.
(iv) Check compatibility of the tube material to the solvent medium (some solvents may cause the
tubes to swell or crack in the rotor).
(v) Never fill centrifuge tubes above the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.
(vi) Use only correctly fitting tubes.
