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 5 of 22
(iii)
Make certain the rotor tie down nut is secure before starting the centrifuge. Check that the rotor
is seated on the drive hub correctly.
(iv)
Inspect the supporting lugs on the rotor; lubricate if required (use Sigma grease Part no. 70
284).
(v)
Fill sample containers only within the range recommended by the manufacturer. Never fill
sample containers when they are mounted in the centrifuge unless contained in a head
specifically designed for this method of filling.
(vi)
Distribute the load symmetrically around the rotation assembly so that it is evenly balanced and
complies with the manufacturer's instructions in this respect. Always consider all components
when balancing.
(vii)
Select a centrifuging speed up to the maximum recommended by the manufacturer according to
the head and accessories to be used or to the recommended reduced speed if the sample has
a high density.
(viii)
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for starting and (where the control is not automatic) for
increasing the speed of rotation.
(ix)
Make certain the rotor tie down nut is secure before starting the centrifuge. Check that the rotor
is seated on the drive hub correctly.
(x)
Make sure the bowl is dry and that the drive spindle is clean. In the event of condensation water
formation, dry the centrifugal chamber by wiping out with an absorbent cloth
5.2 Inserting and removing the rotor
NOTE: It is not permitted to use any other rotor other than those designated by the
manufacturer.
(i) Open the centrifuge by pressing the illuminated lid key
(i) Unscrew rotor tie-down screw from the motor shaft (anticlockwise).
(ii) Lower the rotor straight down onto the motor shaft.
(iii) Tighten the rotor tie-down screw clockwise with the supplied rotor wrench. In doing so, hold the
rotor at its outer rim.
(iv) Once a day or after approx. 20 cycles the rotor must be removed and then re-inserted. This
ensures a proper connection between rotor and shaft.
5.2.1 Placing the tubes in the swing-out rotor
