Thermo Electron SORVALL RC3BP, Operating Instructions Manual

Page: 54 / 64

RC3 BP™ Maintenance
5-5
4. Press START. Using a stopwatch, begin timing precisely as
the RUN TIME display counts down to 13:20; then stop
timing precisely as the RUN TIME display counts down to
00:00.
The stopwatch should read between 13:15 to 13:25, representing
13:20
±
0.5% (4 seconds) plus an additional second to allow for
cumulative human error. If necessary, repeat this procedure at
other time ranges that are commonly used in your protocols.
Temperature Controls
When verifying temperature control, all test run conditions
(TEMP, SPEED, TIME, ROTOR and option selections) should
match your required protocol(s). Test fluid must be at the same
volume and temperature as the actual sample (use a calibrated
thermometer to confirm), and the SET temperature and tem-
perature of all parts of the rotor assembly must match also
(ideally, all components would have been stored in the same
controlled-temperature area overnight, but if that is not pos-
sible, you can precool or preheat the rotor as required).
Immediately after the test run is performed, check test fluid
temperature using the same thermometer that was used before
the run.
1. Choosing a commonly used protocol with the longest run
time, set the centrifuge run parameters.
2. Equilibrate the rotor chamber and the temperature of all
rotor parts (include any tubes, bottles, or adapters to be
used) to the desired sample temperature.
3. Prepare two equal loads of test fluid (similar in volume to
normal run samples) equilibrated to the desired sample
temperature – check the sample temperature using a cali-
brated thermometer (such as a Fluke 51 K/J or equivalent).
NOTE
Test fluid must be compatible with aluminum and
have a freezing point below the desired sample
temperature.
4. Load and balance the rotor according to the instructions in
the rotor manual.
5. Install the rotor in the chamber and close the chamber door.
6. Press START – during the run, the RUN display tempera-
ture should be within 2
°
of the SET display temperature.