1-3
Description
ROTOR CHAMBER
The rotor chamber is made of stainless steel to resist corrosion.
A rubber gasket around the chamber opening ensures sealing.
(Instrument gaskets have
not
been qualified as bioseals for aerosol
containment.)
VACUUM
The friction reduction system (FRS) uses a mechanical rotary vane
vacuum pump to reduce chamber pressure to approximately one-half
atmosphere. The pump turns on when the run is started, before rotor
friction reaches a high level. Vacuum in the chamber is vented auto-
matically during rotor deceleration.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The temperature control system cools by circulation of a non-CFC-
based refrigerant. The system is activated when the centrifuge power
is on and when the door is closed and latched.
A thermistor in the rotor chamber continuously monitors the chamber
temperature. The system calculates the chamber temperature required
to maintain the set rotor temperature, ±2°C. Although the chamber
temperature fluctuates during operation, the rotor’s large mass keeps
the sample temperature substantially constant. At the end of a run,
the system continues controlling the temperature for 30 minutes to
prevent freezing or overheating of the sample.
➠
NOTE
The system will always shut down using
maximum brake if the temperature goes
above 50°C.
