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 11 of 22
5.3.5.1 Using the Rapid cooling facility
Pre-cooling at a standstill may distort the measurement results and subsequently caused increased
wear of the mechanical components. The rapid cooling protocol pre-cools the centrifuge rapidly under
defined conditions.
(i) Turn the left rotary knob until “run” appears in the display
(ii) Select the option by pressing the right rotary knob. “Run” will now flash
(iii) Turn the right rotary knob until “PrC” is displayed
(iv) Press the right rotary knob or the start key to confirm the input. The display shows 1/3 of the
maximum rotor speed and the corresponding RCF value. The runtime field indicates “cont” and
the symbol “∞” for continuous run
(v) The program will only be loaded if the actual temperature is above the set temperature
(vi) The program runs until the set value is reached. Then, a sound signal is issued and the program
that was set previously will be re-loaded
5.4 Starting and Stopping the Centrifuge
Once the rotor is in place, the main switch turned on and the lid closed the centrifuge can be started.
(i) The centrifuge is ready for operation when the start key is illuminated.
(ii) Press the start key in order to start a centrifugation run.
(iii) Once the pre-selected time has come to an end the centrifuge slows down, comes to a stop,
opens the lid and emits an audible alarm
NOTE:
Refer to the operators manual for procedures for emergency (manual) lid release.
5.5 Preventative Maintenance
5.5.1. Rotor Care and Use
(i) If the rotor is not kept clean and chemicals remain on the rotor, corrosion will result. Moisture left
for extended periods of time can also initiate corrosion. It is important that the rotor is left clean
and dry after use. (Wash with mild detergent and warm water using a nylon bottle brush, if
necessary). Dry the rotor thoroughly and store upside down with the cover and tubes removed.
