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 13 of 22
5.5.3. Routine Checks of Rotors and Accessories
EVERY MONTH:
(i)
This is the responsibility of the housekeeper as part of the housekeeping duties.
(ii)
Check all of the safety-relevant parts of the centrifuge i.e. rotor and accessories, for any visible
signs of damage, wear/abrasion, malformation or discolouration (e.g. cracks, corrosion). If
visible damage of the surface, a crack, or corrosion, is detected the part (rotor, etc.) must be
replaced immediately.
NOTE:
Chemical reactions as well as stress-corrosion (combination of oscillating pressure and
chemical reaction) can affect or destroy the metals. Hardly detectable cracks on the surface
expand and weaken the material without visible signs.
(iii)
Check the concentricity of the motor shaft:
•
Visual inspection: Slowly rotate the rotor by hand without the rotor fastening nut. If the motor
shaft does not turn around on a perpendicular axis, the motor and motor shaft must be
replaced.
•
Refit the rotor correctly after visual inspection (Refer to Operators Manual - Installation of
Rotors and Accessories).
(iv)
Check the unit for atypical running noises.
(v)
Check that all screw connections are tight.
(vi)
Record the outcome of the operator inspection in the Preventative Maintenance of centrifuges
Record (Section 6). Consult the Responsible Person/Laboratory Manager if any signs of wear
and tear, damage or corrosion are detected
5.5.4. Centrifuge Cleaning
CAUTION: Unsuitable cleaning agents or disinfecting procedures not recommended by the
manufacturer may damage the centrifuge and its accessories.
NOTE:
Before any cleaning or decontamination process other than that recommended by the
manufacturer is applied, the user should contact the Laboratory Manager and/or the manufacturer to
ensure that the planned procedure does not damage the equipment.
(i) Any liquid spilt in the centrifuge should be removed immediately (refer to SOP038).
(ii) At the end of each day's use, clean and dry the inside of the centrifuge chamber, all parts of the
rotation assembly and any head accessories used. In order to reduce corrosion, inserts and
