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 15 of 22
(ii)
Check Operator’s Manual to make sure that individual materials are resistant to this steam
treatment and for recommended sterilisation cycles.
(iii)
Notify the Laboratory Manager and record the action in the Preventative Maintenance of
centrifuges Record, refer to section 6.
After the Autoclave cycle:
(i)
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). .
CAUTION:
The life of the accessories essentially depends on the frequency of autoclaving and
use. Whenever the parts show changes in colour or structure or in the event of leaks etc., the
affected accessories MUST be replaced.
5.5.6. Glass Breakage
In case of glass breakage all glass particles must be carefully removed. Rubber inserts must be
carefully cleaned or replaced. If a problem has occurred, the following must be considered:
•
Glass particles in the rubber cushion will cause glass breakage again.
•
Glass particles in the centrifuge chamber will cause metal abrasion due to the strong air circulation.
This dust will not only pollute the centrifuge chamber, the rotor and the material to be centrifuged
but also damage the surfaces of the accessories, the rotors and the centrifuge chamber.
To completely remove the glass particles and the metal dust from the rotor chamber:
(i)
Grease the upper part of the centrifuge chamber.
(ii)
Then rotate the rotor for 5 minutes at a moderate speed. The glass and metal particles
will now collect at the greased part and can easily be removed with a cloth together with
the grease. If necessary repeat this procedure.
5.6 Centrifuge Malfunction/Faults
(i)
If any part of the equipment fails or malfunctions, including faults or defects, indicated by
vibration, noise or by failure to operate, the user should contact the Laboratory
Manager/Responsible Person. With permission of the Laboratory Manager or Responsible
Person the user should consult the Operator Instruction Manuals to access fault finding, error
displays and troubleshooting procedures.
CAUTION:
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE CENTRIFUGE YOURSELF
