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 18 of 22
B.1.4.2 Fill sample containers and head accessories only within the range recommended by the
manufacturer and avoid contamination outside the seal of a sealed head or sealed bucket.
Never fill sample containers when they are mounted in the centrifuge unless contained in a
head specifically designed for this method of filling.
B.1.4.3 Distribute the load symmetrically around the rotation assembly so that it is evenly balanced
and complies with the manufacturer's instructions in this respect. If more than one sample
container is placed in a bucket, use an appropriate insert to ensure their correct positioning.
It is essential that balancing buckets carry an identical load, and in particular are filled with a
liquid of density not grossly dissimilar to that being centrifuged. Always consider all
components (e.g. inserts and trunnion rings) when balancing.
B.1.4.4 Select a centrifuging speed up to the maximum recommended by the manufacturer
according to the head and accessories to be used or to the recommended reduced speed if
the sample has a high density (i.e. above 1200 kg/m
3
).
B.1.4.5 Follow the manufacturer's instructions for starting and (where the control is not automatic)
for increasing the speed of rotation.
B.1.4.6 Allow the rotation assembly to come to rest before attempting to open the centrifuge lid.
NEVER
attempt to slow down a head by hand.
B.1.5
Maintenance
B.1.5.1 any liquid spilt in the centrifuge should be removed immediately.
B.1.5.2 At the end of each day's use of the centrifuge, 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 adaptors should be removed after use to allow adequate
cleaning and drying. Ensure that the manufacturer's recommendations on cleaning materials
are followed.
B.1.5.3 periodically inspects the clean and dry rotation assembly for any signs of corrosion or
mechanical defect. If such signs are seen, do not use it until advice has been obtained from
the manufacturer or his representative.
B.1.5.4 It is advisable to have the centrifuge heads, buckets and accessories checked by the
manufacturer's representative, at the recommended intervals.
B.1.6
Procedures after disruption of the rotation assembly.
B.1.6.1 Whenever a mechanical failure (other than the simple breakage of sample containers) of any
part of the rotation assembly is suspected to have occurred, the procedure detailed in
B.1.6.2 to B.l.6.5 is the simplest procedure that should be followed. (For hazardous
materials, a more extensive procedure applies.)
B.1.6.2 Immediately isolate the centrifuge from the electrical supply. Do not attempt to open the
centrifuge chamber until at least 30 minutes after all motion has ceased.
