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 6 of 22
(i) Swing out rotor (part number: 11180) takes a maximum of 1100g in each of the four buckets.
Maximum speed permitted is 4700rpm
(ii) Distribute the load symmetrically in the inserts within the buckets so that the rotor is evenly
balanced. It is essential that opposing 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. There should be no more than
100g difference between buckets next to each other
(iii) Avoid contaminating the outside of a sealed bucket. Never fill sample containers when they are
mounted in the centrifuge.
(iv) Place the buckets correctly on the trunions, at a slight angle, pointing into the middle. ALWAYS
insert all four buckets to ensure correct running of the centrifuge
(v) Close the lid of the centrifuge by firmly pressing it down. Ensure that this is accompanied by a
clicking sound. The lid will be locked once the centrifuge is put into operation.
5.2.2 Placing plates in the plate holder rotor
(i) Each plate holder takes a maximum of three plates, up to a total of 600g. The maximum speed
permitted with the rotor (part number: 11222) is 3000rpm
(ii) Place plates in holders so that they are diametrically (diagonally) balanced, not mirror images of
each other, i.e.:
