FAQ

An angular or angle fixed rotor is a rotor whose cups are fixed at a certain non-variable angle. The tubes are held in the fixed position of the rotor while centrifuging.

In the case of an oscillating or swing out rotor, the rotor´s cups are free, which allows the cup to be positioned at 900, horizontal position, after the rotor acquires the speed at which it has been programmed.

The type of rotor, swing-out or angle fixed, is decisive in obtaining the result of the separation:

Recommendations:

Swing-out rotor:

• for tubes with larger capacities, e.g. 1 liter bottles
• for working with a greater number of tubes at the same time, e.g., 112 tubes of 15 ml.

Angle fixed rotor:

• for working at high speeds, e.g. at more than 30,000 xg

Yes, as long as the set of adapters required to work with the different tubes are the same for both, and that the rotor is balanced, symmetrically loading tubes of the same weight in opposite vessels:

Balanced:

If the rotor is not loaded to its maximum capacity, make sure that the loading has been done symmetrically, balancing the tubes of the same volume and weight in opposite vessels.

No, one set of reducers is sufficient. Our adapters are suitable for both types of conical tubes.

Tube breakage can occur due to several reasons:

• Exceeding Maximum Centrifugal Force (FCR) that the tube can withstand. It is important to consult the tube manufacturer to determine the maximum working g-force capacity so as to avoid programming above the maximum permitted values. Attention! glass centrifuge tubes typically cannot withstand relative centrifugal forces exceeding 3,000 xg

• Dimensions and tare weight (to be measured with empty tubes) of tubes out of tolerance: it is necessary to check that both the diameter and the length of the tubes allow the oscillation of the rotor to be carried out without difficulty.

• Absence, deterioration, or incorrect placement of adapters inside the rotor buckets: if the tube comes into contact with the aluminum of the buckets, the disparity in hardness between the two materials can cause the tube to break.

• Improperly loaded rotor: This occurs when the rotor buckets have been placed in the wrong position (either in the position of another bucket or with the wrong orientation). To avoid such situations all our buckets and rotors are numbered for a correct identification.

• Glass tubes must be handled with extreme care to prevent the development of small cracks during sample processing or washing as they can lead to breakage of the tube during the centrifugation process. When inserting glass tubes into rotor buckets, they should be gently slid in rather than dropped so as to prevent potential cracks at the base.

• ASTM and ISO tubes: Centrifuges conforming to ASTM and ISO standards present the particularity that the standards usually define the tubes that are to be processed as well as their dimensions, material and shape. In the manufacturing of tubes, it is rarely taken into account that the use that is going to be given to them is outside the application of the standard itself, therefore they are defined in such a way so as to follow the standards and not other processes.  These standards operate  at low speeds, and therefore, compared to other tubes commonly used in laboratory settings, they can be considered fragile.

In the event of tube breakage and as a maintenance method:

•  Thoroughly clean the equipment and its accessories; remove and clean the rotor and its parts, with special care to the rubber parts.
•  Clean the equipment according to the instruction manual.
•  Handle glass tubes with extreme care during the washing processe.

At the end of the process:

•  Remove the samples and transfer them to a reader or a cushioned bottom rack

Check that the rotor load is balanced, that is, that all tubes are of the same type and have been filled to the same capacity.

If necessary, complete the load with tubes filled with water, avoiding inserting empty tubes.

Causes of the imbalance stop:

• Tube breakage: In case of tube breakage, thoroughly clean the equipment and its accessories. The unbalance system is a safety device, after the alarm triggers it will show a message on the screen and after the confirmation, it will be possible to work normally with the equipment.
• Rotor not properly balanced: see point 3
• Work table not very stable or uneven
• Improper distribution of tubes and / or adapters: see point 3

• Check the rotor parts for scratches and bumps, check the rubber parts. In the event of deterioration of the rotor or its components, for safety, consult us on the feasibility of using them before continuing to work with them.
• Grease the rotor supports and check that they tilt freely.
• Clean the inside and outside of the equipment with non-abrasive products: see point 8
• Check that the air flow system is not obstructed to allow ventilation

• Every time a break occurs: review of moving parts, rubber, removal of waste (sample, glass, etc.)
• Weekly: general inspection
• Monthly: review of rubber and moving parts
• Anual: maintenance service

• Exterior cleaning: use a cloth dampened in a non-alkaline detergent, rinse and dry. Do not use abrasives.
• Chamber and back cover: remove the rotor and clean with a cloth dampened in a hydrochloric product, rinse and dry. It allows disinfection.
• Leave the lid open for complete drying.

Yes, due to the cooling process itself, when opening the chamber that is at a temperature below ambient, condensation occurs. Therefore, it is normal for small drops of water to appear inside as temperatures equalize.

To prevent that water or moisture from being transmitted to the electrical and electronic parts, it is recommended to pass an absorbent paper inside. At the end of the day, it is advisable to leave the lid slightly open to promote ventilation.

Use our configurator, contact our commercial department, or you can issue open inquiries through our contact form