centrifugation guide - eppendorf

Centrifugation GuideHow to maintain your centrifuge

This Centrifugation Guide does not replace an operating manual.

Always refer to the operating manual of your centrifuge before operation.

Content1 Introduction 4

2. Basics in centrifugation 5

2.1 Important definitions 6–7

2.2 How to select the right centrifuge for your application 8–18

2.3 Centrifugation: Step by step 19–24

3 Details of Eppendorf centrifuges 25–32

4 Centrifuge safety 33

4.1 Centrifuge set-up 34

4.2 Safety 35–39

5 Maintenance 40

5.1 Cleaning and disinfection 40–45

5.2 Recommended routine maintenance 46–47

5.3 Detailed inspection of rotor, bucket, and adapters 48–54

5.4 Log-file for maintenance 55

5.5 Eppendorf centrifuge and rotor performance plan 56–57

6 Troubleshooting 58

6.1 Fuses 58

6.2 Emergency lid release 59

7. Appendix 60

7.1 Conversion table for rpm/ rcf (nomogram) 60

7.2 k-Factors and centrifugation times 61–62

7.3 Index 63

7.4 Capacity and usage of Eppendorf centrifuges 64–65

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Intr

oduc

tion

1 Introduction

Being in the centrifuge business for many decades now, we would like to share our experience with you. This centrifugation guide shall help you to answer the most important questions regarding centrifugation, i.e., essential details you should know when dealing with centrifugation. Important safety issues will be discussed, and we will provide some theoretical background information as well.

For any additional questions regarding your Eppendorf centrifuge equipment, please feel free to contact your Eppendorf customer service or your local sales representative team – they will take care of your issue.

Sincerely yours,Eppendorf centrifuge team

You may find additional information online: www.eppendorf.com/centrifugation

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2 Basics in Centrifugation

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The centrifuge works by using the sedimentation principle, substances are separated according to their density under the influence of g-force. There are different types of separation known such as isopyknic, ultra-filtration, density gradient, phase separation, pelleting, etc.

Pelleting is the most common application for centrifuges. Here, particles are concentrated as a pellet at the bottom of the centrifuge tube and separated from the remaining solution, called supernatant. During phase separation, chemicals are converted from a matrix or an aqueous medium to a solvent (for ad-ditional chemical/molecular biological analysis). In ultrafiltration, macro molecules are purified, separated and concentrated by using a membrane. Isopyknic centrifugation is done by a „self-generating” density gradient which is established via equilibrium sedimen-tation. This method concentrates the anal matches that of the surrounding solution. Protocols for centrifuga-tion typically specify the relative centrifugal force (rcf), the degree of acceleration in multiples of g (g-force). Working with the rotational speed such as revolutions per minute (rpm) is rather imprecise.

Supernatant

liquid

Pellet

Centrifugation is a technique which helps to separate mixtures by applying centrifugal force. A centrifuge is a device, generally driven by an electric motor, that puts an object, e.g. a rotor, in a rotational movement around a fixed axis.

Precipitate (Pellet) stands for the concentrated particles in a tube after successful centrifugation.

Supernatant names the remaining solution above the pellet.

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2.1 Important Definitions

h

r

rmax

In general, it is given by:where„rcm“ is the rotational radius measured in centimeters (cm)

„nrpm“ is the rotating speed measured in revolutions per minute (rpm).

Why?

As the motion of the rotor is circular, the acceleration force is calculated as the product of the radius and the square of the angular velocity. By history named as „Relative centrifugal force“ (rcf), it is the measurement of the acceleration applied to a sample within a circular movement. This process is measured in units of gravity („× g“).

In general, applications for centrifugation specify the degree of acceleration to be applied to the sample, rather than specifying a specific rotational speed such as revolutions per minute. The acceleration is typically given in gravity [× g] (or multiples of × g or g-force), the standard acceleration value due to gravity at the Earth’s surface (9.81 m/ s2). The distinction between rpm and rcf is important, as two rotors with different diameters running at the same rotational speed (rpm) will result in different accelerations (rcf).

where„r“ is the max. rotational radius,„n“ is the rotating speed, measured in

revolutions per unit of time,„g“ is the earth’s gravitational acceleration.

When defining the rotational speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) and the rotational radius is given in centimeters (cm), the above formula becomes

rcf = (4 × π2 × r × n2)/ g = (39.48 × r × n2)/ 9.81 m/s2

= (4.02 s2/m) × r × n2

= (0.000011175 min2/ cm) × r × n2

and finally

rcf = rmax × (2 × π × n)2/ g

rcf = 1.118 × 10–5 × rcm × n2rpm

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2.1 Important Definitions

As mentioned, when using rotors of different radius for centrifugation, the same rcf (g-force) should be used.

Example (by using the formula mentioned above):

MiniSpin® plus: Speed 14,000 rpmRadius 5.98 cm=> 13,100 × g

Centrifuge 5430 R: Speed 14,000 rpmRadius 9.50 cm=> 20,817 × g

Both centrifuges can spin a rotor with 1.5/ 2 mL tubes at the same speed (14,000 rpm) but the acceleration applied to the samples is very different: 13,100 × g versus 20,817 × g, resulting in different results.

To make life easier and to enable a better reproduc-ibility of the data, all current Eppendorf centrifuges (excl. MiniSpin) have buttons for automatic conversion between rpm and rcf. If your centrifuge does not have a rpm-rcf converter, you may use the formula, the rpm-rcf converter on the Eppendorf homepage, or a nomogram for conversion (see Appendix, page 60).

The k-factor is a parameter for the sedimentation distance in a test tube. The factor is also called clearing factor, representing the relative pelleting efficiency of a centrifugation system at maximum rotational speed. In general, the k-factor value is used to estimate the time t (in hours) required for complete sedimentation of a sample fraction with a known sedimentation coefficient, measured in s (svedberg).

A small k-factor represents a more rapid separation. The value of the k-factor is primarily determined by the rotor diameter. Compared to rpm/rcf, the usage of the k-factor has become less important for general centrifu-gation processes. Especially for ultracentrifu gation, the k-factor is still relevant. More details about the k-factor are listed in the Appendix, pages 60-62.

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2.2 How to Select the Right Centrifuge for Your Application

A: Type of sampleB: Vessel selectionC: Type of centrifugeD: Type of rotorE: Determination of desired Relative Centrifugal ForceF: Defined temperature during centrifugation

If you follow a given protocol, make sure to use the same type of rotor and apply the given relative centrifugal force (rcf), same temperature, and running time. In general, the following major parameters have to be determined for a successful centrifugation run:

There is a broad range of samples where a centrifugation step during processing is mandatory. Focusing on biomedical research areas, there are only a few limitations regarding the nature of samples: Eppendorf centrifuges are designed for centrifugation of material with a maximum density of 1.2 g/ mL at maximum speed and volume and/or load. Explosive and/or inflammable substances are not to be centrifuged (e.g. risk of frictional heat). Based on the declaration concerning the ATEX directive (94/9/EC):

> Do not operate the centrifuge in rooms where work is being carried out with explosive substances.

> Do not use the centrifuge to process any explosive or highly reactive substances.

> Do not use the centrifuge to process any substance which could create an explosive atmosphere.

A. Type of sample

The final decision with regard to the risks connected with the use of such substances is the responsibility of the user. This information is given in any operating manual of all Eppendorf centrifuges. When using organic chemical solvents for your sample, we recommend to check the chemical resistance of the centrifuge equipment. In part „C“ of this chapter you will find an overview of the chemical resistance of anodized aluminum and stainless steel as typical materials used for rotors and the rotor chamber.

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Hazardous samplesInformation given in this section represents general recommendations only. Please consult your own lab safety officer for exact safety procedures regarding hazardous samples.

When handling hazards to health, toxic liquids, or pathogenic microorganisms out of Risk Group II (see World Health Organization: „Laboratory Biosafety Manual“), observe national regulations. We strongly recommend the usage of aerosol-tight rotors and buck-ets to avoid contamination of the lab.Eppendorf believes in aerosol-tight lids made of alu-minum to maximize your safety. Plastic lids can break, resulting in potential contamination of your equipment, your lab, and yourself.

For good laboratory practice, we strongly recommend to follow strict procedures when working with hazard-ous samples.

Aerosol-tightnessAs there are more and more regulations regarding labor protection as well as pollution control the usage of aerosol-tight equipment becomes more and more common.A broad range of activities, such as filling your cen-trifuge tubes, removing caps or lids from tubes after centrifugation, removing the supernatant liquid and afterwards resuspending the pellets, can cause release of aerosols into the laboratory environment.

We recommend to prepare your samples within a Biological Safety Cabinet, using Eppendorf Safe-Lock tubes (if sample volume fits) and aerosol-retaining tips like the ep Dualfilter T.I.P.S.® with two layers of different filters. The special aerosol-tight rotors can be filled with the sample tubes directly within the Biological Safety Cabinet, being closed with the rotor lid, and then trans-ferred to the centrifuge. After the run, the closed rotor is removed from the centrifuge and is opened again within the Biological Safety Cabinet.

Hazardous samples cover a broad range of samples. You should differentiate clearly between biological hazardous samples like virus, bacteria, or human body liquid containing samples (like blood) on the one side and radioactive or dangerous chemicals on the other side

Two-phase filter protection with ep Dualfilter T.I.P.S.®

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The aerosol-tightness of the rotor should be certified by an external institution such as Public Health England, Porton Down, UK.

For a better identification of aerosol-tight and non-aerosol-tight rotors (besides the designation like FA-xx versus F-xx), Eppendorf introduced a new color code for aerosol-tight rotors recently: the red knob of the ro-tor lid symbolizes aerosol-tightness - easy to recognize.

In the event of contamination caused by impurities or aggressive agents, the rotor must be cleaned immedi-ately using a neutral cleaning liquid. This is particularly important for the bores of a fixed-angle rotor and for the buckets. More details are listed within the chapter „Maintenance“ (see page 40) .

To select the appropriate type of vessel (tube, plate, bottle, slide, cell culture flask, etc.), you have to consider the type of sample, volume, and vessel material. The given sample volume needs to be processed in appro-priate vessel sizes. Vessel materials differ in their abil-ity to withstand centrifugal forces and their resistance to chemicals.

Check vessels for max. g-forceEnsure that all tubes, bottles, and adapters are only used within their specified limits recommended by the manufacturer. The Centrifuges 5430/ 5430 R accelerate up to 30,000 × g, but not all micro test tubes are approved for these high g-forces. Your sample safety is directly related to the stability and quality of the tube structure as well as to the plastic surfaces.

We recommend to use a refrigerated centrifuge as these devices offer additional safety: The rotor chamber is almost completely sealed as opposed to a non-refrigerated centrifuge where the air flows through continuously.

B. Vessel selection

Tube or bottle failures during centrifugation can result in loss of your sample as well as in minor to severe damage to rotors and centrifuge.

The recovery rate of DNA and RNA strongly depends on the plastic surface, only special surfaces (smart consumables) like DNA LoBind enable a nearly 100 % recovery rate.

Different vessel materials are available such as poly-propylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, regular glass, Duran glass, etc. Every centrifuge tube should be supported as much as possible during centrifugation by means of rotor and adapters. Damaged or deformed tubes are not to be centrifuged. PCR plates, standard plates, or Deepwell plates in SBS-format can be centri-fuged as well.

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When choosing your vessel material, you should consider the following facts:

When using organic solvents (e.g. phenol, chloroform), the density of plastic vessels can be reduced by chemi-cal interaction, i.e. the vessels could get damaged. Follow the manufacturer’s information about the chemical and centrifugational resistance of vessels.

Glass vessels can often be used several times, have a high resistance against chemicals and should be applied with adapters and rubber mats. In case of glass breakage, a careful and extensive cleaning of the equipment is mandatory to prevent damage in subsequent runs. Limitations for glass vessels are the max. rcf they can withstand, e.g. Duran-made vessels are recommended for up to 4,000 × g.

Polypropylene (PP) is often used for one time usage. This material tends to be very resistant against chemi-cals and can even be autoclaved. This material has a higher centrifugational resistance than polystyrene. For example, PP-made 50 mL conical tubes can be centrifuged with up to 16,000 × g whereas Polystyrene-made tubes of the same size are usually limited to a much lower g-force, depending on the supplier. Micro test tubes can withstand up to 30,000 × g or even 70,000 × g in special form-fitting rotor types (both depending on the supplier).

Polystyrene (PS) is commonly used for cell culture flasks. The material is less often used for centrifugation tubes. PS vessels are not autoclavable and have very limited chemical resistance. Their benefit is located in the surface properties (especially for cell culture plates) and the price.

Polycarbonate (PC) tubes are very often used for centrifugation. Some Oak Ridge vessels are made of PC. PC is a transparent material (ability to transmit light similar to glass). Vessels made of PC have a high impact strength, a good heat resistance, and a good dimensional and color stability. Please follow instructions of manufacturer regarding their chemical resistance and their re-utilization.

PTFE-(Polytetrafluoroethylene)-made tubes are ideal for high-speed centrifugation steps (e.g. 50,000 × g) of aggressive chemicals (incl. chloroform and phenol), being resistant against any acid, base, or solvent. These tubes are autoclavable and withstand temperatures from –100 °C to +150 °C.

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Floor-standing centrifuges

Floor-standing centrifuges free up bench space but need at least one square meter of lab floor space. They are a good choice for high-speed or high-capacity protocols. You can choose between ultracentrifuges, super-speed, and low-speed floor-standing centrifuges.An ultracentrifuge is a device for real high speed. These refrigerated centrifuges have an evacuated chamber to enable a rotational speed of up to 150,000 rpm. The g-force is about 300,000 to 1,000,000 × g. Special vessels are necessary which are placed within the rotor or attached to a special rotor. When g-forces of 40–60,000 × g are needed, super-speed floor-standing centrifuges are to be used. Low-speed floor-standing devices are generally used for applications like cell culture or blood with a few hundred or thousand rcf as maximum g-force.

C. The centrifuge

Bench-top centrifugesBench-top centrifuges are available in different sizes:

Microcentrifuges are optimized for low volume tubes, have a small footprint and provide 14-30,000 × g for up to 48 micro tubes. Some devices can even be used for a few 15 or 50 mL conical tubes or 2 SBS-format plates. Many suppliers offer non-refrigerated and refrigerated versions and different sizes of devices based on their capacity of tubes (e.g., Eppendorf family concept of Centrifuge 5418/ 5418 R, 5424/ 5424 R, and 5430/ 5430 R).

In general, centrifuges are classified either as floor-standing or bench-top models.

Centrifuge 5418 Centrifuge 5702 Centrifuge 5810

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Multipurpose centrifuges

The third group of bench-top devices are the multi-purpose centrifuges. Offering a bigger rotor chamber, a broad range of rotors can be used (high versatility). In addition to a flexible rotor system, specific adapter systems enable usage of a high variety of all different kinds of tubes and bottles (from 0.2 mL to 1,000 mL) as well as plates. The maximum speed strongly depends on the vessel characteristics.

Chemical resistance of equipment

On the next page you will find an overview of the chemical resistance of anodized aluminum and stain-less steel as typical materials used for rotors and the rotor chamber. Chemical resistance data result from evaluations performed by Eppendorf. Short exposure to chemicals is not likely to cause any damage. Spills should be cleaned immediately, although material resistance of anodized aluminum is very good. Please keep in mind as a basic rule: Avoid getting rotors in contact with aggressive chemicals. These chemicals include concentrated and mild alkalis, concentrated acids, solutions containing mercury ions, copper ions and other heavy-metal ions, chlorinated hydrocarbons and concentrated saline solutions. Centrifuges of other suppliers may behave in a different way. Please refer to national safety regulations when working with chemicals.

Example of swing-bucket rotor with 4 x 1 liter bottles

Example of swing-bucket rotor for tubes and plates

Example of fixed-angle rotor for 15/50 mL conical tubes

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Within the following table, some chemical resistance data is included. The information is based on references, literature, or from research done by Eppendorf. As this is only a guide, no guarantee of safety based on these recommendations is expressed or implied.

Anodized aluminum Stainless steel

Acetic acid U U

Acetone S* M

Acetonitrile S* S

Ammonium hydroxide U S

Blood (For Research use only) S M

Carbon tetrachloride Y U

Chloroform Y U

Diethyl ether S S

DMSO S* S

Ethanol S S

Ethyl acetate M M

Formaldehyde M M

Hydrochloric acid U U

Hydrogen peroxide U U

Isopropyl alcohol S S

Phenol S* U

Sodium hypochlorite U M

Sodium hydroxide U S

Sulfuric acid U U

Toluene S S

Trichloroacetic acid U U

Urea S M

S = Satisfactory resistance; M = Marginal resistance; U = Unsatisfactory resistance

Y = Risk of explosion risk in case of rotor failure; * slight discoloration

D. Type of Rotor

Centrifuge rotors are made of different materials. In general, there are two main groups: aluminum-made rotors and plastic/ carbon-made rotors.Aluminum has a high structural safety and strength-to-weight ratio (compared to plastic), a longer lifetime (compared to plastic), and a higher thermal conductivity for fast temperature adjustments (compared to plastic and carbon).Plastic rotors are cheaper to produce and their weight can be lower than aluminum-made rotors (size-dependent). They often have a shorter service time than aluminum-made rotors.

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Fixed-angle rotor

The obvious advantage is the lack of moving parts in the rotor. This results in lower metal stress (longer life time), a higher maximum g-force is possible and for many applications, faster centrifugation times can be realized. The limited capacity (less flexibility) of the fixed-angle rotor is the only drawback. The position of the pellet strongly depends on the angle of the tube, it is located from the side to the bottom of the tube when spinning. Most rotors have a 45° angle for the tubes. The larger the angle for the tubes, the tighter the pellet. Smaller rotor angles result in more spread out pellet areas.

Swing-bucket rotor

This kind of rotor enables a high flexibility for different tube formats, including SBS-format plates, based on a broad range of adapter systems and a high sample capacity.The moving swing-bucket parts result in increased metal stress for the rotor and the buckets as the bucket weight is burden on the two pivots and grooves. There-fore, compared to a fixed-angle rotor, a swing-bucket rotor is limited to a lower maximum g-force which leads to longer centrifugation times.

Based on the swing-bucket principle, the pellet is located in the bottom of the tube (horizontal position of tube during the run). The recovery by the user is facilitated compared to pellets located at the side of the tube.

Fixed-angle rotor Swing-bucket rotor

Drum rotors can be used for samples to be centrifuged in a horizontal position like in a swing-bucket rotor, but with higher g-forces. The pellet formation occurs at the tube bottom.

Fixed-angle or swing-bucket rotors

Most common in laboratory centrifugation are either fixed-angle or swing-bucket rotors. Only a few applications require special rotors such as continuous flow rotors, drum rotors, etc. Flow-through rotors enable a continuous flow collection of precipitates. These systems are used e.g. in harvesting of fermenters or for juice production in the food industry. Special customized versions, optimized for the specific application, are necessary.

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Adapter selection

As there are many more different vessel sizes available than rotor types, individual adapters are available to adapt smaller vessels to larger rotor or bucket bore-holes.There are several aspects to think about when choosing the right adapter:> Which g-force (check radius, see part E)?> How many tubes?> Which bottom shape?> Length of tube?> Diameter of tube?> Aerosol-tightness?

Conical tube adapter Round/flat bottom tube adapter with rubber mat

Use of Adapter

Be careful when considering the length of the tubes. In general, tube lids must not be in contact with the adapter surface (excl. micro tubes) as this would indicate that the tube is not correctly supported on the bottom („hanging tube“). There would be a high risk of torn off lids after the centrifugation run as the g-force would be focused on the lid instead of the complete tube structure. The tube should be supported by the adapter by about 75 % to 85 % of its length.

There are two types of adapters available: one-piece versions and modular versions.The one-piece adapters (mono block) are designed for higher g-forces whereas the modular concept allows optimal support of different tube heights.

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Eppendorf rotor code

Information about the rotor, such as tube angle, number of tubes, or diameter of tubes is integrated in the rotor name. Examples:

Some amendments indicate specific applications, e.g.

> Kit (special rim for spin columns) > HS (high speed) > PCR (for PCR strips/ tubes) > Special (PTFE*-coated, higher chemical resistance)> Cryogenic vials > MTP (plates in SBS format) > DWP (Deepwell plate format)> MTP/ Flex (plates in SBS format, better access to

adapter)*PTFE = Polytetrafluoroethylene

The printed material code on the rotor (e.g. A002), is not relevant for the user. The maximum speed is given in rpm, the maximum weight per borehole or bucket in grams.The centrifuge type to be used with the rotor is printed on the rotor. Red markings on the lid screw and around the rotor-cone symbolize aerosol-tightness of the fixed-angle rotor.

FA-45-30-11F = Fixed-angle rotorA = Aerosol-tight version45 = Angle of adapter bore30 = Max. no. of tubes/ adapters11 = Max. diameter of tube/ adapter in mm

A-4-81A = Swing-bucket rotor4 = Max. no. of buckets81 = Max. diameter of tube/ adapter in mm

Aerosol-tight fixed-angle rotor

Eppendorf is gradually switching to new rotor codes. They will be used for new centrifuges. The rotor codes will be structured as follows:Examples:

FA-48x2F = Fixed-angle rotorA = Aerosol-tight version48 = Angle of adapter bore2 = Max. tube volume in mL

S-4x750S = Swing-bucket rotor4 = Max. no. of buckets750 = Max. tube volume in mL

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All recent Eppendorf centrifuges have keypads for automatic conversion between rpm and rcf for the basic rotor.

The optimal g-force for your sample strongly depends on the type of sample. In general, you can state the following for the g-force in decreasing order: virus particles, cell organelles > DNA > RNA > protein > cell culture, blood samples, environmental samples, urine, cell separation.

rpmrcf

Information about the radius of a specific adapter is available in the Eppendorf catalog and in the operating manual of the centrifuge.

E. Determination of desired Relative Centrifugal Force

We recommend to check individually by refering to scientific literature as there are no general and exact rules available. In general, when using special adapters, you need to decrease the selected radius setting as the tube with adapter is located nearer to the center of the rotor than without adapter. Without reducing the radius setting, you would run your sample with a lower g-force than displayed.

rcf influences running time and quality of pellets and is determined by type of sample, tube, rotor, speed, and centrifuge. When using rotors of different radius to spin a particular tube, please use the same rcf instead of the same rpm.

Depending on the sample, maintaining defined tem-peratures during centrifugation can be required. The sample needs to be kept under optimal temperature conditions to avoid denaturation, degradation, or even complete loss. For example, RNA samples should be handled at 4 °C whereas an eukaryotic cell suspen-sion should be in general centrifuged at least at room temperature.

Different types of centrifuges match these needs:

Non-refrigerated centrifuges have small footprints for the personal bench area (microcentrifuges). As they operate at room temperature, samples warm up during the run. Eppendorf non-refrigerated centrifuges will open the lid after the run (optional de-activation of function for some devices), as the chamber will be warmer than the surrounding air (frictional heat).

In contrast, refrigerated centrifuges will keep the lid closed after the run to prevent samples from being warmed up (continuous cooling).

Refrigerated centrifuges have a footprint-consumptive compressor package on the back or on the side of the

F. Defined temperature during centrifugation

rotor chamber for active cooling. Depending on the efficiency of the compressor, it will take a longer or shorter time period to cool down the centrifuge to the desired temperature (mostly 4 °C). It also is important to keep the selected temperature constant even during long high-speed runs.

Eppendorf centrifuges are optimized for high tempera-ture accuracy inside the rotor. A patented compressor technology enables dynamic control for precise cooling performance and extended compressor life.

Most refrigerated models provide a „fast cool“ (Fast-Temp) function. It’s used to cool down the centrifuge chamber to the desired temperature before you insert and spin your samples. The FastTemp function saves time and improves sample quality.

For special applications some centrifuges can actively heat the sample to keep it at an elevated temperature, e. g., at 37 °C.

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2.3 Centrifugation: Step by Step

Always read the operating manual first. Although intuitive menu settings and similar key orientation simplifies direct and fast adoption, there are always minor different features between centrifuge classes.Teach your team at least the basic rules of centrifugation; everyone knows the stories about „You remember, that very rookie trying to,…, moving centrifuge and damaged…“.

Place and fix rotor on the rotor drive shaft securely. When using a fixed-angle rotor, check if tubes fit well into rotor (You might need to support tubes with adapters). When using swing-bucket rotors, check if the buckets opposite of each other belong to the same weight class, e.g. 58 (either check engraving or balance).

A. Read operating manual

B. Choose appropriate rotor

Never spin with empty bucket slots as this may result in heavy rotor cross damage due to unbalanced forces. A swing-bucket rotor has to be used with all positions occupied with buckets.

Weight class

Always tighten the rotor cross securely

If other people use your centrifuge, make sure that everything installed in the rotor chamber is fixed and ready-to-use.

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C. Select parameters of centrifugation

> Running time (up to „endless runs“)> rcf (rpm)> Temperature inclusive pre-cool function

(with refrigerated centrifuges only)> Acceleration and deceleration ramps

(if centrifuge offers these features)> „At set rpm“ (if centrifuge offers this feature: timer

starts when 95 % of preset g-force (rcf) or speed is reached)

For swing-bucket rotors make sure the buckets swing out smoothly. If not, clean the pivots and the grooves and apply grease. For more details, check „Maintenance“ (see page 42).

If necessary, support tubes with adapters and check if tube length allows buckets to swing out in horizontal position. When using aerosol-tight buckets, check if tube length fits with the lid.

Make sure that buckets are properly hooked. Except of Rotor A-4-62, which needs a complete set of equal buckets (e.g. MTP or rectangular buckets), most other Eppenborf swing-bucket rotors can be used in a mixed loading configuration. Rotors A-4-81, S-4-104, S-4x750 and S-4x1000 can be used with a pair of plate buckets in combination with a pair of rectangular/round buckets.

Do not exceed maximum load of rotor, check for information on each rotor referring to maximum load (bucket + adapters + tubes + samples).

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D. Load centrifuge

Balance your tubes regarding their weight. The rotor must be loaded symmetrically which means opposing tubes should be of the same type and should be filled equally.

When pelleting DNA/ RNA in a micro test tube, the cap hinge of the tube should be positioned facing outwards of the rotor. This will help you to easily locate the posi-tion of your DNA/ RNA pellet even when it is invisible. You are then able to discard the supernatant without disturbing the pellet.

Fixed-angle rotor for conical tubes

Finally, fasten the provided rotor lid or the aerosol-tight cap of the buckets securely. The Centrifuge 5418/ R and Centrifuge 5424/ R can be operated without a rotor lid (OptiBowl®-concept). More details about the design for whisper quiet operations are available in chapter „Details of Eppendorf Centrifuges“. When working without the rotor lid, keep lids of micro test tubes closed.

When working with a swing-bucket rotor which is not completely loaded, position the tubes within the buckets in such a pattern that the rotor pivots are stressed evenly (as shown on the next page).

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Fixed-angle rotor for small conical tubes

Fixed-angle rotor for micro tubes

Swing-bucket rotor for plates

Swing-bucket rotor for conical tubes

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E. Start centrifugation after closing centrifuge lid

Wait in front of the device until the selected speed is reached. If there is excess noise or vibration stop the centrifuge immediately and check for imbalance and broken vessels.

F. After the run

The acoustic signal indicates the completion of a centrifugation run. This feature is optional for most Eppendorf centrifuges and can be switched off, if de-sired. Remove your tubes with samples and switch the non-refrigerated centrifuge into standby to save energy. If you want to use your refrigerated device again within the next hours in a refrigerated mode, close the centri-fuge lid. The continuous cooling feature will maintain the programmed temperature. The ECO shut-off function (in certain models) engages after 8 hours of non-use to reduce energy consumption and extend compressor life.Although the standby function already minimizes the power consumption, we recommend switching-off the device if you do not need it for a longer time period. Keep the centrifuge lid open to unburden the hinge and the springs of the lid. Wipe out potential condensate. All our current refrigerated microcentri-fuges have a built-in condensation drain to eliminate water accumulation and prevent corrosion.

Refrigerated centrifuges should be warmed-up every evening by keeping the centrifuge lid open as well as open rotor lid.When using a refrigerated centrifuge, empty the water tray collector after the chamber is warmed-up. In case of any condensate, dry rotor and accessories before placing them back in the centrifuge.

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Store your rotors in clean and dry conditions.

Fixed-angle rotor: All adapters should be removed from rotor boreholes when they are not in use. Store them upside down in an upright position.

G. Storage of rotors

When rotors of your micro-centrifuge are stored in movable drawers, fix them to avoid harsh contact with the wall or other rotors within the same drawer.

Do not store aerosol-tight lids fixed on the rotor to prevent damage of the gasket. Keep rotor lid separate from the rotor.

Swing-bucket rotor: All adapters and buckets should be removed from rotor when they are not in use. Store them in upright position (buckets upside down).Store your dried rotors and lids upside down on a surface matting (e.g. plastic) that allows airflow or ventilation to avoid accumulation of condensation in the cavity or bucket bottom.

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3 Details of Eppendorf Centrifuges

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In the following chapter, we present some helpful features which make your everyday routines in the lab faster and easier. In addition to the speed, capacity, and versatility you need for all your applications, Eppendorf’s new centrifuge generations offer excellent ergonomic operation and outstanding temperature management for maximum sample protection. With their outstanding quality Eppendorf centrifuges are the cost efficient solution for your lab.

Centrifuge 5424 Centrifuge 5418

Centrifuge 5424 high-performance cooling fin system

In non-refrigerated centrifuges the temperature in the rotor chamber, rotor, and sample tube can rise to above 40 °C dependent on the run time, g-force/ speed, and ambient temperature. These temperatures may negatively influence your samples. This issue can be by-passed by using a refrigerated version of a centrifuge. If you want to avoid the footprint-consumptive compressor-package on the back of your centrifuge, the high-performance air-cooling system of the Centrifuge 5424 may be a solution. Unique cooling fins extract the heat that builds up in the rotor chamber and moves it outside the chamber. For sure the air-cooling is not comparable to a refrigerated system, but this technology reduces sample warming.

For a real refrigerating function: Go for the Centrifuge 5424 R.

OptiBowl® – whisper quiet

In the past, centrifuges had non-aerosol-tight rotor lids just to reduce turbulences and thus the noise level. Have you ever spun your classical microcentrifuge full-speed without a rotor lid?

Especially for spin-downs and short runs, the rotor lid fixation takes too much time – the Centrifuge 5418/R and the Centrifuge 5424/R have a feature called OptiBowl design: they can run whisper quiet, even without a rotor lid – try it out. And your lab mates will still be your mates…

Side view of Centrifuge 5424: Cooling fins extract the heat that builds up in the rotor chamber.

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Knob versus keypad

Remember your first Eppendorf microcentrifuge? The famous two-knobs user-interface is still valid. As there are some users still being familiar with keypad interfaces, our Centrifuge 5424/R and Centrifuge 5430/R are available in two different versions, with rotary knobs or with keypads.Select the centrifuge interface based on your needs, the rotary knob system for fast parameter selection or keypads for easy cleaning.

Exact timing

„Please spin the column with slow acceleration rate at 15,000 × g for exactly 5 min“ – a common description in a kit manual.The „At set rpm“ function enables a count-down of the chosen centrifugation time when desired rcf is achieved in contrast to a count-down beginning when pressing the start-button. Especially when working with low acceleration/ deceleration ramps, the real centrifugation time is important.

Centrifuge 5424 with keypad.

Centrifuge 5424 with knobs.

Time

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SOFT acceleration and deceleration

Ever driven a real high performance car? Fast acceleration and ceramic-made breaks are impressive but sometimes, a more cautious way is preferable. Centrifuges with an additional „SOFT“ function allow gentle acceleration and deceleration. Less remixing occurs, separate phases are kept distinct.Up to 10 different acceleration and braking ramps are available within the Centrifuge 58xx family.Especially the clinical centrifuges of the 5702 family are optimized for cell separation by gradient centrifugation.

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FastTemp function

Most refrigerated models provide a „fast cool“ (Fast-Temp) function. It’s used to cool down the centrifuge chamber to the desired temperature before you insert and spin your samples. The FastTemp function saves time and improves sample quality.

1510500

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Without FastTemp With FastTemp

FastTemp pro®

In addition to the standard FastTemp pre-cooling pro-gram Centrifuge 5430 R features a unique software option called FastTemp pro. This program allows for automated pre-cooling based on pre-programmable time and date. FastTemp pro can be set to a specific date or as a repetitive event during several days every week. Simply turn the centrifuge into standby mode when you leave your lab and let FastTemp pro take care of pre-cooling in the morning. This not only makes operation super easy, it also saves you up to 90 % of energy over night.

–41%

–66%

–78%

–84%

–90%

Continuouscooling

8 h ECOshut-o�

+ FastTemp

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+ FastTemp

Standby+ FastTemp pro

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Energy savings overnight with ECO shut-o� and FastTemp pro

You save41%

You save66%

You save78%

You save84%

You save90%

Up to 90 % energy savings with FastTemp proEnergy savings of ECO shut-off (with 8, 4, 2, and 1 hour setting) and FastTemp pro compared to continuous overnight cooling (17 hours).

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As a commitment to the environment and future generations we constantly look for ways to improve the eco-friendliness of our products. This already started many years ago when we switched all our refrigerated models to CFC-free refrigerants with zero ozone depletion potential.

We continue to further reduce energy consumption of our centrifuges by optimizing motor systems, building lighter weight rotors, and using highly efficient compressor systems. All our centrifuges follow our epGreen philosophy by providing several eco-friendly product features - for example:

> Use of highly efficient, brushless induction motors > Unique ECO shut-off deactivates the compressor after 1 to 8 hours of nonuse for up to 88 % energy savings

> New standby module (for Centrifuge 5427 R and Centrifuge 5430 R) additionally reduces baseline energy consumption to a minimum

> FastTemp pro® (Centrifuge 5430 R) allows for auto mated pre-cooling based on preprogrammable time and date which saves up to 90 % of energy (see page 13 for more details) > Rotors made of 100 % recyclable aluminum > Recyclable packaging material

Energy saving right from the start

Save energy with every new generation of Eppendorf centrifuges

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Standby FastTemp Spinning Continuous cooling

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FastTemp proECO shut-o� after 4 hECO shut-o� after 8 h

ECO shut-o� after 1 hECO shut-o� after 2 hContinuous cooling

Save energy with every new generation of Eppendorf centrifuges

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FastTemp proECO shut-o� after 4 hECO shut-o� after 8 h

ECO shut-o� after 1 hECO shut-o� after 2 hContinuous cooling

epGreen®

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Eppendorf has recently introduced a new generation of swing-bucket and fixed-angle rotors. Enjoy excellent product features that improve handling and performance.

General features of Eppendorf fixed-angle rotors

Fixed-angle rotors

Low rotor weightEppendorf’s fixed-angle rotors are among the lightest in the industry to improve handling and operational safety. Light-weight rotors cause less wear and tear on the motor and allow for faster acceleration and braking times.

Eppendorf QuickLock® lids for ergonomic lid lockingOur aerosol-tight QuickLock rotors close with only ¼ of a turn. This not only saves you time during every day use, it also takes repetitive stress off your wrist.

Excellent temperature controlAluminum, with its high heat conductivity, allows fast pre- cooling and accurate temperature control in refrigerated centrifuges.

Additional rotor features> All rotors are anodized for high chemical resistance

and to prevent corrosion> Optimized design of rotor boreholes and adapters

provide optimal support for high-speed centrifuga-tion of tubes

> Aluminum rotors are recyclable

Cross section of Rotor FA-45-6-30(6 x 50 mL) showing the light-weight design. All metal not needed for safety or performance is hollowed out to reduce weight and improve handling.

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High-speed rotor

Whereas most applications in a molecular biology lab need a range of 14 to 20,000 × g, there are some applications like virus or cell organelle isolation where higher g-forces like 30,000 × g are necessary.

High volume sample isolation requires large benchtop or floor-standing centrifuges whereas micro test tube size only requires a small and compact microcentrifuge like the Centrifuge 5430/R. These high speed runs with benchtop microcentrifuges require some optimized rotor features like optimally balanced weight reduction versus stability.

Applications in 1.5 mL scale are for example pelleting and precipitation of proteins, small scale inclusion bodies purification, isolation of ribosomes, pelleting of bacteria lysates, virus centrifugation, or preparation of particle-free samples for mass spectrometry. Please only use tubes which are approved by the manufacturer for the required rcf. We recommend to use high quality vessels like the 1.5 mL Eppendorf Safe-Lock tubes (rated for 30,000 × g).

Eppendorf’s Rotor FA-45-24-11-HS spins up to 30.000 x g

Examples of tubes that broke during high-speed centrifugation

Figure 1

Figure 2

Kit rotor

Whoever used a spin-column in a centrifuge has some experience with torn-off tube lids during the run (Figure 1). If the markings are located on the lid only, the sample relocation is a nerve-racking process, tracing and comparing the torn-off pattern of different tubes, if possible. Afterwards, the samples need to be transferred into new tubes for a safe storage, resulting in increased process time and consumable consumption.

To save your time and energy, our engineers developed the special kit rotor for several centrifuges: The particularly raised rim enables the safe centrifugation of nearly all commercially available spin columns by supporting the open tube lids, aerosol-tight if necessary.For reliable centrifugation, lean the open tube lids against the edge of the rotor and then put on the associated rotor lid (Figure 2).

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Improved energy efficiency

The new round buckets have been designed to be especially aerodynamic. The result is a more efficient design that reduces power consumption by up to 48 % compared to the previous rectangular bucket design.

Longer rotor lifetime

The new swing-bucket rotor generation has been designed with a particularly long lifetime in mind. Many of them are rated up to 100,000 cycles which is significantly more than most competitor rotors.

Eppendorf QuickLock® caps for one-hand operationAerosol-tight caps provide the needed safety when working with hazardous samples such as viruses, bacteria, blood or radioactive samples. The caps for the new 4 × 750 mL swing-bucket rotor allow for easy, one-handed operation. Its unique design allows the closed bucket to be carried securely to the biosafety cabinet.

General features of new swing-bucket rotors

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Mixed loading capability

The large swing-bucket rotors A-4-81 (4 x 500 mL) and S-4-104 (4 x 750 mL) can be used in a mixed loading configuration with two plate buckets and two tube buckets. This allows for increased versatility.

Universal bucket design

Centrifuge 5920 R offers a swing-bucket rotor whose buckets can be used for both plates and tubes.

Advantages:

> Time saving: No need to exchange buckets> Cost saving: No need for separate plate buckets> Space saving: No need to store different buckets

The plate/tube buckets are optionally available with aerosol-tight QuickLock caps for easy handling.

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4 Centrifuge Safety

In general, handling centrifuges is a safe process, as long as you use high quality equipment and stick to the recommendations mentioned above.There are a few occasions where centrifugation might present two serious kinds of hazards: mechanical failure of the equipment and dispersion of aerosols. A mechanical failure, such as a broken drive shaft, a faulty bearing, or a damaged rotor, can produce not only aerosols but could result in hazardous fragments moving with high kinetics.These fragments, if they escape the protective rotor chamber of the centrifuge, could damage your laboratory as well as result in personal injury.

Prevention is better than curing

Eppendorf centrifuges and rotors meet the high qual-ity standards you are used to from all our products. A team of highly-educated German engineers and techni-cians developed and optimized your Eppendorf rotors, the accessories as well as the operating centrifuge itself. From the very first, our devices are designed for a long and safe operation time in your lab.

How can I identify a safe centrifuge?

Current centrifuge safety standards are designed to prevent a centrifuge crash. Look for the following facts to identify safe and high-quality centrifuges:The general quality standards such as EN ISO 9001, EN 61010-2-020, 13485, CE, UL, cUL, and CAS should be fulfilled.

Please make sure to always read the operating manual and the supplementary sheets that come with the equipment first before using a specific centrifuge. Within the operating manual you will find important information regarding operation, safety, cleaning, and maintenance.The latest version of the operating manual can be found online.Regular maintenance and cleaning of your centrifugation equipment prolongs the lifetime of your equipment. Do not use rotors, buckets, lids, or adapters that have been subject to chemical or mechanical damage or which have exceeded their maximum operating life.Damaged tubes or plates should not be centrifuged. Check at least the rotor, rotor bores, and housing on a weekly or monthly basis for residue and corrosion.Below we summarized general information about safety for you.

Important:Contact your local Eppendorf organization if you are not sure about the operational safety of your centrifuge or rotor before using it.

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4.1 Centrifuge Set-Up

A set-up place on the bench for your centrifuge should be flat and even. The bench should be stable (keep in mind the weight of your device) and vibration-free.

In accordance with the recommendations of ICE 1010-2-020 (in respect to EN 61010-2-020), leave a safety distance of 30 cm clear around the centrifuge during operation. Never block the vents of the centrifuge to prevent overheating and sub-sequential harm to your samples or damage to the centrifuge.

After a refrigerated centrifuge has been delivered or has been moved to another building, wait about 4 hours before operating. This time frame enables a sedimentation of cooling liquid and lubricant within the compressor tubing system.

After operation in a cooling room, allow your centri-fuge to warm up in a lab for at least 3 hours. Do not plug in the centrifuge earlier in order to prevent damage caused by condensation at electronic parts.

Keep 30 cm safety distance between centrifuge and other equipment

Don’t block ventilation vents to prevent overheating

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4.2 Safety

A. Tubes and plates

Prior to centrifugation, the tubes or plates should in any case be visually inspected for material damage (Figure 1). Damaged tubes or plates may not be centrifuged. In addition to sample loss, broken tubes or plates can result in further damage to the centrifuge and accessories.

Please note: The use of organic solvents (e. g. chloroform) may have an adverse effect on the stability of plastic test tubes.

When centrifuging glass tubes, please observe that high speeds/ rcf’s increase the risk of glass breakage. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions concern-ing the maximum speed/ rcf of these centrifuge tubes. In case of glass breakage, carefully remove all splinters and all ground glass from the rotor, the buckets, the adapters, and the rotor chamber. Retrieve the bigger broken glass with forceps, remove small and powder shards with a damp lint-free cloth (Figure 2). You may need to replace the rubber mats and adapters to pre-vent further damage.

When cleaning the broken glass with damp lint-free cloth, do not wipe as this might abrade the chamber. Instead, tap on broken glass gently.

Fine splinters of glass, if not removed from the centri-fuge, may otherwise scratch the surface of the rotors and buckets, reducing their resistance to chemicals. You may notice very fine black powder on the rotor chamber surface. The air turbulences within the rotor chamber produce this powder of abraded metal based on the remaining glass splinter dust.

In addition to causing damage to the rotor chamber, rotor, buckets, and adapters, the powder may also con-taminate the samples. We recommend to carefully pick it up gently with some fiber-free cloth.

Figure 2Figure 1

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4.2 Safety

B. Centrifuges

What do we do to make our centrifuges safe? We spend a lot of effort in minimizing potential risks:

Every Eppendorf centrifuge model has successfully proved in a rotor crash test that no parts can leave the rotor chamber and that no parts detach from the centrifuge housing.

Even our small MiniSpin® centrifuge is compliant to all necessary safety standards.

We use metal centrifuge lids and metal rotor chambers for maximum safety. The centrifuge lid is protected against opening while rotor is spinning. A symmetrically loaded centrifuge produces less noise and lasts longer. An unbalanced centrifuge run will be switched off by the automatic imbalance recognition.

This function protects you and your lab equipment against potential rotor crashes. In general, this feature results in a longer life time of the motor.

All Eppendorf centrifuges with a broad range of different rotors (capable of higher sample weights) have this safety feature (Centrifuge 5427/R, Centrifuge 5430/R, Centrifuge 5702/R/RH, Centrifuge 58xx family).

Small models like the MiniSpin/ plus, the Centrifuge 5418, and the Centrifuge 5424 do not need this feature as the sample weights are relatively low. Nevertheless, un-balanced samples are to be avoided as they may result in damage of the device.

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4.2 Safety

C. Rotors

Figure 1

Rotors are high-grade components which are subject to extreme mechanical strain. Any rotor structure will eventually suffer fatigue when being stressed by a certain number of load changes/cycles. As a centrifuge rotor is repeatedly accelerated up to operating speed and then decelerated to zero speed, these cyclic changes between stretching and relaxing of the material cause changes in the metallic microstructure long term.The more weight you centrifuge with higher speed, the more the rotor material is stressed.

Having a direct relationship between being closer to the elastic limit of the material (when using maximal weight in combination with full speed) and a high number of load changes, these changes in the mi-crostructure may result in microscopic cracks. Over the operating time, these microcracks will grow. In a worst-case scenario, the complete rotor may crack during a run, resulting in a centrifuge crash.

Rotors made of plastic may have a higher risk of micro-cracks. For our aerosol-tight microcentrifuge rotors we use aluminum lids, not plastic, because plastic can break, resulting in free aerosols.All Eppendorf rotor concepts have to pass extensive safety tests with extreme stress situations to guarantee safe usage in the subsequent production model. Aluminum rotors are protected against corrosion caused by commonly-used laboratory chemicals by means of an anodized coating (Figure 1). Please keep in mind that aggressive chemicals can still damage the rotor.

Such chemicals include concentrated and mild alkalis, concentrated acids, solutions containing mercury ions, copper ions and other heavy-metal ions, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and concentrated saline solutions. (You want to check the chemical resistance of your rotor against certain liquids? See page 14)

All relevant Eppendorf centrifuges usable with differ-ent rotors with different max. speed have an automatic rotor recognition feature. This feature avoids over-speed of the rotor and prevents rotor damage. Please ensure that the rotor is protected from mechanical damage. Even slight scratches and cracks can cause severe inner damage to the rotor materials, which are difficult or impossible to detect with the eye. Under no circumstances MTP-, MTP/ Flex-, and DWP-buckets with deformed side plates are to be used.

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4.2 Safety

Check either the operating manual, online, or with Eppendorf directly, whether specific plates are suitable for centrifugation.Contact your local Eppendorf organization if you are not sure about the operational safety of your centrifuge or rotor.

The A-8-11 swing-bucket rotor (for Centrifuge 5417/ R) does not have any lifetime limitations, however the tube adapters are limited to one year of use.

Please do not overload your rotor. A liquid density of 1.2 g/ cm3 must not be exceeded at the maximum rotational speed. The weight specifications printed on the rotor correspond to the overall weight: For swing-bucket rotors, this includes the bucket, in-clusive of adapter, test tubes, and the contents of each individual position (e. g. 4 × 1.1 kg means weights of each bucket + adapter + test tubes filled with samples < 1.1 kg).

For fixed-angle rotors, the weight limit defines the total number of bores in combination with the weight of adapter, tube, and sample per bore (e. g. 24 × 3.75 g).

Please use the rotors only for the recommended centrifuge type.

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4.2 Safety

D. Rotor lids / bucket caps

E. Adapters

Rotor lids made of polycarbonate (PC) or polypropylene (PP) such as the F-45-18-11-Kit rotor for the Centrifuge 5424/R or the F-45-30-11 and the F-45-18-17-Cryo rotor for the Centrifuge 5430/R have a recommended maximum lifetime of 3 years after first being brought into use. Caps for round/ rectangular buckets of all swing-bucket rotors have a recommended limited lifetime of 3 years as well.

Eppendorf adapters made of plastic have a recom-mended maximum service life of 1 year after first being brought into use. Please check the adapter parts on a regular basis regarding deformation or cracks. Any damaged parts have to be put out of service.

Contact with organic solvents (e. g. phenol, chloro-form) may have an adverse effect on the transparent (polycarbonate) caps of the aerosol-tight buckets.Please check the bucket caps of this type regularly for chemical damage or for cracks. Especially plastic rotor lids can break when lose tube parts hit them, e.g. when using spin column kits and the tube lids tear off. We strongly recommend to im-mediately replace any cracked caps or caps with a milky discoloration.

When handling the plastic rotor lid, please observe the specifications regarding the chemical resistance of the materials.

The date of manufacture is embossed on rotors in terms of „07/10“ (= July 2010) or, on the inside of plastic rotor lids, in the shape of a clock. The date is for information only and does not have any reference to the service life.

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5 Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning and Disinfection

Before cleaning or decontaminating the centrifuge using methods not recommended by the manufacturer, the user should consult the manufacturer in order to ensure that the centrifuge and accessories will not be damaged. To ensure that the centrifuge functions correctly and safely in the long-term, please note that aggressive chemi-cals can damage the rotor, buckets and chamber. Please check the centrifuge regularly for damage caused by corrosion. Switch off the device and disconnect it from the power supply before starting any cleaning or disinfection.

The outside of the centrifuge and the rotor chamber should be cleaned regularly with neutral detergents, remains of detergents should be removed, too. Remove condense water and clean condense water tray. Leave centrifuge lid open.

This is for hygienic purposes as well as to prevent con-tamination caused by residual contamination. The user is responsible for cleaning or decontaminat-ing the centrifuge in the event of contamination caused by high-risk substances (biohazard, chemical reagents, radioactive reagents). Only neutral agents may be used for cleaning and disinfection (e.g. diluted neutral alco-hol-based disinfectant or 70 % isopropanol mixture).

The rotor chamber should only be cleaned with a moist cloth. Please clean your rotor using a neutral cleaning liquid. This will protect the rotor and prolong its service life.

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When using a swing-bucket rotor, ensure that the grooves in which the buckets are fitted are free of contamination. The buckets can be lubricated with the lubricant (grease for pivots) supplied. Take care to ensure that the buckets can still swing freely.

Use neutral cleaning solutions to clean both the inside and outside of the rotor, the adapters, the buckets, the rubber seal, and the rotor chamber. In case of spilling some aggressive liquid on your centrifuge equipment, please clean your equipment immediately by using a neutral cleaning liquid (alcohol or alcohol-based disinfectant). This will protect the rotor and prolong its service life. As salt crystals located on the metal sur-face will corrode the surface, we strongly recommend to clean the equipment immediately.

Warning!Do not use acetone, caustic detergents, or detergents that contain chlorite ions. Corrosion is most frequently caused by using chlorite ion solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite (household bleach). Do not use steel wool, wire brushes, abrasives, or sandpaper, since they may damage the rotor coating (anodized coating) and thus increase the risk for corrosion.We do not recommend usage of dishwashers for rotors or lids due to the aggressive cleaning agents used in these devices. These agents may result in corrosion.

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If there is stubborn stain, clean with a plastic scrub pad. If there is a need to clean the rotor’s tube cavities or boreholes, use a stiff test-tube brush that has end bristles and a non-metallic tip. Rinse equipment with distilled water and dry thoroughly with a soft cleaning cloth.

Pivots

Rotor shaft

Rotor chamber seal

Groove

After the washing perform care such as lubricate gasket with glycerol or talkum, keep the pivots of the swing-bucket rotors and the threads of the fixed-angle rotors lubricated. Light waxing of the rotor surface may prolong the life-time of the anodized surface. Use a soft cloth for waxing procedure.

Decontamination / Disinfection

Even when working accurately, a contamination of the rotor by biological (for example blood) or radioactive material may happen. Please consult your laboratory safety officer first about suitable methods of cleaning and disinfecting any hazardous spill within the centri-fuge/rotor. Successful disinfection can only be granted by the suppliers of the chemicals.

Before using any cleaning or disinfection method other than that recommended by the centrifuge manufac-turer, please check that the intended method will not damage the rotors, accessories, or other parts of the centrifuge.Please be aware that the detergents and disinfections are only recommended due to their compatibility with material of the Eppendorf centrifuges.

For decontamination, disinfection with alcohol-con-taining liquids and autoclaving are the recommended methods. Do not use UV, beta, gamma, or any other high-energy radiation source for disinfection. Do not use any gassing for disinfection.

Examples of disinfection chemicals

Within the following table, some disinfection reagents are presented. The information is based on research done by Eppendorf. As this is only a guide, no guaran-tee of safety based on these recommendations is ex-pressed or implied. The test procedure was performed under laboratory conditions with maximized care. The test results are referred to the tested material. Liability for preservation of the tested surfaces in combination with incubation of disinfection reagents in practice based on the test results can not be assumed.Printed areas may be discolored when being incubated with the disinfection chemical.

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In general, a disinfection with a cloth is more efficient than spraying only, which may also result in a short-circuit within the centrifuge housing. After cleaning with detergent, the rubber seals in the rotor chamber should be rinsed well with distilled water and lubricated with glycerine in order to prevent the seals from becoming brittle.

Disinfectant Provider Anodized aluminum (fixed-angle rotors)

Anodized aluminum (buckets)

Stainless steel

Polycarbonate housing surface

Sterillium® Bode Chemie® S S S S

Sterillium® Virugard (S)* S S*_ (S)p

Bacillol® AF S S S*_ Sp

Bacillol® plus S S S S

Dismozon® pur (5 %) S S S*_ S

Korsolex® basic (conc.) S S S*_ S*_

Microbac® forte (conc.) S S S*_ S*_

Kohrsolin® FF (conc.) S S S*_ S*_

Desderman® pure (conc.) Schülke® Mayr S S S Sp

Mikrozid® AF S S S S

Meliseptol® Braun® S S S S

Helipur® S S S*_ S

Hexaquart® (2 %) S S S S

RNAse AWAY® Molecular BioProducts

S S S S

DNA AWAY® S S S S

HI-TOR® plus Ecolab® ((S))* – M* S S*_ S

Sodium hypo chloride (12 %) ((S))* – M* M** M*_ S

Barrycidal® Interchem Hygiene

S S S S

Extran® MA 02 neutral Merck® S S M*_ S*

Count-Off™ Perkin-Elmer® U M** M M

Isopropanol (70 %) (S)* S S Sp

Ethanol (70 %) S S S S

S = Satisfactory resistance M = Marginal resistance U = Unsatisfactory resistance _ = Coating/ film (mostly reversible)* = Slight discoloration ** = Discolorationp = Discoloration of printing (housing)

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Please see the following procedure as a baseline in case of contamination:

> Always wear a laboratory coat, gloves, and goggles. > If there is broken glass: Retrieve the bigger broken

glass with forceps, remove small and powder shards with a damp lint-free cloth.

> Absorb blood with gauze or paper towel and seal the material in a biohazard bag for subsequent safe disposal.

> Wipe the contaminated parts with neutral cleaning agent or 70 % ethanol soaked gauze or lint-free cloth.

> If necessary, remove still contaminated rotor, rotor lid, buckets, and bucket caps out of centrifuge to decontaminate difficult to access areas.

> Autoclave contaminated rotor, rotor lid, buckets, and bucket caps at 121 °C for 20 min.

> After decontamination the equipment needs to be cleaned with distilled water as described above.

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Autoclaving

Micro centrifuge rotors and rotor buckets of multipur-pose centrifuges can be autoclaved at 121 °C, 20 min. The aerosol-tight rotor FA-45-30-11 (of Centrifuge 58xx family) and the lid can be autoclaved at 142 °C for 2 hours to destroy prions, but the aerosol-tight lid must be exchanged after each autoclaving at 142 °C.

> Clean the equipment and rinse it with distilled water before autoclaving (if possible).

> Keep components of rotors separated during autoclaving process.

> After ten autoclaving cycles, we strongly recommend to exchange the lids of aerosol-tight buckets or rotors (rotor lids of Centrifuge 5418/R; Centrifuge 5424/R after 50 times).

Warning!Never autoclave the rotor with the lid attached.

For further details on cleaning, decontamination, and autoclaving please see your rotor „instructions for use“ info or contact the Eppendorf application support (see „Further help“).

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5.2 Recommanded Routine Maintenance

Daily:

> Before and after usage check rotor and lid for scratches, dust, or spilled sample material. (Missing anodization on a rotor made of aluminum is a clear indication for a more detailed evaluation.)

> When using an aerosol-tight rotor, check seal of appropriate lid.

> Cleaning of your centrifuge should be done on a regular basis to protect your investment and to maxi-mize the lifetime of your instrument and guarantee operational safety, e.g. to prevent accumulation of deposits and to eliminate any possibility of corrosion.

> If needed, wipe with a lint-free microfiber cloth: > Centrifuge housing > Chamber > Rotor shaft > Rotor > Rotor lid/ caps

> Keep lid of centrifuge open to reduce pressure on the hinge and the springs.

> For refrigerated centrifuges, leave the lid of the centrifuge as well as the rotor open and allow the device to defrost every night.

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5.2 Recommanded Routine Maintenance

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Weekly to monthly:

> Keep a maintenance log.> Carefully remove rotor from centrifuge.> Detailed inspection of centrifuge rotor, rotor lid, and

buckets for cracks and corrosion. For a fixed-angle rotor, check underneath the rotor as well as the tube bores. For a swing-bucket rotor, especially check the pivots and grooves.

Differentiate clearly between a scratch and a gouge (= more than damaged color) when evaluating your rotor. A rotor with a gouge or even a small crack has to be checked carefully (see „Cracks in rotor”). When indi-cated, an immediate rotor replacement is mandatory.

Due to the manufacturing process, color variations may occur on rotors marked „coated”. These color variations do not affect service life or resistance to chemicals.

Annually:

Check with your local safety offices for any local regu-lations regarding centrifuge maintenance. For example, in Germany, regulation BGR 500 (for-merly VBG 7z) requires centrifuges exceeding 500 W nominal power consumption (without refrigeration system) or 10,000 Nm kinetic energy to be inspected by an authorized technician at least once a year in operating conditions and at least every three years to be checked in a disassembled state.This rule includes centrifuges (Centrifuge 58xx family) and rotors of these devices. The operator of the centri-fuge is obligated, on his own authority, to provide suit-able evidence to document the required inspections.

Eppendorf recommends to process an annual pre-ventive maintenance inspection by a trained service technician of centrifuge, rotor, and accessories to guarantee operational safety and maximize the lifetime of your instrument (see chapter „Eppendorf Centrifuge and Rotor Performance Plan“).

When using refrigerated centrifuges, clean the refrig-eration mesh of the heat exchanger with a brush at least twice a year. Besides, we recommend to clean the condensate drainage channels on a regular basis, e.g., using a narrow bottle brush.

Gouge ScratchesScratches

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5.3 Detailed Inspection of Rotor, Bucket, and Adapters

Adapter damage

Replace adapters immediately if you see any signs of mechanical wear.! Adapters are considered as consumable and have a

limited life-span of 1 year use before replacement is recommended. Inspect your adapters regularly for signs of wearing such as abrasion, cracks, or defor-mation.

Damage in less-critical stress area

! Rotor to be inspected by service technician. Avoid banging or dropping. Stick to the maximum compartment mass for the specific rotor, do not exceed weight or speed.

Damage to rotor lid structure

Some parts of the rotor lid can be repaired or replaced.! Avoid banging or dropping as aerosol-tight lids

would not be safe anymore. Lubricate lid assembly pins weekly with grease. Never use metallic objects to remove debris or gasket.

Damage to gasket of aerosol-tight rotor lid

Replace gasket/ lids.! Inspect and replace gaskets (o-rings) on a regular

basis, especially after autoclaving. Take lids out of service when their gasket begins to show signs of wearing such as discoloration or crazing. Never use sharp or metallic objects to remove the gasket.

Damage on bottom of rotor

Contact a service technician.! Store rotor on soft surface. Light surface scratches

may be acceptable.

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Damage to bucket grooves

Replace buckets (pairwise).! Put buckets carefully into their position at

the pivots, do not drop or force them into position.

Damage in less-critical stress area

Rotor to be inspected by service technician.! Avoid banging or dropping. Stick to the maximum

compartment mass for the specific rotor, do not ex-ceed weight or speed.

Damage in critical stress area

Rotor to be inspected by service technician. Rotor probably to be replaced.! Avoid banging and dropping. Stick to the maximum

compartment mass for the spe cific rotor, do not exceed weight or speed.

Rotor cross damage near pivots

Replace rotor.! Put buckets carefully into their position at the pivots,

do not drop or force them into position.

Cracks at bottom of tube bore

Replace rotor.! Inspect rotor cavities of fixed-angled rotors regularly

by eye for signs of corrosion. If corrosion appears, further inspection has to be done by a service technician.

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Windshield (shell) damage

Replacement recommended as this damage will cause vibration during the run, resulting in midterm damages of the drive. Upper part of A-2-MTP can be replaced.! Avoid dropping or banging against surfaces.

Damage at plastic rotor lids

Lids with distinct scratches need to be replaced.! Ensure safe fitting of the rotor lid before the run.

Salt crystal debris on rotor surface

Clean and check for corrosion.! Avoid sample spoiling within rotor, if

vessels cracked, clean immediately.

Damage at surface layer of rotor

Check for corrosion. Depending on corrosion level, take rotor out of service.! Avoid corrosive chemical reagents, clean

contaminated surface of rotor immediately.

Corrosion or gouges on surface of rotor

Replace rotor.! Avoid banging or dropping rotor. Avoid metallic

cleaning tools to remove debris. Always ensure rotor is properly installed before pressing start button.

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Corrosion in the bottom of tube cavity

Immediate replacement of rotor mandatory, holes in outer rotor structure may result in rotor crash.! Monitor for corrosion, you may use light coating of

grease on a regular basis.

Never use non-compatible chemicals to clean equipment. Clean rotor immediately with water when exposed to chemicals. Always remove adapters after use and rinse them with distilled water.

Damage to rotor cross of swing-out rotor

Check type of damage. Surface scratches to be monitored. Gouges result in rotor replacement.! Always process manual swing-out test with new

tubes sizes before starting a centrifugation run.

Damage to rotor conus

Check damage, take rotor out of service when rotor material has gouges in conus area.! Always set up and lift a rotor in a straight up motion,

avoid any angle.

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Bent motor shaft in centrifuge Send centrifuge to service for exchange of shaft.

! Always set up and lift a rotor in a straight up motion, avoid any angle. Always ensure samples are symmetrically balanced for the specific rotor.

Light scratches on surface Monitor to ensure corrosion has not begun.

! Avoid banging, dropping, or rubbing of rotor. Never use metallic cleaning tools to remove debris.

Gouge on outer rotor surfaceReplace rotor.! Avoid banging or dropping rotor. Avoid me-

tallic cleaning tools to remove debris. Always ensure rotor is properly installed before pressing start button.

Damage to interior of locking pin of rotor lid Replace locking pin or lid.! Avoid inter-rotor change of lids.

Avoid metallic cleaning tools. Clean and lubricate regularly.

Scratches on inside of rotor lid after cleaning

Check and monitor for corrosion.! Avoid wiping when you have particles on the

surface. Try to dab off the particles with a cloth.

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Time to say good-bye:

Cracks in rotor

For estimation of repair chances, the specific location and the extent of the damage are taken into consider-ation. Further points are age of the rotor and general overall rotor condition. A clear differentiation should be made between light scratches and real gouges.

Safe operation of your rotor should not be affected by a light scratch as long as:

> The base metal of the rotor (below anodized layer) is not affected or gouged.

> There is no corrosion within the surrounding area of the scratch.

> The scratch is located in a low stress area of the rotor.

If in doubt, contact your (authorized) service technician.

We recommend to visually inspect the rotor before every use. Any indication of a crack has to result in an immediate rotor replacement, especially if located near the bores of fixed-angle rotors or the pivots of swing-bucket rotors. If the rotor is surface damaged in a low stress area, you may continue to use it, but this must be evaluated by a service technician.

An accurate inspection will define if your rotor:

> Is safe for further operation. > Should be sent in to Eppendorf for a more extensive evaluation. > Should be put out of service and replaced immediately.

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Damaged pivots/ rotor cross

When using swing-bucket rotors put the buckets care-fully into their position. Damage at the rotor cross near the pivots or at the pivots themselves can not be repaired. Remove the rotor from operation.

Damaged bucket-grooves/ adapters

When using swing-bucket rotors put the buckets carefully into their position. Damages at the bucket-grooves can not be repaired. Remove the buckets from operation. The same issue applies for plastic adapters.

Overspeed run

We strictly point out that rotors are to be operated within the stated limits for speed and maximum g-force. The maximum g-force and maximum speed should be printed on the rotor. In general, a rotor that has been used above its maximum authorized speed or mass should be directly removed from operation.

Automatic rotor recognition in centrifuges like Centrifuge 5430/R and the Centrifuge 58xx family actively prevents any overspeed run. Rotors of the other Eppendorf centrifuges can be used with the same maximum speed of that specific centrifuge.

Overheated rotors

Clear indications of an overheated rotor are melted tubes, other melted plastic particles, or a rotor that is too hot to touch. As the rotor material is over-stressed, the rotor should be removed from operation. Check consumable specifications, too.

Dropped rotors + lids

Deformation caused by dropping rotor, lids or buckets cannot be repaired. The aluminum loses its structural stability when being re-deformed. The specific equip-ment should be retired.

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5.4 Log-File for Maintenance

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The following log-file for maintenance can be used as a starting point for regular maintenance of your equipment (copy master).

Centrifuge type:

Serial number:

Location of device:

Date of maintenance:

Person in charge:

done okMaintenance centrifuge

Check housing for corrosion and scratches

Wipe housing and chamber with lint-free microfiber cloth

Check power cable for damage

Check gas spring and lid movement

Check sealing for damage and fitting

Rotor

Rotor type:

Rotor serial number:

Check for scratches

Check anodized layer

Check lid and rotor for damage

Check rotor cone

Rotor nut is movable

When rotor is inserted in the centrifuge, approx. 2 revolutions

of rotor nut must result in gripping of threads

Check bores and underneath rotor for corrosion

Swing-bucket rotor: Check pivots and grooves

Check aerosol-tight seal of rotor lid

Check aerosol-tight O-ring for the lid holder

Cleaning

> Clean rotor and lid with mild soaky solution

> Rinse with distilled water

> Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth

> Lubricate gasket with vacuum grease/talkum

> Lubricate pivots of swing-bucket rotor

Adapters

Type of adapter:

Check surface:

> Scratches

> Cracks

Signature

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5.4 Eppendorf Centrifuge and Rotor Performance Plan

Quality Management systems increasingly ask for regular inspection of centrifuges and rotors in an operational or disassembled state. To ensure a safe working environment an annual inspection for centrifuges and rotors by an Eppendorf certified service technician is highly recommended.Performance checks ensure that all technical specifications such as temperature accuracy, rotational speed veri-fication, and operating time meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Rotors withstand extreme strains. Improper usage may lead to a reduced lifetime of the rotor due to corrosion through moisture and chemicals, scratches, or even cracks. Certification services are available for all Eppendorf centrifuges. Operational Qualification (OQ) is designed to safeguard your results as well as to satisfy legal, governmental, and internal laboratory requirements with the necessary certification documents.

Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ)

Designed to support customers in regulated environ-ments, IQ/OQ assures and documents instrument installation and operation for performance and defined functions. Testing is completed at the customer location according to Eppendorf manufacturer’s specification. Documented training for a key operator is also included. Operational qualification includes a full function test of: speed, overspeed cut-off, acceleration, deceleration, braking efficiency, temperature, imbalance cut-off, timer, and lid latch.

Preventive Maintenance (PM)

PM is recommended annually to ensure centrifuges are performing to manufacturer’s specifications for an extensive lifetime. Centrifuge preventive maintenance provides cleaning, lubricating, and a standard visual check of all sensitive parts. This includes a detailed hardware and electronic evaluation by visual inspec-tion, function check, and a software update if required. A visual inspection of a rotor for any defects is also included. A subsequent test run is performed. During this process, labor is included for any additional repairs identified for the instrument to meet specification. Additional repair parts are not included but provided at a discount. A service report is provided; a dated and signed sticker is affixed to the centrifuge.

for premium performanceepServices

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5.4 Eppendorf Centrifuge and Rotor Perfomance Plan

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Certification

Defined functions and performance of the centrifuge in your laboratory will be tested and certified according to Eppendorf’s specifications.Operational qualification includes a full function test of: speed, over-speed cut-off, acceleration, decelera-tion, braking efficiency, temperature, imbalance cut-off, timer, and lid latch. Electrical testing is performed according to country-specific regulations.

for premium performanceepServices

Rotor Inspection

Eppendorf’s rotor inspection program includes cleaning and visual examination of rotors and adapt-ers. A certified Eppendorf technician will evaluate and document the present state of your rotor system, and determine if it is still safe for continued operation. You will also be advised on how to properly care for your instrument.

Features of preventive maintenance include:

> Eppendorf service quality and integrity> Eppendorf’s specified testing procedures are

followed> Certified service reports

Benefits of Preventive Maintenance

> Highest safety in your laboratory> GLP compliant audited system> Longer lifetime of system

Samples processed in a rotor may result in either bio-logical or radioactive contamination. It is mandatory that the rotor is accurately cleaned and decontaminated before sent in for service. Please document the de-contamination by providing the decontamination form sheet (the Eppendorf device decontamination form sheet is provided on our homepage www.eppendorf.com).

Eppendorf performance Plans are available in selected countries only. For all other countries, please contact your local Eppendorf Service Partner.

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6 Troubleshooting

6.1 Fuses

The current Eppendorf centrifuge family is equipped with a self-diagnostic system. This error message system enables the user to detect small issues and take corrective action (specific remedy). You will find a list of specific potential error messages in the operating manual of your centrifuge.

At rare occasions, a broken fuse has to be replaced. The fuse is located near the power plug-in of the centrifuge. Depending on the model, there are different ways to proceed:

> Disconnect the mains plug.> Pull the fuse holder out backwards.

More details regarding the replacement of the fuses are described within the specific operating manuals.

Image description

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6.2 Emergency Lid Release

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When having a power failure during a centrifugation run:> Wait until the rotor stops (check by looking through

inspection glass in the centrifuge lid)> Disconnect the mains plug> Use emergency lid release

All Eppendorf centrifuges have an emergency lid release. Depending on the centrifuge type, the manual lid release is located at different locations of the centrifuge, sometimes covered by a little plastic cover. Mainly, there are two systems:

> A small cord has to be pulled from the bottom side near one of the front feet

Centrifuge 5418 (left foot) Centrifuge 5702/R/RH (right foot)

> The rotor key is to be used as an unscrewing tool to release the lid. The opening is located below the key panel (Centrifuge 58xx), on the right side (Centrifuge 5418 R, Centrifuge 5424/R), or on both sides of the device (Centrifuge 5430/R). Centrifuge 5418 R Centrifuge 5424/R (turn clockwise) Centrifuge 5430/R (turn clockwise) Centrifuge 5804/R (turn counter-clockwise) Centrifuge 5810/R (turn counter-clockwise)

> The MiniSpin/plus has a movable button on the bottom side (turn counter-clockwise).

After opening the centrifuge lid manually and after clarifying the power failure, the centrifuge can be used again without any further manipulation of the emergency lid release function.For more detailed information please check your operating manual.

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7 Appendix

7.1 Conversion Table for rpm/rcf (Nomogram)

2,1

3

5

10

15

25.00020.000

20

30

50

100

150

200

300

500

1.000

1.500

2.000

3.000

5.0004.000

7.000

10.000

15.000

250

300

400

500

600

700

800

9001.000

1.200

1.500

2.000

2.500

3.000

4.000

3.500

5.000

6.000

7.000

8.000

9.00010.00011.00012.00013.00014.00015.000

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

r [cm] n [rpm]rcf

h

r

rmax

Centrifugation radius r of a point at distance h from

bottom of tube with fixed-angle rotors at a 45° angle:

r = rmax – h x 0.71

Example (see diagram):

rmax = 7.2 cm

n = 14,000 rpm

rcfmax = 16,000 x g

Please note that MiniSpin plus,* 5418, 5424, 5430,

5702, 5702 R, 5702 RH, 5804, 5804 R, 5810 and 5810 R*

centrifuges have automatic rpm/rcf conversion, which

eliminates time-consuming manual calculations.

The max. radius of the MiniSpin is 6 cm.

* U.S. Pat. 5,496,254

7.2 k-Factors and Centrifugation Times

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The k-factor, a value that is primarily determined by the rotor, affects the sedimentation time necessary during centrifugation. It is a measure for the sedimentation distance in the test tube, i.e., for the difference between the longest and shortest distance between the sample and the rotor axis (see diagram on the next page). The duration of separation in the test tube increases in direct proportion to its distance. The k-factor clearly depends on the angle of the tubes in the rotor and on the type of tubes used. A small k-factor means more rapid separation. The k-factor is also affected by the rotational speed; the higher the rotational speed, the quicker the separation.

The formula is

where n is the rotational speed; rmin and rmax: see diagram. A direct comparison of two rotors is possible by calculating the relative speed of a separation in both centrifuge rotors.

The formula for calculating the relative centrifugation time is

where t is the centrifugation time in the comparative centrifuge, calculated from experiment

tx is the centrifugation time required in centrifuge Xk is the k-factor of the comparative centrifugekx is the k-factor of centrifuge X

Example: The 30-position fixed-angle rotor in Centrifuge 5430 and Centrifuge 5430 R has a k-factor of 508 (with Eppendorf Safe-Lock micro tubes) at a maximum speed of 14,000 rpm and a maximum rcf of 20,817 × g. With the same test tube, the same rotor angle (45 °) and the same maximum speed (14,000 rpm), the 18-position fixed-angle rotor of Centrifuge 5418 attains a maximum rcf of 16,873 × g and a k-factor of 719.

In case of Centrifuge 5430 and Centrifuge 5418: A centrifugation time of only 7 minutes is required in the Centrifuge 5430 to attain the same separation performance for the selected separation example; in contrast, the Centrifuge 5418 requires 10 minutes.

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7.2 k-Factors and Centrifugation Times

Separation example:

5430

5430

5430

54305418

5418

508719

7.07

10

7´07˝

When determining centrifugation times, it is therefore advisable to take into consideration the physical characteristics of the centrifuge used, particularly when using critical samples and small sample quantities.

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7.3 Index

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Theme Page

Acceleration 26

Aerosol-tight rotors 29

Autoclaving 42, 45

Automatic imbalance recognition 36

Automatic rotor recognition 37

Bench-top 12

Bench-top centrifuges 12

Biological hazardous 9

Biological safety cabinet 9

Centrifugation time 61

Clinical centrifuge 12

Compressor 18, 23, 25

Condensate 23, 47

Condensation drain 23

Cooling fins 25

Cooling room 34

Dangerous chemicals 9

Deceleration 20, 26

Disinfection 40

DNA LoBind 10

ECO shut-off 23, 27

Emergency lid release 59

Energy consumption 23, 28

Environment 28, 56

ep Dualfilter T.I.P.S.® 9

Equal buckets 20

FastTemp 18, 27

FastTemp pro® 27

Fixed-angle rotor 10, 15

Floor-standing 12

Fuse 58

Glass breakage 11, 35

Glass vessel 11

Heat 25

Heating 34

Isopyknic 5

IQ/OQ 56

Keypads 26

K-factor 7, 61

Kit rotor 30

Liquid density 38

Maintenance log 47

Maximum load 20

Microcentrifuge 12

Multipurpose centrifuge 13, 45

Theme Page

Nomogram 60

Non-refrigerated 18

Operating manual 19

OptiBowl 21, 25

Organic chemical solvents 8

Organic solvents 11, 35

Outstanding Quality 25

Pellet 5

Polycarbonate 11

Polypropylene 11

Polystyrene 11

Porton Down 10

Precipitate 5

PTFE 11

Quality Standards 33

QuickLock 29, 31

Radioactive 9

Recyclable 28

Refrigerated 18

Relative centrifugal force 6, 8, 18

Rotor 14, 17

Rotor inspection program 57

Running time 8

Safe-lock 9

Safety tests 37

Salt crystals 41

Scratches 46, 50

Set-up 34

SOFT 26

Speed 6, 18

Supernatant 5

Swing-bucket 15

Swing-bucket rotor 15, 17, 24

Temperature 8, 18, 27

Tube 18

Two-knobs user-interface 26

Type of rotor 8, 14

Type of sample 10, 18

Ultracentrifuge 12

Ultrafiltration 5

UV 42

Vessel material 10

Volume 10

Weight class 19

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7.4 Capacity and Usage of Eppendorf Centrifuges

Model MiniSpin/MiniSpin plus

5418/5418 R 5424/5424 R 5427 R 5430/5430 R 5702/5702 R/5702 RH 5804/5804 R 5810/5810 R 5920 R

Positioning Entry-level Medium capacity for molecular biology

The laboratory standard

High throughput Microcentrifuge with multipurpose capabilities

Low speed centrifuge optimized for medium capacity needs in clinical research and cell culture labs.

Compact high speed centrifuge for medium capacity needs. With swing-bucket rotor and deepwell plate capacity

The workhorse for medium to high-throughput laboratories: Highly versatile, high speed and high capacity

The workhorse for high to very high-throughput laboratories: Highly versatile, high speed and high capacity

Max. capacity 12 x 1.5/2.0 mL 18 x 1.5/2.0 mL 24 x 1.5/2.0 mL 48 × 1.5/2.0 mL 48 x 1.5/2.0 mL, 6 x 50 mL, 2 x MTP

4 x 100 mL 4 x 250 mL/2 x 5 MTP

4 x 750 mL/4 x 4 MTP

4 x 1,000 mL/4 x 7 MTP

Max. RCF 12,000 x g/14,100 x g 16,873 x g 20,238 x g/21,130 x g 25,000 x g 30,130 x g 3,000 x g 20,913 x g 20,913 x g 22,132 x gMax. speed 13,400 rpm/

14,500 rpm14,000 rpm 14,680 rpm/

15,000 rpm16,220 rpm 17,500 rpm 4,400 rpm 14,000 rpm 14,000 rpm 14,000 rpm

Rotors available 2 1 4 9 12 6 12 18Temperature range – – /0 °C to +40 °C – /-10 °C to +40 °C -11 °C to 40 °C – /-11 °C to 40 °C – /-9 °C to 40 °C/

-9 °C to 42 °C – /-9 °C to 40 °C – /-9 °C to 40 °C -11 °C to 40 °C

Dimensions (W × D × H) 22.6 × 23.9 × 13.0 cm 21 × 30 × 21 cm/30 × 46 × 25 cm

24 × 32 × 23 cm/29 × 48 × 26 cm

31.9 × 54.0 × 25.4 cm

33 × 42 × 25 cm/38 × 64 × 29 cm

32 × 40 × 24 cm/38 × 58 × 26 cm/38 × 58 × 26 cm

47 × 55 × 34 cm/64 × 55 × 34 cm

54 × 61 × 35 cm/70 × 61 × 35 cm

74 × 71 × 40 cm

Height (with open lid) 25 cm 43 cm/52 cm 44 cm/51 cm 56 cm/63 cm 53 cm/60 cm/60 cm 74 cm 80 cm 94 cmWeight w/o accessories 4.3 kg 7.7 kg/22 kg 13.4 kg/21 kg 30 kg 29 kg/56 kg 20 kg/36 kg/36 kg 55 kg/80 kg 68 kg/99 kg 139 kgMax. power consumption 70 W/85 W 170 W/320 W 250 W/350 W 550 W 475 W/1,050 W 200 W/380 W/380 W 900 W/1,650 W 900 W/1,650 W 1,300 WTubes/plates capacity*1

Eppendorf Tubes® 1.5/2.0 mL 12 18 24 48 48 24 (F)/16 (S) 104 200 200Eppendorf Tubes® 5.0 mL – – – 12 16 4 20 (F)/32 (S) 20 (F)/56 (S) 20 (F)/56 (S)8-place PCR strips 2 – 4 6 8 – 6 615 mL conical – – – – 6 20 (F)/8 (S) 40 (F)/32 (S) 40 (F)/56 (S) 6 (F)/108 (S)50 mL conical – – – – 6 4 (A) 6 (F)/16 (S) 6 (F)/28 (S) 6 (F)/52 (S)2.6 – 7 mL (13 mm) – – – – 12 36 6 (F)/56 (S) 6 (F)/100 (S) 6 (F)/196 (S)3 – 15 mL (16 mm) – – – – 12 30 6 (F)/52 (S) 6 (F)/80 (S) 6 (F)/144 (S)7 – 17 mL (17.5 mm) – – – – 12 24 6 (F)/48 (S) 6 (F)/80 (S) 6 (F)/80 (S)180 – 250 mL bottle – – – – – – 4 4 8500 mL Corning® – – – – – – – 4 4750 mL bottle – – – – – – – 4 41,000 mL bottle – – – – – – – – 4MTP/PCR-plates – – – – 2 – 10 16 28Deepwell plates (DWP) – – – – 2 – 4 4 8*1 F = Fixed-angle rotor, S = Swing-bucket rotor

For more information go to www.eppendorf.com/centrifugation

65

7.4 Capacity and Usage of Eppendorf Centrifuges

Model MiniSpin/MiniSpin plus

5418/5418 R 5424/5424 R 5427 R 5430/5430 R 5702/5702 R/5702 RH 5804/5804 R 5810/5810 R 5920 R

Positioning Entry-level Medium capacity for molecular biology

The laboratory standard

High throughput Microcentrifuge with multipurpose capabilities

Low speed centrifuge optimized for medium capacity needs in clinical research and cell culture labs.

Compact high speed centrifuge for medium capacity needs. With swing-bucket rotor and deepwell plate capacity

The workhorse for medium to high-throughput laboratories: Highly versatile, high speed and high capacity

The workhorse for high to very high-throughput laboratories: Highly versatile, high speed and high capacity

Max. capacity 12 x 1.5/2.0 mL 18 x 1.5/2.0 mL 24 x 1.5/2.0 mL 48 × 1.5/2.0 mL 48 x 1.5/2.0 mL, 6 x 50 mL, 2 x MTP

4 x 100 mL 4 x 250 mL/2 x 5 MTP

4 x 750 mL/4 x 4 MTP

4 x 1,000 mL/4 x 7 MTP

Max. RCF 12,000 x g/14,100 x g 16,873 x g 20,238 x g/21,130 x g 25,000 x g 30,130 x g 3,000 x g 20,913 x g 20,913 x g 22,132 x gMax. speed 13,400 rpm/

14,500 rpm14,000 rpm 14,680 rpm/

15,000 rpm16,220 rpm 17,500 rpm 4,400 rpm 14,000 rpm 14,000 rpm 14,000 rpm

Rotors available 2 1 4 9 12 6 12 18Temperature range – – /0 °C to +40 °C – /-10 °C to +40 °C -11 °C to 40 °C – /-11 °C to 40 °C – /-9 °C to 40 °C/

-9 °C to 42 °C – /-9 °C to 40 °C – /-9 °C to 40 °C -11 °C to 40 °C

Dimensions (W × D × H) 22.6 × 23.9 × 13.0 cm 21 × 30 × 21 cm/30 × 46 × 25 cm

24 × 32 × 23 cm/29 × 48 × 26 cm

31.9 × 54.0 × 25.4 cm

33 × 42 × 25 cm/38 × 64 × 29 cm

32 × 40 × 24 cm/38 × 58 × 26 cm/38 × 58 × 26 cm

47 × 55 × 34 cm/64 × 55 × 34 cm

54 × 61 × 35 cm/70 × 61 × 35 cm

74 × 71 × 40 cm

Height (with open lid) 25 cm 43 cm/52 cm 44 cm/51 cm 56 cm/63 cm 53 cm/60 cm/60 cm 74 cm 80 cm 94 cmWeight w/o accessories 4.3 kg 7.7 kg/22 kg 13.4 kg/21 kg 30 kg 29 kg/56 kg 20 kg/36 kg/36 kg 55 kg/80 kg 68 kg/99 kg 139 kgMax. power consumption 70 W/85 W 170 W/320 W 250 W/350 W 550 W 475 W/1,050 W 200 W/380 W/380 W 900 W/1,650 W 900 W/1,650 W 1,300 WTubes/plates capacity*1

Eppendorf Tubes® 1.5/2.0 mL 12 18 24 48 48 24 (F)/16 (S) 104 200 200Eppendorf Tubes® 5.0 mL – – – 12 16 4 20 (F)/32 (S) 20 (F)/56 (S) 20 (F)/56 (S)8-place PCR strips 2 – 4 6 8 – 6 615 mL conical – – – – 6 20 (F)/8 (S) 40 (F)/32 (S) 40 (F)/56 (S) 6 (F)/108 (S)50 mL conical – – – – 6 4 (A) 6 (F)/16 (S) 6 (F)/28 (S) 6 (F)/52 (S)2.6 – 7 mL (13 mm) – – – – 12 36 6 (F)/56 (S) 6 (F)/100 (S) 6 (F)/196 (S)3 – 15 mL (16 mm) – – – – 12 30 6 (F)/52 (S) 6 (F)/80 (S) 6 (F)/144 (S)7 – 17 mL (17.5 mm) – – – – 12 24 6 (F)/48 (S) 6 (F)/80 (S) 6 (F)/80 (S)180 – 250 mL bottle – – – – – – 4 4 8500 mL Corning® – – – – – – – 4 4750 mL bottle – – – – – – – 4 41,000 mL bottle – – – – – – – – 4MTP/PCR-plates – – – – 2 – 10 16 28Deepwell plates (DWP) – – – – 2 – 4 4 8*1 F = Fixed-angle rotor, S = Swing-bucket rotor

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Barrycidal® is a registered trademark of Interchem Hygiene GmbH, Switzerland. BD Vacutainer® and BD Falcon® are registered trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company, US. Corning® is a registered trademark of Corning, Inc. Duran® is a registered trademark of Duran Group GmbH, Germany. Extran® is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Germany. HI-TOR® plus is a registered trademark of Ecolab, Inc., US. Meliseptol®, Helipur® and Hexaquart® are registered trademarks of B. Braun Melsungen AG, Germany. Mikrozid® and Desderman® are registered trademarks of Schülke & Mayr GmbH, Germany. RNase AWAY® is a registered trademark of Molecular Bio-Products, Inc., US. Sterillium®, Bacillol®, Dismozon®, Korsolex®, Microbac®, Kohrsolin® are registered trademarks of Bode Chemie GmbH, Germany. DNA AWAY™ is a trademark of Molecular Bio-Products, Inc., US. RNase-ExitusPlus™ and DNA-ExitusPlus IF™ are trademarks of AppliChem GmbH, Germany. Count-offTM is a trademark of Perkin-Elmer AG, Switzerland.Eppendorf®, the Eppendorf logo, Eppendorf LoBind®, epGreen logo, ep Dualfilter T.I.P.S.®, Eppendorf QuickLock®, Eppendorf Kit rotor®, epServices® logo, FastTemp pro®, MiniSpin®, and OptiBowl® are registered trademarks of Eppendorf AG. QuickLock™ is a trademark of Eppendorf AG. U.S. Design Patents are listed on www.eppendorf.com/ip. All rights reserved, including graphics and images. No. AQ18 339 020/GB2/5T/0915/NW/STEF. Copyright © 2015 by Eppendorf AG.

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