Summary of Contents for Beckman Coulter Allegra 21 Series
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GS15-IM-8 ® Allegra 21 Series, GS-15 Series, and Spinchron 15 Series Centrifuges Instruction Manual...
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Symbol Simbolo Symbol Title Titel Titre Titulo Titolo Symbole Símbolo Dangerous voltage Gefährliche elektrische Spannung Courant haute tension Voltaje peligroso Pericolo: alta tensione Attention, consult accompanying documents Achtung! Begleitpapiere beachten! Attention, consulter les documents joints Atención, consulte los documentos adjuntos Attenzione: consultare le informazioni allegate On (power) Ein (Netzverbindung)
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SAFETY NOTICE This safety notice summarizes information basic to the safe operation of the equipment described in this manual. The international symbol displayed above is a reminder that all safety instructions should be read and understood before installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of this instrument.
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Mechanical Safety For safe operation of the equipment, observe the following: • Use only the Beckman Coulter rotors and accessories designed for use in this centrifuge. • Before starting the centrifuge, make sure that the rotor tie-down screw is securely fastened.
Introduction CERTIFICATION To ensure full system quality, Beckman Coulter Allegra 21 series, GS-15 series, and Spinchron 15 series centrifuges are manufactured in a registered ISO 9001 or 13485 facility. They have been designed and tested to be compliant (when used with Beckman rotors) with the laboratory equipment requirements of applicable regulatory agencies.
Further, the use of any equipment other than that intended for use by Beckman Coulter has not been evaluated for safety. Use of any equipment not specifically recommended in this manual is the sole responsibility of the user.
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Introduction CAUTION Used to indicate a potential hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury and/or mechanical damage. It is also used to alert against unsafe practices. WARNING Used whenever an action or condition may poten- tially cause serious personal injury or loss of life.
For Beckman Coulter products bearing this label please contact your dealer or local Beckman Coulter office for details on the take back program that will facilitate the proper collection, treatment, recovery,...
Introduction NONREFRIGERATED MODEL SPECIFICATIONS Only values with tolerances or limits are guaranteed data. Values without tolerances are informative data, without guarantee. Speed Set speed..... 0 to 14 500 rpm (in 100-rpm increments) or equivalent RCF Time Set time.
Introduction REFRIGERATED MODEL SPECIFICATIONS Only values with tolerances or limits are guaranteed data. Values without tolerances are informative data, without guarantee. Speed Set speed..... 0 to 15 300 rpm (in 100-rpm increments) or equivalent RCF Time Set time.
Resistances (publication IN-175). Refer to the applicable rotor manuals for rotor descriptions. INSTRUMENT FUNCTION AND SAFETY FEATURES The Beckman Coulter Allegra 21 series, GS-15 series, and Spinchron 15 INSTRUMENT FUNCTION series compact benchtop centrifuges generate centrifugal forces required for a wide variety of applications. Together with any of several Beckman...
Description The centrifuges are microprocessor-controlled, providing interactive oper- ation. The instrument design features a brushless three-phase drive system, automatic rotor overspeed identification system, program memory that can repeat the previously used run parameters for a given rotor, and a choice of acceleration/deceleration rates. The refrigerated models also have temperature control systems.
Description The Allegra 21 series, GS-15 series, and Spinchron 15 series centrifuges SAFETY FEATURES have been designed and tested to operate safety indoors at altitudes up to 2000 m (6562 ft). Instrument safety features include the following: • The door has dual electromechanical door-locking mechanisms to prevent operator contact with spinning rotors.
Description The solid-sheet aluminum door is secured to the housing by solid shafts. DOOR A dual electromechanical door lock system prevents operator contact with spinning rotors and prevents run initiation unless the door is shut and latched. The door is locked when a run is in progress and can be opened only when the rotor is stopped.
Description With the power on, the temperature control system is activated when the TEMPERATURE SENSING AND CONTROL door is closed. The run temperature can be set between –20 and +40°C in (refrigerated models only) refrigerated models. If no set temperature is entered, the centrifuge auto- matically selects the last entered temperature.
Description Power Switch Figure 1-3. The Power Switch The control panel (Figure 1-4), mounted at an angle on the centrifuge front CONTROL PANEL for easy visibility and access, comprises touch keys—system keys and programming keys—and digital displays. The panel also contains an IMBALANCE light that flashes if rotor loads are severely out of balance.
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Description The centrifuge operation is controlled through the system keys. Each key System Keys (except the [ ] key) has an LED in the upper left corner that lights to PULSE indicate that the key can be activated. SPEED TIME TEMP °C ACC/DEC ENTER...
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Description The program keys are used to set run parameters (a program consists of all Program Keys of the parameters for a run). Except for the cursor and [ ] keys, ENTER program keys are located beneath the applicable digital displays, which show the parameters as they are input.
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Description The centrifuge memory contains a list of the rotors that can be used, ROTOR together with default parameters for each rotor. When the [ ] key is ROTOR pressed the number of the rotor used in the previous run is shown on the SPEED display.
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Description Digital Displays SPEED TIME TEMP °C ACC/DEC ENTER ROTOR TIME TEMP ACCEL PULSE DECEL OPEN FAST STOP START IMBALANCE DOOR STOP Digital displays indicate rotor speed, run time, rotor chamber temperature, and numbers that represent selected acceleration and deceleration profiles. When the power is turned on, they show the operating parameters of the most recent run performed before the power was turned off.
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Description • During a timed run (between 1 minute and 9 hours, 59 minutes), the TIME TIME display begins counting down when the rotor starts to spin and continues the countdown until deceleration begins. The TIME display indicates the remaining run time in hours and minutes. •...
Installation This section contains instructions for installing and connecting the centri- fuge. Check that required clearances and electrical power are available. WARNING These centrifuges each weigh 50 kg/110.3 lb (nonrefrigerated model) or 70 kg/154.4 lb (refrigerated model.) DO NOT attempt to lift or move one of them without assistance from another person.
Installation Position the centrifuge on a level surface, such as a sturdy table or labora- tory bench that is able to support the weight of the centrifuge (refer to ) and resist vibration. SPECIFICATIONS • Locate the centrifuge in an area with sufficient ventilation to allow for heat dissipation.
Installation To ensure safety, the centrifuge should be wired to a remote emergency switch (preferably outside the room where the centrifuge is housed, or adjacent to the exit from that room), in order to disconnect the instrument from the main power source in case of a malfunction. WARNING To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this equip- ment uses a three-wire electrical cord and plug to...
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Operation This section contains operating procedures for the centrifuge, using any of the Beckman Coulter rotors designed for use in these centrifuges. Refer to the appropriate rotor manual for instructions on preparing the rotor for centrifugation. To prevent condensation, keep the centrifuge door closed and the power turned off (O) when the centrifuge is not in use.
Operation WARNING The centrifuge must not be used in the vicinity of flammable liquids or vapors, and such materials should not be run in the centrifuge. During oper- ation you should come within the 7.6 cm (3-in.) clearance envelope only to adjust instrument controls, if necessary.
Operation 5. Make sure that the tapered sleeve is in place at the base of the centri- fuge drive shaft before installing the rotor (see Figure 3-1). The rotor rests on the sleeve while spinning, and will not operate properly if the sleeve is missing.
Operation SWINGING BUCKET ROTOR FIXED ANGLE ROTOR Lower the yoke Lower the rotor straight down straight down onto the drive onto the drive shaft shaft Tighten the Tighten the tie-down screw tie-down screw clockwise onto clockwise onto the drive shaft the drive shaft Seat filled Attach the lid and...
Operation 9. If using a fixed-angle rotor with a lid, attach the lid. Tighten the lid with the T-handle wrench. ➠ NOTE Fixed-angle rotors can be centrifuged without lids attached when longer tubes are used. 10. Close the centrifuge door and push firmly down on both sides of the door front until you hear a clicking (latching) sound.
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Operation When run parameters for a rotor have been entered, as described below, they will be retained in the centrifuge memory and can be recalled by simply entering the rotor number. The recalled program can then be used for the current run or can be altered as required. Each rotor that can be run in the centrifuge has a rotor number;...
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Operation ➠ NOTE Use only the RPM mode to set run speeds for the H6002 bowl rotor. In the bowl rotor, RCF varies according to the tube in use, as indicated in the rotor manual (publication GS30-TB-002). If you use the RCF mode to set run speed, the centrifuge will select an RPM level based on the r of the largest tube,...
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Operation Run time can be set for either a timed run or continuous operation. Setting Run Time • Timed run — Time can be set for up to 9 hours and 59 minutes (if the minutes parameter entered exceeds 59, it is automatically converted into hours).
Operation ➠ NOTE For runs at other than room temperature, refrigerate or warm the rotor beforehand for fast equilibration. For low-temperature runs, precool the centrifuge by running a 30-minute cycle at the desired temperature (with a precooled rotor installed) with the speed set at about 2000 rpm.
Operation 1. Press the [ ] key. ACCEL The ACC/DEC display will flash, indicating that the selected rate number can be entered with the cursor keys. 2. Press the ▲ or ▼ cursor key until the required number is displayed. The [ ] key is used to select deceleration rates that will maintain Setting Deceleration Rate...
Operation • A blinking LED at the bottom of the TIME display indicates that the run is in progress. This display also shows the time remaining in the run (or ∞ and elapsed time for continuous operation). WARNING Do not attempt to override the door interlock system while the rotor is spinning.
Operation A timed run will end automatically when the TIME display counts down STOPPING A RUN to zero. To end a run in progress for any reason: 1. Press the [ ] key for normal deceleration as selected by the decel- STOP eration curve.
Operation CAUTION If disassembly reveals evidence of leakage, you should assume that some fluid escaped the rotor. Appropriate decontamination procedures should be applied to the centrifuge and accessories. SUMMARY OF RUN PROCEDURES For runs at other than room temperature, refrigerate or warm the rotor beforehand for fast equilibration.
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Operation 6. Check that all parameters are correct and the door is shut and latched, then press [ ], then [ ENTER START WARNING Never attempt to override the door interlock sys- tem while the rotor is spinning. CAUTION Do not lift or move the centrifuge while the rotor is spinning 7.
Coulter Field Service representative. ➠ NOTE It is your responsibility to decontaminate the centrifuge, as well as any rotors and accessories, before requesting service by Beckman Coulter Field Service representatives. USER MESSAGES CAUTION If the message SEr appears on the display, do not press any keys while the message is displayed.
Troubleshooting Table 4-1. Error Message Chart. If the recommended action does not correct the problem, call Beckman Coulter Field Service. Error Number Problem Result Recommended Action 1 through 23, Microprocessor or Deceleration to full stop; After rotor comes to a complete stop, turn...
Troubleshooting to determine the nature of the problem and recommended actions. If you are unable to correct the problem, call your Beckman Coulter Field Service representative. To help diagnose and correct the problem, try to gather as much information about the situation as you can: •...
2000 rpm. If a lower temperature deviation alert is required, contact Beckman Coulter Field Service. Chamber does not Centrifuge cannot maintain Refer to appropriate rotor manual for temperature...
Troubleshooting Figure 4-1. Emergency Door Release 2. Make sure that the rotor is not spinning. 3. Insert a socket-head wrench in the emergency door release screw on the centrifuge side panel (see Figure 4-1). 4. Rotate the screw clockwise until you hear a “click” or the door pops open.
➠ NOTE It is your responsibility to decontaminate the centrifuge, as well as any rotors and accessories, before requesting service by Beckman Coulter Field Service representatives. WARNING Any maintenance procedure or servicing of this equipment that requires removal of any covers can expose parts which involve the risk of electric shock or personal injury.
Care and Maintenance MAINTENANCE The following procedures should be performed regularly to ensure PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE continued performance and long service life of the centrifuge. • Regularly inspect the interior of the rotor chamber for accumulations of sample, dust, or glass particles from broken sample tubes. Clean as required (see , below), as these accumulations can result in CLEANING...
Care and Maintenance CLEANING Frequent cleaning is recommended to prolong the life of the centrifuge. Always clean up spills when they occur to prevent corrosives or contami- nants from drying on component surfaces. • To prevent accumulations of sample, dust, and/or glass particles from broken sample tubes, keep the interior of the rotor chamber clean and dry by frequent wiping with a cloth or paper towel.
CENTRIFUGE (a Returned Goods Authorization form) must be obtained from Beckman Coulter, Inc. Contact your local Beckman Coulter office to obtain the RGA form and for packaging and shipping instructions. Flammability hazard. Do not use in or near operating centrifuges.
2345 in the United States, or by contacting your local Beckman Coulter office. Contact Beckman Coulter Sales (1-800-742-2345 in the United States; worldwide offices are listed at the back of this manual) for information about ordering parts and supplies. For your convenience, a partial list is given below.
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Appendix Program Library Record the program parameters on the chart below as a quick reference when duplicating run conditions. Refer to Section 3 of this manual for the numbers representing acceleration and deceleration (ACCEL/DECEL) rates. Speed Program Time Temp ACCEL DECEL Number User...
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Program Library Speed Program Time Temp ACCEL DECEL Number User Date Purpose (hrs/min) (°C) Rate Rate...
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If any such compo- nent or accessory fails to give reasonable service for a reason- able period of time, Beckman Coulter will repair or, at its DISCLAIMER election, replace such component or accessory. What consti-...