Vacuum System; Figure 1-5. The Rotor Chamber - Beckman Coulter Optima XL Series Instruction Manual

Drive
Spindle
Safety
Plate

VACUUM SYSTEM

The rotor chamber is aluminum, coated with a chemical-resistant epoxy
finish. The rotor drive spindle, radiometer, photoelectric devices, and safety
plate are visible in the bottom of the chamber (see Figure 1-5).

Figure 1-5. The Rotor Chamber

The Optima XL uses a diffusion pump in series with a mechanical vacuum
pump to reduce chamber pressure to below 5 microns (0.7 Pa). The system
is automatically activated when
be turned on directly by pressing
is closed. The vacuum system is also automatically activated when
PRECOOLING or PREHEATING of the rotor is selected. (When the rotor
is at rest, the instrument maintains a partial vacuum.) When the vacuum
system is on, the chamber pressure is displayed in microns in the lower left
corner of the CURRENT VALUES window.
At the end of a run, the chamber vacuum must be vented (by pressing
✿✪✬✾✾✶❛
) before the door can be opened. (The vacuum cannot be turned off
when the rotor is spinning faster than 3000 rpm. If pressed, an error message
will appear.) After the door is opened, the chamber is brought to approximate
room temperature to minimize condensation collecting in the chamber. To
✮✷✽✮✻❛ ✼✽✪✻✽❛
and are pressed, or may
✿✪✬✾✾✶❛
, providing the chamber door
Description
Photoelectric
Devices
Radiometer
1-5