Download
Share
Print this page
Thermo Scientific SORVALL RC-3C Plus User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Thermo Scientific Manuals
  4. Laboratory Equipment
  5. SORVALL RC-3C Plus
  6. User manual
Thermo Scientific SORVALL RC-3C Plus User Manual

Thermo Scientific SORVALL RC-3C Plus User Manual

General purpose automatic refrigerated centrifuge
Hide thumbs

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
RC-3C Plus
User´s Manual
Analyze • Detect • Measure • Control™
PN 55559 - 7

Advertisement

loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the SORVALL RC-3C Plus and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Thermo Scientific SORVALL RC-3C Plus

Summary of Contents for Thermo Scientific SORVALL RC-3C Plus

  • Page 1 RC-3C Plus User´s Manual Analyze • Detect • Measure • Control™ PN 55559 - 7...
  • Page 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS SORVALL RC-3C PLUS ® General Purpose Automatic Refrigerated Centrifuge Thermo Scientific Asheville, North Carolina U.S.A. PN 55559-7 Issued February 2007...
  • Page 4 CAUTION informs the operator of an unsafe practice that could result in damage of equipment. NOTE highlights essential information. CAUTION and WARNING are accompanied by a hazard symbol and appear in the left sidebar near the information they correspond to. © 1991, 1993, 1996, 1998, 2003 by Thermo Scientific...
  • Page 5 RC-3C PLUS Table of Contents Important Safety Information Certain potentially dangerous conditions are inherent to the use of all centrifuges. To ensure safe operation of this centrifuge, anyone using it should be aware of all safe practices and take all precautions described below and throughout this manual.
  • Page 6 Table of Contents SORVALL ® Centrifuges Table of Contents Page Safety Information Page ......iii Chapter 1.
  • Page 7 RC-3C PLUS Table of Contents Page Chapter 4. OPERATION (continued) Programmed Operating Procedure ..... . 4-6 Program Enter ........4-8 Program Display .
  • Page 8 ® Table of Contents SORVALL Centrifuges...
  • Page 9 RC-3C PLUS Description Chapter 1: DESCRIPTION This manual provides you with the information you will need to install, operate and maintain your ® SORVALL RC-3C PLUS General Purpose Automatic Refrigerated Centrifuge. If you require additional information regarding operation or maintenance, please contact Thermo for assistance. In the United States, call Thermo toll-free 1-800-522-7746;...
  • Page 10 ® Description SORVALL Centrifuges Centrifuge Specifications Temperature Chamber Temperature Controlled within 2°C of Set Temperature from 0°C to 30°C ... Maximum Operating Speed (Controlled within 1% of Set Speed or ± 20 rpm, whichever is greater) ..6000 rpm Dimensions: Width .
  • Page 11 RC-3C PLUS Description Centrifuge .eatures • Programmed operation which automatically establishes pre- recorded run conditions and completely controls centrifuge operation. • Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) values can be calculated prior to a run and can be displayed during a run, except during programmed operation.
  • Page 13 RC-3B PLUS Installation Chapter 2: INSTALLATION ® This chapter contains instructions to prepare the SORVALL RC-3C PLUS Centrifuge for operation. Inspection 1. When you receive your centrifuge, carefully inspect it for any signs of shipping damage. If you find damage, report it immedi- ately to the transportation company and file a damage claim, then notify Thermo.
  • Page 14 Installation SORVALL ® Centrifuges 30 AMP CIRCUIT PROTECTOR WALL OUTLET MEASURED LINE VOLTAGE 30 AMP CIRCUIT PROTECTOR Figure 2-1. RC-3C PLUS Electrical Requirements Single phase RC-3C PLUS Centrifuges are equipped with a three- wire cord with three-prong connector to fit a NEMA 6-30P recep- tacle, or, on 230V 50Hz centrifuges, an IEC 60309-type 3-pin receptacle (32A, 2-pole and earth).
  • Page 15 RC-3B PLUS Installation 115.6 cm (45.5 inch) 94 cm 165.1 cm (37 inch) (65 inch) 101.6 cm 76.2 cm (40 inch) (30 inch) Figure 2-2. Centrifuge Dimensions Environment Ambient air temperature at the centrifuge air inlets must be between 15°C to 38°C (59°F to 100°F), with relative humidity ≤90%, for the centrifuge to operate.
  • Page 16 Installation SORVALL ® Centrifuges Installation A Preinstallation Kit (Catalog No. 22001) is supplied for UL/CSA/ CE compliance. Install the Preinstallation Kit according to instruc- tions supplied with the kit. To install the RC-3C PLUS : 1. Position the RC-3C PLUS in an operating location that satisfies the criteria specified in the previous Location paragraph.
  • Page 17 Controls, Indicators, and Displays RC-3C PLUS Chapter 3: CONTROLS, INDICATORS and DISPLAYS The RC-3C PLUS control switches are used to select desired run conditions and during a run digital displays indicate actual run conditions, such as calculated sample temperature, rotor speed, remaining or elapsed run time or accumulated integral value.
  • Page 18 Controls, Indicators, and Displays ® SORVALL Centrifuges TEMPERATURE During a run, the temperature display indicates calculated sample temperature. If a programmed run is in operation and the PRGM DSPL switch is pressed, the display will change to show the prerecorded set RUN temperature for the selected program; as soon as the switch is released, the display changes back to actual temperature.
  • Page 19 Controls, Indicators, and Displays RC-3C PLUS TIME (continued) an integral value. The switches are used to select either the desired length of run time in minutes and seconds or the desired integral value, de- pending on the setting of the TIMED/ ∫ω dt switch when the START switch is pressed.
  • Page 20 Controls, Indicators, and Displays ® SORVALL Centrifuges O../ARC Switch If set to ARC this switch selects an automatic rate-controlled slow start from 0 to 250 rpm before normal full acceleration is established. Also, depending on other settings, selection of ARC will cause a controlled slow stop from 500 to 0 rpm.
  • Page 21 Controls, Indicators, and Displays RC-3C PLUS If this switch is set to ∫ w dt and the OFF/HOLD switch is set • to HOLD when START is pressed, the TIME display will show accumulated run time (in minutes and seconds) and the run will continue until the STOP switch is pressed.
  • Page 22 Controls, Indicators, and Displays ® SORVALL Centrifuges START Switch When pressed, will start the run. STOP Switch/PROGRAM ENTER Switch If pressed while a run is in progress, the run will stop. If the centrifuge is in STANDBY, the key switch set to EN- ABLE, and the P PRGM SEL switch is set to one of ten program file numbers from P0 through P9 when this switch is pressed to PRGM ENTR, all run parameters set on the control...
  • Page 23 Controls, Indicators, and Displays RC-3C PLUS OVER SPEED The detected speed is higher than 6200 rpm and run in progress terminated. If the ENTRY ERROR light is also on, see page 4-11 for possible cause. If the ENTRY ERROR light is not on, notify Thermo Service Representative of the OVER SPEED condition.
  • Page 24 Controls, Indicators, and Displays ® SORVALL Centrifuges DIAGNOSTICS Diagnostic lights, numbered 1 through 16, help troubleshoot a prob- lem when the centrifuge is not operating properly. When any of the lights come on, it means a problem exists that is affecting the opera- tion of the centrifuge.
  • Page 25 RC-3C PLUS Operation Chapter 4: OPERATION This chapter provides the operating procedures for the RC-3C PLUS Centrifuge. NOTE Before using the RC-3C PLUS for the first time, be sure it is properly installed (see Chapter 2, Installation). In addition, we recommend that you read all WARNINGS and CAUTIONS, as well as Chapter 3 to familiarize yourself with the centrifuge controls and features.
  • Page 26 ® Operation SORVALL Centrifuges Rotor Installation, Loading and W A R N I N G Balancing When loading the rotor, be sure not to exceed the maxi- mum compartment mass of the Install, load, and balance the rotor according to the instructions rotor (see table).
  • Page 27 RC-3C PLUS Operation Normal Operating Procedure Read the Safety Information Page at the front of this manual. To keep your centrifuge in good working condition and ensure accurate test results, we recommend that you check the speed control, timer, and temperature control twice a year following the procedures given in Chapter 5, Customer Control Inspection, page 5-2.
  • Page 28 ® Operation SORVALL Centrifuges NOTE If the OFF/ARC switch is set to ARC, the timer begins to count down as soon as the START switch is pressed. Therefore, for short runs, it will be nec- essary to compensate for the slow start ramp up to the desired run speed.
  • Page 29 RC-3C PLUS Operation ∫ω dt Operating Procedure Read the Safety Information Page at the front of this manual. W A R N I N G Make sure the rotor Prepare the rotor according to the instructions in the rotor compartment mass does not ex- instruction manual, then follow the instructions below.
  • Page 30 ® Operation SORVALL Centrifuges ∫ ω NOTE dt switch can be The setting of the TIMED/ changed to TIMED anytime during a run to have the display (TIME) show the length of time that has elapsed since the run was started (that is, the num- bers in the display will change to represent minutes and seconds instead of the integral value).
  • Page 31 RC-3C PLUS Operation If a minor change is needed, after you have set the RUN temperature, wait until the TEMP °C display indicates set RUN temperature before proceeding. 3. Open the chamber door. C A U T I O N 4.
  • Page 32 ® Operation SORVALL Centrifuges Program Enter The RC-3C PLUS has 10 program files, numbered P0 through P9, in which run conditions can be stored for repeat runs. To enter a new program: 1. Set the main power switch to "I". 2.
  • Page 33 RC-3C PLUS Operation 9. Press the PRGM ENTR (STOP) switch on the control panel to record the set run conditions. NOTE To protect the program from unauthorized change, turn the key switch to DISABLE and remove the key; a program cannot be changed without the key inserted and set to ENABLE.
  • Page 34 ® Operation SORVALL Centrifuges NOTE RCF values calculated for the SM-24 Rotor (code number 35) are the values for the rotor's outer row. 3. Press and hold the RCF switch. 4. The SPEED display will show the RCF value (for the identified rotor) at the speed that is set on the RPM switches.
  • Page 35 RC-3C PLUS Operation Test Run for Low Temperature Operation If the centrifuge is operated at a very low temperature, it may be difficult for the refrigeration system to maintain indicated sample temperature within 2°C of the set temperature. This condition may cause the sample to freeze;...
  • Page 36 ® Operation SORVALL Centrifuges Running Hazardous Material W A R N I N G The RC-3C PLUS Centrifuge is designed with a refrigeration system that operates independently of the laboratory environ- If using pathogenic, ment. Because the centrifuge chamber is not designed for bio- toxic, or otherwise hazardous ma- containment, some vapors or aerosols released from uncapped, terials in the RC-3C PLUS, we...
  • Page 37 RC-3C PLUS Operation Entry Errors Any of the following conditions will cause the ENTRY ERROR message to light. 1. The MAX temperature switch is set at or below the value set on the RUN temperature switch. In this case, the MAX temperature that the system will use is the RUN temperature plus seven degrees.
  • Page 39 RC-3C PLUS Maintenance Chapter 5: MAINTENANCE This section describes routine maintenance procedures that should be performed on a regular basis. As the user, it is your responsibility to make certain that these procedures are followed when necessary. Also, to keep your centrifuge in good working condition and ensure accurate test results, we recommend that, in addition to these routine procedures, you have the temperature control and the rotor imbalance detector checked periodically by a Thermo Service Representative or other qualified service personnel because occasionally, these controls may need to be recalibrated.
  • Page 40 Maintenance SORVALL ® Centrifuges Drive Spindle Wipe the spindle with a soft cloth before a rotor is installed to reduce the chance of the rotor sticking to the spindle. Periodically, wash the spindle with warm water. Cabinet Clean the enameled cabinet panels with a household wax cleaner.
  • Page 41 RC-3C PLUS Maintenance Speed Control 1. Precool rotor and chamber if desired. 2. Prepare a sample of test fluid. Load and balance the rotor according to the instructions given in the individual rotor instruction manual. 3. Open the chamber door and install the rotor. Close the chamber door.
  • Page 42 Maintenance SORVALL ® Centrifuges 6. Press the START switch. Using a stopwatch, verify that the centrifuge shuts off when the preset time on the TIME display has elapsed (± 5%). 7. Repeat this procedure at any other time ranges that are commonly used in your laboratory protocols.
  • Page 43 RC-3C PLUS Maintenance Emergency Sample Recovery W A R N I N G If the main power shuts off because of a power failure or a system When the main power malfunction while the rotor is spinning, the RC-3C PLUS cham- shuts off, the brake will not oper- ber door will not open.
  • Page 44 Maintenance SORVALL ® Centrifuges CENTRIFUGE BACKPACK BRACKET AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY (INCLUDES AIR FILTER AND HOLDER) HANDLE Figure 5-2. Air Filter Assembly Removal 4. Clean the air filter assembly by rinsing in warm water. If the air filter is being reinstalled proceed to step 6. However, if the air filter can no longer be cleaned by rinsing in warm water or if it is damaged, replace the air filter as described in step 5.
  • Page 45 RC-3C PLUS Maintenance Circuit Breakers The RC-3C PLUS has seven circuit breakers. The primary power circuit breaker is located on the front cabinet panel (POWER switch). Six circuit breakers are located on the rear console panel (as shown in figure 5-3). One 20A breaker protects the drive circuitry, one 20A breaker protects the refrigeration cir- cuitry, and the remaining four 3A breakers protect the power supply.
  • Page 46 Maintenance SORVALL ® Centrifuges Service Decontamination Policy W A R N I N G If a centrifuge or rotor that has been used with radioactive or pathogenic material requires servicing by Thermo personnel, Because of the charac- either at the customer’s laboratory or at a Thermo facility, com- teristics of the samples likely to ply with the following procedure to ensure the safety of all be processed in this centrifuge,...
  • Page 47 RC-3C PLUS Maintenance 2. Complete and attach Decontamination Information Certifi- cate (in the back of your rotor or instrument manual) to the centrifuge or rotor before servicing. Decontamination Information Certificates are included with this book. Additional certificates are available from the local Thermo Representative or Field Service Engineer.
  • Page 48 Maintenance SORVALL ® Centrifuges been completed. The sender will be contacted for instructions regarding disposition of the equipment in question; all disposi- tion costs will be borne by the sender. If contaminated equipment is received at Thermo facilities, both the carrier and appropriate authorities shall be notified.
  • Page 49 RC-3C PLUS APPENDIX...
  • Page 50 ® Appendix SORVALL Centrifuges Warranty Thermo makes no warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, except as stated in this warranty policy. ® The SORVALL RC-3C PLUS Centrifuge is warranted (subject to the conditions specified below and in the warranty clause of the Thermo terms and conditions of sale in effect at the time of sale) to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of delivery.
  • Page 51 RC-3C PLUS Index Air Filter Cleaning 5-5 Description 1-1 Diagnostics 3-8 Backlit Advisory Messages Dimensions 1-2, 2-3 door 3-7 Drive System Failure 3-8 entry error 3-7 Electrical Requirements 2-1 hold 3-7 Emergency Sample Recovery 5-5 out of balance 3-6 over speed 3-7 Entry Errors 4-13 over temp 3-6 Environment 2-3...
  • Page 52 ® Appendix SORVALL Centrifuges NOTES...
  • Page 53 DECON TAM I N AT I ON I N FORM AT I ON CERT I FI CAT E Com ple t e a nd a t t a c h t o e quipm e nt BEFORE se rvic ing (instructions on reverse) PLEASE PRINT DECONTAMINATION...
  • Page 54 INSTRUCTIONS When an instrument that has been used with radioactive, patho- and certification has been completed. If an instrument is received at genic, or otherwise hazardous materials requires servicing by Thermo our Service facilities and, in our opinion, poses a radioactive or personnel either at the customer's laboratory or at Thermo facilities, biological hazard, the sender will be contacted for instructions as to the following procedure must be complied with to insure safety of...
  • Page 55 Europea 2002/96EC in merito ai Rifiuti degli Apparecchi Elettrici ed Elettronici (WEEE). È marcato col seguente simbolo. Thermo Scientific ha stipulato contratti con una o diverse società di riciclaggio/smaltimento in ognuno degli Stati Membri Europei. Questo prodotto verrà smaltito o riciclato tramite queste medesime. Ulteriori informazioni sulla conformità...
  • Page 56 CHINA INDIA JAPAN Tel.: +86 21 68 65 45 88 Tel.: +91 22 55 42 94 94 Tel.: +81 454 53 92 20 +86 10 58 50 35 88 OTHER ASIA PACIFIC COUNTRIES Tel.: +852 28 85 46 13 AUSTRIA BELGIUM FINLAND Tel.: +43 (1) 80 14 00...