UNICO

PowerSpin™ C8624
24 Place Centrifuge

OPERATORS MANUAL

Revised February 2012

1
Introduction

Equipment Ratings, Speed & Items Included

Features

Installation & Set Up

Safety Precautions

Operation & Control Panel

Cleaning Centrifuge

Maintenance & Inspection

Problem Solving

Contact Information for Questions, Assistance & Centrifuge Replacement

Before starting this centrifuge for the first time,

please read this short manual.

2
Introduction

This is a bench top centrifuge with a space saving design and intuitive controls.
The unit has provision for 24 tubes in the rotor, cycle timer, automatic lid lock and
release. A safety device is installed to prevent the lid from opening while the centrifuge is
running. Each PowerSpin™ C8624 centrifuge comes equipped with an angled rotor with
24-place tube shields already installed.

Equipment Ratings, Speed & Items Included

The enclosure of the centrifuge is made of high impact plastic. The internal rotor
chamber is made of stainless steel. The motor is mounted on rubber mounts to provide
quiet running and less vibration. The stainless steel rotor chamber can be easily
cleaned and disinfected.

 This centrifuge is for indoor use only

 Rotating speed: 1,000 - 3,400 RPM

Items included

 Operators Manual
 Centrifuge
 Power Cord

Other
 Digital Timer 1 – 60 Minutes
 Rotor 24 place angled
 Capacity 24 x 10mL (nominal)
3 – 15mL tube range
 Dimension (L x W x H) 13 3/4“ x 15” x 11”
 Net Weight 31 lbs

Features

 Push button keypad controls.

 24 place angled rotor for use with standard 3 to 15 mL tubes (plastic).
(An optional adapter is required for tubes less than 10 mL or 100mm length)
 Digital speed control with speed range from 1,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM.
 Automatic and speed/RCF digital display simultaneously.
 Electronic 60 minute timer with beeping signal at end of run.
 Automatic time and speed reset to the last time speed and time setting for
repeated job.

3
  Memorized time and speed settings: The centrifuge will memorize the last time
and speed settings when the unit is turned off. It will resume the previous time
and speed settings when the unit is turned on.
 Maintenance free brushless AC motor.
 Safety: The centrifuge lid cannot be opened until the unit stops spinning. It will
not run unless the lid is properly closed.
 Suction cup rubber feet for stable bench top operation.
 Power switch with indicator light tells when unit is powered on.
 Power on/off switch located on back of unit.

Installation & Set Up

 Inspect upon receipt. If you note any damage, please contact Ascend Clinical.
Save the original packaging. If it becomes necessary to return the centrifuge to
us, we ask that it be returned in the original packaging.
 Place the centrifuge on a level, horizontal surface.
 A safety distance of 12 inches is needed around the centrifuge during operation.
 No objects which could cause additional damage, or could themselves be
damaged in the event of a centrifuge crash should be positioned in this space.
 Before plugging in the centrifuge compare your main supply with the electrical
requirements of the centrifuge.

Before Starting Centrifuge

The rotor is protected by cushion foam in the rotor chamber. Do not operate the
centrifuge before the foam is removed. This special packing inside the chamber of
the centrifuge prevents the rotor and shields from moving during shipping.

1. Use a small screw driver (or a rod with .45mm or less in diameter) to open the lid.
Insert the tool into the emergency lid-opening hole on the up-right corner on the
left side of the front panel of the centrifuge. Push the tool to release the safety
lock and open the lid.

2. Remove the foam packing.

3. The centrifuge rotor is pre-installed. No rotor installation or calibration is

required.

4. The power inlet is located in the back of the centrifuge. Plug in one end of the
power cord to the inlet and the other end to an 115V power outlet.

4
Safety Precautions

Always
 The rotor and lid must always be securely fastened.
 If the centrifuge makes unusual noises when started, or exhibits excessive
vibration, switch the unit off immediately by turning the power switch OFF.
 The centrifuge must be loaded symmetrically.
 Do not use centrifuge with wet hands.
 Take all precautions when using the centrifuge for toxic, radioactive, or material
with pathogenic micro-organisms, with respect to your safety and the safety of
others.
 Do not place any sample containers or test tubes directly into the rotor.

The Centrifuge Itself

 Do not use a centrifuge that was not correctly installed or repaired.
 This centrifuge may be used only for the specified application. It must not be
operated in a hazardous or flammable environment and must not be used to
centrifuge flammable, explosive, or highly reactive substances.
 When moving a centrifuge from a cold room to one of normal temperature, run
the centrifuge for 30 minutes in the cold room so that it does not get covered in
condensation. Alternatively allow it to warm up for at least three hours,
unplugged, in order to prevent condensation.
 All material associated with the centrifuge should be protected from excessive
ultra-violet radiation.

Reminders
 If any function of the centrifuge does not operate correctly do not use the
centrifuge.
 Do not use a damaged centrifuge.
 Do not move the centrifuge during the run.
 After prolonged use, or if the motor was stalled, the bottom of the centrifuge may
become very hot. Handle the centrifuge by the sides only.

5
Operation & Control Panel

1. Plug the centrifuge into a power source outlet.

2. Make sure power is on. Power on/off switch is located on back of unit.
3. Open the lid by pressing the Open button on the control panel.
4. Place the specimen tubes into the tube shields of the horizontal rotor.

CAUTION!!
Make sure that the specimen tubes are balanced.
Always balance rotor with tubes of equal size and equal fill.

5. Close lid firmly.

6. Set the timer to the desired time by pressing the up or down arrow. To speed up
time setting, press and hold the arrow button.
7. Press the Start button to start the spin.
8. After the centrifuge rotor has come to a complete stop (three beeping sounds),
the lid will automatically be released. Open the lid.

Note: when the centrifuge run is complete, the timer will be automatically reset to
the last timer setting and the centrifuge is ready for the next run.

Timer setting
Use the up and down arrow to preset the running time. The timer range is from
1 to 60 minutes. The display will show counting down time.

Time setting review change during operation

 To check time setting during operation, press either up or down arrow.
 To change timer setting during operation, press and hold the up or down
arrow button for more than 2 seconds.
 To increase time setting, press and hold up arrow, otherwise, down arrow
button.

Speed setting
 Use the up or down arrow to preset the running speed.
 The speed range is from 1,000 RPM to 3,400 RPM in 100 RPM increments.
 The display will show actual running speed and RCF (g) level.

Speed setting review change during operation

 To check speed setting during operation, press either up or down arrow.
 To change speed setting during operation, press and hold the up or down
button for more than 2 seconds.
 To increase speed setting, press and hold up arrow, otherwise, down arrow
button.

6
 Start button
 Press Start button to spin sample.
 The centrifuge will not spin is the lid is not closed or not properly closed.

Make sure the samples are balanced!

Stop button
 Stop the centrifuge at anytime.

Open button
 Open the centrifuge lid only when the centrifuge is not spinning.

Emergency lid-opening
 The lid is designed to prevent it from being opened accidently while the
centrifuge is spinning. There may be a situation when the lid needs to be
opened manually (For example if you lose electrical power and samples are
still in the centrifuge).

 To open the lid manually, use the lid-opening tool (or a small screw driver).
Insert the tool into the emergency lid-opening hole on the upper right corner
on the left side of the front of the centrifuge.

Electronic cycle counter

 The centrifuge will count the total cycle of usage. To check the cycle usage,
press and hold Stop button for 4 seconds, the total to date number of cycles
will be displayed.
 “Cycles of usage” is not total spinning time. It represents the total times the
centrifuge has spun.

Cleaning

 The user is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the centrifuge.

 Unplug unit before cleaning or moving.
 Any spills must be immediately cleaned up.
 If any liquids or debris are spilled on and/or in the rotor the entire centrifuge must
be replaced. Call Ascend Clinical Client Services for a replacement centrifuge:
800.800.5655, Option 1.
Cleaning Centrifuge
 Clean the centrifuge weekly using a mild detergent. Spills should be wiped up
immediately.
 Clean both the exterior and the interior.

7
  Disinfect using a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water).
 Exterior of the centrifuge should be disinfected weekly.
 Interior should be disinfected monthly.
 Prepare a fresh 10% bleach solution each time. Once mixed with water, bleach
loses effectiveness after 24 hours. The solution should not be stored for future
use.
Cleaning Rotor
 There is no need to clean the rotor.
 If cleaning the rotor is required please call Ascend Clinical Client Services at
800.800.5655, Option 1 and we will provide a new centrifuge.

Maintenance & Inspection

 Routinely inspect with the unit unplugged

 The lid, top of the rotor, and the outside of housing should be routinely inspected
for any sign of damage. Rotor and the centrifuge lid showing signs of mechanical
damage should not be used.
 The carrier must be inspected before each use.
 Inspect power cord for cracked insulation, broken pins or any damage.
 There are no user serviceable parts in the centrifuge. This centrifuge uses a
non-replaceable rotor. Repairs must be done by an authorized service agency.

Problem Solving

 Centrifuge does not start:

o Check to determine if centrifuge is plugged in.
o Check that lid is properly closed.
o Check that Power switch in the back of unit is in the “on” position.
o Check that the power indicator light (with the switch) is lit. A failure of the
power light to illuminate could indicate a need for a new fuse when the
unit is properly plugged in, switch is turned on and the lid is closed.

 Excessive noise when running. If the noise is irregular or different in tone, be

sure that there is no paper or debris in the rotor or rotor chamber. Make sure the
load is balanced in the rotor.

 Indicator light fails to light:

o Unit is not turned on or no power supply.
o Fuse is blown.

8
  Fuse Replacement:
o CAUTION: DISCONNECT THE POWERCORD BEFORE REPLACING
FUSE.
o Follow the procedures below to replace the fuse:
o Unplug the power cord. Turn the on/off switch to “off”.
o Remove the power cord from the power inlet on the back of the
centrifuge.
o Locate the fuse holder. The fuse holder is a part of the power inlet.
o Use a Philip type screwdriver to take the snap-in type holder cover off.
Remove the blown fuse and replace it with the same type and rating fuse
which is 250V 4A
o Put the snap-in fuse holder back.

 Intermittent motor operation or no operation:

o Contact Ascend Clinical for possible motor replacement.

Contact Information for Questions, Assistance & Centrifuge Replacement

 Ascend Clinical Client Services is available to assist you will all issues regarding
centrifuges.
 If you feel that your centrifuge needs work, please call Ascend Clinical and
speak to a customer service representative to determine the nature of the
problem. Simple problems may be resolvable over the telephone. If the
centrifuge needs to e returned to Ascend Clinical a customer service
representative will assist you.
 Please do not hesitate to call us at 800.800.5655, Option 1 with any questions