Laboratory Instruments

Centrifuge
parts, operation and
maintenance
Lecture Three Practical
Dr. Bayram Dawod Ahmed
 Parts of centrifuge
1. Rotor (Axis, tube bucklets).
2. Motor.
3. Fan (refrigerator).
4. Speed control knob (Tachometer) rpm.
5. On-off switch.
6. Timer switch.
7. Safety cover lid.
8. Imbalance detector.
9. Break system.
 Diagrams

Rotor
Power
LED

Timer
Diagrams
Power
Source

Motor
Power
Distribution Safety
Board Switch

Timer Power
Indicator
LED
 Centrifuge rotors
axis of rotation
Swinging-bucket

At rest Spinning g
g

Fixed-angle
MLI-mde 210, 311 6
 7 7

Centrifuge tubes
◼ Centrifuge tubes are tapered tubes of various
sizes made of glass, quartz or plastic.
◼ They vary in capacity from mm to micrometers
used extensively in molecular biology laboratories.
◼ The most commonly encountered tubes are of
about the size (10 cm long).
◼ Micro-centrifuges typically accommodate micro-
centrifuge tubes with capacities from 250 μl to 2.0
ml →These are exclusively made of plastic.

T.Elsarnagawy
MLI-mde 210, 311
 Shapes of tubes bottom
1. Conical bottomed tube are used in swinging out
bucket type of centrifuge they are best for cells
sedimentation and removal of supernatant.
2. Round bottomed used in high speed centrifuges.
3. Flat base tubes.
The Pyrex type withstand 2000xg while the Corex
type withstand 12000xg. Polycarbonate or poly
allomer types are widely used but care should be
taken when using organic solvents .
 9 9

Rotor objectives
Generally spoken, there are two
main types of rotors:
◼ Fixed-angle rotor
◼ The rotor (mainly made of
aluminum) is very compact.
◼ There are boreholes with a
specific angle (like 45°) within
the rotor.
◼ These boreholes are used for
the sample tubes.
T.Elsarnagawy
MLI-mde 210, 311
 1010

Rotor objectives

◼ Swing-out rotor (= horizontal

rotor)
◼ The rotor looks like a cross
with bucket.
◼ Within these buckets, different
tubes can be centrifuged.
◼ For a safe centrifugation, a
specific adapter for every tube
shape is mandatory.
T.Elsarnagawy
MLI-mde 210, 311
 Safe operation tasks
• Always wear PPEs. (Gowns, face mask, gloves)
• Before using, read the owner's manual.
• Do not operate a centrifuge until having been
shown proper use by an experienced operator.
• Check that the centrifuge chamber and drive
spindle of the rotor are free of scratches or burrs.
• Decontaminate centrifuge of biological hazards
before servicing.
 Safe operation tasks
• Never use a cracked or bent rotor.
• If rotor has been replaced, tighten knob/screw
fastening rotor to the shaft to prevent loosening.
• Prolonged contact with some disinfectants can
cause damage to rotor and other components
(e.g. 10% sodium hypochlorite), dry it.
• Never attempt to touch or stop a spinning rotor
by hand or with another tool or object.
 Operation site
Prepare suitable site:
• Flat surface.
• Fixed firm table .
• Rough not lose surface
• Near main power.
• Away from water sink.
• Horizontal not bent surface.
• Leave enough space to reach around.
 Operation steps tasks
• Use correct size and shape of tubes to prevent
damage using a counterbalance by mass NOT volume.
• If you have more than two shapes of tubes, the
ones opposite have to be equal in mass.
• Enter RPM and chose time needed.
• Close lid then turn timer on or press start.
• Remove the tubes carefully after the centrifuge
has completely stopped spinning to prevent
remixing.
 Operation errors
• Result of unbalanced centrifuge
 Preventive Maintenance
– Lubricate and clean motor ends and clean case.
– Inspect power cords and plugs.
– Check rotor and buckets for cracks.
– Ensure appropriate menu settings for proper use.
– Ensure tightness of rotor.
– Check lights and indicators.
– Verify that alarms are operating properly.
– Ensure safety switch is functioning.
– If refrigerated, ensure temperature reading is working.
– Check replace/repair gaskets, seals, and vacuum pump (if
applicable).
 Common Failures
• Machine will not start. (Power, cable loose, motor)
• Power supply is faulty. (off power, cable)
• Safety switch or timer not working properly. (checking)
• Motor not working properly. (maintenance)
• Motor making noise. (oil)
• Rotor is broken. (repair)
• Lid will not open or close. (change or repair)
• Unbalanced tube makes movement of centrifuge.
• Broken tube due to dissimilarity and or cracked tubes.