Beckman Coulter SW 41 Ti User Manual

L5-TB-047Q

November 2007

SW 41 Ti Rotor

© 2007 Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Printed in the U.S.A.

Used In Beckman Coulter

Class H, R, and S

Preparative Ultracentrifuges

SW 41 Ti Rotor

!

!

SAFETY NOTICE

This safety notice summarizes information basic to the safe use of the rotor described in this
manual. The international symbol displayed above is a reminder to the user that all safety
instructions should be read and understood before operation or maintenance of this equip­ment is attempted. When you see the symbol on other pages throughout this publication, pay
special attention to the specific safety information presented. Observance of safety precau­tions will also help to avoid actions that could damage or adversely affect the performance of
the rotor. Thi s rotor was developed, manufactured, and tested for safety and reliability as part
of a Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge/rotor system. Its safety or reliability cannot be assured
if used in a centrifuge not of Beckman Coulter’s manufacture or in a Beckman Coulter ultra­centrifuge that has been modified without Beckman Coulter’s approval.

Handle body fluids with care because they can transmit disease. No known test offers
complete assurance that such fluids are free of micro-organisms. Some of the most
virulent—Hepatitis (B and C) viruses, and HIV (I–V), atypical mycobacteria, and certain
systemic fungi—further emphasize the need for aerosol protection. Handle other infectious
samples according to good laboratory procedures and methods to prevent spread of disease.
Because spills may generate aerosols, observe proper safety precautions for aerosol contain­ment. Do not run toxic, pathogenic, or radioactive materials in this rotor without taking
appropriate safety precautions. Biosafe containment should be used when Risk Group II
materials (as identified in the World Health Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual)
are handled; materials of a higher group require more than one level of protection.

The rotor and accessories are not designed for use with materials capable of developing

!

!

!

!

!
!

flammable or explosive vapors. Do not centrifuge such materials in nor handle or store
them near the ultracentrifuge.

Although rotor components and accessories made by other manufacturers may fit in the
SW 41Ti rotor, their safety in this rotor cannot be ascertained by Beckman Coulter. Use of
other manufacturers’ components or accessories in the SW 41 Ti rotor may void the rotor
warranty and should be prohibited by your laboratory safety officer. Only the components
and accessories listed in this publication should be used in this rotor.

Hook all six buckets, loaded or empty, to the rotor for every run. Make sure that filled
containers are loaded symmetrically into the rotor and that opposing tubes are filled to the
same level with liquid of the same density. Make sure that buckets containing Quick-Seal
tubes have the proper floating spacers inserted (if applicable) before installing the bucket cap.

If disassembly reveals evidence of leakage, you should assume that some fluid escaped the
rotor. Apply appropriate decontamination procedures to the centrifuge and accessories.

Never exceed the maximum rated speed of the rotor and labware in use. Refer to the section
on

RUN SPEEDS, and derate the run speed as appropriate.

Do not use sharp tools on the rotor that could cause scratches in the rotor surface. Corrosion
begins in scratches and may open fissures in the rotor with continued use.

2

SW 41 Ti Rotor

SPECIFICATIONS

r

min

r

max

r

av

U.S. Pat. No. 3,393,864;
Japanese Pat. No. 739,613;
British Pat. No. 1,145,005;
German Pat. No. 1,598,174.

Axis of Rotation

Maximum speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 000 rpm

Density rating at maximum speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 g/mL

Relative Centrifugal Field* at maximum speed

At r
At r
At r

(153.1 mm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 000 × g

max

(110.2 mm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 000 × g

av

(67.4 mm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 000 × g

min

k factor at maximum speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

k´ factors at maximum speed (5 to 20% sucrose gradient; 5°C)

When particle density = 1.3 g/mL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

When particle density = 1.5 g/mL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307

When particle density = 1.7 g/mL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

Conditions requiring speed reductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . see

RUN SPEEDS

Number of buckets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Available tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . see Table 1

Nominal tube dimensions (largest tube) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 × 89 mm

Nominal tube capacity (largest tube) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.2 mL

Nominal rotor capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79.2 mL

Approximate acceleration time to maximum speed (fully loaded)

in an Optima XL ultracentrifuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 min

in an L8M ultracentrifuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 min

Approximate deceleration time from maximum speed (fully loaded)

in an Optima XL ultracentrifuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 min

in an L8M ultracentrifuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 min

Weight of fully loaded rotor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4 kg (14 lb)

Rotor material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . titanium

*

Relative Centrifugal Field (RCF) is the ratio of the centrifugal acceleration at a specified radius
and speed (r

where r is the radius in millimeters,

π

RPM /60), and g is the standard acceleration of gravity (9807 mm/s2). After substitution:

(2

2

ω

) to the standard acceleration of gravity (g) according to the following formula:

2

rω

RCF

RCF 1.12 r

-------- -=

g

ω

is the angular velocity in radians per second

2

RPM

⎛⎞

=

------------

⎝⎠

1000

3

SW 41 Ti Rotor

A

DESCRIPTION

dapter

Drive
Pins

This Beckman Coulter rotor has been manufactured in a registered
ISO 9001 or 13485 facility for use with the appropriately classified
Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge.

The SW 41 Ti, rated for 41 000 rpm, is a swinging bucket rotor
designed to centrifuge up to six tubes. Used in Beckman Coulter
class H, R, and S preparative ultracentrifuges, the rotor develops
centrifugal forces for the separation and purification of small
particles. Typical applications include separation of RNA, proteins,
and subcellular particles in solution using rate zonal centrifugation.
Approximate sample volume per tube is 0.5 mL, with a gradient
volume of about 12.5 mL.

The rotor body and buckets are made of titanium and finished with
black polyurethane paint. A solid-film lubricant (grey in color) is
applied to the bucket flange to improve the seating of the bucket into
the rotor pocket. Bucket caps are anodized aluminum. The bucket and
cap assemblies hook over the crossbar of the rotor hanger mechanism.
Gaskets, made of Buna N rubber, between each bucket and bucket
cap maintain atmospheric pressure inside the buckets during
centrifugation.

NOTE

➠

On some swinging bucket rotors a solid film
lubricant coating is added to the bucket flange
where the bucket contacts the rotor body. The
purpose of the coating, which is a dull gray in
color, is to minimize friction and enable the
bucket to swing into the rotor bucket pocket
more smoothly. With use and handling, all or
part of this coating may wear off; this should
not affect the rotor performance, as the bucket
swing-up will wear in with use.

Drive pins in the rotor bottom prevent the rotor from slipping on
the ultracentrifuge drive hub during acceleration and deceleration.
Two indentations on the sides of the rotor adapter indicate their
location.

For overspeed protection, a Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge
equipped with a photoelectric detector will monitor the overspeed
disk on the adapter bottom and shut down the run if a speed
exceeding the maximum allowable speed is detected.

4

Refer to the Warranty at the back of this manual for warranty
information.

PREPARATION AND USE

SW 41 Ti Rotor

Specific information about the SW 41 Ti rotor is given here. Informa­tion common to this and other rotors is contained in Rotors and
Tubes for Preparative Ultracentrifuges (publication LR-IM), which
should be used together with this manual for complete rotor and
accessory operation. Rotors and Tubes is included in the literature
package with this rotor manual.

NOTE

➠

Although rotor components and accessories
made by other manufacturers may fit in the
SW 41 Ti rotor, their safety in this rotor cannot
be ascertained by Beckman Coulter. Use of other
manufacturers’ components or accessories in the
SW 41 Ti rotor may void the rotor warranty and
should be prohibited by your laboratory safety
officer. Only the components and accessories
listed in this publication should be used in this
rotor.

PRERUN SAFETY CHECKS

41 000-rpm

44-Sector

(330335)

Read the Safety Notice page at the front of this manual before using
the rotor.

1. Make sure that the rotor, buckets, and caps are clean and show

no signs of corrosion or cracking.

2. Make sure that the rotor is equipped with the correct overspeed

disk. If the disk is missing or damaged, replace it according to the
instructions in Rotors and Tubes.

3. Check the chemical compatibilities of all materials used (refer to

Appendix A in Rotors and Tubes).

4. Verify that the tubes being used are listed in Table 1.

5

SW 41 Ti Rotor

ROTOR PREPARATION

Hanger

Cap
(331763)

Gasket
(331309)

For runs at other than room temperature, refrigerate or warm the
rotor beforehand for fast equilibration.

1. Load the filled containers into the buckets (see page 8 for tube and

accessory information). Complete loading by placing the correct
floating spacers (if required) over the tubes.

Bucket

(333790)

2. Ensure that bucket gaskets are lightly but evenly coated with

silicone vacuum grease. Do not run a bucket without a gasket,
as the bucket will leak.

3. Be sure that metal threads in the bucket caps are clean and lightly

but evenly lubricated with Spinkote™ lubricant. Put bucket caps
on the buckets and use a screwdriver to screw the caps into the
buckets until there is metal-to-metal contact.

4. Hook all buckets, loaded or empty, to the rotor. If fewer than

six tubes are being run, they must be arranged symmetrically in
the rotor (see Figure 1). Opposing tubes must be filled to the same
level with liquid of the same density.

6

Figure 1. Arranging Tubes in the Rotor. Two, three, four, or six tubes

can be centrifuged per run if they are arranged in the rotor as shown.

All buckets must be attached to the rotor, whether loaded or empty.

OPERATION

SW 41 Ti Rotor

Refer to Rotors and Tubes for information on installing swinging
bucket rotors.

1. To install the rotor, carefully lift it with both hands—do not lift the

rotor by the adapter—and place it on the drive hub. Make sure

that the rotor pins are perpendicular to the drive hub pins. The pins
must not rest on top of each other; turn the rotor to the right
(clockwise) by hand to check for proper installation.

NOTE

➠

The aluminum handle supplied with the
SW 41 Ti rotor is not interchangeable with
similar handles supplied with other rotors.

2. Refer to the instrument instruction manual for ultracentrifuge

operation.

3. For additional operating information, see the following:

•

•

•

REMOVAL AND SAMPLE RECOVERY

!

RUN TIMES, page 10, for using k factors to adjust run durations
RUN SPEEDS, page 11, for information about speed limitations
SELECTING CsCl GRADIENTS, page 13, for methods to avoid

CsCl precipitation during centrifugation

CAUTION

If disassembly reveals evidence of leakage, you
should assume that some fluid escaped the rotor.
Apply appropriate decontamination procedures
to the centrifuge and accessories.

1. Remove the rotor from the instrument by lifting it straight up and

off the drive hub.

2. Set the rotor on the rotor stand and carefully remove the buckets.

7

SW 41 Ti Rotor

r

While pressing
the rubber tip
against the
adapter wall,
pull the tool
and adapter
up and out
of the cavity.

TUBES AND ACCESSORIES

Extracto
Tool
(354468)

3. Remove the bucket caps and use the appropriate removal tool

(listed in the

SUPPLY LIST) to remove the spacers and tubes. If

floating spacers were used, remove them with the threaded end of
the floating spacer removal tool (338765).

NOTE

➠

If the conical-shaped adapters that support
konical tubes are difficult to remove after
centrifugation, an extractor tool (354468) is
available to facilitate removal.

The SW 41 Ti rotor uses tubes and accessories listed in Table 1.
Be sure to use only those items listed, and to observe the maximum
speed limits shown. Refer to Appendix A in Rotors and Tubes for
information on the chemical resistances of tube and accessory
materials.

Temperature Limits

• Plastic tubes have been centrifuge tested for use at temperatures

between 2 and 25°C. For centrifugation at other temperatures,
pretest tubes under anticipated run conditions.

• If plastic containers are frozen before use, make sure that they are

thawed to at least 2°C prior to centrifugation.

Quick-Seal® Tubes

Quick-Seal tubes must be sealed prior to centrifugation. These tubes
are heat sealed and do not need caps; however, spacers are required
on top of the tubes when they are loaded into the rotor buckets.

• Fill Quick-Seal tubes leaving a small bubble of air at the base of

the neck. Do not leave a large air space—too much air can cause
excessive tube deformation.

•Refer to Rotors and Tubes for detailed information on the use and

care of Quick-Seal tubes.

8

Table 1. Beckman Coulter Tubes for the SW 41 Ti Rotor. Use only the items listed here.

Tube Required Accessory

Max Speed/
Dimensions
and Volume

Description

Part

Number

Description

Part

Number

SW 41 Ti Rotor

RCF/

k Factor

14 x 89 mm

13.2 mL

14 x 89 mm

13.2 mL

14 x 89 mm

10.0 mL

14 x 89 mm

8.0 mL

14 x 47 mm

5.9 mL

14 x 48 mm

4.0 mL

14 x 25 mm

3.5 mL

Ultra Clear 344059

(pkg/50)

thinwall
polyallomer

konical open-top
polyallomer

Quick-Seal konical,
polyallomer

Quick-Seal
polyallomer

Quick-Seal konical,
polyallomer

Quick-Seal
polyallomer

331372

(pkg/50)

358120

(pkg/50)

358649

(pkg/50)

355537

(pkg/50)

358650

(pkg/50)

355870
(pkg/50)

none — 41 000 rpm

288 000 x g

none — 41 000 rpm

288 000 x g

adapter 358154 41 000 rpm

288 000 x g

adapter 358154
Noryl* floating

spacer
Noryl floating

spacer

adapter 358154
Noryl floating

spacer

†

Noryl floating
spacer

355534

355534 41 000 rpm

355534

355534 41 000 rpm

288 000 x g

288 000 x g

288 000 x g

288 000 x g

124

124

124

41 000 rpm

108

55

41 000 rpm

56

27

*

Noryl is a registered trademark of GE Plastics.

†

Tube 355870 is also available in g-Max Kit 357330, which includes 50 tubes, six spacers (355534), and required tools.

Some of the tubes listed in Table 1 are part of the g-Max™ system.
The g-Max system uses a combination of small bell-top Quick-Seal
tubes and floating spacers (also called g-Max spacers). This means
that you can run the shorter tubes listed in the table in the SW 41 Ti
rotor without reduction in g force. Additional information about the
g-Max system is available in publication DS-709.

9

SW 41 Ti Rotor

konical™ Tubes

Polyallomer konical tubes, used to optimize pelleting separations,
have a conical tip that concentrates the pellet in the narrow end of the
tube. The narrow bottom also reduces the tube’ s nomin al volume an d
minimizes gradient material requirement. The konical tubes come in
both open-top and Quick-Seal tube designs. Conical cavity adapters
hold the tubes in the rotor buckets.

Adapters

Polyallomer and Ultra-Clear® Open-Top Tubes

Polyallomer and Ultra-Clear open-top tubes should be filled as full as
possible (2 or 3 mm from the tube top) for tube support. If necessary,
float mineral oil (or some other low-density , immiscible liquid) on top
of the tube contents to fill the tube to its maximum volume. (Do not
use an oil overlay in Ultra-Clear tubes.) All opposing tubes for a run
must be filled to the same level with liquid of the same density.

RUN TIMES

TIME HR:MIN

The k factor of the rotor is a measure of the rotor’s pelleting
efficiency. (Beckman Coulter has calculated the k factors for all of its
preparative rotors at maximum rated speed and using full tubes.) The

k factor is calculated from the formula:

r

maxrmin

------------------------------------ -

k

⁄()ln

2

ω

×=

13

10

----------- -

3600

(1)

where ω is the angular velocity of the rotor in radians per second

ω

=0.105 × rpm), r

(

is the maximum radius, and r

max

min

is the

minimum radius.
After substitution:

11

k

×()r

2.533 10

------------------------------------------------------------------------- -=

rpm

()ln

2

max

r⁄

min

(2)

10

SW 41 Ti Rotor

Use the k factor in the following equation to estimate the run time t
(in hours) required to pellet particles of known sedimentation coeffi­cient s (in Svedberg units, S).

k

t

--=

s

(3)

Run times can be estimated for centrifugation at less than maximum
speed by adjusting the k factor as follows:

41 000

⎛⎞

k

adj

-------------------------------------- -

k

=

⎝⎠

actual run speed

2

(4)

Run times can also be estimated from data established in prior
experiments if the k factor of the previous rotor is known. For any
two rotors, a and b:

k

t

a

-----

t

a

------=

k

b

b

(5)

For more information on k factors see Use of k Factor for Estimating
Run Times from Previously Established Run Conditions (publication
DS-719).

RUN SPEEDS

SPEED

RPM/RCF

The centrifugal force at a given radius in a rotor is a function of
speed. Comparisons of forces between different rotors are made
by comparing the rotors’ relative centrifugal fields (RCF). When
rotational speed is adjusted so that identical samples are subjected
to the same RCF in two different rotors, the samples are subjected to
the same force. The RCF at a number of rotor speeds is provided in
Table 2.

Do not select rotational speeds in excess of 41 000 rpm. In addition,
speeds must be reduced under the following circumstances:

11

SW 41 Ti Rotor

Table 2. Relative Centrifugal Fields for the SW 41 Ti Rotor.

Entries in this table are calculated from the formula

RCF = 1.12r (RPM/1000)

2

and then rounded to three significant digits.

Relative Centrifugal Field (× g)

Rotor

Speed

(rpm)

At r

max

(153.1 mm)

At r

av

(1 10.2 mm)

At r

min

(67.4 mm)

k

Factor*

41 000
40 000
36 000

35 000
30 000
25 000

20 000
15 000
10 000

*Calculated for all Beckman Coulter preparative rotors as a measure of the rotor’s relative pelleting efficiency,

in water at 20°C.

288 000
274 000
222 000

210 000
154 000
107 000

69 000
38 600
17 200

207 000
197 000
160 000

151 000
111 000

77 100
49 400

27 800
12 300

127 000
121 000

97 800
92 500

67 900
47 200

30 200
17 000

7 550

124
130
160

170
231
333

520
924

2078

Relative Centrifugal Fields

SW 41 Ti Rotor

300 000

250 000

200 000

150 000

RCF (x g)

100 000

50 000

0

5 000 15 000 25 000 35 000 45 000

0 10 000 20 000 30 000 40 000

12

Speed (rpm)

r

r

r

max

av

min

SW 41 Ti Rotor

1. If nonprecipitating solutions more dense than 1.2 g/mL are centri­fuged, reduce the maximum allowable run speed according to the
following equation:

where ρ is the density of the tube contents. This speed reduction
will protect the rotor from excessive stresses due to the added
tube load.

2. Further speed limits must be imposed when CsCl or other self­forming-gradient salts are centrifuged, as equation (6) does not
predict concentration limits/speeds that are required to avoid
precipitation of salt crystals. Solid CsCl has a density of 4 g/mL,
and if precipitated during centrifugation may cause rotor failure.
Figures 2 and 3, together with the description and examples below,
show how to reduce run speeds when using CsCl gradients.

SELECTING CsCl GRADIENTS

Rotor speed is used to control the slope of a CsCl density gradient,
and must be limited so that CsCl precipitation is avoided. Speed and
density combinations that intersect on or below the curves in Figure 3
ensure that CsCl will not precipitate during centrifugation in the
SW 41 Ti rotor. Curves are provided at two temperatures: 20°C (black
curves) and 4°C (gray curves). Curves in Figures 2 and 3 are provided
up to the maximum rated speed of the rotor.

reduced maximum speed = (41 000 rpm)

1.2 g/mL

--------------------- -

ρ

(6)

NOTE

➠

The curves in Figures 2 and 3 are for solutions
of CsCl salt dissolved in distilled water only. If
other salts are present in significant concentra­tions, the overall CsCl concentration may need
to be reduced.

The reference curves in Figure 3 show gradient distribution at equi­librium. Each curve in Figure 3 is within the density limits allowed
for the SW 41 Ti rotor: each curve was generated for a single run
speed using the maximum allowable homogeneous CsCl densities
(one for each fill level) that avoid precipitation at that speed. (The
gradients in Figure 3 can be generated from step or linear gradients,

13

SW 41 Ti Rotor

1.90

1.80

1.70

1.60

1.50

1/4

1/2

1/2

1/4

3/4

3/4

full

full

full

3/4

1/2

1/4

Figure 2. Precipitation Curves
for the SW 41 Ti Rotor. Using
combinations of rotor speeds
and homogeneous CsCl solution
densities that intersect on or
below these curves ensures
that CsCl will not precipitate
during centrifugation. The
dashed lines are representa­tions of equation (6), and are
shown here to illustrate the
inability of that equation to
predict CsCl precipitation.

1.40

Homogeneous CsCl Solution (g/mL)

1.30

1.20

1.10

1.00
10020304041

Rotor Speed (K rpm)

SW 41 Ti ROTOR

= 20 °C

= 4 °C

= square-root
formula

Each square on the
grid represents 0.010
g/mL or 1000 rpm.

14

1.90

SW 41 Ti Rotor

1.80

1.70

1.60

20 000 rpm

1.50

1.40

Density (g/mL)

20 000 rpm

25 000 rpm

SW 41 Ti ROTOR

= 20 °C

= 4 °C

25 000 rpm

1.30

1.20

1.10

1.00

30 000 rpm

30 000 rpm

rpm

35 000

35 000 rpm

67.4 88.8

r

min

3

/4-filled

41 000 rpm

41 000 rpm

110.2 131.6 153.1

1

/2-filled

Distance from Axis of Rotation (mm)

1

/4-filled

Figure 3. CsCl Gradients at Equilibrium for the SW 41 Ti Rotor. Centrifug ation of homogeneous CsCl

solutions at the maximum allowable speeds (from Figure 2) results in gradients presented here.

r

max

15

SW 41 Ti Rotor

ADJUSTING FILL VOLUMES

Buffer

Gradient

or from homogeneous solutions. But the total amount of CsCl in solu­tion must be equivalent to a homogeneous solution corresponding to
the concentrations specified in Figure 3.) Figure 3 can also be used to
approximate the banding positions of sample particles. Curves not
shown in the figure may be interpolated.

Figures 2 and 3 show that several fill volumes are possible in a tube.
If a thinwall tube is partially filled with gradient solution, float
mineral oil (or some other low-density, immiscible liquid) on top
of the tube contents to fill the tube to its maximum volume. (Do not
use an oil overlay in Ultra-Clear tubes.) Note that for a given CsCl
density, as the fill level decreases the maximum allowable speed
increases. Partial filling may be desirable when there is little sample
or when you wish to shorten the run time.

For example, a quarter-filled tube of 1.5-g/mL homogeneous CsCl
solution at 4°C may be centrifuged at 41 000 rpm (see Figure 2). The
segment of the 41 000-rpm curve (Figure 3) from the quarter-filled
line to the tube bottom represents this gradient. The same solution
in a half-filled tube may be centrifuged no faster than 33 000 rpm
(curves not shown in the figure may be interpolated), and 28 000 rpm
in a three-quarter-filled tube. A tube full of the 1.5-g/mL CsCl
solution may be centrifuged no faster than 25 000 rpm.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES FOR DETERMINING CsCl RUN PARAMETERS

Example A: Starting with a homogeneous CsCl solution density

of 1.6 g/mL and approximate particle buoyant
densities of 1.69 and 1.72 g/mL, at 20°C, where will
particles band at equilibrium?

1. In Figure 2, find the curve that corresponds to the required run
temperature (20°C) and fill volume (one-half full). The maximum
allowable rotor speed is determined from the point where this
curve intersects the homogeneous CsCl density (30 000 rpm).

16

2. In Figure 3, sketch in a horizontal line corresponding to each
particle's buoyant density.

3. Mark the point in the figure where each particle density intersects
the curve corresponding to the selected run speed and temperature.

SW 41 Ti Rotor

Floating

Components

r

min

At Speed

Bands

Pathlength

At Rest in Rotor

Pelleted
Material

r

max

4. Particles will band at these locations across the tube diameter at
equilibrium during centrifugation.

In this example, particles will band about 138 and 141.5 mm from
the axis of rotation, about 3.5 mm of centerband-to-centerband
separation.

To determine interband volume in milliliters, use the following
equation:

V = π r2h

where r is the tube radius in centimeters and h is the interband
separation in centimeters.

Example B: Knowing particle buoyant densities (for example,

1.36 and 1.42 g/mL), how do you achieve good
separation?

1. In Figure 3, sketch in a horizontal line corresponding to each
particle’s buoyant density.

(7)

At Rest Outside Rotor

2. Select the curve at the required temperature (4°C) and tube
volume (full) that gives the best particle separation.

3. Note the run speed along the selected curve (25 000 rpm).

4. From Figure 2, select the maximum homogeneous CsCl density
(in this case, 1.5 g/mL) that corresponds to the temperature and
run speed established above. These parameters will provide the
particle-banding pattern selected in Step 2.

In this example, particles will band at about 85 and 97 mm from the
axis of rotation (about 12 mm apart). The interband volume will be
about 1.8 mL.

17

SW 41 Ti Rotor

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE

➠

NOTE

Do not use sharp tools on the rotor that could
cause scratches in the rotor surface. Corrosion
begins in scratches and may open fissures in the
rotor with continued use.

Centering

Tool

(331325)

CLEANING

• Regularly inspect the overspeed disk on the bottom of the rotor

adapter. If it is scratched, damaged, or missing, replace it. Rep lace­ment instructions are in Section 7 of Rotors and Tubes.

• Frequently check the bucket gaskets (331309) for signs of wear.

Replace gaskets every 6 months, or whenever worn or damaged.
Keep the gaskets lightly coated with silicone vacuum grease.

• Regularly lubricate the bucket cap threads with a thin, even coat of

Spinkote lubricant (306812) before every run.

Refer to Appendix A in Rotors and T ubes for the chemical resistances
of rotor and accessory materials. Your Beckman Coulter representa­tive provides contact with the Field Rotor Inspection Program and the
rotor repair center.

Wash the rotor and rotor components immediately if salts or other
corrosive materials are used or if spillage has occurred. Do not allow
corrosive materials to dry on the rotor.

Rotor Cleaning
Kit (339558)

18

Under normal use, wash the rotor frequently (at least weekly) to
prevent buildup of residues.

1. Wash the rotor buckets, gaskets, and caps in a mild detergent, such
as Beckman Solution 555™, that won’t damage the rotor. The
Rotor Cleaning Kit contains two plastic-coated brushes and two
quarts of Solution 555 (339555) for use with rotors and accesso­ries. Dilute the detergent 10 to 1 with water.

2. Wash the rotor body with a sponge or cloth dampened with a mild
detergent, such as Beckman Solution 555, diluted 10 to 1 with
water.

SW 41 Ti Rotor

NOTE

➠

Do not immerse the rotor body in water, since
the hanger mechanism is difficult to dry and
can rust.

3. Rinse the cleaned rotor and components with distilled water.

4. Air-dry the buckets upside down. Do not use acetone to dry
the rotor.

Clean metal threads frequently to prevent buildup of residues and
ensure adequate closure. Use a brush and concentrated Solution 555.
Rinse and dry thoroughly, then lubricate lightly but evenly with
Spinkote to coat all threads.

DECONTAMINATION

If the rotor or other components are contaminated with toxic,
radioactive, or pathogenic materials, follow appropriate decontamina­tion procedures as outlined by your laboratory safety officer. Refer to
Appendix A in Rotors and Tubes to select solutions that will not
damage the rotor and accessory materials.

STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION

• The rotor and all rotor components can be autoclaved at 121°C for

up to an hour. Remove the lids from the rotor buckets and place the
rotor, buckets, lid, and spacers in the autoclave upside down.

•Ethanol (70%)

rotor components, including those made of plastic. Bleach (sodium
hypochlorite) may be used, but may cause discoloration of
anodized surfaces. Use the minimum immersion time for each
solution, per laboratory standards.

*

or hydrogen peroxide (6%) may be used on all

*

Flammability hazard. Do not use in or near operating ultracentrifuges.

19

SW 41 Ti Rotor

STORAGE

While Beckman Coulter has tested these methods and found that they
do not damage the rotor or components, no guarantee of sterility or
disinfection is expressed or implied. When sterilization or disinfec­tion is a concern, consult your laboratory safety officer regarding
proper methods to use.

Refer to publication IN-192 (included with each box of tubes) for
tube sterilization and disinfection procedures. Quick-Seal, Ultra

Clear, and thinwall open-top tubes are disposable and should be
discarded after a single use.

When it is not in use, store the rotor in a dry environment (not in the
instrument) with the bucket lids removed to allow air circulation so
moisture will not collect in the tube cavities.

20

RETURNING A ROTOR

SW 41 Ti Rotor

RGA

Before returning a rotor or accessory for any reason, prior permission
(a Returned Goods Authorization form) must be obtained from
Beckman Coulter, Inc. This RGA form may be obtained from your
local Beckman Coulter sales office, and should contain the following
information:

• serial number

• history of use (approximate frequency of use),

• reason for the return,

• original purchase order number, billing number, and shipping

number, if possible,

• name and phone number of the person to be notified upon receipt

of the rotor or accessory at the factory, and,

• name and phone number of the person to be notified about rep air

costs, etc.

To protect our personnel, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure
that all parts are free from pathogens and/or radioactivity. Steriliza­tion and decontamination must be done before returning the parts.
Smaller items (such as tubes, bottles, etc.) should be enclosed in a
sealed plastic bag.

All parts must be accompanied by a note, plainly visible on the out­side of the box or bag, stating that they are safe to handle and that
they are not contaminated with pathogens or radioactivity. Failure to

attach this notification will result in return or disposal of the items
without review of the reported problem.

Use the address label printed on the RGA form when mailing the
rotor and/or accessories to:

Beckman Coulter, Inc.
1050 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304

Attention: Returned Goods

Customers located outside the United States should contact their local
Beckman Coulter office.

21

SW 41 Ti Rotor

SUPPLY LIST

Call Beckman Coulter Sales (1-800-742-2345 in the United States;
worldwide offices are listed on the back cover of this manual) or see
the Beckman Coulter Ultracentrifuge, Rotors, Tubes & Accessories
catalog (BR-8101, available at www.beckmancoulter.com) for
detailed information on ordering parts and supplies. For your
convenience, a partial list is given below.

NOTE

➠

Publications referenced in this manual can be
obtained by calling Beckman Coulter at 1-800­742-2345 in the United States, or by contacting
your local Beckman Coulter office.

REPLACEMENT ROTOR PARTS

OTHER

SW 41 Ti rotor assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331362

Buckets (set of 6, with caps and gaskets) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333790

Bucket caps (set of 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331763

Bucket gasket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331309

Overspeed disk (41 000 rpm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330335

Rotor stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332400

Bucket holder rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331313

Tubes and accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . see Table 1

Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 60 Hz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358312

Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 50 Hz (Europe) . . . . . . . . . . 358313

Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 50 Hz (Great Britain). . . . . . 358314

Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 50 Hz (Australia) . . . . . . . . . 358315

Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 50 Hz (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . 367803

Tube Topper rack (14-mm dia. tubes). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356568

Floating spacer removal tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338765

Tube removal tool (Quick-Seal tubes) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361668

Extractor tool (konical tube adapters) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354468

Spinkote lubricant (2 oz). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306812

Silicone vacuum grease (1 oz) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3351 48

Rotor Cleaning Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339558

Beckman Solution 555 (1 qt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339555

Rotor cleaning brush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339379

Centering tool (for overspeed disk replacement) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331325

22

ULTRACENTRIFUGE ROTOR WARRANTY

All Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge Fixed Angle, Vertical Tube,
Near Vertical Tube, Swinging Bucket, and Airfuge rotors are
warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for the time
periods indicated below, subject to the Warranty Conditions stated
below.

Preparative Ultracentrifuge Rotors . . . . . . 5 years — No Proration

Analytical Ultracentrifuge Rotors. . . . . . . 5 years — No Proration

ML and TL Series Ultracentrifuge

Rotors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 years — No Proration

Airfuge Ultracentrifuge Rotors . . . . . . . . . 1 year — No Proration

For Zonal, Continuous Flow, Component Test, and Rock Core
ultracentrifuge rotors, see separate warranty.

Warranty Conditions (as applicable)

1) This warranty is valid for the time periods indicated above from
the date of shipment to the original Buyer by Beckman Coulter
or an authorized Beckman Coulter representative.

2) This warranty extends only to the original Buyer and may not
be assigned or extended to a third person without written
consent of Beckman Coulter.

3) This warranty covers the Beckman Coulter Centrifuge Systems
only (including but not limited to the centrifuge, rotor, and
accessories) and Beckman Coulter shall not be liable for
damage to or loss of the user’s sample, non-Beckman Coulter
tubes, adapters, or other rotor contents.

4) This warranty is void if the Beckman Coulter Centrifuge Sys­tem is determined by Beckman Coulter to have been operated
or maintained in a manner contrary to the instructions in the
operator’s manual(s) for the Beckman Coulter Centrifuge
System components in use. This includes but is not limited to
operator misuse, abuse, or negligence regarding indicated
maintenance procedures, centrifuge and rotor classification
requirements, proper speed reduction for the high density of
certain fluids, tubes, and tube caps, speed reduction for precipi­tating gradient materials, and speed reduction for high-tempera­ture operation.

5) Rotor bucket sets purchased concurrently with or subsequent to
the purchase of a Swinging Bucket Rotor are warranted only for
a term co-extensive with that of the rotor for which the bucket
sets are purchased.

6) This warranty does not cover the failure of a Beckman Coulter
rotor in a centrifuge not of Beckman Coulter manufacture, or if
the rotor is used in a Beckman Coulter centrifuge that has been
modified without the written permission of Beckman Coulter,
or is used with carriers, buckets, belts, or other devices not of
Beckman Coulter manufacture.

7) Rotor parts subject to wear, including but not limited to rotor
O-rings, VTi, NVT™, TLV, MLN, and TLN rotor tube cavity
plugs and gaskets, tubing, tools, optical overspeed disks, bear­ings, seals, and lubrication are excluded from this warranty and
should be frequently inspected and replaced if they become
worn or damaged.

8) Keeping a rotor log is not mandatory, but may be desirable for
maintenance of good laboratory practices.

Repair and Replacement Policies

1) If a Beckman Coulter rotor is determined by Beckman Coulter
to be defective, Beckman Coulter will repair or replace it,
subject to the Warranty Conditions. A replacement rotor will be
warranted for the time remaining on the original rotor’s
warranty.

2) If a Beckman Coulter centrifuge is damaged due to a failure of
a rotor covered by this warranty, Beckman Coulter will supply
free of charge (i) all centrifuge parts required for repair (except
the drive unit, which will be replaced at the then current price
less a credit determined by the total number of revolutions or
years completed, provided that such a unit was manufactured or
rebuilt by Beckman Coulter), and (ii) if the centrifuge is cur­rently covered by a Beckman Coulter warranty or Full Service
Agreement, all labor necessary for repair of the centrifuge.

3) If a Beckman Coulter rotor covered by this warranty is dam­aged due to a malfunction of a Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge
covered by an Ultracentrifuge System Service Agreement,
Beckman Coulter will repair or replace the rotor free of charge.

4) If a Beckman Coulter rotor covered by this warranty is
damaged due to a failure of a Beckman Coulter tube, bottle,
tube cap, spacer, or adapter, covered under the Conditions of
this Warranty, Beckman Coulter will repair or replace the rotor
and repair the instrument as per the conditions in policy point
(2) above, and the replacement policy.

5) Damage to a Beckman Coulter rotor or instrument due to the
failure or malfunction of a non-Beckman Coulter tube, bottle,
tube cap, spacer, or adapter is not covered under this warranty,
although Beckman Coulter will assist in seeking compensation
under the manufacturer’s warranty.

Disclaimer

IT IS EXPRESSLY AGREED THAT THE ABOVE WARRANTY
SHALL BE IN LIEU OF ALL WARRANTIES OF FITNESS AND
OF THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
BECKMAN COULTER, INC. SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY
FOR SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY
KIND WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF THE MANUFAC­TURE, USE, SALE, HANDLING, REPAIR, MAINTENANCE,
OR REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT.

Factory Rotor Inspection Service

Beckman Coulter, Inc., will provide free mechanical and
metallurgical inspection in Palo Alto, California, USA, of any
Beckman Coulter rotor at the request of the user. (Shipping charges
to Beckman Coulter are the responsibility of the user.) Rotors will
be inspected in the user’s laboratory if the centrifuge in which they
are used is covered by an appropriate Beckman Coulter Service
Agreement. Contact your local Beckman Coulter office for details
of service coverage or cost.

Before shipping, contact the nearest Beckman Coulter Sales and
Service office and request a Returned Goods Authorization (RGA)
form and packaging instructions. Please include the complete rotor
assembly, with buckets, lid, handle, tube cavity caps, etc. A
SIGNED STATEMENT THAT THE ROTOR AND ACCESSO­RIES ARE NON-RADIOACTIVE, NON-PATHOGENIC, NON­TOXIC, AND OTHERWISE SAFE TO SHIP AND HANDLE IS
REQUIRED.

Beckman Coulter Worldwide Biomedical Research Division Offices

AUSTRALIA

Beckman Coulter Australia Pty Ltd
Unit D, 24 College St.
Gladesville, NSW 2111
Australia

Telephone: [phone]
or toll free: 1 800 060 880
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

CANADA

Beckman Coulter (Canada) Inc.
6755 Mississauga Road, Suite 600
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada L5N 7Y2

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

CHINA

Beckman Coulter Inc.
Beijing Representative Office
Unit 2005A, 2006-2009, East Ocean Center
Jian Guomenwai Avenue
Beijing 100004
China

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

CZECH REPUBLIC

Beckman Coulter Prague
Radiova 1
102 27 Prague 10
Czech Republice

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

EASTERN EUROPE/
MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA

Beckman Coulter International S.A.
22, Rue Juste-Olivier
Case Postale 301-303
CH-1260 Nyon, Switzerland

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

FRANCE

Beckman Coulter France S.A.
Paris Nord II, 33/66 rue des Vanesses
B.P. 50359
Villepinte, France
95942 ROISSY CDG Cedex

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

GERMANY

Beckman Coulter GmbH
Europark Fichtenhain B-13
47807 Krefeld
Germany

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

HONG KONG

Beckman Coulter Hong Kong Ltd.
12th Floor, Oxford House
979 King’s Road
Taikoo Place, Hong Kong

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

INDIA

Beckman Coulter India Pvt. Ltd.
Solitaire Corporate Park
3rd Floor - Bldg. 11
Andheri Ghatkopar Link Road
Chakala, Andheri West
Mumbai India 400 098

Telephone: [phone]

ITALY

Beckman Coulter S.p.a.
Centro Direzionale Lombardo
Palazzo F/1, Via Roma 108
20060 Cassina de’ Pecchi
Milano, Italy

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

JAPAN

Beckman Coulter K.K.
TOC Ariake West Tower
2-5-7, Ariake, Koto-ku
Tokyo 135-0063 Japan

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

MEXICO

Beckman Coulter de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
Avenida Popocatépetl #396
Colonia Gral. Pedro Maria Anaya
Codigo Postal 03340
Mexico, D.F. Mexico

Telephone: [phone]

NETHERLANDS

Beckman Coulter Nederland B.V.
Nijverheidsweg 21
3641 RP-Mijdrecht
Postbus 47
3640 AA Mijdrecht
The Netherlands

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

SINGAPORE

Beckman Coulter Singapore Pte. Ltd.
116 Changi Road
Unit #03-01/02
Singapore 419718

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

SOUTH AFRICA/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Beckman Coulter
Stand 1A Primegro Park
Tonetti Street
1685 Halfway House
Johannesburg
Republic of South Africa

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

SPAIN

Beckman Coulter España S.A.
C/ Caleruega, 81
28033 Madrid, Spain

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

SWEDEN

Beckman Coulter AB
Archimedesvaegen 7
Box 111 56
SE-168 11 Bromma
Sweden

Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: (46) 8 564 85 901

SWITZERLAND

Beckman Coulter International S.A.
22, Rue Juste-Olivier
Case Postale 301-303
CH-1260 Nyon
Switzerland

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

TAIWAN

Beckman Coulter Taiwan Inc.
Taiwan Branch
8th Floor
216 Tun Hwa South Road, Section 2
Taipei 106, Taiwan
Republic of China

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

TURKEY

Beckman Coulter Ltd.
E-5 Yanyol Faith Cad.
81410 Soganlik Kartal
Istanbul
Turkey

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

UNITED KINGDOM

Beckman Coulter United Kingdom Ltd
Oakley Court
Kingsmead Business Park
London Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP11 1JU
England, U.K.

Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

Additional addresses are available at
www.beckmancoulter.com.

Beckman Coulter, Inc. • 4300 N. Harbor Boulevard, Box 3100 • Fullerton, California 92834-3100

Sales and Service: 1-800-742-2345 • Internet: www.beckmancoulter.com • Telex: 678413 • Fax: [phone]

©2007 Beckman Coulter, Inc.

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