P/N 50105748-3
RC 6+
User´s Manual US
Thermo Fisher Scientific
OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Thermo Scientific RC-6 PLUS
Superspeed Centrifuge
P/N 50105748
Issued January 2008
ii Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS i
This manual is a guide for the use of
Thermo Scientific RC-6 PLUS
Superspeed Centrifuge
Data herein has been verified and is believed adequate for the intended use of
the rotor.
Because failure to follow the recommendations set forth in this manual could
produce personal injury or property damage, always follow the
recommendations set forth herein. Thermo Fisher Scientific does not guarantee
results and assumes no obligation for the performance of rotors or other
products that are not used in accordance with the instructions provided. This
publication is not a license to operate under, nor a recommendation to infringe
upon, any process patents.
Publications prior to the Issue Date of this manual may contain data in apparent
conflict with that provided herein. Please consider all data in this manual to be
the most current.
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTE within the text of this manual are
used to emphasize important and critical instructions.
DANGER informs the operator of an extreme hazard or an unsafe practice that
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING informs the operator of a hazard or an unsafe practice that could
result in serious injury, affect the operator’s health, or contaminate the
environment.
CAUTION informs the operator of an unsafe practice that could result in
damage to equipment.
NOTE highlights essential information.
© 1996, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2008 by Thermo Fisher Scientific
CAUTION and WARNING are accompanied by a hazard symbol and appear
below or above the information they correspond to.
Preface
ii RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
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 these operating instructions.
Mechanical Safety
W A R N I N G
For operator safety, maintain a 30-cm "clearance envelope" around the
instrument while the rotor is spinning. Do not store dangerous substances
capable of developing flammable or explosive vapors in the clearance
envelope.
Do not attempt to unlock the door forcefully while the rotor is spinning.
Do not attempt to slow or stop the spinning rotor by hand.
Do not incline or move the instrument while the rotor is spinning. Do not lean
on the instrument.
If abnormal sound or vibration occurs, stop the operation immediately and
contact Thermo or your local representative of Thermo Fisher Scientific
products.
C A U T I O N
Before using a rotor, be sure to read through the rotor instruction manual.
Maximum rotor speed depends on the rotor, buckets, assemblies, tubes or
adapters to be used. Follow the instructions in the rotor instruction manual.
Do not use corroded, scratched or cracked rotors, buckets and assemblies.
Check that the rotor, buckets and assemblies are free of such abnormalities
before operation.
When using a swinging bucket, check that the buckets are properly engaged
with the rotor pins before operation. An incorrect setting can cause severe
damage to the instrument.
Be sure to mount the rotor cover if provided. Check that the rotor cover is
completely secured with a screw if provided.
Mount the rotor onto the drive shaft (drive spindle) gently and properly. Do not
drop the rotor or apply excessive force to the drive shaft (drive spindle).
Clean the inside of the drive hole (drive spindle hole) of the rotor and the
surface of the drive (drive spindle) of the centrifuge once a week.
If condensation is in the rotor chamber, wipe the chamber dry with a dry
sponge or cloth.
Preface
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS iii
Safety During Installation and/or Maintenance.
Electrical Safety
CAUTION
Do not pour any solution such as water, detergent or disinfectant directly into
the rotor chamber. Otherwise, the bearings of the drive unit may corrode or
deteriorate.
Before relocating the centrifuge, remove the rotor from the rotor chamber to
avoid damage to the drive shaft.
Always keep the liquid crystal panel in a visible position while the POWER
switch is turned on, so that you can check the current operating state (running
or stopping).
DANGER
When servicing the centrifuge, be sure to turn off the POWER switch, turn off
the distribution board of your centrifuge room, and then wait for at least three
minutes before removing covers or tables from the centrifu ge to avoid electr ical
shock hazards.
WARNING
Level the centrifuge by using the four level adjusters and secure them
completely. Improper securing can cause significant movement of the
centrifuge in the event of a rotor disengagement.
Installation or relocation of your centrifuge must be done by Thermo Fisher
Scientific or a Thermo Fisher Scientific representative. Contact Thermo Fisher
Scientific or your local representative of Thermo Fisher Scientific products
CAUTION
Avoid places that are exposed to ultraviolet rays for operation or storage of the
centrifuge. Otherwise, the covers can be discolored and the coating can be
peeled off easily. If installation in such a place is unavoidable, cover the
centrifuge with a cloth after operation to protect from ultraviolet rays.
WARNING
Your centrifuge must be grounded properly to avoid electrical shock hazards.
Preface
iv RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
Safety Against Risk of Fire
Chemical and Biological Safety
Notice for an Earthquake
An abnormality may be found on the centrifuge depending on the magnitude of
an earthquake.
If any abnormality is found, stop using the centrifuge immediately and ask for
inspection by Thermo or your local re presentative of Thermo Fisher Scientific
products.
CAUTION
Do not place containers holding liquid on or near the instrument or in the rotor
chamber. If they spill, liquid may get into the instrument and damage electrical
components.
WARNING
This instrument is not designed for use with materials capable of developing
flammable or explosive vapors or extreme exothermic reactions. Do not
centrifuge such materials in this instrument nor handle or store them near the
instrument.
WARNING
When using radioactive, toxic, or pathogenic materials, be aware of all
characteristics of the materials and the hazards associated with them in the
event leakage occurs during centrifugation. If leakage does occur, neither the
centrifuge nor the rotor can protect you from particles dispersed in the air. To
protect yourself, we recommend additional precautions be taken to prevent
exposure to these materials, for example, use of controlled ventilation or
isolation areas.
Always be aware of the possibility of contamination when using radioactive,
toxic, or pathogenic materials. Take all necessary precautions and use
appropriate decontamination procedures if exposure occurs.
The use of sealed rotors, buckets and/or sample containers will provide
increased protection from contamination during routine operation. However,
these items will not guarantee contaminatio protection from accidents resulting
in damage to the rotor or buckets. Do not run hazardous materials in the
centrifuge unless placed in a biohazard enclosure and operated using all
appropriate safety precautions.
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS iii
Contents
Chapter 1 Description..................................................................1-1
Centrifuge Description..................................................1-1
Centrifuge Specification................................................1-4
CentrifugeAccessories..................................................1-5
Chapter 2 Installation...................................................................2-1
Inspection.....................................................................2-1
Identify the Installation Site...........................................2-1
Levelling the Centrifuge................................................2-3
Electronical Requirements............................................2-4
Relocation.....................................................................2-6
Chapter 3 Controls, Displays & Indicators................................3-1
Controls, Displays, & Indicators....................................3-1
Operation Panel............................................................3-1
Power Switch ...............................................................3-5
Diagnostic Indicators Safety Device.............................3-6
Chapter 4 Operation.....................................................................4-1
Reducing Speed for Loads in Excess of Design Mass.4-1
Basic Operation............................................................4-2
Normal Operating Procedure........................................4-8
Saving and Changing Run Condition .........................4-11
Step-mode operation..................................................4-14
RTC (Real Time Control) Operation...........................4-15
Displaying and Setting RDCF.....................................4-20
Dispplaying and Setting ω2T ......................................4-21
Emergency Recovery from Power Failure..................4-23
Features on Menu Screen..........................................4-26
Lockout System Function...........................................4-28
Chapter 5 Care and Maintenance ...............................................5-1
Rotor Chamber.............................................................5-2
Tapered Drive Shaft (Drive Spindle).............................5-3
Contents
iv RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
Cabinet......................................................................... 5-3
Rotor ............................................................................5-3
Condenser Fins............................................................ 5-3
Replacement Parts....................................................... 5-3
Service Decontamination Policy................................... 5-4
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting......................................................... 6-1
Alarm Messages ..........................................................6-1
Appendix
Rotor Information Table
Warranty
Decontamination Information Certificates
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS 1-1
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION &
DESCRIPTION
This manual provides you with the information you will need to operate and
maintain your Thermo Scientific RC-6 PLUS Superspeed Centrifuge. If you
encounter any problem concerning either operation or maintenance that is not
covered in the manual, please contact Thermo Fisher Scientific for assistance.
In the United States, call toll-free 1-669-THERMO; outside the United States,
contact your local distributor or agent for Thermo Fisher Scientific products.
Thermo Fisher Scientific product information is available on our internet web
site at http://www.thermo.com
Centrifuge
Description
The RC-6 PLUS is a high-speed (to 22,000 rpm) centrifuge used to separate
substances of different densities at controlled temperatures. Some of the
outstanding features of the RC-6 PLUS are:
• Speeds to 22,000 rpm (55,200 x g) without the need for a vacuum system
• Process 4 liters of sample in a single run
• High-frequency brushless motor for fast separations and reduced
maintenance
• RCF control allows set and display of g-force
• ω
2
dt integrator for run-to-run reproducibility
• Real Time Control for delayed start/stop runs
• 30 program memory
• 9 acceleration and 10 deceleration settings
• On-line rotor catalog
• Pre-cool function for fast rotor pre-cooling
• Wide choice of rotors including SUPER-LITE® composite, SUPER-LITE
aluminum, and RX™ Rapid Access rotors.
The RC-6 PLUS centrifuge is capable of operation in more than one mode to
meet a wide range of applications. Run conditions are selected using the touch
keyboard. Actual and set run conditions are displayed. For your protection,
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION
Centrifuge Description
1-2 RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
system interlocks keep the centrifuge from starting if the chamber door is open,
and prevent the door from being opened if a run is in progress and the rotor is
spinning. System interlocks will also automatically terminate a run in progress if
a system malfunctions.
The RC-6 PLUS drive system has a high-frequency brushless motor for fast
separations and reduced maintenance.
The refrigeration system, charged with environmentally- friendly CFC-free
SUVA® refrigerant, offers reliable performance similar to other Thermo
Scientific Superspeed centrifuges. The high-capacity refrigeration system is a
low temperature, hermetically-sealed unit that consists of a compressor, a
condenser, an evaporator/rotor chamber, and interconnecting tubing. When the
centrifuge is running, the refrigeration system will maintain selected
temperatures within the range specified for the centrifuge.
The RC-6 PLUS accepts the Thermo Scientific Superspeed rotors listed in the
Rotor Information Table in the Appendix.
Refer to Figure 1-1 to identify the parts of the RC-6 PLUS.
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION
Centrifuge Description
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS 1-3
Figure 1-1. Centrifuge Parts Location and Identification
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION
Centrifuge Specifications
1-4 RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
Centrifuge
Specifications
Table 1-1. Centrifuge Specifications
Run Speed
*
*
Speed in revolutions per minute (rpm) is related to angular velocity, ω, according to the following:
Where = rad/s. All further references in this manual to speed will be designated as rpm.
Speed Selection Range (rpm) 300 to 22,000
Speed Control Accuracy ±25 rpm
Maximum Relative Centrifugal Force 52,200 x g
(F20MICRO)
Run Temperature
Temperature Selection Range -20°C to 40°C
**
**
The centrifuge will operate at ambient temperatures up to 40°C, but refrigeration system perfor-
mance may be less than optimal above 25°C.
After the centrifuge system has reached equilibrium. Ambient air temperature at the centrifuge air
inlets must be between 2°C to 40°C with maximum relative humidity of 80% at 31°C, linearly decreasing to 50% at 40°C. If the ambient air temperature is above 25°C, the centrifuge may not maintain low temperatures at high speeds, therefore, avoid areas near heat sources (for example, direct
sunlight, heating pipes and radiators). Also, avoid close grouping of centrifuges or other heat-producing laboratory equipment.
Temperature Control Range 2°C to 40°C
Temperature Control Accuracy ±2°C
Run Time Selection Range
1 minute to 99 hours, 59 minutes;
HOLD for continuous operation
Ambient Temperature Range 2°C to 40°C
***
Mass (Weight) 350 kg
Maximum Capacity 4,000 ml (SLC-4000)
Dimensions
Width 752 mm
Height to top of control console 1112 mm
Height with door open 1500 mm
Depth (including rear duct assembly) 835 mm
Depth (without rear duct assembly) 685 mm
From bottom to chamber inlet 858 mm
Noise Level <64 dB
****
Heat Output 3.7 kW (12,600 Btu/h)
*****
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION
Centrifuge Accessories
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS 1-5
Centrifuge
Accessories
The following items are provided with the centrifuge:
***
After the centrifuge system has reached equilibrium. Ambient air temperature at the centrifuge
air inlets must be between 2°C to 40°C with maximum relative humidity of 80% at 31°C, linearly decreasing to 50% at 40°C. If the ambient air temperature is above 25°C, the centrifuge may not maintain low temperatures at high speeds, therefore, avoid areas near heat sources (for example, direct
sunlight, heating pipes and radiators). Also, avoid close grouping of centrifuges or other heat-producing laboratory equipment.
****
As measured with SE-12 rotor at 21,000 rpm (with compressor turned on) 3 feet from the front
of the unit and four feet from the floor.
*****
For the SS-34 rotor spinning 20,000 rpm at 4°C, after it has reached equilibrium. Other rotors,
speeds, and temperatures cause the heat output to vary.
Table 1-2.
Catalog No. Description
50105750 US Instruction manual
50105751 EU Instruction manual
Level
Rear duct assembly (To be mounted to the rear cover at
installation)
65937 Silicon grease
61556 Lubricant grease
Rotor cleaning bar
INTRODUCTION & DESCRIPTION
Centrifuge Accessories
1-6 RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS 2-1
Chapter 2 INSTALLATION
Installation or relocation of your centrifuge must be done by an authorized
Thermo Fisher Scientific representative. Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific or
your local representative of Thermo Fisher Scientific products.
After you receive your centrifuge, inspect it for damage before using it. The
RC-6 PLUS centrifuge must be installed in a location that meets all of the
electrical, location, and environment requirements that are specified below and
on the following pages. Installation instructions begin on page 2-3.
Inspection As soon as you receive your RC-6 PLUS Superspeed Centrifuge carefully
inspect it for any shipping damage that may have occurred. If you find any
damage, please report it immediately to the transportation company and file a
damage claim, then notify Kendro. If any parts are missing, contact one of the
Kendro district offices or the local representative of Thermo Fisher Scientific
products. You will find a list of offices on the back cover of this manual.
Identify the
Installation Site
DANGER
When servicing the centrifuge, be sure to turn off the POWER switch, turn off
the distribution board of your centrifuge room, and wait for at least three
minutes before removing covers or tables from the centri fuge to avoid ele ctrical
shock hazards.
WARNING
For operator safety, maintain a 30-cm "clearance envelope" around the
instrument and keep out of that area while the rotor is spinning. Do not store
dangerous substances capable of develo ping flamma ble or explos ive vapor s in
the clearance envelope.
INSTALLATION
Identify the Installation Site
2-2 RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
When choosing an installation site for the RC-6 PL US Centrifuge, consider its
dimensions, weight and noise level:
The location for the centrifuge must meet these requirements:
• A flat, vibration-free concrete floor. Avoid installing on a carpeted floor.
• Maximum altitude of 2000 meters.
• The unit is intended for indoor use only. Ambient air temperature at the
centrifuge air inlets must be between 2°C to 40°C with maximum relative
humidity of 80% at 31°C, linearly de cr ea sing to 50% at 40°C. If the ambient
air temperature is above 25°C, the centrifuge may not maintain low
temperatures at high speeds, therefore, avoid areas near heat sources (for
example, direct sunlight, heating pipes and radiators). Also, avoid close
grouping of centrifuges or other heat-producing laboratory equipment.
• Maintain a 30-cm clearance around the centrifuge. Do not store any
substances in the clearance envelope.
Note The RC-6 PLUS is a Class A product and is not intended for home use. If
used in a domestic environment you must contact your local authorities
for authorization.
Table 2-1.
Dimensions Width: 752 mm
Depth: 835m (including rear duct
assembly)
Depth: 685m (without rear duct assembly)
Height: 1112 mm
Weight 350 kg
Noise Level <64 dB (The maximum noise output with
the centrifuge, measured with the
compressor on at 0.91 m (3 ft) from the
front of the centrifuge and 1.22 m (4 ft)
from the floor.
Pollution Degree 2
Over Voltage Category II
WARNING
The RC-6 PLUS Centrifuge weighs 350 kg (772 lb.). Take the necessary
precautions when installing and moving the centrifuge to avoid personal injury
and/or damage to the centrifuge
INSTALLATION
Leveling the Centrifuge
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS 2-3
Figure 2-1. Clearances for the Centrifuge
Leveling the
Centrifuge
1. Turn on the centrifuge power and open the door. (If power supply is not yet
available, perform the Emergency Recovery from Power Failure procedure
discussed in Chapter 4.)
2. Place the level across the top of the drive spindle.
3. Using a 24 mm wrench, turn each of the four level adjusters until the casters
are 5 to 15 mm off the floor.
4. Level the unit by adjusting the level adjusters.
5. When the centrifuge is level, make sure each of the four level adjusters is
secure and rattle-free.
6. Secure each of the four level adjusters with the lock nuts.
CAUTION
Leave adequate space for airflow around the centrifuge and make sure no
vents are blocked. Blocking the airflow entering and/or exiting the centrifuge
can result in reduced performance, overheating and possible centrifuge
damage.
INSTALLATION
Electrical Requirements
2-4 RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
Figure 2-2. Leveling the Centrifuge
Electrical
Requirements
The appropriate power source must be available to plug in the centrifuge. The
power supply and outlet type required varies, depending on the rating on the
nameplate. Check the nameplate on the back panel of the centrifuge to
determine the electrical configuration of your centrifuge, which should be one of
the following:
CAUTION
The centrifuge can be damaged if it is connected to the wrong voltage, or if it is
connected to a line voltage that varies more than plus/minu s 10% of it s nominal
value. Check the voltage before plugging the centrifuge into any power source.
Thremo Fisher Scientific is not responsible for improper installation.
Table 2-2. Electric al Re qu ire m en ts
NAME PLATE RA TING SUPPLY REQUIRED
AC208/220/230/240
50/60Hz 21-24A single phase
AC208/220/230/240 50/60Hz 30A single
phase (25A single phase may be
acceptable depending on you local
electrical codes).
AC200 50/60Hz
25A single phase
AC200 50/60Hz 30A single phase
AC400 50/60Hz
2x15A 3 phase
AC400 50/60Hz 2x25A 3 phase
INSTALLATION
Electrical Requirements
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS 2-5
To connect to a different voltage, the centrifuge must be rewired and its plug
may also have to be replaced. Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific or your local
representative of Thermo Fisher Scientific products. For connection to a
different outlet, the power cord may also need to be replaced. Follow local
electrical codes.
Provide an emergency switch (circuit breaker) intended for the centrifuge only,
in case of emergency or in the event of failure. It is recommended that the
switch is located outside the centrifuge room or near the exit to the room.
Note For EMC emission the RC-6 PLUS is a Class A product. A slow reacting
circuit breaker is required because of the high startup current of the
compressor
Plug the power cord coming from the rear of the centrifuge in the terminal of the
distribution board. The green/yellow wire is a grounding wire. Your centrifuge
must be grounded properly.
Check the supply line voltage with a voltmeter and verify that the voltage
indicated on the nameplate is in agreement with the measured line voltage. If
the measured line voltage is not within 10% of the voltage specified on the
nameplate, do not connect the power cord and operate the centrifuge. Damage
to the centrifuge may result. To connect the centrifuge to a voltage other than
what is specified on the nameplate (including 3 phase), it will have to be rewired
and its power cord may have to be replaced. Contact Ther mo Fisher Scientific
to have an authorized Thermo Fisher Scientific representative do the rewiring.
Single phase RC-6 PLUS Centrifuges are equipped with a three- wire power
cord with three-prong connector to fit a NEMA 6-30P receptacle or equivalent
or, on 230V 50Hz centrifuges, an IEC 60309-type three-pin receptacle (32A,
2-pole and earth). 230V 50Hz poly phase RC-6 Centri fuge s ar e e quippe d with a
four-wire power cord with five-pin connector to fit an IEC 60309-type five-pin
receptacle (32 A, 3- pole, neutral and earth).
Provide an emergency switch (circuit breaker) intended for the centrifuge only to
turn off the centrifuge power in the event of failure. It is recommended to provide
that switch outside of the centrifuge room or near the exit of the centrifuge room.
WARNING
Your centrifuge must be grounded properly to avoid electrical shock hazards.
INSTALLATION
Relocation
2-6 RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
Relocation
Installation or relocation of your centrifuge must be done by an authorized
authorized Thermo Fisher Scientific representative. Contact Thermo Fisher
Scientific or your local representative of Thermo Fisher Scientific products.
Before relocating the centrifuge, unplug the centrifuge and loosen the locking
nuts. Lower the casters to the floor by turning the leveling bolts with a wrench.
Raise the leveling bolts enough to clear the floor and relocate the centrifuge.
After relocation, the centrifuge must be installed and leveled again.
CAUTION
Remove the rotor from the rotor chamber before relocating the centrifuge.
CAUTION
Be careful not to tip over the unit when moving on uneven or slanted floors.
Thermo Fisher Scientific RC-6 PLUS 3-1
Chapter 3 CONTROLS, DISPLAYS
& INDICATORS
This chapter describes the RC-6 PLUS centrifuge controls, displays, and
indicators and includes their locations and functions.
Controls,
Displays, &
Indicators
The RC-6 PLUS control keyboard is used to select desired run parameters.
During a run, digital displays indicate set and actual run conditions, such as
estimated sample temperature, ro to r sp ee d , r ema inin g ru n tim e o r ac cu mu la te d
integral value.
Operation Panel The operation panel of the RC-6 PLUS Superspeed centrifuge is composed of a
display panel and function keys. The liquid cryst al disp lay can be tilted back and
forth for easy viewing. The display panel shows various screen displays such as
programmed operation, rotor list and user customization in addition to the basic
screen (RUN SCREEN) (see Figure 3-1).
The display automatically turns to the ZOOM SCREEN (see Figure 3-2) when
20 seconds have passed after reaching the set speed. The ZOOM screen
returns to the RUN SCREEN by pressing any key on the panel or when the rotor
starts deceleration.
Figure 3-1. Display Panel
CONTROLS, DISPLAYS & INDICATORS
Operation Panel
3-2 RC-6 PLUS Thermo Fisher Scientific
Figure 3-2. Zoom Screen
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