Technical information

Centrifuge Standard Operating Procedure 13
6.2 Running the Centrifuge
1. Check the log book first to ensure that the centrifuge is functioning
properly (i.e. no serious problems are listed).
2. Turn on the power switch;
3. Use the foot pedal at the front of the centrifuge to open the centrifuge lid;
4. If using the JA 30.50 rotor:
a. Install the rotor body, making sure that the rotor alignment pins
are properly positioned between the teeth on the centrifuge drive
shaft (Figure 6-1); if the pins are not aligned properly massive
damage can result.
b. Load samples into the rotor body, making sure that all samples are
properly balanced (see above).
c. Place the rotor lid on the rotor body. Tighten the larger ‘daisy-type’
knob on the lid to fasten the rotor lid securely on the rotor body
(Figure 6-2). Press down and tighten the smaller knob to fasten the
rotor to the drive shaft of the centrifuge (check this by lifting up on
the rotor). Do not over tighten the knobs;
Figure 6-1: Drive Shaft
Figure 6-2: JA 30.5 lid
d. Note: Because of the sealing system used in this rotor, it may be
loaded and the lid sealed (with the daisy knob) in a controlled area
(containment hood etc.) and then transported safely to the
centrifuge. Extreme care, however, must be taken to ensure that
the rotor alignment pins and the centrifuge drive shaft are properly
positioned relative to each other. The smaller, non-daisy knob is still
used to tie the rotor securely to the centrifuge drive shaft.
e. Close the centrifuge door only when you are sure the samples and
rotor have been correctly balanced and attached to the centrifuge.
f. The centrifuge will automatically recognize the JA 30.50 rotor.
5. If using the JA 13.1 rotor:
a. The buckets or carriers must be loaded symmetrically with respect to
their pivotal axes (the pivotal axis runs parallel to the crossbar).
b. The rotor should be loaded symmetrically with respect to its center
of rotation.
c. Carefully lower the rotor yoke straight down onto the drive spindle.
Rotate it by hand until the drive pins seat between the teeth on