Protocols_SOP_Centrifuges_V1.0 - BackmanLab/BackmanLab.github.io GitHub Wiki

Procedure: Centrifuge Operation and Maintenance Protocol

SOP Prepared by: Maria Proença Version: 1.0

Scope

This SOP covers the use of table-top fixed rotor, swing-bucket centrifuge, and microcentrifuge.

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to provide guidance for the safe operation of centrifuges and rotors in general and more specifically to the laboratory bench top centrifuges: Eppendorf 5418R, Eppendorf Mini Spin Plus and Beckman Coulter Allegra X-12. Centrifuges spin at high speeds to separate substances with different particle sizes or densities. All centrifuges, including microcentrifuges, can be hazardous if used or maintained improperly.

Description

Centrifugation is the process of separating two or more liquids in a mixture by rotation in a container so that the lighter density liquid rises to the top.

In a laboratory setting, centrifuges are typically used to separate substances of different densities or solids from liquids. Because centrifuges operate at high rotational speeds, there is potential for serious personal, property, or equipment damage if not used properly. Most centrifuge accidents result from user error. It is imperative to consult the manufacturer's manual for information on proper use, maintenance, and service of each make and model of centrifuge used in the laboratory. Laboratory staff should not use any centrifuge unless properly trained in specific operation, routine (user) maintenance, decontamination/cleaning, and emergency procedures.

Pathological materials- Centrifuges processing pathological material can create considerable health risks by liquid spillage and droplet dispersion. It is important that they are properly designed and constructed, installed, operated and maintained. They should be sited so that operators can see into the bowl and have easily load trunnion rings, buckets and containers.

Backman lab has 3 benchtop models: the Eppendorf 5418R, Eppendorf Mini Spin Plus and Beckman Coulter Allegra X-12, all designed to perform a variety of separation tasks in small-scale. All units are constructed as benchtop models.

Personal Protective Equipment

Lab coat;
Disposable gloves when there is a risk of contamination;
Safety goggles;

Potential Hazards & Safety Precautions

Physical hazards: Centrifuges are instruments with strong potential for harming users due to the high speed at which they operate: Mechanical stress, metal fatigue and corrosion can lead to mechanical failure over time. Unbalanced centrifugation and other mechanical failures can result in in injury, even death. However the overall health and safety risk for use of this material in accordance with the procedure and protocol in the following section is considered LOW because the equipments have emergency stop and a protection chamber to safeguard the user.
- Do not locate the instrument near areas containing flammable
  
  reagents or combustible fluids, or where vibration will cause items to fall off nearby shelves
- Movement of the instrument can damage parts and injure users.
  
  The centrifuge should be securely anchored by strong suction cups (benchtop models), wheel brakes (floor models) etc.

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Rotor Selection - Proper selection, use and maintenance of

rotors is critical to safe operation. Lack of care can lead to severe personal injury (for more details see below Section 6.4.).

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Exposure hazards: Materials being centrifuged can become aerosolized and if the materials are hazardous, this can expose the user to hazardous air when the centrifuge is opened.

It's the user's responsibility to take any additional safety measure based on the reagents/materials to be centrifuged.

Sample container breakage can generate aerosols that are harmful to inhale. Thus, it is very important to act safely when using and maintaining these instruments.

Sample management - lack of care can result in exposure of the user to harmful materials. Make sure your sample complies with the following requirements:

Always use sample tubes or bottles designed for the particular rotor

being used.
In general, samples should be capped to avoid generation of

aerosols.
Nitrocellulose tubes should only be used when transparent and

flexible. They must never be heated because of explosion possibility.
Plastic centrifuge tubes should be discarded after one cycle of

ultracentrifugation. The failure rate for used tubes is a hazard that justifies using new tubes for each high g run.

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When using toxic, or pathogenic materials, be aware of potential

hazards associated with them in case of leakage during centrifugation. If leakage does occur you may be exposed to particles dispersed in the air (aerosol). It is recommended that additional precautions be taken to prevent exposure to these materials such as the use of controlled ventilation or isolation areas.
If exposure occurs to toxic or pathogenic materials all necessary

precautions and appropriate decontamination procedures should be used (see lab safety procedures for toxic/pathogenic and Radiation Safety Handbook for radioactive.
Dispose of all waste solutions according to NU's procedures for

Proper Segregation & Disposal of Laboratory Waste guidelines.

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For safe use of the centrifuge:

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Do not circumvent any of the safety features (such as lid closure override switches). They are there to protect you.
- Use only rotors designed for use in this instrument.
- Inspect the rotor for signs of corrosion or cracking before
  
  using. If found, do not use the rotor, and inform the employee responsible for the centrifuge of the problem.
- Inspect the inter-lock system to ensure the cover cannot be
  
  opened while the rotor is spinning.
- Never operate the rotor unless it is symmetrically loaded and
  
  balanced. Care is required to achieve this.
- Never operate the rotor without the lid or cover closed and
  
  locked in place, if the lid cannot be locked, the machine must be removed from service.
- Never exceed the maximum recommended speed of the rotor.
- Clean and disinfect rotors and sample cavities or cups after
  
  each use with non- corrosive solutions.
Do not lean or place items on the instrument while it is operating.
Do not leave the centrifuge until full operating speed is attained, and the instrument appears to be running normally without vibration.

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Emergency Procedure. In the event that an incident or accident

related to centrifugation occurs:

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In event of a power failure, do not try to open the lid to retrieve samples for at least one hour. After the rotor has stopped, follow the instructions in the manual for recovery of the
In event of a spillage:
- Notify others in laboratory and if appropriate, evacuate
- Notify the lab supervisor
- Notify the Office of Research Safety (ORS)
- Refer to hazardous agent use protocol (if required)
If vibration occurs:
- stop the run immediately;
- wait until the rotor stops, and check the load balances.
- Turn off centrifuge and disconnect it from the power source

Materials and Reagents

5.1. Equipment

Centrifuge Speed Calculator:

Relative Centrifugal Force or g-force (RCF) is the ratio of the centrifugal acceleration at a specified radius and speed (rω^2^) to the standard acceleration of gravity (g) according with the following formula:

RCF = rω^2^/g

Where r is the ratius in millimiters, ω is the angular velocity in radians per second (2 π RPN/60), and g is the standard acceleration of gravity (9807 mm/s^2^). After substitution:

RCF = 1.118 r (RPM/1000)^2^

or

RCF = 1.118 x 10^-5^ x n^2^ x r~~max~~

Where n is the revolutions per minute (rpm) and r~~max~~ is the maximum centrifugation radius in cm and n is the speed in min^-1^.

Materials

Only use tubes, bottles, or other containers rated for centrifuge

use, speed and chemically compatible with the contents.
Never use tubes or containers beyond manufacturer's specifications

or those that appear cracked, warped, or broken.
Securely close containers with tight fitting lids prior to

centrifugation. Use only containers that can be securely closed when centrifuging potentially hazardous materials (chemical, radioactive, biological substances). Do not overfill centrifuge containers.
Plastic centrifuge tubes should be discarded after one cycle of

ultracentrifugation. The failure rate for used tubes is a hazard that justifies using new tubes for each high G run.

Reagents and Solutions

NOTE 1.: It is the user's responsibility to take any additional precautions and safety measures based on the reagents/materials to be centrifuged.

When using pathogenic, toxic, or radioactive materials, be

aware of potential hazards associated with them. It is recommended that additional precautions be taken to prevent exposure to these materials such as:
- use controlled ventilation or isolation areas.
- use precautions and appropriate decontamination procedures.
- dispose of all waste solutions according to appropriate health
  
  and safety guidelines.

Procedure

NOTE 2.: This SOP doesn't not supersede the requirement of reading the centrifuge's manual. Before using any of the centrifuges, you must read the operating manual carefully and familiarize yourself with the device's mode of operation.

6.1. Handling Procedures:

To avoid accidents and injury, always follow the manufacturer's

operating instructions for the centrifuge being used.
Make sure rotors are used in the proper centrifuge. (e.g. Beckman

rotors should be used only in Beckman centrifuges equipped to handle the specific rotor in question)

6.2. Centrifuge Inspection:

Look over the centrifuge and rotor prior to use.
Check that rotor, safety cups and/or buckets do not have signs of

corrosion, cracks or deformities.
Check that bucket seals are intact so that they provide adequate

protection against liquid dispersion in the event of an accident during use.
Ensure centrifuge and rotor are dry.
Make sure the rotor is properly seated on the drive shaft.
Ensure rotors are properly attached.
Check that safety cups/buckets are properly seated and able to move

freely, when applicable. Swinging bucket rotors are designed to be used with all buckets present, even if some of them are empty. Make sure bucket pairs (the buckets opposite each other) are the same type.

6.3. Sample Preparation:

Select appropriate tubes or containers for rotor, sample and speed.
- Tube/container and rotor bottoms must match. E.g. conical bottom
  
  rotors need conical bottom tubes.
- Sample must be compatible with tube/container material.
- Tube/container must be rated for speed being used.
Inspect tubes and containers for cracks or flaws before using.
Avoid overfilling or underfilling tubes and containers, make sure to

follow manufacturer limits when given.
At least 2cm of headspace must be left between the liquid level and

the container rim. Excessive pressures can be generated in overfilled containers which may also lead to leakage.
The fluid being centrifuged should be introduced into the container

carefully, the threads or outside of the container must not be contaminated.
Make sure lids are tightly secured.
Balance tubes, see the Balance rotor and containers section below.
Make sure the exterior of the tubes and/or containers are clean and

dry prior to centrifugation.

6.4. Balance rotors and containers:

The most common cause of centrifuge accidents is user error, especially involving imbalanced rotors. All centrifuge runs must have at least two samples and cannot have only one open space in the rotor.

There are two different types of rotor with regard to angle:

Fixed Angle Rotors - hold the sample in the same orientation

throughout the run, this can be either vertical or at an angle (usually 14 to 40 degrees to vertical).
Swinging Bucket Rotors - swing out to a horizontal position during

centrifugation and return to vertical when the centrifuge stops.

When balancing rotors remember:

Both the weight and the density of the materials being centrifuged

must be balanced.
When running a balance tube make sure the contents of the balance is

the same as (or as close as possible to) the one inside the sample tube(s).
Always weigh your containers, with caps on, to ensure they are

balanced prior to centrifuging.
Consult the operator's manual for the centrifuge to determine the

amount of imbalance it can withstand. At 1000 x g, one gram has an effective weight of one kilogram. This means small weight imbalances will have large impacts at high speeds.

Because of their extreme speeds the ultracentrifuges must be carefully balanced.

Centrifuges are most easily balanced with containers in pairs, placed directly opposite each other. Three containers can be balanced in circular centrifuges by forming an equilateral triangle.

On top of the above rules, when using Swing-out rotors, make sure to also:

Never run a rotor with buckets missing, although opposing buckets

may be left empty.
If opposing buckets are run with a partial load of tubes in their

adapters, these tubes must be arranged symmetrically, both with respect to the pivotal axis of each bucket and across the center of rotation. With some partial loads, it may be difficult or impossible to achieve the correct symmetry in both sets of opposing buckets. The simplest solution is to fill one or more tubes of the same size with water, or a denser liquid if necessary, and use them to balance the load symmetrically.
Most centrifuges have a variety of rotors available for them. The

rotor used will determine:
- Maximum speed - each rotor has a set maximum speed that must not
  
  be exceeded
- Sample density - manufacturers set a maximum sample density for
  
  the rotor which must be followed.
- Total mass of rotor with samples fully loaded - Rotors have a
  
  maximum compartment mass that can only be exceeded when the speed the rotor runs at is reduced. The formula for determining reduced speed is:

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The volume and number of samples.
The angle the sample spins at.

Examples of balanced rotors:

a) Balanced 12-Position, Rotor

b) Balanced 18-Position Rotor

c) Balanced Swing-out rotor

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6.5. Running the centrifuge -- Common steps:

Insert the tubes properly calibrated and dry into the rotor.
Tighten the rotor lid tightly and test security of the rotor by lifting from bottom to make no movement is detected.
Ensure lid of centrifuge is properly closed.
Set run speed, time and temperature (when applicable) never exceeding the rotor's maximum run speed.
Press the Start button and do not leave the centrifuge until full operating speed is reached and the machine appears to be running safely.
When centrifugation is done, open the centrifuge lid, and take out the sample.
Turn off power and leave the centrifuge lid open to allow it to dry.
Wipe centrifuge drum and rotor with a paper towel.
Stop the centrifuge immediately if you notice any unusual noises or shaking.
- Confirm rotor is properly seated and balanced.
- If problems persist, discontinue use and contact supervisor.
- Do not use centrifuge until it has been serviced by a qualified
  
  technician.
- Make sure the rotor has come to a complete stop before opening
  
  the lid.

6.6. Centrifuging Hazardous Materials:

NOTE 3.: Extra precautions should be taken when centrifuging hazardous materials.

Always wear appropriate PPE for the hazard(s).
Let the centrifuge stand for at least 10 minutes after the rotor has

stopped to allow any aerosols to settle before opening the lid.
If centrifuging materials from a Biosafety Level 2 or above, rotors

must have aerosol containment ("O-rings") or be used inside a biosafety cabinet.

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Rotors must be loaded and unloaded inside the biosafety cabinet.

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If centrifuging radioactive materials, the centrifuge must be kept

behind an appropriate shield.
If centrifuging hazardous chemicals, open rotor and/or containers

inside a fume hood if necessary.

6.7. Mechanical failure:

If the centrifuge experienced problems during a run:

Turn it off immediately and unplug the power cord.
Notify others in the laboratory and evacuate (if required)
Notify the lab manager
Post warning signs so no one plugs the centrifuge back in.
If the centrifuge has a manual lid release lever, the samples can be

removed when it is safe to do so.
Wait at least 30 minutes before opening the lid.
Do not use the centrifuge until it has been inspected and repaired

by a qualified service technician.

6.8. Cleaning and Preventive Maintenance:

Clean the interior of the centrifuge and rotor(s) regularly to

prevent damage.
Choose the cleaning/disinfection method which follow the guidelines

in place for your range of application. For cleaning use a mild cleaning fluid. For disinfection/decontamination, use for instance alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol) or alcohol-based disinfectants.
- Do not use alkaline detergents or cleaning solutions that may
  
  remove the anodized coating.
- Use plastic coated brushes to clean the rotor and/or buckets, do
  
  not use ordinary bottle brushes with sharp wire ends.
- Only wash the buckets of a swinging bucket rotor. The body of
  
  the rotor should never be immersed to prevent rusting.
- Thoroughly rinse all washed pieces with water and then air dry.
- Store rotors and buckets upside down in a dry environment, not
  
  inside the centrifuge.

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Lubricate O-rings and threads as recommended by the manufacturer.
Stop the centrifuge immediately if you notice any unusual noises or

shaking.
- Confirm rotor is properly seated and balanced.
- If problems persist, discontinue use and contact supervisor.
- Do not use centrifuge until it has been serviced by a qualified
  
  technician.
- Make sure the rotor has come to a complete stop before opening
  
  the lid.

NOTE 4.: Rotor life span may be reduced and warranty voided if the rotor is autoclaved. Follow manufacturer recommendations or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

a) Centrifuge cleaning

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Open the lid.
Switch the device off at the mains/power switch. Disconnect the mains/power plug from the voltage supply.
Loosen the rotor nut and remove the rotor
Clean and disinfect all accessible surfaces on the device including the mains/power cord using a damp cloth and recommended cleaning agents.
Clean the motor shaft with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not grease the motor shaft.
Check the motor shaft for damage.
Check the device for corrosion and damage.
Leave the centrifuge lid open when the device is not being used.
Only connect the device to the power supply if it is fully dry inside and out.

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b) Rotor cleaning

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Inspect the rotor and accessories for damage and corrosion. Do not

use any damaged rotors or accessories.
Clean and disinfect the rotors and accessories using the recommended

cleaning agents.
Clean and disinfect the rotor bores using a bottle brush.
Rinse the rotors and accessories thoroughly with distilled water.

Rinse the rotor bores of fixed-angle rotors particularly thoroughly.

NOTE 5.: Do not immerse the rotor in liquid as liquid can enter through the openings when doing so.

Place the rotors and accessories on a towel to dry. Place

fixed-angle rotors with the rotor bores facing downwards to allow the bores to also dry.
Clean the rotor cone with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not

lubricate the rotor cone.
Inspect the rotor cone for damage.
Place the dry rotor onto the motor shaft.
Tighten the rotor nut by turning it clockwise.
Leave the rotor lid open when the rotor is not being used.

6.9. Centrifuge Specific Procedures:

6.9.1. Beckman Coulter Allegra X-12

Turn the power switch on (I).
Press DOOR to open the chamber door; lift the door open.
Install the rotor according to the applicable rotor manual, then

close the chamber door.
Press ROTOR, then press ROTOR again or use the arrow keys to

select the rotor.
Press RPM/RCF, then use the keypad to enter the run speed. Press

RPM/RCF a second time to toggle between RPM and RCF modes.
Press TIME, then use the keypad to enter the run time (to 99

hrs, 59 minutes); or press TIME twice to toggle between hold (continuous) run and set time mode.
Press ACCEL, then use the keypad or arrow keys to enter the

selected acceleration rate number, 1 (SLOW) through 10 (MAX).
Press DECEL, then use the keypad or arrow keys to enter the

selected deceleration rate number, 0 (OFF) through 10 (MAX).
Check that all parameters are correct and that the door is closed

(door LED will be lit). Press ENTER/SAVE, then press START (within 5 seconds).
Wait for the set time to count down to zero, or end the run by

pressing STOP.
When the rotor stops (a tone sounds), press DOOR to open the

chamber door; lift the door.

NOTE 6.: For more centrifugation options please see Centrifuge's User Manual located in the drawer under the centrifuge

Eppendorf Mini Spin Plus

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a) Timed centrifugation:

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Turn the power switch on (I) at the rear of the device.
The lid opens.

The display shows the parameters of the last run.

Fit the rotor on the motor shaft
Rotate the rotor nut clockwise and tighten it.
Check maximum load (adapter, vessel, and contents) for each rotor

bore.
Load rotors and adapters only with the tubes intended for them.

NOTE 7.: Insure symmetrical loading, insert sets of two tubes in opposite bores (see Section 6.4. above for details).

Tubes located opposite each other must be of the same type and

contain the same filling quantity.
Position the rotor lid on the rotor. The rotor lid audibly engages.
Press the centrifuge lid down until it is gripped by the lid latch.
Set the centrifugation time with the time arrow keys (▼ below 15

s or ▲ above 99 min).
Set the centrifugation speed (rpm) or g-force (rcf), with the

speed arrow keys.
To start the centrifugation run, press the start/stop key.

The bar in the center of the display flashes alternately at the top

and bottom.
Remaining run time in minutes. The last minute is counted down in

seconds.
Current speed (rpm) or g-force (rcf) -- Press both speed ▼ and ▲

arrow keys simultaneously. The display changes from rpm (speed) to rcf (g-force) and vice versa.

NOTE 8.: During the run, you can change the centrifugation time and the centrifugation speed. The new parameters are adopted immediately.

The centrifuge lid opens automatically at the end of the

centrifugation.

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b) Short run centrifugation:

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Keep the short key pressed until display changes.

14t: Short run centrifugation at maximum speed (14,500 rpm)
1-14t: Short run centrifugation at set speed (rpm) or g-force

(RCF)
- set the speed (rpm) or g-force (RCF) with the speed arrow
  
  key.
- Press both speed ▼ and ▲ arrow keys simultaneously and the
  
  display changes from rpm (speed) to RCF (g-force) and vice versa.

Stop short run centrifugation: Release the short key.

During the braking process, the elapsed running time flashes on the

display.

The centrifuge lid opens automatically.
1. Eppendorf 5418R

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Turn the power switch on (I) at the right hand side of the

device.
Use Time to set the run time
Use Temp to set the temperature
Use Speed to set the g-force (rcf) or speed (rpm)
Press Start/Stop to start centrifuging.
- In the display flashes while the rotor is running.
- The current temperature will be displayed.
- The fast temp, open and short keys are blocked during
  
  centrifugation.

NOTE 9.: During the run you can modify the total run time, the temperature, the speed and the rpm/rcf display. To change the centrifugation parameters, press the short key first. The values flash in the display during the change. The new parameters are adopted immediately. When the time is changed during a run, the time which has already elapsed is taken into account. Please note that the shortest new total run time that can be set is the elapsed time plus 2 minutes. You can also terminate the centrifugation before the set run time has elapsed by pressing the Start/Stop key.

End of centrifugation:

The centrifuge automatically stops after the set time has elapsed.

The elapsed centrifugation will be shown in a blinking display during the braking process. A signal tone sounds when the rotor is at a standstill.
The centrifuge lid remains closed to maintain the sample

temperature. You can open it by pressing the open key.

Disposals | Spills | Incidents

Waste (see waste segregations and collection SOP for complete information):

Dispose of all waste solutions according to NU's procedures for Proper Segregation & Disposal of Laboratory Waste guidelines including:

All waste containers should be closed once ¾ 's and placed into the appropriate location for pick up.

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All waste containers should be properly labelled with the following

information:
- PI's name
- User | Responsible person
- Content and approximate amount in %
- Waste class (e.g. chemical, biohazard, radioactive, etc.)
- Waste type (e.g. sharps, plastic, glass, metal, etc.)
- Waste "status" (e.g. liquid, solid, etc.)

[Protocol Specific Waste]{.ul}

Dispose of all waste solutions according to appropriate health and

safety guidelines.
Plastic waste should be discarded after one cycle of centrifugation.

Empty any remaining liquids either on a chemical or biohazard liquid waste disposal container, and discard tubes in the respective solid waste container, depending on the class of materials centrifuged.

Spills:

After each run, check for leaks or spills.

If you know, or suspect, a spill has occurred, keep the centrifuge

cover closed for at least 30 minutes to reduce aerosolization.
Inspect the sample tubes/containers, safety cups/buckets, rotor and

centrifuge.
Use appropriate decontamination and cleanup procedures for the

spilled material(s).
If exposure occurs to toxic or pathogenic materials all necessary

precautions and appropriate decontamination procedures should be used (follow safety procedures for toxic/pathogenic and/or Radiation Safety Handbook for radioactive.
When applicable:
- Notify others in laboratory and if appropriate, evacuate
- Notify the lab supervisor
- Notify the Office of Research Safety (ORS)
- Refer to hazardous agent use protocol (if required)

References
1. [*Lab safety and Chemical Hygiene
  
  Plan*](https://researchsafety.northwestern.edu/safety-information/general-lab-safety/lab-safety-chemical-hygiene-plan/), Northwestern University, 2019.
2. [*Biological Safety
  
  Manual*](https://researchsafety.northwestern.edu/biological-safety-manual/), Northwestern University, 2019.
3. [*Radiation Safety
  
  Handbook*](https://researchsafety.northwestern.edu/radiation-safety-handbook/), Northwestern University, 2019.
4. Instructions for Use, Allegra X-12 Series, Beckman
  
  Coulter, 2019.
5. Centrifuge 5418/5418R Operating Manual, Eppendorf, 2017.
6. MiniSpin/MiniSpin Plus Operating Manual, Eppendorf, 2018.
7. Stainless steel rotor lid for the Rotor F-45-12-11 --
  
  Instructions for use, Eppendorf.
8. Fixed angle rotor FA-45-18-11 for Centrifuge 5418 --
  
  Instructions for use, Eppendorf.
9. [*Best Practices for Balancing Samples in a Lab
  
  Centrifuge*](https://labcentrifuges.net/blogs/blog/balancing-samples-in-lab-centrifuge), 2019.
10. [*Balancing Your
  
  Rotor*](https://www.beckman.com/resources/fundamentals/principles-of-centrifugation/balancing-your-rotor), Beckman Coulter.
11. [*Centrifuge Speed
  
  Calculator*](https://www.eppendorf.com/US-en/centrifuge-speed-calculator/), Eppendorf, https://www.eppendorf.com/US-en/centrifuge-speed-calculator/
12. *[OSHA Laboratory
  
  Standard](https://www.osha.gov/Publications/laboratory/OSHA3404laboratory-safety-guidance.pdf).*
13. Pathogen Safety Data (PSD) Guide, NIH, 2016.
14. [*Patogenic Safety Data Sheet
  
  (PSDS)*](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment.htm), Government of Canada.

SUMMARY FLOWCHART OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES TO CONSIDER IN CASE OF SPILLAGE OF PATHOGENIC OR TOXIC MATERIAL

**
**

// Protocol Summary//

NOTE: Reading of this Summary does not supersede the requirement of reading the complete SOP and the centrifuge's instructions manual. This Summary should only be used as a quick reference and only once you're familiarized with the full SOP.

Beckman Coulter Allegra X-12

Turn the power switch on (I).
Press DOOR to open the chamber door; lift the door open.
Install the rotor according to the applicable rotor manual, buckets

and tube holders adequate to your samples. Load buckets in a balanced way (see SOP's Section 6.4. for details). Tubes located opposite each other must be of the same type and contain the same filling quantity.
Close the chamber door.
Press ROTOR, then press ROTOR again or use the arrow keys to

select the rotor.
Press RPM/RCF, then use the keypad to enter the run speed. Press

RPM/RCF a second time to toggle between RPM and RCF modes.
Press TIME, then use the keypad to enter the run time; or press

TIME twice to toggle between hold (continuous) run and set time mode.
Press ACCEL, then use the keypad or arrow keys to enter the

selected acceleration rate number, 1 (SLOW) through 10 (MAX).
Press DECEL, then use the keypad or arrow keys to enter the

selected deceleration rate number, 0 (OFF) through 10 (MAX).
Check that all parameters are correct and that the door is closed

(door LED will be lit). Press ENTER/SAVE, then press START (within 5 seconds).
Wait for the set time to count down to zero, or end the run by

pressing STOP.
When the rotor stops (a tone sounds), press DOOR to open the

chamber door; lift the door.

NOTE: For more centrifugation options please see Centrifuge's User Manual located in the drawer under the centrifuge

*
*

// Protocol Summary//

Eppendorf Mini Spin Plus

a) Timed centrifugation:

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Turn the power switch on (I) at the rear of the device.
The lid opens.
Fit the rotor on the motor shaft
Rotate the rotor nut clockwise and tighten it.
Check maximum load (adapter, vessel, and contents) for each rotor

bore.
Load rotors in a balanced way *(see SOP's Section 6.4. for

details)*. Tubes located opposite each other must be of the same type and contain the same filling quantity.
Position the rotor lid on the rotor. The rotor lid audibly engages.
Press the centrifuge lid down until it is gripped by the lid latch.
Set the centrifugation time with the time arrow keys (▼▲).
Set the centrifugation speed (rpm) or g-force (rcf), with the

speed arrow keys.
To start the centrifugation run, press the start/stop key.

NOTE: During the run, you can change the centrifugation time and the centrifugation speed. The new parameters are adopted immediately.

The centrifuge lid opens automatically at the end of the

centrifugation.

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b) Short run centrifugation:

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Keep the short key pressed until display changes.

14t: Short run centrifugation at maximum speed (14,500 rpm)
1-14t: Short run centrifugation at set speed (rpm) or g-force

(RCF)
- set the speed (rpm) or g-force (RCF) with the speed arrow
  
  key.

Stop short run centrifugation: Release the short key.
The centrifuge lid opens automatically.

NOTE: For more centrifugation options please see Centrifuge's User Manual located in the drawer under the centrifuge.

// Protocol Summary//

Eppendorf 5418R

Turn the power switch on (I) at the right hand side of the device.
Use Time to set the run time
Use Temp to set the temperature
Use Speed to set the g-force (rcf) or speed (rpm)
Load rotors in a balanced way (see SOP's Section 6.4. for details). Tubes located opposite each other must be of the same type and contain the same filling quantity.
Press Start/Stop to start centrifuging.
- In the display flashes while the rotor is running.
- The current temperature will be displayed.
- The fast temp, open and short keys are blocked during
  
  centrifugation.

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End of centrifugation:

The centrifuge automatically stops after the set time has elapsed. A

signal tone sounds when the rotor is at a standstill.
The centrifuge lid remains closed to maintain the sample

temperature. You can open it by pressing the open key.

NOTE: For more centrifugation options please see Centrifuge's User Manual located in the drawer under the centrifuge

Protocols_SOP_Centrifuges_V1.0 - BackmanLab/BackmanLab.github.io GitHub Wiki

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