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Operation, Brand,Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of Centrifuges: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

A centrifuge is a device that utilizes centrifugal force to separate different components in a mixture. Its working principle is based on Newton’s second law, where the centrifugal force experienced by an object during rotation is proportional to the square of the angular velocity and the radius of rotation, and also proportional to the mass of the object. In a centrifuge, substances are placed on a rotating turntable and accelerated along with it. As the rotation speed increases, the substances experience centrifugal force, leading to their separation into different components. Factors such as the rotation speed, turntable diameter, and turntable material of the centrifuge all influence the magnitude of the centrifugal force and the effectiveness of the separation.

I. Operation Method of the Centrifuge

The operation of a centrifuge generally involves the following steps:

Preparation Stage:

  • Check if the centrifuge is in normal working condition.
  • Prepare necessary centrifuge tubes, turntables, and other accessories.

Loading Samples:

  • Place the substances to be separated into centrifuge tubes.
  • Position the centrifuge tubes on the turntable of the centrifuge, ensuring they are correctly placed and evenly distributed to maintain balance.

Setting Parameters:

  • Set the parameters of the centrifuge, such as rotation speed and centrifugation time, according to the separation requirements and sample characteristics.

Starting the Centrifuge:

  • Press the start button to initiate the centrifuge.

Monitoring the Centrifuge:

  • Monitor the running status of the centrifuge during operation to ensure the centrifugation process proceeds normally.

Stopping the Centrifuge:

  • After centrifugation is complete, press the stop button, halt the centrifuge, and retrieve the separated substances.

II. Common Faults and Troubleshooting Methods for the Centrifuge

The centrifuge may encounter various faults during use. Below are some common faults and their troubleshooting methods:

  • Unbalanced Centrifuge or Uneven Placement of Centrifuge Tubes:
    • Adjust the level of the centrifuge to ensure it is stable.
    • Evenly distribute the centrifuge tubes to avoid imbalance caused by uneven weight distribution.
  • Loose or Damaged Rotor:
    • Check if the rotor is loose or damaged, and replace it if necessary.
  • Loose Screws, Worn Bearings, or Motor Faults:
    • Tighten the screws of the centrifuge.
    • Check for bearing wear and replace if necessary.
    • Check for motor faults and repair or replace if needed.
  • Blocked Oil Filter or Oil Leakage:
    • Inspect the oil filter, oil pipes, and connectors to ensure they are unblocked.
    • Check for oil leakage and repair promptly if found.
  • Power Issues or Damaged Circuit Board:
    • Check if the power plug is properly inserted and the power cord is energized.
    • Check if the fuse is burned out and try replacing it.
    • If the above are normal, the circuit board may be damaged and needs to be returned for repair or replacement.
  • Water Circuit Issues or Damaged Seal Rings:
    • Check if the water circuit is unblocked and the solenoid valve is functioning properly.
    • Inspect the seal rings for damage or impurities and replace if necessary.

III. Maintenance Methods for the Centrifuge

The maintenance of a centrifuge mainly includes the following steps:

  • Cleaning:
    • Regularly clean the centrifuge to remove accumulated dirt and residues, restoring the design dimensions of the cavity.
  • Inspection:
    • Regularly inspect various components of the centrifuge, including feed pipes, drums, spirals, housing, frames, and motors, to ensure they are in normal structure and working condition.
  • Calibration:
    • Regularly calibrate the assembly components of the centrifuge to ensure good dynamic balance.
  • Lubrication:
    • Regularly lubricate the bearings, gears, and other components of the centrifuge to reduce wear and extend service life.
  • Maintenance:
    • Regularly maintain the centrifuge, including replacing worn components and cleaning internal dirt.
  • Fault Diagnosis:
    • Promptly diagnose the cause of any faults in the centrifuge through methods such as listening to sounds, checking the power supply, and viewing fault codes on the display. Seek professional assistance if unable to resolve.

IV. Centrifuge Brands and Models Repaired by Longi Electromechanical Company

  1. Beckman Coulter:
    • Avanti JXN-30
    • Avanti JXN-26
    • Allegra X-30 Series
    • Allegra V-15R
    • Microfuge 20 Series
    • Optima XE/XPN Series (XE/XPN-90, XE/XPN-100, XE/XPN-80)
  2. Thermo Fisher Scientific:
    • Sorvall LYNX 6000
    • Sorvall Legend X1/X1R
    • Sorvall ST 16/ST 16R
    • Sorvall RC 6 Plus
    • Sorvall Evolution RC
    • Sorvall BIOS 16
    • Sorvall WX+ Ultracentrifuge Series (WX Ultra 80, WX Ultra 90, WX Ultra 100)
  3. Eppendorf:
    • 5810/5810 R
    • 5910/5910 R
    • 5424/5424 R
    • 5430/5430 R
    • 5804/5804 R
    • Centrifuge 5920 R
    • Centrifuge 5702/5702 R
  4. Hettich:
    • Rotina 420/420R
    • Rotofix 32A
    • Rotina 380/380R
    • Universal 320/320R
    • EBA 200/200S
    • Mikro 200/200R
  5. Sigma:
    • Sigma 8K
    • Sigma 6-16 KS
    • Sigma 3-30KS
    • Sigma 2-16K
    • Sigma 1-14
    • Sigma 4-5L
    • Sigma 3-18KS
  6. Sorvall:
    • Sorvall RC-5B Plus
    • Sorvall RC 12BP Plus
    • Sorvall Legend XTR/X1R
    • Sorvall MTX 150
    • Sorvall RC-6 Plus
  7. Beckman Optima:
    • Optima MAX-XP
    • Optima MAX-TL
    • Optima XPN/XE
  8. Hitachi:
    • Himac CR21GIII
    • Himac CS150FNX
    • Himac CR30NX
  9. HERMLE:
    • Z36HK
    • Z446
    • Z326
    • Z216MK
  10. Thermo Sorvall:
    • Thermo Sorvall LYNX 4000/6000
    • Thermo Sorvall WX 80/90/100 Ultra Series
  11. KENDRO (Acquired by Thermo Fisher):
    • High-Efficiency Centrifuges: Sorvall RC-6 Plus, Sorvall RC-5C Plus, Sorvall RC-3BP Plus
    • Ultrahigh-Speed Centrifuges: WX Ultra 80, WX Ultra 90, WX Ultra 100
    • Benchtop Centrifuges: Heraeus Multifuge X3/X3R, Heraeus Megafuge 8/8R
    • Microcentrifuges: Heraeus Pico 21/Pico 21R, Heraeus Fresco 17/Fresco 17R
    • Multifunctional Centrifuges: Sorvall Legend X1/X1R, Sorvall Legend XT/XTR
  12. Hunan Xiangyi:
    • CH210
    • CHT210R
    • HT150R
    • HT165R
    • HT200
    • HT200R
    • H2050R

Conclusion

Longii Electromechanical Company has nearly 30 years of experience in repairing centrifuges and can quickly repair various instruments. Additionally, we recycle and sell various used centrifuges. Welcome to consult with us.

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Reasons for Slow Speed of Centrifuge Inverter and Solutions

Centrifuge frequency converter control cabinet

Centrifuges, as commonly used separation equipment in laboratories and industrial fields, rely heavily on stable and efficient rotational speed for optimal separation results and productivity. However, in practical applications, users may encounter issues where the centrifuge inverter operates at a sluggish pace, which not only affects separation effectiveness but also increases the risk of equipment failures. This article will analyze the reasons behind the slow speed of centrifuge inverters from multiple perspectives and provide corresponding solutions.

I. Reasons for Slow Speed of Centrifuge Inverter

  1. Excessive Material Load
    When the amount of material being processed by the centrifuge exceeds its design capacity, the rotational speed naturally suffers, leading to sluggish acceleration. In such cases, reducing the material load is necessary to avoid overloading the centrifuge.
  2. Accumulation of Impurities Inside the Centrifuge
    The interior of a centrifuge is prone to accumulating dust and other impurities, which can increase the rotational resistance of the rotor, thereby affecting the speed. Regular cleaning of the centrifuge to maintain equipment cleanliness is crucial to addressing this issue.
  3. Damage to Rotor Bearings
    Damage to rotor bearings can not only cause a decrease in rotational speed but also lead to abnormal noises. Inspecting and replacing damaged rotor bearings can restore the centrifuge to its normal operating speed.
  4. Loose or Worn Drive Belts
    Loose or worn drive belts are common causes of slow centrifuge speed. Regular inspection of belt tension and wear, along with timely replacement of damaged components, can ensure the proper functioning of the centrifuge.
  5. Motor Failures
    Motor failures, such as winding circuit breaks, rotor fractures, or inverter malfunctions, directly impact the rotational speed of the centrifuge. In such situations, motor replacement or electrical circuit repairs are necessary.
  6. Improper Inverter Parameter Settings
    As the key device controlling the centrifuge’s rotational speed, improper settings of the inverter parameters can also lead to sluggish speed. Checking and adjusting the inverter parameters to match the actual requirements of the centrifuge is essential.
  7. Electrical Control System Malfunctions
    Issues with components in the electrical control system, such as adjustable resistors, thyristors, and rectifier diodes, can also cause unstable motor speed. Regular inspection of these components and timely replacement of damaged parts are important measures for maintaining the stability of the centrifuge’s electrical control system.
Centrifuge and control system

II. Solutions

  1. Adjust Material Load
    Reasonably adjust the material load based on the centrifuge’s processing capacity to avoid overload operation.
  2. Regularly Clean the Centrifuge
    Establish a regular cleaning schedule to ensure the centrifuge is free from impurity accumulation and remains clean.
  3. Inspect and Replace Damaged Components
    Regularly inspect the condition of key components such as rotor bearings and drive belts, and promptly replace any damaged parts.
  4. Adjust Inverter Parameters
    Adjust the inverter parameters according to the actual needs of the centrifuge to ensure stable rotational speed and compliance with process requirements.
  5. Enhance Electrical Control System Maintenance
    Regularly inspect the condition of components in the electrical control system, such as adjustable resistors, thyristors, and rectifier diodes, and promptly repair or replace any damaged parts.
  6. Professional Repair and Technical Support
    For complex fault issues, seek the assistance of professional repair personnel and technical support to ensure the centrifuge receives proper maintenance and repair.

III. Conclusion

The slow speed of a centrifuge inverter can be attributed to various factors, including excessive material load, accumulation of impurities inside the centrifuge, damage to rotor bearings, loose or worn drive belts, motor failures, improper inverter parameter settings, and electrical control system malfunctions. By implementing measures such as adjusting material load, regularly cleaning the equipment, promptly replacing damaged components, adjusting inverter parameters, and enhancing electrical control system maintenance, the issue of slow centrifuge inverter speed can be effectively resolved, thereby improving the operational efficiency and stability of the equipment. Additionally, for complex fault issues, seeking professional repair and technical support is essential.