O P E R A T IN G IN S T R U C T IO N S

MANUAL

FOR CENTRIFUGE MODEL

Rota 4 V/FA
 IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

ROTA – 4 V / FA

1. We strongly recommend that this Instrument be connected through a

good quality Servo Type Voltage Stabilizer.

2. Operation of the Centrifuge in hazardous locations to be strictly avoided.

3. The instrument should be installed on heavy sturdy leveled table or

cement platform

4. The cooling air for the motor is drawn from the grills in the base plate and
vented through the opening in the lid at the rear of the machine. There
should be enough clearance around the machine to allow the flow of air.
Make sure that sheets of paper do not slip under the centrifuge, since they
may block the grills.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Maximum Speed : 20,000 RPM (with 12 – place x 1.5 ml. rotor)

Maximum RCF : 26,600 x g (with 12 – place x 1.5 ml. rotor)
Maximum Volume : 700 ml.
Speed Control : Variable frequency drive (Inverter)
Type of Motor : Asynchronous Motor (Brushless)
Speed Setting : Analogue
Speed Display : Digital
Speed Accuracy : + / - 100 RPM
Acceleration Time in
“Pulse Mode” : 20 seconds
Deceleration Time in
“Pulse Mode” : 20 seconds
Acceleration Time in
“Regular Mode” : 60 to 90 seconds
Deceleration Time in
“Regular Mode” : 50 to 90 seconds
Timer : 60 Minutes & Hold Position
Timer Accuracy : + / - 1 Minute
Power Requirement : 240 V (+ / - 10% ) 50 Hz. 15 Amp.
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

ROTA – 4 V/FA is a new generation high speed centrifuge and employs a silent
brushless asynchronous motor freeing the user from periodic brush change
associated with AC / DC Motors.

The centrifuge has solid steel casing. The lid is also made of steel sheet and the
special hinges provide counter balancing of the lid in all positions and allow the
user to load and unload rotors without holding the lid. The S.S. chamber has a
armored guard ring around it and ensures complete containment.

CENTRIFUGE DRIVE

The drive consists of asynchronous motor and a micro controlled variable

frequency controller.

CONTROL PANEL:

Power Switch is located below the control panel and when pressed will switch
on the power to the Centrifuge. It has built in light indicator.

Cover release button – The cover is dynamically counter balanced and can be set
in any desired position. When closed the cover will remain firmly locked. A
cover release button is provided at the left hand side of centrifuge. Cover can be
opened by pressing this button. For the operator’s safety a micro – switch is
provided in this cover latch assembly and will prevent the motor from starting
until the cover is properly closed. It will also switch off power if the cover is
opened during the run. (A solenoid operated electronically controlled fail safe
lid lock is also available on demand)

TIMER :

The timer used is a precision mechanical timer. Run periods upto 60 minutes or
continuous (HOLD) operation can be selected by setting the timer knob at the
desired position. At the end of the timed period the control knob returns to zero
and pre – set braking (set on the variable frequency controller) is automatically
initiated. If desired the control knob can be brought to zero position manually to
terminate the run. To set the time in “HOLD” position, turn he knob in
anticlockwise direction.
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SPEED CONTROL:

Rota 4 V/FA has a calibrated dial and desired speed can be selected. The
acceleration time and the deceleration time have been factory set. The
acceleration time of 85 seconds has been set for the micro rotor 12 – place x 1.5
ml. To reach 20,000 rpm and deceleration time of 60 seconds has been set for the
rotor to come to rest. The acceleration / deceleration time for each rotor will
depend upon their weight.

PULSE SWITCH :

The user has choice of two modes, regular mode and pulse mode. The regular
mode has been described under speed control heading. By choosing Pulse mode
the user can avail fast acceleration and deceleration time of 20 seconds with the
micro rotor 12 – place x 1.5 ml.

Other heavy rotors cannot be used in Pulse mode, since they draw high
acceleration currents and may overload the motor. The maximum speed of rotor
depends upon its weight and size. The maximum speed of each rotor has been
mentioned in the rotor speed table and is also marked on the rotor. Under no
circumstances these are to exceeded.

RESET SWITCH :

This switch resets the function of the variable frequency drive when overload
takes place. The variable frequency controller will trip whenever overload takes
place. The speed display will switch over to “0000”. Allow the motor to come to
rest and recheck the speed you have set for the rotor and then press this switch.

IMBALANCE INDICATOR :

Rota – 4 V/FA is fitted with an imbalance sensor. If a rotor is operated with a

server imbalance load the excessive vibration of the motor will be sensed by the
sensor and power to the motor is switched off and the Red indicator light on the
panel will be “ON”. This light will go off when centrifuge cover is opened to
correct this imbalance.
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STARTING A RUN CYCLE:

1. Open the cover by pressing the cover release button.

2. Place the rotor over the motor shaft. Kindly note that the allowable
maximum speed of the rotor has been punched on the rotor. While
holding the rotor with one hand tighten the Allen screw clockwise with
the other hand and with the Allen key supplied. Before starting a run it is
always advisable to check that the rotor is properly secured.

3. Close the lid and ensure that it is firmly locked.

4. Switch on power to the centrifuge

5. Select and set time on the timer

6. Rota – 4 V/FA has calibrated dial. Set the speed setting knob on the
desired setting. Do not set speeds higher than the maximum allowable
speed for the rotor. You may need to make slight correction at the knob
while looking at the actual speed displayed on the display.

7. At the end of the cycle the timer will return to its zero position. The motor
now will decelerate and will come to rest.

8. Turn the speed setting knob to zero. The centrifuge is ready for start of a
new run cycle.

VARIABLE FREQUNCY CONTROLLER :

Rota – 4 V/FA employs a sophisticated programmable micro – controller. Your

unit has been programmed in the factory and certain parameters are set so that
the motor is not overloaded. The acceleration time and deceleration time have
been set to 85 seconds and 60 seconds respectively for micro rotor 12 – place x 1.5
ml. With these timings the heaviest rotor 6 – place x 30 ml. takes approximately
50 seconds to reach its maximum speed of 11,000 rpm without overloading the
motor.
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By oversight on the part of the user if the bigger rotor is set at speed higher than
the maximum recommended speed, the higher acceleration current will trip off
the controller and power to the motor will be cut off. Since the controller itself
has tripped off, its speed indication function will also be off and the display will
start showing “0000” RPM even while the motor is decelerating. The indicator
light on the reset switch will come on indicating tripping of the controller. Allow
some time for the motor to come to rest and then the controller can be reset by
pressing the reset switch.

LOADING OF ROTORS:

It is essential that only Plasto listed rotors and accessories are used on this
centrifuge. The rotor should be loaded symmetrically making sure that weight
difference between the opposite loads does not exceed 0.5 gms. of each other. In
addition to being equal in mass the opposite loads must have the same centre of
gravity. The tubes must be alike in shape and thickness. Water may be added if
the opposite loads vary in weight.

CRITICAL SPEED:

All Centrifuges have Critical Speed at which vibrations occur. As the speed is
increased above this speed the vibrations cease. The vibrations will also occur at
the same speed when the motor is decelerating. An imbalance load will intensify
these vibrations. Do not operate the centrifuge at critical speeds. Slight
vibrations of the machine at critical speed are quite normal.

CARE AND CLEANING :

It is recommended that after use, in order to reduce the potential effect of

corrosion and staining of parts within the chamber, a clean absorbent cloth be
used to remove any excess water or condensation in the chamber and the cover
be left open.

After each run, rotors and accessories should be rinsed in warm tap water and
then in de – ionized water. If material is spilled inside the cavities of rotor, it
should be washed with mild hand washable liquid detergent and scrubbed with
tube brush with end bristles. Do not use brush with metallic tips. The part then
may be washed with tap water and then with deionizer water. Dry the parts by
wiping with a clean absorbent cloth. Rotors may be stored open to atmosphere
with their cavities down on soft surface to prevent damage to their anodized
surface.
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CLEANING OF THE CENTRIFUGE

1. Always disconnect the centrifuge from main supply before Cleaning.

2. Check the stainless steel bowl for spillage or broken glass. Remove glass
with vacuum cleaner if possible. (We do not advise use of glass tubes in a
high speed Centrifuge). Grey dust is the result of finely ground glass and
must be removed for longer life of the machine. Remove spillage with
clean absorbent cloth or sponge.

3. Clean inside of the bowl and outside of using a moist (and not wet)
sponge. Mild hand washable liquid detergent could be used for stains.

4. Dry the cabinet and chamber thoroughly.

“It is absolutely essential that the rotor is removed after each run. If left on the
shaft for a long time, there is a possibility that the rotor may get struck due to
moisture and dirt causing damage to the motor shaft.”