Instructions For Use

SW 40 Ti
Swinging-Bucket Rotor

For Use in Beckman Coulter Class H, R, and S

Preparative Ultracentrifuges

L5-TB-033SE
January 2021

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.
SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
L5-TB-033SE (January 2021)

© 2021 Beckman Coulter, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, and the Beckman

Coulter product and service marks mentioned herein are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter,
Inc. in the United States and other countries.
All other trademarks, service marks, products, or services
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.

Contact Us
If you have any questions, contact our Customer Support
Center.

• Worldwide, find us via our website at

www.beckman.com/support/technical
• In the USA and Canada, call us at 1-800-369-0333.
• Outside of the USA and Canada, contact your local
Beckman Coulter Representative.

Find us on the World Wide Web at:

www.beckman.com

Beckman Coulter Eurocenter S.A.

22, rue Juste-Olivier
Case Postale 1044
CH - 1260 Nyon 1, Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0) 22 365 36 11

Glossary of Symbols is available at

beckman.com/techdocs (PN C24689).

May be covered by one or more pat. - see

www.beckman.com/patents

Original Instructions
 Revision History
This document applies to the latest and higher versions. When a subsequent version changes the
information in this document, a new issue will be released to the Beckman Coulter website. For updates, go
to www.beckman.com/techdocs and download the latest version of the manual or system help for your
instrument.

Issue SB, 02/2014

The following sections have changed subsequent to revision SA:
• Tubes and Accessories

Issue SC, 09/2016

The following sections have changed subsequent to revision SA:

• Tubes and Accessories

Issue SD, 10/2018

Changes or additions were made to:

• Table 1, Available Tubes for the SW 40 Ti Rotor

• Ceritifed Free Tubes

• Sterile Tubes
• Sterilization and Disinfection

Issue SE, 01/2021

Changes or additions were made to:

• Table 1, Available Tubes for the SW 40 Ti Rotor

Note: Changes that are part of the most recent revision are indicated in text by a bar in the margin of the
amended page.

L5-TB-033SE iii
 Revision History

iv L5-TB-033SE
 Safety Notice
Read all product manuals and consult with Beckman Coulter-trained personnel before attempting
to use this equipment. Do not attempt to perform any procedure before carefully reading all
instructions. Always follow product labeling and manufacturer’s recommendations. If in doubt as
to how to proceed in any situation, contact your Beckman Coulter Representative.

This safety notice summarizes information basic to the safe use of the rotor described in this
! manual. The international symbol displayed to the left is a reminder to the user that all safety
instructions should be read and understood before operation or maintenance of this equipment is
attempted. When you see the symbol on other pages of this publication, pay special attention to the
safety information presented. Observance of safety precautions will also help to avoid actions
that could damage or adversely affect the performance of the rotor. This rotor was developed,
manufactured, and tested for safety and reliability as part of a Beckman Coulter
ultracentrifuge/rotor system. Its safety or reliability cannot be assured if used in a centrifuge not
of Beckman Coulter’s manufacture or in a Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge that has been modified
without Beckman Coulter’s approval.

Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, and Note

DANGER
DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe
practices.

NOTE NOTE is used to call attention to notable information that should be followed during installation, use,
or servicing of this equipment.

Safety Information for the SW 40 Ti Rotor

Handle body fluids with care because they can transmit disease. No known test offers complete
assurance that such fluids are free of micro-organisms. Some of the most virulent—Hepatitis (B and
C) viruses, HIV (I–V), atypical mycobacteria, and certain systemic fungi—further emphasize the
need for aerosol protection. Handle other infectious samples according to good laboratory

L5-TB-033SE v
 Safety Notice
Safety Information for the SW 40 Ti Rotor

procedures and methods to prevent spread of disease. Because spills may generate aerosols,
observe proper safety precautions for aerosol containment. Do not run toxic, pathogenic, or
radioactive materials in this rotor without taking appropriate safety precautions. Biosafe
containment should be used when Risk Group II materials (as identified in the World Health
Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual) are handled; materials of a higher group require more
than one level of protection.

The rotor and accessories are not designed for use with materials capable of developing flammable
or explosive vapors. Do not centrifuge such materials in nor handle or store them near the
ultracentrifuge.

Although rotor components and accessories made by other manufacturers may fit in the SW 40 Ti
rotor, their safety in this rotor cannot be ascertained by Beckman Coulter. Use of other
manufacturers’ components or accessories in the SW 40 Ti rotor may void the rotor warranty and
should be prohibited by your laboratory safety officer. Only the components and accessories listed
in this publication should be used in this rotor.
Hook all six buckets, loaded or empty, to the rotor for every run. Make sure that filled containers
are loaded symmetrically into the rotor and that opposing tubes are filled to the same level with
liquid of the same density. Make sure that buckets containing Quick-Seal tubes have the proper
floating spacers inserted (if applicable) before installing the bucket cap.
If disassembly reveals evidence of leakage, you should assume that some fluid escaped the rotor.
Apply appropriate decontamination procedures to the centrifuge and accessories.

Never exceed the maximum rated speed of the rotor and labware in use. Refer to the section on Run
Speeds, and derate the run speed as appropriate.

Do not use sharp tools on the rotor that could cause scratches in the rotor surface. Corrosion begins
in scratches and may open fissures in the rotor with continued use.

vi L5-TB-033SE
 Contents

Revision History, iii

Safety Notice, v
Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, and Note, v
Safety Information for the SW 40 Ti Rotor, v

SW 40 Ti
Swinging-Bucket Rotor, 1
Specifications, 1
Description, 2
Preparation and Use, 2
Prerun Safety Checks, 3
Rotor Preparation, 3
Operation, 4
Removal and Sample Recovery, 5
Tubes and Accessories, 6
Temperature Limits, 7
Certified Free Tubes, 8
Sterile Tubes, 8
Quick Seal Tubes, 8
konical Tubes, 9
Polypropylene and Ultra-Clear Open-Top Tubes, 9
Run Times, 10
Run Speeds, 10
Selecting CsCl Gradients, 14
Adjusting Fill Volumes, 14
Typical Examples for Determining CsCl Run Parameters, 14
Care and Maintenance, 16
Maintenance, 16
Cleaning, 17
Decontamination, 17
Sterilization and Disinfection, 18
Storage, 18
Returning a Rotor, 18
Supply List, 19
Replacement Rotor Parts, 19
Other, 19

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

vii
 Contents

Ultracentrifuge Rotor Warranty

viii
 Illustrations

Illustrations

1 Arranging Tubes in the Rotor., 4

2 Precipitation Curves for the SW 40 Ti Rotor, 12
3 CsCl Gradients at Equilibrium for the SW 40 Ti Rotor, 13

ix
 Tables

Tables

1 Available Tubes for the SW 40 Ti Rotor, 6

2 Relative Centrifugal Fields for the SW 40 Ti Rotor, 11

x
 SW 40 Ti
Swinging-Bucket Rotor

Specifications

Maximum speed40,000 RPM

Density rating at maximum speed1.2 g/mL
Relative Centrifugal Fielda at maximum speed
At rmax (158.8 mm)285,000 × g
At rav (112.7 mm)202,000 × g
At rmin (66.7 mm)120,000 × g
k factor at maximum speed137
k factor at maximum speed (5 to 20% sucrose gradient; 5°C)
rmin
When particle density = 1.3 g/mL368
r
av
When particle density = 1.5 g/mL338
r
max When particle density = 1.7 g/mL325
1 Conditions requiring speed reductions see Run Speeds
Number of buckets6
1. Axis of Rotation
Available tubes see Table 1
Nominal tube dimensions (largest tube)14 × 95 mm
Nominal tube capacity (largest tube)14 mL
Nominal rotor capacity84 mL
Approximate acceleration time to maximum speed
(fully loaded)4½ min
Approximate deceleration time from maximum speed
(fully loaded4½ min
Weight of fully loaded rotor 6.3 kg (14 lb)
Rotor material titanium
a. Relative Centrifugal Field (RCF) is the ratio of the centrifugal acceleration at a specified radius and speed (rω2) to the standard acceleration of
gravity (g) according to the following formula: RCF = rω2/g — where r is the radius in millimeters, ω is the angular velocity in radians per second
(2 π RPM /60), and g is the standard acceleration of gravity (9807 mm/s2). After substitution: RCF = 1.12r (RPM/1000)2

L5-TB-033SE 1-1
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Description

Description

1. Adapter
2. Drive Pins

2
1

This Beckman Coulter rotor has been manufactured in an ISO 9001 or 13485 facility for use with the
specified Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuges.
The SW 40 Ti is a swinging bucket rotor designed to centrifuge up to six tubes. Used in
Beckman Coulter class H, R, and S preparative ultracentrifuges, the rotor develops centrifugal
forces for the separation and purification of small particles. Typical applications include separation
of RNA, proteins, and subcellular particles in solution using rate zonal centrifugation.

The rotor body and buckets are made of titanium and finished with black polyurethane paint. A
solid-film lubricant (grey in color) is applied to the bucket flange to improve the seating of the
bucket into the rotor pocket. Bucket caps are anodized aluminum. The bucket and cap assemblies
hook over the crossbar of the rotor hanger mechanism. Gaskets, made of Buna N rubber, between
each bucket and bucket cap maintain atmospheric pressure inside the buckets during
centrifugation.
Drive pins in the rotor bottom prevent the rotor from slipping on the ultracentrifuge drive hub
during acceleration and deceleration. Two indentations on the sides of the rotor adapter indicate
their location.
For overspeed protection, a Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge equipped with a photoelectric
detector will monitor the overspeed disk on the adapter bottom and shut down the run if a speed
exceeding the maximum allowable speed is detected.
See the Warranty at the back of this manual for warranty information.

Preparation and Use

Specific information about the SW 40 Ti rotor is given here. Information common to this and other rotors
is contained in Rotors and Tubes for Preparative Ultracentrifuges (publication LR-IM-24), which should
be used together with this manual for complete rotor and accessory operation. Publication LR-IM-24 is
included in the literature package with this rotor manual.

NOTE Although rotor components and accessories made by other manufacturers may fit in the SW 40 Ti
rotor, their safety in this rotor cannot be ascertained by Beckman Coulter. Use of other manufacturers’
components or accessories in the SW 40 Ti rotor may void the rotor warranty and should be prohibited
by your laboratory safety officer. Only the components and accessories listed in this publication should
be used in this rotor.

1-2 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

Prerun Safety Checks

Read the Safety Notice section at the front of this manual before using the rotor.

1 Make sure that the rotor, buckets, and caps are clean and show no signs of corrosion or
cracking.

2 Make sure that the rotor is equipped with the correct overspeed disk.
a. If the disk is missing or damaged, replace it according to the instructions in Rotors
and Tubes.

40,000-RPM
44-Sector
(330335)

3 Verify that only the tubes and accessories listed in Table 1 are being used.

4 Check the chemical compatibilities of all materials used.

• Refer to Chemical Resistances (publication IN-175), included in the Rotors and Tubes CD.

Rotor Preparation
For runs at other than room temperature refrigerate or warm the rotor beforehand for fast equilibration.

1 Load the filled containers into the buckets (see page 6 for tube and accessory information).
a. Complete loading by placing the correct floating spacers (if required) over the tubes.

2 Ensure that bucket gaskets are lightly but evenly coated with silicone vacuum grease.
a. Do not run a bucket without a gasket, as the bucket will leak.

3 Be sure that metal threads in the bucket caps are clean and lightly but evenly lubricated with
Spinkote lubricant.
a. Put bucket caps on the buckets and use a screwdriver to screw the caps into the buckets
until there is metal-to-metal contact.

L5-TB-033SE 1-3
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

1
2

3 1. Hanger
2. Cap (331763)
3. Gasket (331309)
4 4. Bucket (333789)

4 Hook all buckets, loaded or empty, to the rotor.

a. If fewer than six tubes are being run, they must be arranged symmetrically in the rotor
(see Figure 1).
b. Opposing tubes must be filled to the same level with liquid of the same density.

Figure 1 Arranging Tubes in the Rotor.

NOTE Two, three, four, or six tubes can be centrifuged per run if they are arranged in the rotor as shown.
All buckets must be attached to the rotor, whether loaded or empty.

Operation
Refer to Rotors and Tubes for Preparative Ultracentrifuges (publication LR-IM-24) for information on
installing swinging bucket rotors.

1 To install the rotor, carefully lift it with both hands—do not lift the rotor by the adapter—and
place it on the drive hub.

1-4 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

a. Make sure that the rotor pins are perpendicular to the drive hub pins.
• The pins must not rest on top of each other; turn the rotor to the right (clockwise) by
hand to check for proper installation.

2 Refer to the instrument instruction manual for ultracentrifuge operation.

3 For additional operating information, see the following:

• Run Times, page 10, for using k factors to adjust run durations.
• Run Speeds, page 10, for information about speed limitations.
• Selecting CsCl Gradients, page 14, for methods to avoid CsCl precipitation during
centrifugation.

Removal and Sample Recovery

CAUTION
Risk of contamination. If disassembly reveals evidence of leakage, you should
assume that some fluid escaped the rotor. Apply appropriate decontamination
procedures to the centrifuge and accessories.

1 Remove the rotor from the centrifuge by lifting it straight up and off the drive hub.

2 Set the rotor on the rotor stand and carefully remove the buckets.

3 Remove the bucket caps and use the appropriate removal tool (listed in the Supply List) to
remove the spacers and tubes.

L5-TB-033SE 1-5
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

a. If floating spacers were used, remove them with the threaded end of the floating spacer
removal tool (338765).

NOTE If the conical-shaped adapters that support konical tubes are difficult to remove after
centrifugation, an extractor tool (354468) is available to facilitate removal.

1
1. Extractor Tool (354468)
While pressing the rubber tip against
the adapter wall, pull the tube and
adapter up and out of the cavity.

Tubes and Accessories

The SW 40 Ti rotor uses tubes and accessories listed in Table 1. Be sure to use only those items listed,
and to observe the maximum speed limits shown. Refer to Appendix A in Rotors and Tubes for
Preparative Ultracentrifuges (publication LR-IM-24) for information on the chemical resistances of
tube and accessory materials.

Table 1 Available Tubes for the SW 40 Ti Rotora

Tube Required Accessory

Max Speed/
Dimensions/ RCF/
Nominal Volume/ Description Part Number Description Part Number k factor

Certified
C14294
Free & Sterile
Carton of 48
Ultra-Clear
(8 packs of 6)
Open-Top
40,000 RPM
14 × 95 mm
Certified Free none — 285,000 × g
14 mL C14278
Ultra-Clear 137
(pkg/50)
Open-Top
Standard Ultra-Clear 344060
Open-Top (pkg/50)

1-6 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

Table 1 Available Tubes for the SW 40 Ti Rotora (Continued)

Tube Required Accessory

Max Speed/
Dimensions/ RCF/
Nominal Volume/ Description Part Number Description Part Number k factor

Certified
C14303
Free & Sterile
Carton of 48
Polypropylene
(8 packs of 6)
Open-Top
40,000 RPM
14 × 95 mm Certified Free
C14287 none — 285,000 × g
14 mL Polypropylene
(pkg/50) 137
Open-Top
Standard
331374
Polypropylene
(pkg/50)
Open-Top
40,000 RPM
14 × 95 mm
konical polypropylene 358121 adapter 358154 285,000 × g
11 mL
137
40,000 RPM
14 × 89 mm konical open-top 358120
adapter 358154 285,000 × g
10 mL polypropylene (pkg/50)
124
Quick-Seal adapter 358154 40,000 RPM
14 × 89 mm 358649
konical 285,000 × g
8 mL (pkg/50) Norylb floating spacer 355534
polypropylene 107
40,000 RPM
14 × 47 mm Quick-Seal 355537
Noryl floating spacer 355534 285,000 × g
5.9 mL polypropylene (pkg/50)
61
adapter 358154 40,000 RPM
14 × 48 mm Quick-Seal konical 355580
285,000 × g
4 mL polypropylene (pkg/50) Noryl floating spacer 355534 56
40,000 RPM
14 × 25 mm Quick-Seal 355870
Noryl floating spacer 355534 285,000 × g
3.5 mL polypropylene (pkg/50)
35
a. Use only the items listed here..
b. Noryl is a registered trademark of GE Plastics.

Temperature Limits
• Plastic tubes have been centrifuge tested for use at temperatures between 2 and 25°C. For
centrifugation at other temperatures, pretest tubes under anticipated run conditions.
• If plastic containers are frozen before use, make sure that they are thawed to at least 2°C prior
to centrifugation.

L5-TB-033SE 1-7
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

Certified Free Tubes

Certified free tubes are lot traceable to testing that confirms the absence of endotoxin, DNase,
RNase, and human & mouse DNA below a detectable limit.

Sterile Tubes

Sterile tubes are sterilized via ethylene oxide in compliance with ISO 11135:2014. Cartons include
several peel packages, each containing a typical run quantity of tubes per the tube details in Table 1.
Packaging meets requirements of ISO11607:2006.

Quick Seal Tubes

Quick-Seal tubes must be sealed prior to centrifugation. These tubes are heat sealed and do not need
caps; however, spacers are required on top of the tubes when they are loaded into the rotor buckets.

1 Fill Quick-Seal tubes leaving a small bubble of air at the base of the neck.
a. Do not leave a large air space—too much air can cause excessive tube deformation.

2 Some of the Quick-Seal tubes listed in Table 1 are part of the g-Max system, which uses a
combination of small bell-top Quick-Seal tubes and floating spacers (also called g-Max spacers).
• This means that you can run the shorter tubes listed in Table 1 in the SW40 Ti rotor without
reduction in g force.

1-8 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

• For detailed information on the g-Max system see publication DS-709.

1. g-Max Spacer
2 2. Bell-top Tube

3 Refer to Rotors and Tubes for Preparative Ultracentrifuges (publication LR-IM-24) for detailed
information on the use and care of Quick-Seal tubes.
• Quick-Seal tubes are disposable and should be discarded after a single use.

konical Tubes
Polypropylene konical tubes, used to optimize pelleting separations, have a conical tip that
concentrates the pellet in the narrow end of the tube. The narrow bottom also reduces the tube’s
nominal volume and minimizes gradient material requirement. The konical tubes come in both
open-top and Quick-Seal tube designs. Conical cavity adapters hold the tubes in the rotor buckets.

1. Adapters

Polypropylene and Ultra-Clear Open-Top Tubes

Thinwall polypropylene and Ultra-Clear open-top tubes should be filled as full as possible (2 or
3 mm from the tube top) for tube support. If necessary, float mineral oil (or some other low-density,
immiscible liquid) on top of the tube contents to fill the tube to its maximum volume. (Do not use
an oil overlay in Ultra-Clear tubes.) All opposing tubes for a run must be filled to the same level with
liquid of the same density.

L5-TB-033SE 1-9
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

Run Times
The k factor of the rotor is a measure of the rotor’s pelleting efficiency. (Beckman Coulter
has calculated the k factors for all of its preparative rotors at maximum rated speed and using
full tubes.) The k factor is calculated from the formula

ln ( rmax ⁄ rmin ) 10 13 EQ 1
- × ------------
k = ----------------------------------
ω2 3600

where  is the angular velocity of the rotor in radians per second ( = 0.105 × RPM), rmax is the
maximum radius, and rmin is the minimum radius.

After substitution:
EQ 2
(2.533 × 10 11) ln ( rmax ⁄ rmin )
k = -----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
rpm 2

Use the k factor in the following equation to estimate the run time t (in hours) required to pellet
particles of known sedimentation coefficient s (in Svedberg units, S).
EQ 3
t = k---
s

Run times can be estimated for centrifugation at less than maximum speed by adjusting the k factor
as follows:
2 EQ 4
40, 000
k adj = k ---------------------------------------- 
actual run speed 

Run times can also be estimated from data established in prior experiments if the k factor of the
previous rotor is known. For any two rotors, a and b:
t ka EQ 5
----a- = ------
tb kb

Run Speeds
The centrifugal force at a given radius in a rotor is a function of speed. Comparisons of forces
between different rotors are made by comparing the rotors’ relative centrifugal fields (RCF). When
rotational speed is adjusted so that identical samples are subjected to the same RCF in two different
rotors, the samples are subjected to the same force. The RCF at a number of rotor speeds is provided
in Table 2.

Do not select rotational speeds in excess of 40,000 RPM. In addition, speeds must be reduced under
the following circumstances:

1. If nonprecipitating solutions more dense than 1.2 g/mL are centrifuged, the maximum
allowable run speed must be reduced according to the following equation:

1.2 g/mL EQ 6
reduced maximum speed = (40,000 RPM) ----------------------
ρ

1-10 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

where  is he density of the tube contents. This speed reduction will protect the rotor from
excessive stresses due to the added tube load.
2. Further speed limits must be imposed when CsCl or other self-forming-gradient salts are
centrifuged, as equation (6) does not predict concentration limits/speeds that are required to
avoid precipitation of salt crystals. Solid CsCl has a density of 4 g/mL, and if precipitated during
centrifugation may cause rotor failure. Figure 2 and Figure 3, together with the description and
examples below, show how to reduce run speeds when using CsCl gradients.

Table 2 Relative Centrifugal Fields for the SW 40 Ti Rotora

Relative Centrifugal Field (× g)

Rotor Speed At rmax At rav At rmin

(RPM) (158.8 mm) (112.7 mm) (66.7 mm) k Factorb

40,000 285,000 202,000 120,000 137

36,000 231,000 164,000 96,800 170
35,000 218,000 155,000 91,500 179

30,000 160,000 114,000 67,200 244

25,000 111,000 78,900 46,700 352
20,000 71,100 50,500 29,900 549

15,000 40,000 28,400 16,800 977

10,000 17,800 12,600 7,470 2,197
a. Entries in this table are calculated from the formula RCF = 1.12r (RPM/1000)2 and then rounded to
three significant digits.
b. Calculated for all Beckman Coulter preparative rotors as a measure of the rotor’s relative efficiency
in pelleting sample in water at 20°C.

Relative Centrifugal Fields

SW 40 Ti Rotor
300,000

250,000

200,000
r max
RCF (x g)

150,000 r av

100,000 rmin

50,000

0
0 5000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000

Speed (RPM)

L5-TB-033SE 1-11
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

Figure 2 Precipitation Curves for the SW 40 Ti Rotor*

1.90
full
3/4
1/2 1/4
1/4

1/2
1.80 1/4

1/2

3/
4
3/
4

ful
l
1.70 ful
l

1.60
Homogeneous CsCl Solution (g/mL)

1.50

1.40

1.30

SW 40 Ti ROTOR
= 20°C
1.20 = 4°C
= square-root
formula
Each square on the
grid represents
0.010 g/mL or 1000 RPM.
1.10
0 10 20 30 40
Rotor Speed (K RPM)

* Using combinations of rotor speeds and homogeneous CsCl solution densities that intersect on or below these curves
ensures that CsCl will not precipitate during centrifugation. The dashed lines are representations of equation (6),
and are shown here to illustrate the inability of that equation to predict CsCl precipitation.

1-12 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

Figure 3 CsCl Gradients at Equilibrium for the SW 40 Ti Rotor*

* Centrifugation of homogeneous CsCl solutions at the maximum allowable speeds (from Figure 2) results in gradients
presented here.

L5-TB-033SE 1-13
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

Selecting CsCl Gradients

Rotor speed is used to control the slope of a CsCl density gradient, and must be limited so that CsCl
precipitation is avoided. Speed and density combinations that intersect on or below the curves in
Figure 2 ensure that CsCl will not precipitate during centrifugation in the SW 40 Ti rotor. Curves are
provided at two temperatures: 20°C (black curves) and 4°C (gray curves). Curves in Figure 2 and
Figure 3 are provided up to the maximum rated speed of the rotor.

NOTE The curves in Figure 2 and Figure 3 are for solutions of CsCl salt dissolved in distilled water only. If
other salts are present in significant concentrations, the overall CsCl concentration may need to be
reduced.

The reference curves in Figure 3 show gradient distribution at equilibrium. Each curve in Figure 3
is within the density limits allowed for the SW 40 Ti rotor: each curve was generated for a single run
speed using the maximum allowable homogeneous CsCl densities (one for each fill level) that avoid
precipitation at that speed. (The gradients in Figure 3 can be generated from step or linear
gradients, or from homogeneous solutions. But the total amount of CsCl in solution must be
equivalent to a homogeneous solution corresponding to the concentrations specified in Figure 2.)
Figure 3 can also be used to approximate the banding positions of sample particles. Curves
not shown in the figure may be interpolated.

Adjusting Fill Volumes

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show that several fill volumes are possible in a tube. If a thinwall tube is
partially filled with gradient solution, float mineral oil (or some other low-density, immiscible
liquid) on top of the tube contents to fill the tube to its maximum volume. (Do not use an oil overlay
in Ultra-Clear tubes.) Note that for a given CsCl density, as the fill level decreases the maximum
allowable speed increases. Partial filling may be desirable when there is little sample or to shorten
the run time.

For example, a quarter-filled tube of 1.52-g/mL homogeneous CsCl solution at 4°C may be
centrifuged at 40,000 RPM (see Figure 2). The segment of the 40,000-RPM curve (Figure 3) from the
quarter-filled line to the tube bottom represents this gradient. The same solution in a half-filled tube
may be centrifuged no faster than 30,000 RPM (curves not shown in the figure may be interpolated),
and 26,000 RPM in a three-quarter-filled tube. A tube full of the 1.52-g/mL CsCl solution may be
centrifuged no faster than 23,000 RPM.

Typical Examples for Determining CsCl Run Parameters

Example A:
Starting with a homogeneous CsCl solution density of 1.52 g/mL and approximate particle buoyant
densities of 1.50 and 1.55 g/mL, at 4°C, where will particles band at equilibrium?

1-14 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Preparation and Use

1 2 3
1. At Speed
4 5 6 2. At Rest in Rotor
3. At Rest Outside Rotor
4. Floating Components
5. Bands
6. Pelleted Material
rmin rmax
7. Pathlength

1 In Figure 2, find the curve that corresponds to the desired run temperature (4°C) and fill
volume (one-half full).
• The maximum allowable rotor speed is determined from the point where this curve
intersects the homogeneous CsCl density (30,000 RPM)

2 In Figure 3, sketch in a horizontal line corresponding to each particle’s buoyant density.

3 Mark the point in the figure where each particle density intersects the curve corresponding to
the selected run speed and temperature.
• Particles will band at these locations across the tube diameter at equilibrium during
centrifugation.

In this example, particles will band about 132 and 137 mm from the axis of rotation, about 5 mm of
centerband-to-centerband separation.

To determine interband volume in milliliters, use the following equation:

V = π r2h EQ 7

where r is the tube radius in centimeters and h is the interband separation in centimeters

Example B:
Knowing particle buoyant densities (for example, 1.37 and 1.40 g/mL), how do you achieve good
separation?

1 In Figure 3, sketch in a horizontal line corresponding to each particle’s buoyant density.

2 Select the curve at the temperature (20°C) and tube volume (full) that gives the best particle
separation.

L5-TB-033SE 1-15
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Care and Maintenance

3 Note the run speed along the selected curve (25,000 RPM).

4 From Figure 2, select the maximum homogeneous CsCl density (in this case, 1.52 g/mL) that
corresponds to the temperature and run speed established above.
• These parameters will provide the particle-banding pattern selected in Step 2.

In this example, particles will band at about 87 and 93 mm from the axis of rotation (about 6 mm
apart). The interband volume will be about 1 mL.

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance
NOTE Do not use sharp tools on the rotor that could cause scratches in the rotor surface. Corrosion begins
in scratches and may open fissures in the rotor with continued use.

1 Regularly inspect the overspeed disk on the bottom of the rotor adapter.
a. If it is scratched, damaged, or missing, replace it.
• Replacement instructions are in Rotors and Tubes.

2 Frequently check the bucket gaskets (331309) for signs of wear.

a. Replace gaskets every 6 months, or whenever worn or damaged.
b. Keep the gaskets lightly coated with silicone vacuum grease.

3 Regularly lubricate the bucket cap threads with a thin, even coat of Spinkote lubricant (306812)
before every run.

4 Refer to Appendix A in Rotors and Tubes for Preparative Ultracentrifuges (publication LR-IM-24)
for the chemical resistances of rotor and accessory materials.
• Your Beckman Coulter representative provides contact with the Field Rotor Inspection
Program and the rotor repair center.

1-16 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Care and Maintenance

Cleaning
Wash the rotor and rotor components immediately if salts or other corrosive materials are used or if
spillage has occurred. Do not allow corrosive materials to dry on the rotor.

Under normal use, wash the rotor frequently (at least weekly) to prevent buildup of residues.

1 Wash the rotor buckets, gaskets, and caps in a mild detergent, such as Beckman Solution 555,
that won’t damage the rotor.
a. Dilute the detergent 10 to 1 with water.

NOTE Do not immerse the rotor body in water, since the hanger mechanism is difficult to dry and
can rust.

• The Rotor Cleaning Kit contains two plastic-coated brushes and two quarts of Solution 555
(339555) for use with rotors and accessories.

2 Wash the rotor body with a sponge or cloth dampened with a mild detergent, such as
Beckman Solution 555, diluted 10 to 1 with water.

NOTE Do not immerse the rotor body in water, since the hanger mechanism is difficult to dry and
can rust.

3 Rinse the cleaned rotor and components with distilled water.

4 Air-dry the buckets upside down.

a. Do not use acetone to dry the rotor.

5 Clean metal threads frequently to prevent buildup of residues and ensure adequate closure.
a. Use a brush and concentrated Solution 555.
b. Rinse and dry thoroughly, then lubricate lightly but evenly with Spinkote to coat all
threads.

Decontamination

If the rotor or other components are contaminated with toxic, radioactive, or pathogenic materials,
follow appropriate decontamination procedures as outlined by your laboratory safety officer. Refer

L5-TB-033SE 1-17
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Returning a Rotor

to Appendix A in Rotors and Tubes for Preparative Ultracentrifuges (publication LR-IM-24) to select
solutions that will not damage the rotor and accessory materials.

Sterilization and Disinfection

CAUTION
Risk of personal injury or equipment damage. Ethanol is a flammability hazard. Do
not use in or near operating ultracentrifuges.

• The rotor and all rotor components, except those made of Noryl, can be autoclaved at 121°C for
up to an hour. Remove the plugs from the rotor and place the rotor, plugs, and spacers in the
autoclave upside down.
• Ethanol (70%) or hydrogen peroxide (6%) may be used on all rotor components, including those
made of plastic. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) may be used, but may cause discoloration of
anodized surfaces. Use the minimum immersion time for each solution, per laboratory
standards.
While Beckman Coulter has tested these methods and found that they do not damage the rotor or
components, no guarantee of sterility or disinfection is expressed or implied. When sterilization or
disinfection is a concern, consult your laboratory safety officer regarding proper methods to use.
Where sterilization is critical in your application, consider using Beckman Coulter Certified Free &
Sterilized Tubes. For tubes not available in the sterilized option, refer to publication Use and Care of
Centrifuge Tubes and Bottles (IN-192) included in each box of tubes or bottles for sterilization and
disinfection procedures.Quick-Seal, Ultra Clear, and thinwall open-top tubes are disposable and should
be discarded after a single use.

Storage
When it is not in use, store the rotor in a dry environment (not in the instrument) with the bucket
lids removed to allow air circulation so moisture will not collect in the tube cavities.

Returning a Rotor

Before returning a rotor or accessory for any reason, prior permission must be obtained from
Beckman Coulter, Inc. This form may be obtained from your local Beckman Coulter sales office. The
form, entitled Returned Material Authorization (RMA) for United States returns or Returned Goods
Authorization (RGA) for international returns, should contain the following information:

• rotor type and serial number,

• history of use (approximate frequency of use),
• reason for the return,
• original purchase order number, billing number, and shipping number, if possible,

1-18 L5-TB-033SE
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Supply List

• name and email address of the person to be notified upon receipt of the rotor or accessory at
the factory,
• name and email address of the person to be notified about repair costs, etc.

To protect our personnel, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that all parts are free from
pathogens and/or radioactivity. Sterilization and decontamination must be done before returning
the parts. Smaller items (such as tubes, bottles, etc.) should be enclosed in a sealed plastic bag.

All parts must be accompanied by a note, plainly visible on the outside of the box or bag, stating that they
are safe to handle and that they are not contaminated with pathogens or radioactivity. Failure to attach
this notification will result in return or disposal of the items without review of the reported problem.

Use the address label printed on the RMA/RGA form when mailing the rotor and/or accessories.
Customers located outside the United States should contact their local Beckman Coulter office.

Supply List

NOTE Publications referenced in this manual can be obtained at www.beckman.com, by

calling Beckman Coulter at 1-800-742-2345 in the United States, or by contacting your local
Beckman Coulter office.

See the Beckman Coulter Ultracentrifuge Rotors, Tubes & Accessories catalog (BR-8101, available at
www.beckman.com) or contact Beckman Coulter Sales (1-800-742-2345 in the United States) for
detailed information on ordering parts and supplies. For your convenience, a partial list is given
below.

Replacement Rotor Parts

Description Part Number

SW 40 Ti rotor assembly 331302

Buckets (set of 6, with caps and gaskets) 333789
Bucket caps (set of 6) 331763
Bucket gasket 331309
Overspeed disk (40,000 RPM) 330335
Rotor stand 332400
Bucket holder rack 331313

Other
NOTE For MSDS information, go to the Beckman Coulter website at www.beckman.com.

L5-TB-033SE 1-19
 SW 40 Ti Swinging-Bucket Rotor
Supply List

Description Part Number

Tubes and accessories see Table 1

Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 60 Hz 358312
Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 50 Hz (Europe) 358313
Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 50 Hz (Great 358314
Britain)
Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 50 Hz (Australia) 358315
Quick-Seal Cordless Tube Topper kit, 50 Hz (Canada) 367803
Tube Topper rack (14-mm dia. tubes) 356568
Floating spacer removal tool 338765
Tube removal tool (Quick-Seal tubes) 361668
Extractor tool (konical tube adapters) 354468
Spinkote lubricant (2 oz) 306812
Silicone vacuum grease (1 oz) 335148
Rotor Cleaning Kit 339558
Beckman Solution 555 (1 qt) 339555
Rotor cleaning brush 339379
Centering tool (for overspeed disk replacement) 331325

1-20 L5-TB-033SE
 Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Ultracentrifuge Rotor Warranty
All Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge Fixed Angle, Vertical Tube, Near Vertical Tube, Swinging
Bucket, and Airfuge rotors are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for the time
periods indicated below, subject to the Warranty Conditions stated below.

Preparative Ultracentrifuge Rotors 5 years — No Proration

Analytical Ultracentrifuge Rotors 5 years — No Proration
ML and TL Series Ultracentrifuge Rotors 5 years — No Proration
Airfuge Ultracentrifuge Rotors 1 year — No Proration
For Zonal, Continuous Flow, Component Test, and Rock Core Ultracentrifuge Rotors, see separate warranty.

1. This warranty is valid for the time periods indicated above from the date of shipment to the
original Buyer by Beckman Coulter or an authorized Beckman Coulter representative.
2. This warranty extends only to the original Buyer and may not be assigned or extended to a third
person without written consent of Beckman Coulter.
3. This warranty covers the Beckman Coulter Centrifuge Systems only (including but not limited
to the centrifuge, rotor, and accessories) and Beckman Coulter shall not be liable for damage to
or loss of the user’s sample, non-Beckman Coulter tubes, adapters, or other rotor contents.
4. This warranty is void if the Beckman Coulter Centrifuge System is determined by
Beckman Coulter to have been operated or maintained in a manner contrary to the instructions
in the operator’s manual(s) for the Beckman Coulter Centrifuge System components in use.
This includes but is not limited to operator misuse, abuse, or negligence regarding indicated
maintenance procedures, centrifuge and rotor classification requirements, proper speed
reduction for the high density of certain fluids, tubes, and tube caps, speed reduction for
precipitating gradient materials, and speed reduction for high-temperature operation.
5. Rotor bucket sets purchased concurrently with or subsequent to the purchase of a Swinging
Bucket Rotor are warranted only for a term co-extensive with that of the rotor for which the
bucket sets are purchased.
6. This warranty does not cover the failure of a Beckman Coulter rotor in a centrifuge not of
Beckman Coulter manufacture, or if the rotor is used in a Beckman Coulter centrifuge that has
been modified without the written permission of Beckman Coulter, or is used with carriers,
buckets, belts, or other devices not of Beckman Coulter manufacture.
7. Rotor parts subject to wear, including but not limited to rotor O-rings, VTi, NVT, TLV, MLN, and
TLN rotor tube cavity plugs and gaskets, tubing, tools, optical overspeed disks, bearings, seals,
and lubrication are excluded from this warranty and should be frequently inspected and
replaced if they become worn or damaged.
8. Keeping a rotor log is not mandatory, but may be desirable for maintenance of good laboratory
practices.

Repair and Replacement Policies

1. If a Beckman Coulter rotor is determined by Beckman Coulter to be defective, Beckman Coulter
will repair or replace it, subject to the Warranty Conditions. A replacement rotor will be

L5-TB-033SE Warranty-1
 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Ultracentrifuge Rotor Warranty

warranted for the time remaining on the original rotor’s warranty.

2. If a Beckman Coulter centrifuge is damaged due to a failure of a rotor covered by this warranty,
Beckman Coulter will supply free of charge (i) all centrifuge parts required for repair (except
the drive unit, which will be replaced at the then current price less a credit determined by the
total number of revolutions or years completed, provided that such a unit was manufactured
or rebuilt by Beckman Coulter), and (ii) if the centrifuge is currently covered by a
Beckman Coulter warranty or Full Service Agreement, all labor necessary for repair of the
centrifuge.
3. If a Beckman Coulter rotor covered by this warranty is damaged due to a malfunction of a
Beckman Coulter ultracentrifuge covered by an Ultracentrifuge System Service Agreement,
Beckman Coulter will repair or replace the rotor free of charge.
4. If a Beckman Coulter rotor covered by this warranty is damaged due to a failure of a
Beckman Coulter tube, bottle, tube cap, spacer, or adapter, covered under the Conditions of this
Warranty, Beckman Coulter will repair or replace the rotor and repair the instrument as per the
conditions in policy point (2) above, and the replacement policy.
5. Damage to a Beckman Coulter rotor or instrument due to the failure or malfunction of a
non-Beckman Coulter tube, bottle, tube cap, spacer, or adapter is not covered under this
warranty, although Beckman Coulter will assist in seeking compensation under the
manufacturer’s warranty.

Disclaimer
IT IS EXPRESSLY AGREED THAT THE ABOVE WARRANTY SHALL BE IN LIEU OF ALL WARRANTIES OF
FITNESS AND OF THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND BECKMAN COULTER, INC. SHALL
HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER
ARISING OUT OF THE MANUFACTURE, USE, SALE, HANDLING, REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, OR
REPLACEMENT OF THE PRODUCT.

Factory Rotor Inspection Service

Beckman Coulter, Inc., will provide free mechanical and metallurgical inspection in Indianapolis,
Indiana, USA, of any Beckman Coulter rotor at the request of the user. (Shipping charges to
Beckman Coulter are the responsibility of the user.) Rotors will be inspected in the user’s laboratory
if the centrifuge in which they are used is covered by an appropriate Beckman Coulter Service
Agreement. Contact your local Beckman Coulter office for details of service coverage or cost.

Before shipping, contact the nearest Beckman Coulter Sales and Service office and request a
Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) form and packaging instructions. Please include the complete
rotor assembly, with buckets, lid, handle, tube cavity caps, etc. A SIGNED STATEMENT THAT THE
ROTOR AND ACCESSORIES ARE NON-RADIOACTIVE, NON-PATHOGENIC, NON-TOXIC, AND
OTHERWISE SAFE TO SHIP AND HANDLE IS REQUIRED.

Warranty-2 L5-TB-033SE
L5-TB-033SE 1-1
 Related Documents
Rotors and Tubes for Preparative Data Sheets
Ultracentrifuges (LR-IM-24) • g-Max System: Short Pathlengths in High
• Rotors Force Fields (DS-709B)
• Tubes, Bottles, and Accessories
Available at www.beckman.com
• Using Tubes, Bottles, and Accessories
• Using Fixed-Angle Rotors
• Using Swinging-Bucket Rotors
• Using Vertical-Tube and Near-Vertical Tube
Rotors
• Care and Maintenance
• Chemical Resistances for Beckman Coulter
Centrifugation Products
• Use of the w2t Integrator
• The Use of Cesium Chloride Curves
• Gradient Materials
• References
• Glossary

Available in hard copy or electronic pdf by

request.

Rotors and Tubes CD (369668)

• Rotors and Tubes for Tabletop Preparative
Ultracentrifuges
• Rotors and Tubes for J2, J6, Avanti J Series
Centrifuges
• Rotors and Tubes for Preparative
Ultracentrifuges
• Rotor Safety Bulletin
• Chemical Resistances for Beckman Coulter
Centrifugation Products
Included with shipment of instrument.

Additional References
• Chemical Resistances for Beckman Coulter
Centrifugation Products (IN-175)
• Beckman Coulter Ultracentrifuge Rotors,
Tubes & Accessories catalog (BR-8101)
• Using OptiSeal Tubes (IN-189)
www.beckman.com • Use and Care of Centrifuge Tubes and
Bottles (IN-192)

Available in hard copy or electronic pdf by

request.

© 2021 Beckman Coulter, Inc.

All Rights Reserved