Definition?
what is a Centrifuge?
is a machine using Centrifugal force for separating substances of deferent densities for removing moisture or for simulating gravitational effects?
Types of Centrifuge Machine
-Centrifuges may be manual or electric. Electric centrifuges operate from mains power or 12-volt power. There are many different models of electric centrifuges available, varying in size, several buckets, swing out or fixed-angle types with timers, brakes, and other accessories.
Parts of Centrifuge Machine
1. Base
- Function
-Equipment support
2. Inner spinning cylinder
- Function
-Tubes carrier
3. Timer
- Function
-Controls the duration of the process cycle
4. Speed regulator
- Function
- Is a device used to control operating speed
5. Speed gauge
- Function
-Indicator of operating speed
6. Break
- Function
-Used to stop the rotation by electrical application
7. Rubber support
- Function
-Absorbs vibrations due to motor speed (damping system).
8. Fuses
- Function
-Is the overcurrent protective device
9. PCB
- Function
-Printed circuit board
10. Carbon brush
- Function
-A complete electrical circuit through commutator
11. Rotor
- Function
-Use to produce rotation for the tubes holder
12. On/off switch
- Function
-Power ON power OFF
13. Pilot lamp mains
- Function
-It indicates electricity presence
14. Speed indicator
- Function
-It indicates the speed at which the centrifuge spins
Principle of Centrifuge Machine
A centrifuge is used to hasten the sedimentation of suspended particles in liquids. A centrifuge consists of a central shaft that rotates at high speed and ahead with arms for holding the buckets. When the buckets rotate, the particles suspended in the fluid are subjected to a centrifugal force and sediment to the bottom of the tube, forming a deposit.
A centrifuge is used for the following medical applications: separation of serum; urine sedimentation; sedimentation of other body fluids, e.g. CSF, pleural or peritoneal fluid; concentration procedures on blood and stool; and in blood transfusion medicine.
Care of Centrifuge Machine
Make sure the load is balanced
Do not open while it is running
Must be positioned exactly on a flat bench to avoid movement of the instrument
Open the lid when the motor is at a standstill
Proper use of Centrifuge Machine
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Place the centrifuge on a firm bench, away from the edge. Keep away from other instruments, which may be affected by vibrations.
It is critically important that the centrifuge load is balanced at all times:
Tubes must be loaded in matched buckets fitted with rubber cushions to prevent breakage and should be arranged so that like loads are opposite.
To balance diametrically opposite tubes, use similar test tubes and fill them with the same amount of liquid. If there are an odd number of specimens, balance the extra tube with an identical tube filled with water.
Close the lid
Connect the machine to the power supplies.
Switch on the centrifuge and increase the speed gradually by turning the speed control knob slowly until the required speed is reached.
Stop the centrifuge after the required time, or the centrifuge may automatically switch itself off. Allow the centrifuge to slow down and stop gradually by itself.
Do not attempt to slow down the centrifuge using your hands. This is dangerous and may damage the mechanism and cause re-mixing of the sediment.
Do not attempt to open the centrifuge lid until the centrifuge has come to a complete stop.
Remove the tubes carefully not to disturb the deposit.
Disconnect the equipment at the end of the day.
Limitations Of Centrifuge Machine
The bowls should be disinfected regularly with a non-corrosive disinfectant such as 5% Lysol, 2% glutaraldehyde, or 70% alcohol. And the buckets were cleaned inside the centrifuge with a soapy soft cloth.
Blood spots or other material splashed on the bowl should be removed immediately after use with a suitable non-corrosive disinfectant.
The centrifuge should be protected from power surges using a voltage stabilizer, e.g. Sollatek AVS 13.
One must be trained to replace carbon brushes when worn out. Other items that may require replacement are rubber feet, extra cushions for the bucket.
In case of breakage
The centrifuge must be stopped immediately
Do not open until the centrifuge has completely stopped
Wait for thirty minutes before opening the centrifuge to allow infected materials to settle.
Remove all pieces of glass from buckets and the bowl using forceps.
Disinfect, clean, and dry the buckets, cushions, bowl, and underneath using 2% glutaraldehyde and 10% formalin.
Do not use hypochlorite as this is corrosive to the metal
Basic Troubleshooting:
1. Problem
-Loss of power
Causes
-Loss of Mains power
Corrective Action
-Investigate cause
2. Fault
-Neon indicator out
Causes
-Fuse blown
Corrective Action
-Replace fuse
3. Fault
-Neon Indication but no power at the control panel
Causes
-Electrical fault
Corrective Action
-Call service Engineer
4. Fault
Motor fails to drive
Causes
Incorrect program
Electrical fault
Corrective Action
-Check program
-Call service Engineer
5. Fault
-Motor fails to drive
Causes
-Incorrect program
-Electrical fault
Corrective Action
-Check program
-Call service Engineer
6. Fault
-Touch indicator on
Causes
-Broken belt
-Fault in timing
Corrective Action
-Call service Engineer
-Call service Engineer
7. Fault
-System indicator off a run
Causes
-Microprocessor not functioning correctly
Corrective Action
-Switch mains of item on to reset the microprocessor.
If the fault persists call service Engineer
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