Operation, Maintenance and Calibration of Centrifuge

1.0 OBJECTIVE 

To lay down the procedure for the Operation, Maintenance and Calibration of Centrifuge MAKE: REMI, MODEL: R-8C.

2.0 SCOPE

This SOP is applicable to Operation, Maintenance and Calibration of Centrifuge , MAKE:REMI, MODEL: R-8C in company.

3.0 BACKGROUND 

NIL

4.0 RESPONSIBILITY

4.1 QC-Chemist 

4.2 Head-QC

5.0 PROCEDURE

5.1  Safety Precautions:

5.1.1 Use gloves while handling equipment.

5.1.2 Don’t switch on the equipment with wet hands.

5.1.3 Don’t open the lid while equipment is in operation.

5.2 Cleaning and Maintenance:

5.2.1 Clean the exterior of the equipment with a clean dry cloth.

5.2.2 Clean all the tubes thoroughly at regular interval.

5.2.3 Clean inside parts of centrifuge for every 15 days. (Cleaning solution--- Isopropyl: water (70:30v/v))

5.2.4 For every 5000 hours of operation, grease the ball-bearings of the centrifuge with ball- bearing grease.

5.2.5 For every 100 / 300 hours of operation, check carbon brushes of the centrifuge drive   motor.

5.2.6  Wipe the drive shaft with a slightly greased rag to prevent corrosion.

5.3 Operating procedure:

5.3.1 Always ensure that the speed control is set to “Zero position” before the centrifuge is connected to the power supply and after each centrifugal run.

5.3.2 Open the lid and keep the centrifuge tubes with sample that is required to be centrifuged into the slots available.

5.3.3 Ensure proper balance of the centrifuge with centrifuge tubes (with samples).

5.3.4 Switch On the main power supply and press the MAINS to put ‘ON’ the centrifuge.(beep sound will be heard).                                                  

5.3.5 Timer will start blinking indicating 00. Set the time required for centrifugation process by pressing the set time knob of the digital timer. After giving required time blinking stops.

5.3.6 Take the speed regulator knob in complete anti-clockwise direction. A “click” sound should be heard. This indicates that the “Zero” start switch is activated.

5.3.7 Now turn the speed control in Clockwise direction to set the required RPM.

5.3.8 The centrifugation process will be completed after the set time has elapsed, indicated with a “single beep” sound. Allow the revolution to be  completely stopped (ZERO) indicated by “three beep” sounds, then open the lid and remove the centrifuge tubes.

5.3.9 Switch OFF the Mains and Power supply to centrifuge at the end of the operation.

5.4 Precautions:

5.4.1 If the Centrifuge is running noisily, check whether 

(A). The loaded slots are distributed symmetrically.

(B). The tubes are filled uniformly.

(C). The tubes do not have any great differences in weight.

(D). The profiled rubber inserts have been correctly positioned in their slots( buckets).

5.5 Calibration:

5.5.1 Calibration of the Equipment should be done by the trained individual or In-house service engineer or by external service engineer.

5.5.2 All the analyst in the laboratory should follow the standard operating procedure prepared for performing calibration of the instrument. Calibration to be done on  scheduled time.

5.5.3 Follow the steps given under section 5.3.1 to 5.3.9 for the operation of  centrifuge.

5.5.4 Calibrate the centrifuge for RPM and Time:               

5.5.4.1 RPM: Calibrate the centrifuge for the speed with the help of the calibrated tachometer. calibrate the centrifuge for the speed by setting the RPM at 2000 and 5000 ( each three times). Record the observed speed for the recommended set speed in Annexure-1.

5.5.4.2 Timer: Calibrate the centrifuge for the time with the help of calibrated stop watch. calibrate the time by setting the time at 10 and 15 minutes (each three times ).Record the observed time for the recommended set time in Annexure-2.Calibration shall be done yearly once from the date of previous calibration / qualification of equipment with ± 7 days deviation from schedule date.

5.5.5 If the observed values are within acceptance criteria, accept and release centrifuge for intended use.

5.5.6 If the values are out of the acceptance criteria, identify the problem, rectify the problem  with the help of service engineer and recalibrate the equipment.

5.6 Acceptance Criteria:

5.6.1 The observed RPM should be within ± 100

5.6.2 The observed Time should be within ± 10 seconds. 

6.0  VERSION HISTORY

7.0  ANNEXURES