Documentation:Standard Operating Procedures for Sorvall RC-5B Refrigerated Superspeed Centrifuge

From UBC Wiki
  1. Please obtain proper training from the FNH teaching lab technician Imelda Cheung (Imelda.Cheung@ubc.ca) prior to using the Sorvall RC-5B Refrigerated Superspeed CentrifugeSorvall RC-5B Refrigerated Superspeed Centrifuge.
    Sorvall RC-5B Refrigerated Superspeed Centrifuge
  2. Turn on the power.
  3. To set desired temperature, adjust the blue needle (lower limit) using the outside knob and the red needle (upper limit) using the inside knob.
    If using refrigerated temperature, close the chamber door and let cool for at least 15 min.
  4. To open chamber door, press the “Door” button at the front of the instrument while lifting the door at the same time.
  5. Properly position the SS-34 rotor in the centrifuge.
    The pins on the rotor should NEVER align with the pins on the spindle. They should be best at perpendicular position to each other.
  6. Balance the weight of samples + tubes to 0.001 g and place in the rotor. Even number of samples is required and should be placed across from each other.
    Never parafilm samples and put in the centrifuge, the parafilm may get stuck during the spin and you will not be able to retrieve the tubes easily.
  7. Tighten the rotor lid by turning the big disc, then further tighten using the small disc.
  8. Close the chamber door.
  9. Set the appropriate speed in rpm using the control dial (gravity conversion can be found on the chart posted on the chamber door).
    The center part of the chart contains all the universal x g values while the top row describes the types of rotor while the left column displays the rpm for the centrifuge setting. Maximum speed for SS-34 is 15,000 rpm!!
  10. Set the time desired for the run using the time control dial.
    If there is imbalance detected, you should see the light goes on. It is very important not to begin centrifugation when imbalance is detected as this will cause an explosion.
  11. Push the start button to begin centrifugation.
  12. When the run is complete, the door light will be on and the speed display should return to zero.
  13. Open the chamber door, open the rotor lid and retrieve samples.
  14. Wipe the interior of the centrifuge with paper towel and rinse the rotor gently with warm water in case of any spills.
  15. Turn off power.
  16. Sign the log book.
To reserve a time to utilize the centrifuge, please visit https://www.qreserve.com/r/resource/QR00182797