Drucker Diagnostics Model 642VFD Plus Centrifuge - Manual (Page 4)

Setup Location:
1. Unpack the centrifuge and verify that all of the supplied equipment is present.
2. Choose a setup location which meets the following criteria:
a) A bench top clearance height of 20” is required in order to open the lid.
b) The clearance envelope is the space around the centrifuge which is required for
safety. Choose a setup location which will allow for a clearance envelope of at
least 24” × 24”, (with the centrifuge at the center). No person or hazardous material
shall be permitted in the clearance envelope during operation. The operator time
within the envelope shall be limited to the time necessary for loading, unloading
and centrifuge operation only.
c) Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent the overheating of samples as well as pre-
mature failure of the centrifuge. Choose an area which will allow unencumbered air flow.
d) The centrifuge is designed to secure to the operating surface by four suction feet.
No adjustment is necessary for leveling the centrifuge, however, the surface should
be flat and level.
e) Be sure the outlet is always within reach as the line cord is the means of
emergency disconnection!
Initial Setup Procedure:
If any problems are found during the initial setup procedure, refer to the trouble-
shooting section on page 10.
1. Plug the female end of the line cord into the rear of the centrifuge. Plug the male end
into an approved electrical outlet. For electrical safety, the unit must always be
properly grounded.
2. For safety purposes, the locking system is always activated. To deactivate the system,
(in order to insert or retrieve samples), press the ‘OPEN / STOP’ button on the control
panel. The ‘UNLOCKED’ indicator light should illuminate. If it does not, refer to page 10 on
troubleshooting. The lid will be unlocked for 15 seconds after pushing the ‘OPEN / STOP’ button.
3. Turn the latch counterclockwise and open the lid.
4. Spin the rotor by hand; check for free and level rotation. If the rotor does not spin
freely, refer to the section on troubleshooting.
5. Place the six test tube holders inside the rotor (as shown
to the right), and verify that they are seated properly.
6. Close the lid. Rotate the lid knob clockwise to its complete
stop position. The ‘LATCH’ indicator light should be
illuminated. If it is not, make sure that the lid is latched
properly. The centrifuge will not run unless the lid is
latched and the ‘LATCH’ indicator light is illuminated.
7. Turn the centrifuge on by pushing the desired ‘START’
button; either PRP or PRFM.
8. The appropriate ‘RUN’ indicator light will illuminate.
9. The test tube holders will slide up into the horizontal position and the unit will
accelerate to full speed.
10. Listen to the sound of the centrifuge. A smooth whirring sound should be heard.
If there are any loud or unusual sounds, stop the centrifuge by pressing the ‘OPEN/
STOP’ button immediately and refer to the section on troubleshooting.
11. Push the ‘OPEN / STOP’ button. The ‘RUN’ indicator light should go out and the motor
should slow to a stop.
12. The lid should remain locked until the rotor has nearly stopped. If the machine unlocks
prematurely, contact The Drucker Company for assistance. Once the rotor has stopped,
the interlock system will become disengaged for sixty (60) seconds. The ‘UNLOCKED’
indicator light will illuminate during this time.
13. To gain entry into the centrifuge after this period has ended, simply press the
‘OPEN / STOP’ button. The lid will unlock for fifteen (15) additional seconds.
After the centrifuge has passed this procedure it is ready for operation.
Page 4
(cont.)
Care and Preventative Maintenance:
With proper care and maintenance your 642VFD-PLUS centrifuge will provide
years of laboratory service. For proper care, the following steps should be taken:
1. Provide Adequate Ventilation: For cooling purposes, the 642VFD-PLUS draws
in ambient air through the air intake cover on the top of the lid and exhausts
this air in the rear of the base. The centrifuge should be placed on a hard smooth
surface for good air circulation.
2. Always Spin Balanced Loads: Make certain that you are always spinning a
balanced load. The 642VFD-PLUS has a unique counter balanced motor
mounting design which, along with it’s rubber suction feet, produces excellent
vibration dampening. However, out–of–balance loads may break glass test
tubes and may produce unsatisfactory separation results. Proper load balancing
will improve sample separation and extend the life of the centrifuge. See page
6 for information on balancing the load.
3. Keep the Tube Carriers / Holders Clean: NOTE: Always follow the safety
guidelines of your laboratory to properly clean up and/or dispose of materials
in the event that a substance known to be potentially toxic, radioactive or
contaminated with a pathogenic microorganism is spilt in or on the centrifuge.
Small glass fragments left in the tube holder after a tube breakage may adhere
to the next test tube inserted in that holder. When this tube is handled, these
fragments may puncture protective gloves and lacerate the operator’s fingers
or hand. Remaining fragments may provide stress points on subsequent tubes
and result in additional breakage. If a tube breakage occurs, carefully remove the
tube holder. Properly dispose of the sample and tube fragments and thoroughly
clean both the inside and outside of the tube holder. Insert a new tube cushion
(if necessary) and replace the tube holder in the rotor.
4. Motor and Electrical Maintenance: The 642VFD-PLUS uses a brushless
permanent split capacitor AC motor. It should not need servicing for the life
of the centrifuge. The electrical components are selected for high reliability and
should not need service.
5. Keep the Rotor Chamber Clean: Every six months, or whenever there is a tube
breakage, (refer to the note in #3), it may be necessary to remove the rotor and
clean the rotor chamber. Follow the instructions on page 7 to remove and reinstall
the rotor.
CAUTION: Once the lid has been opened, unplug the line cord from the electrical
outlet to eliminate the risk of electric shock during cleaning.
The rotor chamber, rotor and accessories shall be thoroughly cleaned using
either isopropyl alcohol, soap and water, or bleach. The use of Fully / Partially
Halogenated Hydrocarbons, Ketones, Esters and all other chemicals not
prescribed by the manufacturer may cause damage to the rotor and tube holders
and shall not be used.
6. Tube Holder Replacement: It is recommended that tube holders be replaced
after 24 months of use.
Page 9
Horizontal Rotor Shown