HELMER UltraCW
HELMER · Model UltraCW
Electronic flow meter for consistent, reproducible results. Programming flexibility for optimized results. Shorter wash cycles for faster results. Digital calibration for accurate saline volume. 24-place rotor option for increased capacity. Lower height profile on bench. Saline can be stored below cell washer Consistent Reproducible Results. Electronic flow meter provides precise saline fills versus flow timers. Digital calibration provides easy and accurate control of saline volumes while eliminating time-consuming and cumbersome manual calibration. Peristaltic pump allows saline supply to be located above or below the UltraCW Simple To Program. Convenient touchpad with easy to read digital LCD display provides process information, programming prompts, error messages, as well as time and wash status. Audible and visual end of process alerts Time Saving Performance. Increase productivity and turnaround times with faster wash cycles. Save 14 seconds/cycle, 1 minute/wash and 1 hour/60 washes Twice The Capacity With Optional 24-Place Rotor. Increase productivity by washing up to 24 tubes at once. Complete antibody identification with only one run Unique Rotor Design. Eliminates conventional plunger valve and associated bowl cleaning steps. Innovative design locks tubes in place while the rotor spins in the opposite direction for decant steps. Rotors accept either 10 x 75mm or 12 x 75mm standard tubes.
Key tips
- ·Run QC controls before trusting any repair - an analyzer that passes self-test can still report clinically wrong results.
- ·Rule out a reagent lot change before opening the instrument - it can look exactly like a hardware fault.
- ·Centrifuge rotors have a hard retirement age/cycle limit regardless of visible condition - don't eyeball it.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Will not start / error at start
HighSymptoms: Error code, run will not begin, or aborts.
Root cause: Set speed exceeds the rotor maximum, an imbalanced load, the lid / door not locked, an unapproved rotor, or a drive / control fault.
Will not reach speed / excessive noise or vibration
MediumSymptoms: Slow spin-up, rumble, or vibration.
Root cause: Load imbalance, worn drive / motor bearings, a worn drive coupling, or (older units) worn motor brushes.
Refrigeration not cooling
MediumSymptoms: Chamber will not reach set temperature.
Root cause: Compressor, condenser, or a sealed-system fault.
Lid / door will not open / lock
MediumSymptoms: Lid-lock error, will not open after a run, or will not lock to start.
Root cause: Lid-lock solenoid / switch fault, or a run still in progress.
Speed / temperature inaccurate
MediumSymptoms: RCF / RPM or chamber temperature does not match the setting.
Root cause: Tacho / speed-sensor or temperature-sensor drift.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Drive / motor bearings & coupling
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Difficult
Lid-lock solenoid / switch
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Speed / temperature sensor
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Refrigeration components
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$$R&R Expert-level
Rotor / rotor O-rings
Log rotor use; retire per the manufacturer's rotor-life programme.
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$R&R Easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive / motor bearings & coupling | Major service part | $$$ | Difficult |
| Lid-lock solenoid / switch | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Speed / temperature sensor | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Refrigeration components | Major service part | $$$$ | Expert-level |
| Rotor / rotor O-rings Log rotor use; retire per the manufacturer's rotor-life programme. | Major service part | $$$ | Easy |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily QC controls run and reviewed
- ·Calibration verification per assay
- ·Routine cleaning and decontamination
- ·Scheduled reagent-path and pump-tubing maintenance
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Will not start / error at start
- Confirm the set speed does not exceed the fitted rotor's maximum and the rotor is approved and correctly seated.
- Rebalance the load - opposing positions evenly loaded.
- Confirm the lid / door latches and locks.
- Look the fault code up in the manual and follow the remedy.
- Functional-check after any repair.
Symptom: Will not reach speed / noisy
- Rebalance the load.
- Spin the rotor by hand and feel for bearing roughness.
- Inspect the drive coupling and, on older units, the motor brushes.
- Replace the worn component.
- Verify speed with a tachometer and confirm smooth running.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 22.5 in
- Length
- 15.5 in
- Orientation
- Benchtop
- Weight
- 51.5 lbs
- Centrifuge Type
- Cell Washer
- Maximum Speed
- 3500 rpm
- Width
- 13 in
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Central / core laboratory
- Point-of-care testing stations
- Blood bank
- Microbiology lab
Documents & Manuals
Related calculators
From BioLab, for work done with this kind of equipment.
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