Sorvall RC-6
Sorvall · Model RC-6
Unparalleled Safety - Non bolt-down design: Allows the centrifuge to be placed within the lab without being anchored it to the floor--while still meeting CE and CSA safety requirements. Versatility - Broadest selection of rotors: Expands applications and offers broadest choices of SUPER-LITE composite, SUPER-LITE aluminum, and continuous-flow rotors. Cost-effective - Compatible with all RC-6 and most RC-5 -series centrifuge rotors. Advanced Functionality. Intuitive controls and dual display - Allows easy operation by all users and dual display of set and actual parameters allows to real-time monitor the run progression. RPM/RCF Control - Allows set and operation directly in RCF mode without the need for RPM to RCF conversion charts. GMP/GLP- Compatible Data Management - Offers traceability and quality control for Biotech/ Pharmaceutical processing needs. Programmability - 30 program memory allows common protocols to be stored and retrieved easily, and offers flexibility in a multi-user environment. Controlled-Access - This password-protected, software-enabled feature can limit access to authorized users in a multi-user environment. Step-mode Runs - Provides applications flexibility. Real Time Control - Set up a delayed-start and -stop run to have sample ready when user is available. Integrator (w2t) - Offers run-to-run reproducibility. Pre-Cool Function - Use the centrifuge to pre-cool rotors.
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 shortly after start.
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 during a run.
Root cause: Load imbalance, worn drive / motor bearings, a worn drive coupling, or (older units) worn motor brushes.
Timer / speed inconsistency
MediumSymptoms: Run ends early / late, or RPM does not match the setting.
Root cause: Tacho / speed-sensor drift or a control-board fault.
Lid / door will not open or 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 winding down.
Rotor / bucket wear or corrosion
MediumSymptoms: Visible corrosion, cracks, or a bucket that will not swing; imbalance trips.
Root cause: Rotor / bucket ageing - a safety-critical wear item with a use-life limit.
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 sensor / control board
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
Motor brushes (older units)
Class Periodic replacementRel. cost $R&R Moderate
Rotor / bucket set & O-rings
Log rotor runs; retire per the manufacturer's rotor-life programme.
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$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 sensor / control board | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Motor brushes (older units) | Periodic replacement | $ | Moderate |
| Rotor / bucket set & O-rings Log rotor runs; retire per the manufacturer's rotor-life programme. | Major service part | $$$ | 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
Error Codes
Extracted directly from this unit's own service manual.
E1Power failure or decrease in line voltage
Accelerates again or decelerates to a stop. Continue operation.
E2Speed set error
Brake.
E3Imbalance
Brake.
E4no rotor
coast.
E5Abnormal temperature control
Brake.
E67Alarm code that the centrifuge continues operation after the alarm indication
Continue operation.
E64Alarm code that the centrifuge continues operation after the alarm indication
Continue operation.
SPEEDAlarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
TEMPAlarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
IMBALANCEAlarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
ROTOR NO.Alarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
E14Alarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
E19Alarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
E38Alarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
E47Alarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
E53Alarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
E61Alarm code that the centrifuge applies the brake after the alarm indication
Brake.
ROTORAlarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
DOOR OPENAlarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E10Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E12Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E13Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E15Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E20Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E21Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E22Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E27Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E41Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E48Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E49Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E63Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
E70Alarm code that the centrifuge coasts freely after the alarm indication
coast.
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 mains power, the mains switch, and check the instrument fuse / circuit breaker - replace a blown fuse (a second blown fuse means an internal fault).
- Confirm the lid is fully closed and the lid interlock is engaging.
- Confirm a speed and time (and an approved rotor) are set.
- Note any displayed error code and look it up in the manual's error table.
- Re-balance the load if an imbalance is indicated.
Symptom: Lid will not open
- Confirm the rotor has fully stopped and mains power is present.
- Press down on the front of the lid while pressing the release button.
- If a power failure, use the mechanical emergency lid release per the manual.
- Inspect the lid-lock solenoid / latch and its micro-switch.
- Replace a jammed or faulty lid-lock assembly.
Symptom: Excess vibration / will not reach speed / noise
- Stop and re-load the rotor symmetrically - opposing positions equally loaded, all carriers fitted.
- Inspect the rotor pockets and chamber for debris or a broken tube.
- Confirm the rotor is fully seated and not corroded or cracked (retire per its use-life log).
- Turn the rotor by hand and feel the drive bearing; on belt-drive units check belt tension and, on older units, the motor brushes.
- Verify speed with a tachometer after any drive work.
Technical Specs
- Height
- 1132 mm
- Length
- 835 mm
- Weight
- 350 kg
- Maximum Speed
- 22000 rpm
- Width
- 752 mm
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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