Sorvall RC4
Sorvall · Model RC4
Floor centrifuge Process the optimal capacity for small to medium size blood processing centers with the ability to spin 4 or 8 blood bags in a wide range of bag configurations when using the Thermo Scientific™ Sorvall™ RC4 Low-Speed Floor Model Centrifuge, a flexible refrigerated centrifuge for blood banking and clinical applications. Using flexible accessory systems, it spins everything from doubles to 500mL quints with in-line leukoreduction filters. A versatile performer, the RC-4 is in a class of its own.
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 not locked, 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 motor bearings, worn drive coupling, or (brushed motor) worn brushes.
Lid will not open / lock
MediumSymptoms: Lid-lock error, lid 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.
Refrigeration not cooling (refrigerated models)
MediumSymptoms: Chamber will not reach set temperature.
Root cause: Compressor, condenser, or a sealed-system fault.
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.
Motor bearings / brushes
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Difficult
Drive coupling / belt
Class Major service partRel. cost $$R&R Moderate
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 (refrigerated models)
Class Major service partRel. cost $$$$R&R Expert-level
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor bearings / brushes | Major service part | $$ | Difficult |
| Drive coupling / belt | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Lid-lock solenoid / switch | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Speed / temperature sensor | Major service part | $$ | Moderate |
| Refrigeration components (refrigerated models) | Major service part | $$$$ | Expert-level |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ 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.
- Rebalance the load - opposing positions evenly loaded.
- Confirm the lid latches / 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 / belt and, on brushed motors, the brushes.
- Replace the worn component.
- Verify speed with a tachometer and confirm smooth running.
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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