Yingtai Laboratory Centrifuge Cleaning And Maintenance Principles

Yingtai Laboratory Centrifuge Cleaning and Maintenance Principles  

Centrifuges are precision instruments in the laboratory and therefore require proper maintenance. Cleaning is necessary after each experiment, and routine maintenance is also essential. Below are some basic principles and requirements.  

Centrifuge Cleaning Requirements  

Multiple cleaning heads or pipes are installed inside the centrifuge chamber, allowing cleaning to be performed without opening the lid or while the centrifuge is running. Key areas include:  

(1) The bottom surface of the drum and the bearing seat area;  

(2) The surface of the liquid-retaining plate and the outer surface of the drum cylinder;  

(3) The inner surface of the drum cylinder;  

(4) The inner surface of the flip cover and surfaces of feeding and scraping devices;  

(5) The inner surface of the casing.  

Centrifuge Maintenance Rules  

1. The One-Time Change Rule  

   When a system fails, you can tentatively change certain conditions, adjusting one parameter at a time. Simple changes may resolve the issue.  

2. The Second Comparison Rule  

   Before attempting repairs, ensure the fault has been identified or a solution has been determined. For example, if the peak of an internal standard decreases during sampling, repeat the sampling to check reproducibility. If the decrease is occasional, it may be due to bubbles in the quantitative tube. This rule can also be used to evaluate changes in the system. After changing the mobile phase, run two standard samples to check retention time stability and peak consistency. If extra peaks appear during gradient elution, run a blank gradient elution to verify the issue. This rule helps avoid unnecessary changes and quickly identify corrective measures.  

3. The Replacement Rule  

   Replacing a suspected component with a known good one is the best way to troubleshoot. For example, if you suspect the detector is causing noise, replace it with a functioning one. If the issue is resolved, the replaced detector was faulty. This rule can be applied on various scales, from replacing entire components to integrated circuits on a printed circuit board.  

4. The Reversion Rule

   This rule is used in conjunction with the Replacement Rule. If replacing a suspected component with a good one does not improve the situation, reinstall the original component. This minimizes repair costs and prevents the accumulation of used parts. This rule only applies to single faults. Exceptions include:  

   (1) The new component was damaged during installation (e.g., pump seal gaskets);  

   (2) The component is low-cost (e.g., column liner filters);  

   (3) Reinstalling the original component risks damage;  

   (4) Components that require regular replacement.  

5. The Reference Condition Rule  

   There are typically two types of reference conditions:  

   ① Standard reference conditions;  

   ② Test reference conditions.  

   Standard reference conditions, also known as standard test conditions, are easily verifiable across systems and laboratories. Data obtained under these conditions helps identify issues in actual tests and systems. For example, if system pressure increases under test conditions but remains normal under standard conditions, it indicates the abnormality is caused by changes in the laboratory environment. The table below lists standard test conditions for new chromatographic columns, which can also be used to check system status during operation.