FAQ

1. Can one spin X (name of substance) in MPW centrifuges?

It is not allowed to centrifuge explosive and inflammable materials in MPW MED. INSTRUMENTS centrifuges. Toxic or infectious materials can be centrifuging only in closed, sealed bucket. Detailed recommendations contained in the User Manual (section: Safety notes).

2. Can one carry out sterilization of MPW centrifuges and accessories by means X?

Sterilization of MPW MED. INSTRUMENTS can be carried out by means of the measures listed in the User Manual for the centrifuge (chapter: Maintenance/Sterilization). The use of other resources from the specified may cause reduction of durability or change the color of the product. For any information on the impact of the measure on the elements of MPW made of steel, aluminum and plastic (including elements covered with galvanic or lacquered coatings), and of the effectiveness of the sterilization one should inquire the supplier means X.

3. A message has appeared: “ROTOR IMBALANCE! PLEASE BALANCE THE ROTOR AND RETRY.” What does that mean in practice?

The centrifuge detected an incorrectly balanced rotor. Make sure that the rotor is at rest, open the cover and check that the test-tubes used are of the same type and are evenly filled (they have the same weight). The centrifuged elements should be placed symmetrically. Detailed rules of placing the tubes in the rotor can be found in the centrifuge operating manual. Restart centrifuging after making sure that the rotor, containers and inserts are properly fixed and the cover is closed. If the problem persists, contact the service.

4. A message has appeared: “ENGINE OVERHEAT!” What should I do?

In the case of a message about motor overheating, switch off the power supply to the centrifuge and contact the service.

5. The glass tube broke and its contents poured into the centrifuge chamber. What should I do?

Glass particles will damage the external coating of the rotors and containers, which will lead to corrosion of these elements and prevent their proper operation. The presence of glass particles in the holes of the inserts, containers and rotors may cause the subsequent tubes to crack, and contamination of the rotor pins may cause the containers to swing out incorrectly, and as a consequence, a message is displayed to inform about the unbalance detection.

Make sure that the rotor is at rest, and then open the cover with the COVER button. Carefully remove all glass fragments of the tubes from the centrifuge chamber with a tool such as a vacuum cleaner. To remove the finest particles and glass dust, cover 1/3 of the centrifuging chamber surface with grease, e.g. technical petroleum jelly. Close the cover and start centrifuging at 2,000 rpm for a few minutes. Use a cloth to remove the grease and the glass dust accumulated in it. If necessary, perform this operation again.

If there is a spillage of biologically or chemically aggressive substances in the chamber, neutralize them with care and in a way that does not endanger health or life. If you suspect that the centrifuged substances or agents planned to neutralize them may be aggressive to the centrifuge components, please contact the service.

6. Where can I download the manuals for centrifuges that have been withdrawn from sale?

Check the serial number of your centrifuge (you will find it on the rating plate on the back of the device, next to the MV symbol). Check on https://mpw.pl/en/to-download/user-manuals in the Archive section if we provide a manual for your centrifuge. If you don't find the appropriate manual there, please contact the Sales Department (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

7. Where can I download CE declarations (declarations of conformity) for centrifuges withdrawn from sale?

Check the serial number of your centrifuge (you will find it on the rating plate on the back of the device, next to the MV symbol) and contact our sales department (contact details can be found on https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

8. What is the duration of the centrifuge warranty?

The warranty period for all our equipment is 24 months.

9. Can I purchase an additional warranty?

Yes, please contact the Sales Department to do so (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

10. What is the duration of the warranty for centrifuge equipment (rotors, containers, inserts)?

Unless otherwise specified in the conditions of sale, the duration of the equipment warranty is the same as for the centrifuge. In case of any doubts please contact the Sales Department (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

11. Is maintenance required during the warranty period?

During the basic warranty period granted at the time of purchase, periodic inspections are not required. After this period it is necessary to carry out technical inspection of the centrifuge in an authorized service.

12. Do I have to prepare a special place to install the centrifuge?

Yes. Requirements for the installation of the unit can be found in the unit's manual. In case of any doubts please contact the Sales Department (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details). You can download the operating manual for your centrifuge from https://mpw.pl/en/to-download/user-manuals

13. Which centrifuge is best for me and what equipment do I need?

Use the configurator available at https://mpw.pl/en/configurator, which allows you to define your needs such as: type and number of tubes in one centrifuge, required RCF or RPM, centrifuge angle, temperature control and find the centrifuge and the equipment that fits your requirements. We also invite you to contact the Sales Department directly (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

14. What is the difference between an angular and horizontal rotor?

In the angular rotor the tubes are centrifuged at a constant angle, e.g. 45 degrees. In the horizontal rotor, however, during centrifugation, under the influence of centrifugal force, the containers and test-tubes swing to a horizontal position. In the angular rotor, the individual fractions are arranged at an angle, e.g. 45 degrees, and in the horizontal rotor parallel to the bottom of the vessel.

15. What types of rotors are available from MPW?

We have a wide range of rotors to suit different applications. You can find a detailed offer at https://mpw.pl/en/offer. We also provide support in case of requests for tailor-made solutions. In such a case please contact the Sales Department (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

16. How to position the tubes correctly in the rotor?

The test-tubes used should be of the same type and evenly filled (have the same weight). The centrifuged elements should be placed symmetrically. Detailed rules of placing the tubes in the rotor can be found in the centrifuge operating manual.

17. What do RCF and RPM abbreviations mean?

RCF ( Relative Centrifugal Force) - the relative centrifugal force being a multiple of the acceleration of the earth's G, which acts on the centrifuged sample.

RPM (revolutions per minute), number of full rotor revolutions.

In order to choose the right RPM or RCF value for your needs, we encourage you to use the RPM/RCF calculator available at https://mpw.pl/en/calculator. With it you can easily determine the required RPM or RCF values depending on the centrifugation radius.

18. Which parameter is more important – RCF or RPM?

Centrifugation efficiency depends on two parameters – centrifugation radius R and centrifugation speed RPM. Using the RCF value, which includes both of these values, you do not need to make any calculations and select the centrifugation speed according to the radius available in your rotor. When selecting centrifuging parameters, it is recommended to use the RCF parameter.

19. What is the centrifugation radius?

This is the distance from the axis of the rotor to the point where the farthest part of the centrifuged sample is located. The centrifugation radius together with the centrifugation speed are used to determine the RCF value.

20. What is the centrifuge validation?

Centrifuge validation is a procedure carried out by authorized service of the manufacturer, which is to confirm correct operation of the device and meeting the safety requirements.

21. What is the difference between validation and inspection?

Validation consists in evaluating the centrifuge without dismantling it. In contrast, the centrifuge is disassembled as part of the inspection in order to assess the condition of the components most exposed to wear and to replace them if necessary. After the inspection the validation is carried out.

22. At what VAT rate are MPW centrifuges sold?

MPW centrifuges are sold with 8% VAT.

23. Where are MPW centrifuges manufactured?

MPW centrifuges are manufactured in Poland.

24. What functions of the centrifuge ensure safety?

MPW centrifuges are equipped with a number of systems ensuring user safety and meeting the requirements of relevant standards. MPW centrifuges have, among others, functions of unbalance detection, blocking the cover during centrifugation, blocking the start with open cover or thermal motor protection. Moreover, the design of the devices makes the user and his environment safe. Please start working with the centrifuge only after getting acquainted with the operating manual of the device.

25. What is automatic rotor identification?

Automatic rotor identification is a function of the centrifuge, which allows the centrifuge to recognize the rotor placed in it. In the case of defining parameters exceeding the capabilities of the recognized rotor, the centrifuge will correct them to appropriate values.

26. How to maintain the centrifuge and its equipment?

Detailed rules of maintenance of the centrifuge and equipment can be found in the centrifuge operating manual. In case of any doubts please contact the Sales Department (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

27. Can the centrifuge be sterilized with an autoclave?

MPW centrifuges cannot be sterilized by means of autoclave. Detailed rules of cleaning the centrifuge can be found in the centrifuge operating manual. In case of any doubts please contact the Sales Department (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

28. Can the centrifuge equipment be sterilized with an autoclave?

Yes. Centrifuge equipment may be sterilized in an autoclave, provided that the operating manual does not indicate otherwise, and acceptable parameters are described in the operating manual. In case of any doubts please contact the Sales Department (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

29. What is the option to change density in the centrifuge menu?

The rotors are marked with information on the permissible mass and volume of centrifuged samples. The sample density is assumed to be 1,2g/cm3. In the case of centrifugation of material with higher density you can correct this parameter in the centrifuge menu (make sure that your centrifuge supports this option). For safety reasons the available centrifuging speed will be limited accordingly.

30. Where can I find the serial number (SN) of the centrifuge?

Serial number is located on the centrifuge's rating plate located at the back of the unit and is preceded by the symbol SN. If the serial number cannot be read, in case of any doubts please contact the Sales Department (contact details can be found at https://mpw.pl/en/contact/contact-details).

31. Can I replace the centrifuge fuse myself?

Yes. If the centrifuge has a fuse, its type can be read from the rating plate on the back of the centrifuge, or you can find it in the operating manual of the device.

32. Can I operate the centrifuge using protective gloves?

Yes. There are no contraindications to operate the centrifuge with protective gloves.

33. What is the FAST COOL function in centrifuges with cooling and heating?

The FAST COOL function enables quick cooling of the centrifuging chamber. Please note that during cooling the rotor rotates at an optimum speed. In the case of the sensitivity of the centrifuged material, FAST COOL shall be cooled without placing samples in the rotor.

34. What is the difference between the FAST COOL function and the THERMAL CHAMBER?

The FAST COOL function enables quick cooling of the centrifuging chamber. Please note that during cooling the rotor rotates at an optimum speed. In the case of the sensitivity of the centrifuged material, FAST COOL shall be cooled without placing samples in the rotor.

The function of the THERMAL CHAMBER enables maintaining the set temperature in the centrifuging chamber.

35. What is the USB port built into some centrifuge models?

USB port enables connecting the centrifuge to a computer/laptop. Using the free MPW Editor 2 software (available for download at https://mpw.pl/do-pobrania/inne) you can save the centrifugation report on your computer or print it out. Description of operation of MPW Editor 2 software can be found in the operating manual of the centrifuge. You can download the manual from https://mpw.pl/en/to-download/user-manuals.

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