The SuperVario-N is a multi-purpose laboratory centrifuge manufactured by Funke-Dr. N. Gerber Labortechnik GmbH. It is designed for various analytical methods, including Gerber, Babcock, Roese-Gottlieb, and Admi (Solubility index tube) methods, and also offers a free programmable mode.
Function Description:
The centrifuge operates by spinning samples at high speeds to separate components based on density. It features a heated chamber to maintain a desired temperature during centrifugation, which is crucial for many analytical procedures. The device is controlled via a display and button board, allowing users to set parameters such as speed, temperature, and centrifuging time. An audible signal can be configured to indicate key presses and the end of centrifuging time.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Current: 230 V A/C 50-60 Hz
- Power input: 1200 W
- Weight (empty): 26 kg
- Total height with lid: 460 mm
- Charging height (without lid): 370 mm
- Diameter: 590 mm
- Height of panel (center): 360 mm
- Speed: Variable between 600 and 1130 rpm, adjustable in steps of 10.
- Max. temperature allowed: Up to 68 °C
- Temperature range: Up to 68 °C, adjustable in steps of 0.5 °C.
- Centrifuging time: 1-99 minutes.
- Unbalance activation: At a deviation of about 3-5 mm.
- Lid lock: Built-in mechanical lock, electrically delocking below 1000 rpm.
- Heating: Disconnection of heating below 1000 rpm; heat reduction on standby is 10 °C.
- Fuses: One main fuse (6.3 A, delay action) and one fuse for electronics (0.16 A, medium delay action).
Usage Features:
- Assembly and Starting: The centrifuge should be placed on a plain, horizontal surface. After plugging in the main cable, the device is switched on. The lid locking is released by pressing "STOP/OPEN" to remove packing material. The desired head is then fastened to the motor spindle with a tommy screw and washer.
- Method Selection: A "MODE" button allows selection of different methods (Gerber, Babcock, Roese-Gottlieb, Admi, Free), indicated by a glowing LED.
- Parameter Setting:
- Speed: Press "RpM/g" to set the desired speed using arrow keys. Press "RpM/g" again to store the value.
- Temperature: Press "°C" to set the desired temperature using arrow keys. Press "°C" again to store the value. During standby, the heating is reduced by 10 °C to prevent overheating.
- Centrifuging Time: Press "TIME" to set the desired time using arrow keys. Press "TIME" again to store the value.
- All settings are non-volatile and remain stored even when the centrifuge is switched off. Settings can only be made when the centrifuge is in standby mode.
- Starting Centrifugation: After placing test bottles symmetrically and closing the lid (until an audible click is heard), press "START".
- Stopping and Opening: The centrifuge brakes automatically at the end of the centrifuging time and releases the lid lock. Braking times vary between 15 seconds (at 600 rpm) and 25 seconds (at 1100 rpm). To stop manually, press "START" a second time. The lid can be opened by pressing "STOP/OPEN" if the centrifuge has not started.
- Safety Features:
- The centrifuge will not start if the lid is not locked or if it is in setting mode.
- It switches off automatically in case of unbalance (motor touching the housing) or coarse knocking.
- An immediate brake occurs upon startup if the centrifuge was previously interrupted during centrifugation or braking (e.g., due to power failure).
- Head Charging: Head A has 36 positions for butyrometers (1 stopper) or 18 positions for butyrometers (2 stoppers) or Babcock bottles.
- Recommended Speeds for Customary Analyses:
- Gerber method: 1100 RpM (with Head A)
- Roese-Gottlieb method (Mojonnier tubes): 600 RpM (with Head B)
- ADMI method (Solubility index tube): 900 RpM (with Head C)
- Relative Centrifugal Acceleration (RCA): The effective RCA depends on speed, geometric properties, and the type/dimension of the head used. A tabular summary provides RCA values for different speeds and heads (A, B, C) with tolerance values for empty and full loaded heads at 230V supply voltage.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: The centrifuge bowl must always be kept clean, especially if glasses were broken.
- Emergency Lid Opening: In case of power failure, a black cap on the bottom side of the front part can be loosened with a sturdy screwdriver to pull an internal cord, releasing the lid. This should only be done in emergencies, as the cap may be damaged and needs replacement. Operating the centrifuge with the cord exposed is forbidden.
- Fuse Replacement: The centrifuge has a main fuse and an electronics fuse located on the print board in the lower part. To access them, disconnect the centrifuge from the mains, gently place it on its side, and unscrew the base plate (6 screws).
- Troubleshooting:
- If the centrifuge does not respond to "START," check if the lid locking is fully engaged. The centrifuge cannot be started while braking or in setup mode.
- If the centrifuge brakes immediately after starting, check for horizontal placement and unbalance. Ensure there is a 3-5 mm space around the freely mounted motor.
- A lit decimal point of temperature indicates that heating is active.
- If only points are visible while setting, it indicates the start of setting mode.
Ordering Data:
- Centrifuge SuperVario-N: Cat.No. 3680
- Head A (up to 36 butyrometers / up to 18 Babcock bottles): Cat.No. 3685
- Head B (protective drum for 8 Mojonnier tubes): Cat.No. 3686
- Head C (up to 6 solubility index tubes): Cat.No. 3687
- Bucket for butyrometer of aluminium alloy: Cat.No. 3631
- Bucket for Babcock bottles: Cat.No. 3632
- Bucket for solubility index tube: Cat.No. 3633
Spare Parts:
A comprehensive list of spare parts is available, including the user manual, centrifuge bowl, front part, main control, motor-control, motor, lid lock, hinge, lid handle, lid, washer for head fastening, threaded bolt for tripod hanging, formed part (rubber) for tripod hanging, metal washer for tripod hanging, rubber feet, tommy screw, cap for emergency opener, PT100 temperature sensor, main switch, cap for main switch, motor capacitor, clamp for motor capacitor, fuses (6.3 A delay action and 160 mA medium delay action), and foil key board.