Discussion Category:  Centrifuge

Drive and TEMP error at speeds above 50k RPM

Hi all, We've got this old TL-100 that no one has used in over a decade, and I wanted to get it up and running again. As expected, I've run into a few issues and could use some help. First the vacuum wasn't engaging enough to even start a run. We changed the oil in the mechanical vacuum pump, and that seems to have fixed the problem. The vacuum pull enough for the light to go off within a few minutes of starting the instrument. We haven't had problems with it anymore. The new problem is that at higher speeds the temperature starts to creep up until the run is aborted and we get either a DRV or TEMP error. For instance, the ultracentrifuge can run at 10k RPM at 8 C for an hour with no problems. At 50K RPM it can finish the run but by the end the temp has gradually risen to 12 C. At higher speeds, 80 or 100k RPM, by 20 min into the run, the run aborts with one of the aforementioned errors and the temp has crept up to 16ish C. The most recent time it errored out with the Drive error and the LED on DS804 was on. After it has stopped, it cools back down relatively quickly. Based on the speed-dependence of the problem, I assume the problem is with the drive? The two fans by the intake are working fine. I don't know if the drive oil has ever been changed on this thing and the last time it was serviced (I think) was 2012. While reading up on changing the vacuum pump oil, I saw everyone say not to mess with the drive or change the drive oil. But at this point what are the alternatives? I know no one works on these things anymore. So if anyone has any advice or ideas on what could be causing the issue, I'd love to hear them. Thanks, Luke
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LukeB
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