Centrifuge B4i / BR4i: Service Manual
Centrifuge B4i / BR4i: Service Manual
Centrifuge B4i / BR4i: Service Manual
B4i / BR4i
SERVICE MANUAL
B4i-M
Subject to the due observance of any installation, operating or maintenance instructions, we warrant that we will
at our option replace, or repair free of charge, or credit the purchaser with the full invoice price of any goods or
parts of goods of our own manufacture proved to be defective owing to faulty workmanship or materials,
provided that we are notified in writing of the alleged defect within 12 months of the date of despatch of the
goods and the goods are returned to us promptly on discovery of the alleged defect with details of the manner
and circumstances in which they are alleged to have become defective.
Replaced goods become our property.
Goods not manufactured by us are only guaranteed to the guarantee given to us by the actual manufacturers.
Our obligations in respect of defective goods set out above are exclusive and expressly in lieu of all other terms,
warranties and conditions, expressed or implied (including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing)
warranties and conditions or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose all of which terms warranties
and conditions are hereby expressly excluded.
It is a condition of sale that the purchaser agrees to keep us indemnified at all times in respect of all actions
proceedings, claims and demands whatsoever which may be made by any third party against us for any loss or
damage howsoever arising (including with prejudice to the generality of the foregoing loss or damage arising
out of the negligence of our employees or agents) which may be caused by goods sold to the purchaser, and all
costs and expenses incurred by us in connection therewith.
All liability for loss of profit, consequential loss, or any other loss whatsoever suffered by the purchaser
howsoever arising (including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing loss arising out of our
negligence of our servants or agents) is hereby expressly excluded.
In the event that purchaser makes any claims for such or any loss or damage against any of our employees or
agents, it shall pay to us the amount (if any) recovered from such employee or agent and an amount equal to the
legal costs (on a full indemnity basis) incurred by such employee or agent in defending or compromising the
purchaser's claim).
B4i-M
B4i-M
B4i-M
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1. PURPOSE
This manual contains maintenance instructions intended for use by a qualified maintenance or service
technician. It is organized to provide maintenance personnel with basic data on the theory of operation to
assist in troubleshooting. Moreover, it outlines parts replacement and calibration procedures for putting
the centrifuges back into service.
Should a specific maintenance problem arise which is not covered in this manual, please ask the
authorized service organization in your area for assistance, or contact our after sales department :
JOUAN SA
AFTER SALES SERVICE
C.P. 3203, 44805 SAINT-HERBLAIN CEDEX - FRANCE
Tel. +33 (0) 2 40 16 80 00 - Fax : +33 (0) 2 40 94 70 16
Telex : 711062 JOUAN NT
JOUAN INC.
Delivery address : 110-B Industrial Drive, WINCHESTER, VA 22602 - U.S.A
Postal address : P.O. Box 2716, WINCHESTER, VA 22604-9879 - U.S.A
Tel. (540) 869 8623 - Fax : (540) 869 8626 - Toll free : (800) 662 7477
1.2. PRESENTATION
The B4i and BR4i (refrigerated) centrifuges are instruments designed for laboratory use. Using relative
centrifuge force (RCF) allows elements of different density to be separated.
The rotor is the main load; a swing-out design allows a higher load than does an angle design. The larger
the rotor diameter is, the higher the load can be and thus the slower the speed will be.
The RCF is directly proportional to the radius of sedimentation and to the square of the speed.
The gas used in the refrigeration system (BR4i) is R134a, without CFC, recommended by the directive for
protection of the ozone layer.
B4i-M
1.3. SPECIFICATIONS
1.3.3. PERFORMANCE
Max speed Swing-out : 4 000 rpm (B4i) Angle : 14 000 rpm
Swing-out : 4 100 rpm (BR4i)
Max RCF Swing-out : 2 880 x g (B4i) Angle : 18 407 x g
Swing-out : 3 026 x g (BR4i)
Max capacity Swing-out : 4 x 200 ml Angle : 6 x 50 ml
Microprocessor controlled
Display High visibility digital display
Memory size 5 programs, direct access
Program protection Recall key lock
Speed Range 500 to 14 000 rpm
Step 10 -100 rpm
Accuracy ± 20 rpm
Timer Range 30 sec to 99 min + hold position
Step 30 sec to 1 min
Acceleration rates 5
Braking rates 5
Temperature (BR4i) Range -9°C to +40°C
Step 1°C
Accuracy ± 1.5°C
Typical performance 4°C at 4 000 rpm, (4 x 200 ml swing-out)
1°C at 14 000 rpm, (20 x 1.5 ml angle)
Maximum density 1.2 g/cm3
Maximum energy 14 400 J
B4i-M
B4i-M
2 THEORY OF OPERATION
2.1. DESCRIPTION
The microprocessor system which controls the B4i or BR4i centrifuges ensures the operation of the
following major elements :
- Management of the operating modes
- Generation of alternating current amplitude and frequency
- Adjustable components for the motor speed servo
- Management of the acceleration and braking profile/rates
- Management of the temperature regulation (BR4i)
- Management of the safety devices :
. Lid lock
. Zero speed detection
. Imbalance detection
. Motor overtemperature detection.
The inpout and control devices are located on the front panel and comprise a membrane keyboard and
three digital displays.
Everything is controlled by a 16 bit microprocessor. The control program of the centrifuge is stored in an
EPROM.
Data are conveyed into a dynamic RAM and are kept even when the power is down, thanks to an internal
battery, which supplies power.
B4i-M
CONTROL
SYSTEM
FLEXIBLE KEYBOARD
AND DISPLAY LOCK ASSEMBLY
USER SWITCH
INTERFACE
SOLENOID
TEMPERATURE
BOWL (BR4i)
IMBALANCE MOTOR
COMPRESSOR (BR4i)
SPEED
POWER RACK AND
FILTERS
MOTOR SUPPLY
B4i-M
ROTOR
LID/BOWL SEAL
MOTOR
STABILIZER
SUSPENSION
IMBALANCE SENSOR
LID
GAS SPRING
LID HINGE
CENTRIGUGE BODY
CENTRIFUGE BOWL
LOCKING SYSTEM
COMPRESSOR (BR4i)
FRAME
MICROPROCESSOR + POWER
PCB
DISPLAY ASSEMBLY
FRONT PANEL
KEYBOARD
B4i-M
B4i-M
1. Mains socket
2. Compressor pcb
3. Braking resistances
4. Transformer
5. Ground/ earth
6. Motor earthing reactor
7. Mains filter
8. Rack
B4i-M
2.3.1. INTRODUCTION
The B4i / BR4i family of centrifuges is fitted with an asynchronous 3 phase motor. During the centrifugation,
the microprocessor generates a system of sinusoidal 3 phase voltages, variable in amplitude and
frequencies. During the braking phase the energy from the rotating parts is commuted across a resistance.
B4i-M
V MAINS
STATOR
The voltage is rectified then filtered by C to supply the constant voltage +E. The value of the capacitor C is
high.
For a 230V - 50 Hz mains supply E = 230 √2 = 325 V
C = 470µF / 400 V
For a 120V - 60 Hz mains supply E = 120 √2 = 170 V
C 1500 µF / 200 V
The 6 transistors act as switches (open or closed).
These transistors commute at a fixed frequency (8 kHz).
To affect the voltage at R we act upon the commands of the transistors a and b, b always being the
opposite to a (a = closed, b = open). By changing the cyclic ratio (closed/open) we obtain a mean
sinusoidal value so we are able to vary the amplitude and frequency.
It is necessary that the pilot frequency must be elevated compared to the frequency of the generated
sinusoidal voltage. The latter is around 400 Hz at 24000 r.p.m. (f pilot / f sin = 10 at N max. speed).
In the same way, the voltages at points S and T will be sinusoidal between OV and +E and dephased by
2π/3 between them.
These 3 voltages are simple voltages varying between OV and +E. They are partly sinusoidal and partly
on a baseline situated at +E/2. Thus the O of the sinusoidal voltage corresponds to 50 % of the cyclic ratio.
The voltages applied to the motor phases are the compound voltages VR-VS, VS-VT,VT-VR and will vary
between + E and - E ([O-(+E) = -E]
Thus at the motor terminals are recreated the voltages whose amplitude is close to that of the mains.
B4i-M
Speed synchronisation is directly proportional to the frequency of the voltage supplied to the motor. Ns =
fx 60 (for a 2 pole motor).
The motor rotates at a speed N below the speed Ns.
Ns - N = SLIPPAGE (the slippage varies between 1 and 3%).
Ns
To vary the speed, it is necessary to vary Ns and thus the frequency of the voltage supplied to the motor.
The torque characteristics will be translated on the speed axis. The supply voltage will vary within 0 to
12000 r.p.m. in order to keep the U/f ratio constant and not saturate the magnetic circuit.
C Max
Torque
Operating point
ue
r torq
Moto
rque
Resistant to Speed
FIG. 2.7 - VARIATION OF THE CURVE OF THE MOTOR TORQUE AS A FUNCTION OF THE SPEED
2.4.1. INTRODUCTION
The electronic part of the apparatus is formed of two boards : the microprocessor + power pcb, where
every function is located and the user interface pcb with display and LEDs. The former is located inside the
body of the machine (fig. 2.3 or 2.5, item 7), whereas the second one is in the back of the front panel (fig.
2.3 or 2.5, item 6).
The electronic imbalance sensor is located on the motor stabilizer (fig. 2.3 or 2.5, item 2) and allows the
detection of and excessive imbalance due to the rotor loading.
B4i-M
ZONE 1 :
This zone includes the microprocessor, the EPROM containing the software and the non-volatile RAM
containing the program parameters. The set of components in this zone is at the potential of the
microprocessor : 5 VDC.
ZONE 2 :
This zone ensures the conformity of the signal type coming from the different detectors before their arrival
at the microcontroller via opto couplers.
It also monitors the lid lock control and refrigeration group commands.
The power supply for this zone is 12 VDC.
The different signals coming to this zone are :
- Bowl temperature.
- Signal coming from the imbalance sensor
- Tacho signal
- Lid position signal
- The motor overtemperature and the lid lock solenoid control.
B4i-M
ZONE 3
This zone isolated from the microprocessor part by opto-couplers, is the electronic part related to the
power in the system. This zone includes :
- The 15 VDC power supply for the control electronics for this zone.
- The control circuit of the 6 basic signals of the IGBT module.
- The 3 PWR commands coming from the microcontroller
- The brake GBT with the command which permits flow through the braking resistor.-
- The diode bridge which, from the mains, charge the capacitor of the continous bus
- The relay which, controlled by the supply of power, then short circuits the resistance of the charge of the
capacitors of the continuous bus a few moments after switch-on.
- The module of 6 IGBTs and its heat sink which power the motor.
B4i-M
+12 V GROUND/EARTH
PROBE (°C) IMBALANCE
(BR4i)
OPTICAL TACHO
KEYBOARD + LEDS
MOTOR OVERTEMP +
SOLENOID SWITCH
18 VAC
MICRO ZONE
FOR 5 V REGUL
9 VAC INPUT
INPUT
LID
SWITCHES
DISPLAYS
SOLENOID
COMMAND
COOLING
ON/OFF
230 VAC INPUT
300 VDC BUS
5 V DISPLAY
FOR REGUL
13 VCC OUTPUT
MOTOR CONTROL ZONE
24 VAC FOR 15 V REGUL
MOTOR CONNECTION
300 V BUS
RESISTOR
BRAKING
B4i-M
3.1. INTRODUCTION
The B4i and BR4i are equipped with a diagnostic menu in order to help locate possible breakdowns. The
possible conditions of incorrect functioning are communicated to the user by means of error codes on the
display and buzzer alarms.
Certain functional tests can be done directly using the keyboard and display.
These tests must only be undertaken by someone qualified to do so. They are protected by an access
code.
J O U A N
The word JOUAN appears, underneath which is a two figure number (in the
timer display) indicating the type of EPROM fitted to the centrifuge.
0 5 1 Example : 51 = BR4i
The EPROM index letter is identified on the temperature display.
B4i-M
Temperature calibration(BR4i) :
It is possible to calibrate the temperature measuring line by connecting pins 2 and 3 of the J5 connector on
the microprocessor/power pcb. To do this it is sufficient to displace J5 one pin higher.
In this case the temperature reading must be 37°C (to ±5°C before calibration).
Pressing simultaneously on the ▼ ▲ temperature programming keys calibrates the measuring line.
Display then shows 37°C.
It is then possible to “manually” adjust the temperature calibration coefficients by pressing on the key
corresponding to program 3. The following messages are displayed :
Tachometer test
Turn the rotor by hand: the speed should appear on the 5 digit display.
B4i-M
I M B A L
3 5 0 Imbalance threshold
- -
Pressing on PULSE begins a preprogrammed cycle at 2500 rpm during which the maximum imbalance is
recorded.
The set value is 350.
Using the ▼ ▲ time programming keys allows manual adjustment of the imbalance threshold.
During the cycle :
- -
C Y C L E Run cycles of the selected program can be run with a one minute pause
between each.
- - -
During a run, when rotating, displays are the same as they would be outside the test mode.
B4i-M
C Y C L E
- - -
B4i-M
When certain faults are detected an audible alarm is switched on in addition to a code and a message.
According to the fault, the machine stops automatically under the conditions indicated in the following
table.
B4i-M
Preliminary remark : when a fault is reported, first carry out the appropriate functional test, then refer to the
troubleshooting chart below.
B4i-M
B4i-M
4 REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES
CAUTION : DISCONNECT THE MAINS POWER LEAD TO THE CENTRIFUGE BEFORE ALL
! REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES !
Replacement of spare parts and adjustment are done using standard tools of a maintenance engineer
specialised in laboratory equipment.
As a guide, a list is given in the appendix. If, for a particular reason, any other tools are required, these are
clearly specified in the relevant chapter.
Dismounting
- Remove the pin (1) which joins the gas spring and the lid.
- Remove the front panel (2) by unscrewing the five screws and disconnect the power switch, the flat
cable, the display supply and the front panel ground cable. Lift the bowl seal and unscrew the three
press screws (3) of the chamber.
- Remove the bowl seal (4).
- Lift and remove the bowl (5).
- Disconnect the connectors (6) from the motor (J14), the tacho sensor (J4), the imbalance sensor (J7), the
microprocessor + power pcb, the motor earthing faston and the thermoswitch connection.
- Unscrew the motor press screw (7) located at the base of the motor.
- Lift and remove the motor (8).
- To separate the stabilizer from the motor, insert Allen key n°4 between the cooling ribs of the motor
perpendicularly to the screws. Repeat it for the 4 screws.
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
B4i-M
Dismounting
- Remove the front panel (1) by unscrewing the five screws and disconnect the power switch, the flat
cable, the display supply and the front panel ground cable.
- Remove the Panduit connector from the motor (J14) and from the tacho sensor (J4) of the motor board
(see connectors), then remove the motor earthing fastons and the thermoswitch connection.
- Remove the seal in the base of the bowl
- To separate the stabilizer from the motor, insert Allen key n°4 between the cooling ribs of the motor,
perpendicularly to the screws. Repeat it for the 4 screws.
- Unscrew the motor screw located at the base of the rotor
- Lift the motor and withdraw it through the opening in the middle of the bowl
Remounting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order. It is easier to insert stabilizer screws before
inserting the motor into the centrifuge.
- To remount the stabilizer lying on the bottom of the machine, present the motor and turn it until the bolts
located in the lower part of the armature engage the holes in the stabilizer. Screw in the bolts which will
lift the stabilizer until it is rigidly mounted against the motor.
B4i-M
Dismounting
- On the B4i, lift the bowl seal and remove the 3 press screws to remove the bowl. On the BR4i, remove
the front panel by unscrewing the 5 screws and disconnecting the power switch, the flat cable, the
display supply and the front panel ground cable.
- Remove the microprocessor + power pcb, disconnecting
all the electrical connections.
- The sensor is located on the motor stabilizer.
- Unscrew the 2 screws and remove the sensor from the
stabilizer.
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
Dismounting
- Open the lid
- Remove the front panel by unscrewing the 5 screws and disconnecting the power switch, the flat cable,
the display supply and the front panel ground cable.
- Disconnect the lid lock assembly of the microprocessor + power pcb by disconnecting the J8 and J10
connectors.
- Unscrew the 4 nuts on the body of the instrument.
- Remove the lid lock assembly.
1. Nuts 4. Solenoid
2. Solenoid microswitch 5. Lid handle
3. Lid microswitch
Refitting
- Remount the lid lock assembly on the body, in alignment with the fixing points and keeping it in position
thanks to the nuts (1).
- Check the correct position of the lock to have a convenient lid closing.
- Screw down the nuts to the body of the instrument.
- Reconnect the electrical connectors.
- Remount the front panel.
B4i-M
Dismounting
- Disconnect the microswitch.
- Unscrew the mounting bolts (2), dismount the microswitch.
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order. Check the microswitch rod does not hit the cam
when the lid is open to avoid false alarm.
Dismounting
- Unscrew the self locking nuts (5).
- Extract the screw (4) and the cam (9).
- Extract the serrated lock washer (6).
- Unscrew the bolt (7) located behind the cam (9).
- Maintaining the lock (8), unscrew and extract the screw (3).
Dismounting
- Disconnect the microswitch (13).
- Maintaining it, unscrew the screw located on the diagonal
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
B4i-M
Dismounting
- Disconnect the solenoid by cutting the 2 wires at the level of the sleeves.
- Supporting the solenoid, unscrew the screws on the back of the lid lock assembly panel.
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
- Check the stroke of the solenoid mobile core is unimpeded.
- Resolder the 2 wires to the solenoid, not forgetting to fit the insulating sleeves.
NB : Solenoid microswitch and lid lock microswitch replacement can be performed without having to
remove the whole lid lock assembly.
Dismounting
- Remove the front panel.
- Unscrew the 2 screws at the back of the machine.
- Unscrew the screw situated in front of the transformer.
- Remove all electrical connections : J1, J2, J9, J12, J13, supply and earth cables.
- Remove the rack.
Refitting
- Carry out the above operation in the reverse order.
B4i-M
Dismounting
- Remove the front panel.
- Disconnect all wirings : J1, J2, J9, J11, J12, J13, supply and earthing cables.
- To disconnect compressor command cables, follow the diagram below methodically.
- Remove the back panel by unscrewing the 8 protection screws.
- Free the cables from their loom.
- Extract the rack.
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
WARNING : Carefully replace the cables in their original position.
Dismounting
- Disconnect the board.
- Remove the board from the rack unscrewing the 4 screws (1).
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
B4i-M
BLUE
BROWN
TO THE COMPRESSOR
FROM µP P.C.B.
Dismounting
- Remove the front panel.
- Disconnect all cables from the board : J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7, J8, J9, J10, J11, J12, J13, J14, P1, P2.
- Unscrew the 5 screws holding the board; one in each corner and one in the middle of the board.
Remove the board.
Refitting
Carry out the above operations in the reverse order, and do not forget to place the insulation sheet
between the board and its support.
B4i-M
Dismounting
- The board is located behind the front panel; the latter has to be removed by unscrewing the five press
screws and by disconnecting the power switch, the flat cable, the display supply and the front panel
ground cable.
- Unscrew the four holding nuts (1) and remove the board (2).
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
B4i-M
Dismounting
- Open the lid.
- Open the supply rack panel (1).
- Looking inside the machine from behind, the gas spring (4) can be easily seen on the right side.
- Remove the pin which joins the gas spring to the lid.
- Now only the foot of the gas spring remains connected.
- Remove the screw (5).
- Remove the gas spring.
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
Dismounting
- Remove the shock absorber by unscrewing the 3 fastening
screws.
- Unscrew the two locking screws of the optical sensor.
Remove it while being careful of the cable.
Refitting
- Carry out the above operations in the reverse order.
B4i-M
WARNING : TO EXTRACT THE EPROM USE A PROPER EXTRACTOR AND NOT ANY TOOL
! THAT COULD DAMAGE THE EPROM AND ITS SOCKET.
Extraction
- Remove the front panel.
- To replace the EPROM, it is not necessary to remove
the microprocessor + power pcb from its support.
- Extract the EPROM
Insertion
- See the adjacent figure.
WARNING : INSERT THE NEW EPROM WITH THE NOTCH TOWARDS THE
! MICROPROCESSOR.
B4i-M
Dismounting
Refering to procedures already described and to the following figure :
- Disconnect every cable.
- Remove the lid.
- Remove the motor.
- Remove the front panel.
- Remove the suplly rack.
- Remove the Microprocessor + pcb.
- Insert a block between the body and the bowl to support the bowl.
- Unscrew the eight screws (1) which bind the bowl.
- On the body : unscrew the five screws of the left side (2) and the five screws of the right side (2).
- Now, the centrifuge walls are separated from the body. To extract them, bend the wall to the outside (A)
and lift the body (B).
- The refrigeration group remains fixed only to the body.
Refitting
- Carry out the above opeartions in the reverse order.
B4i-M
To check the motor electrical circuit integrity, continuity between phases has to be checked.
As there are three wires, such a measurement has to be carried out alternately, at the terminals of two of
them, choosing the third one as common.
The two resistance values obtained referred to two successive phases (as the state circuit is star-
configured). Check that :
1. The two values are identical (allowable difference ± 0.2 Ω).
2. The two values are not lower than 7 Ω (± 0.2 Ω).
3. There is no discontinuity.
If there is no conformity to condition 1, the motor can run erratically.
If there is no conformity to condition 2, the motor can run irregularly with over heating.
If there is no conformity to condition 3, the motor cannot run.
B4i-M
B4i-M
Replacement of spare parts and adjustment are done using standard tools of a maintenance engineer
specialised in laboratory equipment.
As a guide, a list is given in the appendix. If, for a particular reason, any other tools are required, these are
clearly specified in the relevant chapter.
Adjustment procedure
When replacing the EPROM, all previously saved information is lost. In case of no calibration, to avoid
unecessery repairs, the EPROM contains imbalance threshold default value 350.
Thanks to a self learning of the vibration peak by the microprocessor, the calibration is no longer a manual
procedure.
Carry out the following steps :
- Press simultaneously the ACCEL and BRAKING keys when the machine is switched on to access the
configuration menu.
- The speed display will indicate TEST during three second, then the timer display will indicate T-1.
- Pressing START key will display IMBAL on the speed display and on the timer display :
. If the EPROM has just been replaced the default value will be 350.
. A value between 0 and 999 is possible if a calibration has already been done.
B4i-M
Thanks to a self learning of the chamber temperature, by the microprocessor, the calibration is not a
manual procedure.
B4i-M
6.1. GENERAL
B4i-M
6.2. MOTOR
B4i-M
B4i-M
6.4. LOCK
B4i-M
B4i-M
B4i-M
1 - 89000907 Condenser 1
2 - 89000908 Screw 1
3 - 89000909 Fan blades 1
4 - 89000910 Motor nuts 1
5 - 89000911 Carter fan blades and motor 1
6 - 89000912 Motor 230 V - 50 Hz 1
6 - 89000913 Motor 120 V - 60 Hz 1
B4i-M
A ANNEXE
A APPENDIX
B4i-M
B ANNEXE
SCHÉMAS ELECTRIQUES
B APPENDIX
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS
B4i-M