Centrifuges

Question 1

What is the purpose of the friction coupling?

Answer 1

Ensures a gentle start and acceleration
Prevents overloading of the worm gear and motor

Question 2

With reference to an alpha lava centrifuge: What allows the motor to drive the vertical spindle?

Answer 2

The motor rotates the bowl through a centrifugal clutch which is connected to the worm wheel
This drives the worm gear on the vertical spindle

Question 3

What are the 3 main component parts?

Answer 3

Body
Bowl
Bowl drive cartridge

Question 4

What must be removed along with the hood to access the bowl drive assembly?

Answer 4

The 3 pipes connected and turned 90 degrees
The stirrup, 3 interlocking unions and distribution pipe
4 hood clamps undone

Question 5

What safety precautions should be observed when servicing the bowl assembly?

Answer 5

Bowl assembly is a balanced unit
any defective pars with the exception of the seals and pairing/gravity disc assembly
Is to be exchanged for a new balanced bowl

Question 6

Why are the pairing and gravity discs and exception from the rule?

Answer 6

Do not rotate with the bowl assembly so do not need to be balanced?

Question 7

What safety checks are to be observed before post repair trials?

Answer 7

Ensure pipe unions are tight
Check stirrup is tight
Ensure hood clamps are tight
Check machine for loose nuts and bolts
Ensure water sealing supply is connected
Connect air hose supply
Connect fuel gauge line
Remove brake cover and carefully rotate the centrifugal clutch to ascertain free movement of the bowl assembly
Check area for misplaced tools and rags
muster tools and check all special tools are back on shadow board and in the box