Agilent BenchCel Microplate Handler Original Instructions

BenchCel Microplate Handler

User Guide

Original Instructions

Notices

WARNING

CAUTION

Manual Part Number

G5580-90000 Revision B

November 2020

No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws.

Contact Information

Agilent Technologies Inc. Automation Solutions 5301 Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA

Web:

https://www.agilent.com

Contact page:

https://www.agilent.com/en/contactus/page

Documentation feedback:

documentation.automation@agilent.com

Acknowledgments

Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Warranty

The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.

Technology Licenses

The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.

Restricted Rights Legend

If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and licensed as “Commercial computer software” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer software” as defined in FAR

52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard commercial license terms, and non-DOD Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR 52.22719(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14 (June1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data.

Safety Notices

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a

WARNING notice until the indicated

conditions are fully understood and met.

CAUTION notice denotes a hazard.

A It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

CAUTION notice until

Contents

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

About this guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Accessing product user information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

1. Safety guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

General safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Safety and regulatory compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Emergency stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Safety equipment and features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Potential safety hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

BenchCel Microplate Handler description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Hardware overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Integration options for workstations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Labware considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Software description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3. Installing BenchCel Microplate Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Installation workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Verifying laboratory requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Unpacking BenchCel Microplate Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Mounting the robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

About integrating devices in a BenchCel Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Connecting the power source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Connecting the pendant directly to the BenchCel device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connecting the pendant through the Robot Disable Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Connecting and disconnecting the air source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Connecting the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Installing the shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

4. Setting up the BenchCel device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Setup workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Starting up and shutting down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Creating BenchCel device in the VWorks software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Opening BenchCel Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Creating profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Initializing the device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Setting and managing teachpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

iiiBenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Contents

5. Setting sensor thresholds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Overview for setting sensor thresholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Calculating the Plate presence threshold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Determining the optimum Orientation sensor offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Calculating the Orientation threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Worksheet for setting sensor thresholds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

6. Preparing for a run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Workflow for operating the BenchCel Microplate Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Handling the labware racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Filling and emptying the labware racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Installing and uninstalling the labware racks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Performing pre-run checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

7. Maintenance and troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Routine maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Cleaning up after a protocol run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Replacing the fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Hardware problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Software error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Adjusting the stacker gripper pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Reporting problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

A. Quick reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Rack-release button indicator light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

BenchCel Diagnostics - Controls tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

BenchCel Diagnostics - Jog/Teach tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

BenchCel Diagnostics - Labware tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

BenchCel Diagnostics - General Settings tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

BenchCel Diagnostics - Profiles tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Teachpoint Details dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

iviv

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Preface

This preface contains the following topics:

• “About this guide” on page vi

• “Accessing product user information” on page viii

Preface

About this guide

Who should read this guide

This user guide is for people with the following job roles:

Job role Responsibilities

Installer Unpacks, installs, and tests the device before it is used.

Integrator Configures hardware and writes software.

Lab manager, administrator, or technician

Operator Performs the daily production work on the device and solves

What this guide covers

This guide describes the G5580A BenchCel Microplate Handler and earlier R-Series models. This guide covers installation, setup, operation, and maintenance.

This guide does not provide instructions for the following:

• Agilent devices that are integrated with the BenchCel Microplate Handler in a

workstation configuration, such as the Bravo Platform, PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer, Microplate Labeler, and Labware MiniHub

• Third-party devices

For more information about these topics, see the relevant user guides for these products.

• Manages the automation system that contains the device

• Develops the applications that are run on the system

• Develops training materials and standard operating

procedures for operators

routine problems.

Software version

This guide is applicable for the following software:

• BenchCel Diagnostics 21.3.0, which is included in VWorks software 14.0 and later.

• BenchCel Diagnostics versions included in VWorks software 12.3 – 13.1.x.

What is new in this edition

and

Description See…

Added descriptions for VWorks software

14.0.

“Software description” on page 29

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Description See…

Preface

About this guide

Related guides

Updated the Robot Disable Hub descriptions to specify the 3-Port Robot Disable Hub.

Updated the instructions for creating the device file to include how to select the teachpoint for an integrated device.

Updated the profile and teachpoint descriptions and procedures to reflect changes introduced in VWorks software

14.0.

Updated the fuse replacement procedure to make the description consistent for both 115 V and 230 V power.

Added a description of the indicators on the Controls tab.

• “Safety equipment and features” on

page 8

• “Connecting the pendant through

the Robot Disable Hub” on page 53

“Specifying BenchCel accessibility at other devices” on page 72

• “Creating profiles” on page 76

• “Setting and managing teachpoints”

on page 84

• “BenchCel Diagnostics - Profiles

tab” on page 179

“Replacing the fuse” on page 134

“BenchCel Diagnostics - Controls tab” on page 167

You should use this guide in conjunction with the following guides:

• Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide. Provides general safety

information and describes potential safety hazards that you might encounter when using Automation Solutions products. A copy of this safety guide is included with your shipment.

• VWorks software guides: – VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide. Explains how to define labware and

labware classes, liquid classes, and pipetting techniques. The VWorks 14.0 version also explains the VWorks compliance features and

how to set up an experiments databases.

– VWorks Automation Control User Guide. Explains how to create protocols, and

set task parameters for each device in the system.

• BenchCel Microplate Handler Quick Guide. The quick guide summarizes the

instructions in this user guide.

• Agilent Technologies device user guides. These guides explain how to set up and

use the devices that you integrate with the BenchCel Microplate Handler, such as the Bravo Platform User Guide.

• Third-party device user documents, if applicable. These guides explain how to set

up and use the third-party devices.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

vii

Preface

Accessing product user information

About this topic

This topic describes the different formats of user information and explains how to access it for the Agilent Automation Solutions products.

Where to find user information

The user information is available in the following locations:

• Knowledge base. The help system for the Automation Solutions products is

available from:

– Help menu within the VWorks software: Select Help > Knowledge Base or press

F1.

– From the Windows desktop: Select Start ( ) > All Apps > Agilent

Technologies > VWorks Knowledge Base.

For guidelines on using the VWorks context-sensitive help and knowledge base features, see Using the knowledge base, below.

• PDF files. The PDF files of the user guides are installed with the VWorks software

(C:\Program Files (x86)\Agilent Technologies\VWorks\UserGuides) and are available in the VWorks Knowledge Base.

• Website. You can search the online VWorks Knowledge Base or download the latest

version of any PDF file from the Agilent website at www.agilent.com/chem/askb.

Accessing safety information

Safety information for the Agilent Automation Solutions devices appears in the

Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide and in the corresponding device

safety guide or user guide.

You can also search the knowledge base or the PDF files for safety information.

Using the knowledge base

Knowledge base topics are displayed using web browser software such as Microsoft Edge.

Note: If you want to use Internet Explorer to display the topics, you might have to allow local files to run active content (scripts and ActiveX controls). To do this, in Internet Explorer, open the Internet Options dialog box. Click the Advanced tab, locate the Security section, and select Allow active content to run in files on my computer.

viii

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Accessing product user information

Opening the help topic for an area in the VWorks window

Preface

To access the context-sensitive help feature:

1 In the main window of the VWorks software, click the help button . The pointer

changes to . Notice that the different icons or areas are highlighted as you move the pointer over them.

2 Click an icon or area of interest. The relevant topic or document opens.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Preface

Accessing product user information

Features in the Knowledge Base window

Step For this task...

1 Contents pane. Lists all the books and the table of contents of the books.

2 Search. Allows you to search the Knowledge Base (all products or selected products) using

keywords.

3 Topic area. Displays the selected online help topic.

4 Navigation buttons. Enable you to navigate through the next or previous topics listed in the Contents

tab.

5 Toolbar buttons: Enable you to:

• Expand or collapse all the sections in a topic that has drop-down headings.

• Print the topic.

• Send feedback by email for a given topic.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

1 Safety guidelines

This chapter contains the following topics for the BenchCel Microplate Handler:

• “General safety information” on page 2

• “Safety and regulatory compliance” on page 3

• “Emergency stops” on page 5

• “Safety equipment and features” on page 8

• “Potential safety hazards” on page 10

1 Safety guidelines

WARNING

General safety information

Before installing and using the device

Before using the BenchCel Microplate Handler, make sure that you are properly trained in:

• General laboratory safety

• The correct and safe operation of the BenchCel Microplate Handler

• The correct and safe operation of devices used in combination with the BenchCel

Microplate Handler

Changing or modifying the BenchCel safety equipment may prevent the safe operation of the BenchCel Microplate Handler, invalidate its safety compliance, and lead to personal injury or property damage. Any customer who does not use the supplied safety equipment or who modifies the supplied safety equipment assumes full responsibility for providing an appropriate level of safety for its operators and for providing the applicable safety compliance marking and documentation.

General safety precautions

For the general safety precautions, the intended product use statement, and the list of safety labels, see the Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide.

The following figure shows the location of the safety label on the BenchCel Microplate Handler.

Figure

Safety label location (front view and side view)

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Related information

For information about... See...

1 Safety guidelines

Safety and regulatory compliance

General precautions, intended product use statement, and list of safety labels

Regulatory compliance “Safety and regulatory compliance” on

Stopping in an emergency “Emergency stops” on page 5

Safety equipment “Safety equipment and features” on page 8

Potential hazards specific to the BenchCel Microplate Handler

Safety and regulatory compliance

About this topic

This topic lists the compliance regulations and standards for the BenchCel Microplate Handler.

Note: Earlier models of the BenchCel Microplate Handler may not comply with all the standards listed in this topic.

Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide

page 3

“Potential safety hazards” on page 10

Compliance information

The BenchCel Microplate Handler is considered partly completed machinery as defined by the Machinery Directive of the European Union. Therefore, the BenchCel Microplate Handler is provided with a Declaration of Incorporation and no CE marking. The BenchCel Microplate Handler is intended to be integrated into a conforming completed machine (workstation). A customer in the European Union (EU) that acquires a standalone BenchCel Microplate Handler is responsible for this integration and for CE marking the completed workstation. The BenchCel Microplate Handler is designed to comply with the standards listed in the table below.

Unless specifically requested by the customer, BenchCel Workstations provided by Agilent Technologies are configured to conform to the Machinery Directive and bear the CE marking. The Declaration of Conformity shipped with the BenchCel Workstation describes the specific configuration that has been evaluated for conformity. Any deviations from the specified configuration may invalidate the Declaration of Conformity. See the Declaration of Conformity for details.

An EU customer that requests Agilent Technologies to provide a nonconforming BenchCel Workstation must assume responsibility as the manufacturer for completing the workstation in conformity with the applicable directives, including the Machinery Directive. In the case of a nonconforming BenchCel Workstation, each component that Agilent Technologies supplies will carry a Declaration of Conformity or Declaration of Incorporation, as appropriate, to be used by the manufacturer to compile the technical construction file.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

1 Safety guidelines

Safety and regulatory compliance

Regulatory Compliance Standard

EMC

European Union EMC Directive 2014/30/EU

Canada ICES/NMB-001:2006

Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR 11:2011

RoHS

European Union RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU

Safety

European Union Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC

IEC 61326-1:2012 / EN 61326-1:2013

Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN61010-1:2001

IEC 61010-2-081:2001+A1:2003 /

EN 61010-2-081:2002+A1:2003

Canada CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04

CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-081-04

USA ANSI/UL 61010-1:2004

Electromagnetic compatibility

If the BenchCel Microplate Handler causes interference with radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, try one or more of the following measures:

• Relocate the radio or television antenna.

• Move the device away from the radio or television.

• Plug the device into a different electrical outlet, so that the device and the radio or

television are on separate electrical circuits.

• Make sure that all peripheral devices are also certified.

• Make sure that appropriate cables are used to connect the device to peripheral

equipment.

• Consult your equipment dealer, Agilent Technologies, or an experienced technician

for assistance.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent Technologies could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Sound emission declaration

Sound pressure: Lp < 70 dB according to EN ISO 779:2010.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Schalldruckpegel: Lp < 70 dB nach EN ISO 779:2010.

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNING

Related information

For more information about… See…

General safety and labels “General safety information” on page 2

Safety hazards “Potential safety hazards” on page 10

Stopping in an emergency “Emergency stops” on page 5

Safety equipment “Safety equipment and features” on page 8

Emergency stops

The BenchCel Microplate Handler is equipped with an interlock circuit and emergencystop pendant.

1 Safety guidelines

Emergency stops

To avoid potential injury, Agilent recommends that you install a main emergency stop button (Robot Disable Hub) that will stop the BenchCel robot and all other devices on the safety interlock circuit simultaneously. In addition, all operators must be instructed in the emergency stop procedure.

You might not be able to resume a protocol after an emergency stop. Do not use an emergency stop to pause a run. To pause and continue a run, use the appropriate commands in the automation software.

Stopping in an emergency

After pressing the emergency-stop button, the robot arm might have momentum and continue to move until it comes to the end of its travel in the x-axis, z-axis, or thetaaxis or until it bumps into an obstacle. Stay clear of the robot until it stops moving.

To perform an emergency stop:

Press the red button on the pendant. The safety interlock circuit is interrupted, disabling the robot motors. The BenchCel Microplate Handler operation stops.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

1 Safety guidelines

Emergency stops

Recovering from an emergency stop

After you press the button on the emergency-stop pendant, the robot stops. One of the following occurs:

• If you stopped a protocol run, a dialog box opens in the VWorks software.

• If you stopped the robot while diagnosing problems in BenchCel Diagnostics, a

motor-disable message appears on the screen.

Use the following procedure to recover in either case.

To recover the BenchCel device after an emergency stop:

1 If the robot dropped labware before or during the emergency stop, remove labware

that was dropped. Also remove labware at teachpoints or other locations.

2 If the BenchCel robot attempted to place labware at a location that was not free, a

collision might have occurred resulting in misalignment of the robot gripper. Check the robot gripper alignment:

a Move the robot arms so that they are perpendicular to the x-axis. b Make sure the bottom of the robot gripper pads are perpendicular to the robot

arms. If they are not, contact Agilent Technical Support.

Figure

Gripper alignment: (A) correct alignment, and (B) incorrect alignment

A) Correct alignment

B) Incorrect - misaligned

3 To re-enable the motors:

a At the emergency-stop pendant, turn the button clockwise to release it.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

1 Safety guidelines

Emergency stops

b In the VWorks software message dialog box, select an appropriate option to

continue:

Selection Description

Diagnostics Opens the BenchCel Diagnostics dialog box. See step 4.

Note: This selection is available only when you are in the middle of a protocol run and not while you are in BenchCel Diagnostics.

Retry Attempts to restart the current command or task in the

run.

Ignore and continue

Abort Aborts the current command or task in the run. Select

Ignores the current command or task and continues to the next command or task in the protocol sequence.

Abort if you have determined that the protocol run is not recoverable.

4 Optional. In BenchCel Diagnostics, use the available commands to manually move

If a physical crash occurred, always start BenchCel Diagnostics to home the robot and verify teachpoints.

Related information

For information about… See…

Pausing and resuming protocol runs VWorks Automation Control User Guide

Using commands in BenchCel Diagnostics

Complete list of available commands in BenchCel Diagnostics

For a full description of the selections, see the VWorks Automation Control User

Guide.

the robot or other components, including:

• Release the microplate that the robot is currently holding.

• Upstack the microplate that the robot is currently holding.

• Replace the lid on the microplate.

• Home the robot.

• Verify teachpoints.

For details, see “Diagnostic tools” on page 146.

“Diagnostic tools” on page 146

“Quick reference” on page 165

Reporting a problem “Reporting problems” on page 162

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

1 Safety guidelines

WARNING

Safety equipment and features

About this topic

This topic describes the safety equipment and features of the BenchCel Microplate Handler that are required to protect operators from moving-parts hazards.

Shields

Make sure the BenchCel device is enclosed in the supplied shield. The shield restricts access to the BenchCel robot while the BenchCel Microplate Handler is operating.

Figure

BenchCel front shield

Additional shields may be required on devices that are integrated with the BenchCel Microplate Handler, such as the Bravo Platform.

In addition, a light curtain connected to the safety interlock circuit may be required.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

WARNING

To reduce the risk of injury from moving parts, ensure that the BenchCel shield and

WARNING

the shields for any integrated devices are installed on the workstation.

Operating the Bravo Platform or Microplate Centrifuge with Loader without a safety shield or a light curtain connected to the safety interlock circuit increases the risk of injury.

Safety interlock circuit

The BenchCel Microplate Handler has a safety interlock circuit that is designed to protect operators from moving-parts hazards. The safety interlock circuit must be closed for the device to operate. The pendant connects to the safety interlock circuit. Pressing the red button on the pendant trips the interlock circuit and causes the motion of the BenchCel operation to stop.

1 Safety guidelines

Safety equipment and features

Figure

When the BenchCel device is integrated with another device that has a safety interlock circuit, such as the Bravo Platform, Agilent Technologies uses the Robot Disable Hub to connect all the devices on the interlock circuit. Pressing the red button on a pendant or interrupting a light curtain connected to the Robot Disable Hub will trip the safety interlock circuit and stop all the devices connected to the circuit.

Figure

Related information

For information about… See…

Emergency-stop pendant

Robot Disable Hub

Pendants Power

Devices

Light Curtain

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Stopping in an emergency “Emergency stops” on page 5

Product compliance “Safety and regulatory compliance” on

page 3

1 Safety guidelines

WARNING

Potential safety hazards

For information about… See…

Moving parts and other hazards “Potential safety hazards” on page 10

Safety labels and general information “General safety information” on page 2

Reporting a problem “Reporting problems” on page 162

Potential safety hazards

About this topic

This topic contains precautions about potential hazards that are specific to the BenchCel Microplate Handler. In addition to the following potential hazards, make sure that you understand how to avoid the general hazards described in the Automation

Solutions Products General Safety Guide.

The potential hazards that you can encounter when using the BenchCel Microplate Handler include the following:

• “Moving parts” on page 10

• “Sharp edges and pinch hazards” on page 11

• “Infrared LED injury hazard” on page 11

• “Static electricity” on page 12

• “Improper access or use” on page 12

• “Lifting hazard” on page 12

Moving parts

To minimize potential injury, the BenchCel device is designed to stop immediately if the robot head hits an obstacle while it is in operation. However, be aware that the robot moves with considerable force in the vertical or z-axis direction and could pierce your skin with one of its grippers.

Not all circumstances can be foreseen and serious injury is possible. It is the responsibility of every operator to follow warnings and safety labels and keep out of the robot’s workspace whenever it is likely to move.

The BenchCel Microplate Handler has moving parts that can injure you if you deviate from the procedures given in this guide. Keep your fingers, hair, clothing, and jewelry away from the BenchCel Microplate Handler while it is in motion.

To avoid potential injury, do not touch the BenchCel Microplate Handler as you start the software. The robot head moves when the device initializes.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

WARNING

Never touch any of the moving parts or attempt to remove or add labware while the

WARNING

BenchCel Microplate Handler is in operation. The robot head moves with considerable force and can cause pinching, piercing, or bruising injury if you are in the path of the robot head or gripper.

Sharp edges and pinch hazards

Pinch hazard! Keep your fingers out of the path of the labware racks when you mount the racks on the BenchCel device.

Use the rack handle to carry the labware racks. Do not hold a rack by the interior edges. The interior edges might have sharp surfaces that could cause cuts if handled improperly.

Figure Sharp surfaces on labware rack

1 Safety guidelines

Potential safety hazards

Infrared LED injury hazard

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Do not stare directly at the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) inside the stacker heads when the device is on. Such exposure to the LEDs can cause eye injury.

Each BenchCel stacker head contains seven infrared LEDs that detect the presence of a labware rack, microplates, and microplate notches. The LEDs are capable of dissipating 100 mW of power. Do not stare directly at the LEDs when the BenchCel Microplate Handler is turned on.

1 Safety guidelines

CAUTION

WARNING

CAUTION

Potential safety hazards

Static electricity

Improper access or use

The rack-release button at the top of the stacker head on the BenchCel device is sensitive to static electricity. Static electricity can cause a potential loss of motor control and loss of communication with the BenchCel device. Ensure that you discharge any potential static electricity before touching the rack-release button. To discharge static electricity, you can touch the white painted or metal surface of the BenchCel device before touching the rack-release button.

Improper use by an untrained user could damage the BenchCel Microplate Handler. For example, the robot gripper could collide with a stacker if a teachpoint is not defined properly.

Ensure that only fully trained BenchCel administrators have access to the user account passwords.

Lifting hazard

The BenchCel device without labware racks weighs 28 – 51 kg (61.7 – 112.4 lb), depending on the configuration. Attempting to lift or move the BenchCel device without assistance could cause personal injury. Request assistance and use proper lifting techniques when lifting or moving the device.

If the BenchCel Microplate Handler is incorrectly packaged and moved by someone other than an Agilent employee, the device may be damaged. Such damage is not covered by the warranty.

Before moving a BenchCel Microplate Handler, ensure the new location meets the laboratory requirements.

Related information

For more information about… See…

General safety “General safety information” on page 2

Stopping in an emergency “Emergency stops” on page 5

Shields, pendants, and safety interlock circuit

“Safety equipment and features” on page 8

Locations of hardware components “Hardware overview” on page 15

Site laboratory requirements “Verifying laboratory requirements” on

page 37

Reporting problems with the BenchCel Microplate Handler

“Reporting problems” on page 162

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

2Introduction

This chapter contains the following topics:

• “BenchCel Microplate Handler description” on page 14

• “Hardware overview” on page 15

• “Integration options for workstations” on page 25

• “Labware considerations” on page 27

• “Software description” on page 29

2 Introduction

BenchCel Microplate Handler description

Description

The BenchCel Microplate Handler is a microplate-processing automation device that:

• Stores stacks of labware (microplates, tip boxes, and tube racks) to be processed

during a protocol run.

• Moves labware to and from integrated devices such as the Bravo Platform,

PlateLoc Thermal Microplate Sealer, or Microplate Labeler for processing.

Figure

BenchCel Microplate Handler with safety shield and two labware racks

Configurations

The BenchCel Microplate Handler is available in three options:

• BenchCel 2R has two stackers that support two labware racks

• BenchCel 4R has four stackers that support four labware racks

• BenchCel 6R has six stackers that support six labware racks

The BenchCel Microplate Handler is included in the following standard Agilent workstations:

• G5590A BenchCel Workstation

• G5591A Bravo BenchCel Workstation

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Related information

WARNING

For more information about… See…

2 Introduction

Hardware overview

Agilent devices that you can integrate in a BenchCel Workstation

Hardware component description “Hardware overview” on page 15

Automation-ready labware “Labware considerations” on page 27

Safety information “Safety guidelines” on page 1

Hardware overview

About this topic

This topic describes the hardware features of the BenchCel device. Note that the figures in this topic show a BenchCel 2R device with two stackers that support two labware racks. All the major components and functions are the same for the BenchCel 4R (four stackers) and BenchCel 6R (six stackers).

Do not operate the BenchCel Microplate Handler without the safety shield. Doing so increases the risk of injury.

“Integration options for workstations” on page 25

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

2 Introduction

Hardware overview

Front view

Item Feature Description

1 Labware

rack

2 Stacker

head

The accessory that stores labware to be processed in a run. For details, see “Labware racks” on page 24.

The structure at which:

• A labware rack is loaded. Two sensors inside of each

stacker head detect the presence of the racks.

• A microplate is checked for type and orientation using a

plate-presence sensor and four plate-orientation sensors.

• A microplate is lowered into the stacker grippers to begin

a run.

See “Stacker head” on page 20 for the location and detailed descriptions of the sensors.

3 Air

pressure regulator

The knob that you turn to adjust the air pressure inside the device. Compressed air is used to move components inside the stacker heads. Each regulator controls the air pressure to the two adjacent stacker heads. For details, see “Adjusting the

stacker gripper pressure” on page 158.

4 Safety

shield

The clear panel that is installed on the front of the BenchCel device to prevent access while it is in operation.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

2 Introduction

theta-axis

Hardware overview

Item Feature Description

5 Pendant The component that is part of the safety interlock circuit,

which must be closed for the BenchCel device to operate. Pressing the raised button on the pendant interrupts the safety circuit and disables the robot motors. Use this method of stopping the robot for emergencies only.

6 Rack-

release button

7 Robot

head

The button that unlocks the rack for removal. The rack-release button at the top of each stacker head displays different colors to indicate the state of the stacker head:

• Green. The labware rack is installed correctly on the

BenchCel device and the microplates are unloaded. The stack of microplates are ready for processing or you can unlock and remove the labware rack.

• Flashing green. The labware rack is unlocked and can be

removed.

• Blue. The stack of microplates is loaded. You cannot

unlock and remove the labware rack.

• Red. The clamps are open without a rack installed. Do not

install a rack until the clamps are closed.

The component that moves horizontally along the x-axis and vertically along the z-axis.

z-axis

x-axis

8 Robot

arms

Two parallel structures that are attached to and rotate about the robot head along the theta-axis.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

2 Introduction

Hardware overview

Item Feature Description

Back view

9 Robot

grippers

The structures inside the robot arms that close and open to hold and release a microplate. Using the provided software, you can adjust the distance between the grippers to hold a microplate loosely or tightly.

Robot grippers

2 3

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

Item Feature Description

2 Introduction

Hardware overview

1 Air-input

fitting

2 Power

Connects the air tubing to the BenchCel device. Compressed air is used to actuate components inside the stacker head.

Turns on or off the power to the BenchCel device.

switch

3 AC power

Connects the power cord to the BenchCel device.

entry

4 Ethernet

port

Connects the Ethernet cable from the controlling computer to the BenchCel device to allow communication between the computer and the device. Use this port as an alternative to the serial connection.

5 Serial port Connects the serial cable from the controlling computer to the

BenchCel device to allow communication between the computer and the device. Use this port as an alternative to the Ethernet connection.

6 Pendant

port

Connects the emergency-stop pendant to the safety interlock circuit. The connection is made either directly or through an emergency-stop control, such as the Robot Disable Hub.

IMPORTANT The safety interlock circuit must be closed for

the BenchCel Microplate Handler to operate.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

2 Introduction

Hardware overview

Stacker head

At the top of the BenchCel device are stacker heads that contain infrared sensors and mechanical components that load and unload microplates during operation.

The following table lists and describes the various components inside the stacker head.

BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide

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