Auto Mate ValveLink 8.2 User Manual
ValveLink8.2
®
User’s Manual
AutoMate Scientific
®
R
E A D Y F O R R E S E A R C H.
TM
©2005-2015 AutoMate Scientic, Inc.
All rights reserved.
ValveLink8.2
®
User’s Manual
The ValveLink8.2 is intended for research use only.
Table of Contents
AutoMate Scientific
®
R
E A D Y F O R R E S E A R C H.
TM
Introduction ........................................................................................ 3
Hardware Overview
ValveLink8.2 Laboratory Applications
Accessories
ThermoClamp™-1 Temperature Control System
Pressure Regulated Perfusion System
Perfusion Pencil® Multi-Barrel Manifold Tip
System Set-up Diagrams ............................................................8
Standard PTFE Perfusion System (without pressure)
Pinch Valve, Pressurized and Luer-Lock Perfusion Systems
Installation Tips
Bubbles and Degassing
Perfusion Cheat Sheet
PTFE Micro-manifold Use
Pinch Valve Tubing
Valve Care
Perfusion Pencil Flow Rates
Perfusion Pencil Multi-barrel Manifold
Perfusion Pressure Kit
Josef Kewekordes II, Heath Lukatch
Dave Blau
ValveLink8.2 - Part #01-18
For indoor use only from 5° to 40°C.
Do not get wet or subject to visible condensation.
Clean with a mild soap solution with a damp cloth only.
This equipment must be earth grounded. Use any of the screws on the side
or bottom of the case. See page 23.
Do not unplug valves while on!
Do not attempt to repeatedly cycle valves on and o in under
one millisecond.
If this equipment is used in a manner not specied by the manufacturer,
the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Supply voltage:
ValveLink8.2 controller = 12V AC up to 3.3 amps @ 50-60Hz
External power supplies:
USA & Japan = 110V AC up to 0.36 amps @ 60Hz
European = 230V AC up to 0.17 amps @ 50Hz
!
* TTL stands for Transistor-Transistor Logic, a +5/0 volt standard for representing
on and o – used by the ValveLink8.2 for computer valve control.
Introduction
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY
The ValveLink8.2 is designed for solution-switching use in research
applications ONLY. AutoMate Scientic, Inc. cannot be responsible for
injury or death resulting from medical or pharmacological use.
Hardware Overview
The ValveLink8.2® is a digital/manual valve controller designed for use
with research automation software. Valves can be controlled by digital
TTL* signals from any I/O card or device or a single analog voltage input.
Eight pushbuttons allow manual user control with eight bi-colored LED
indicators. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) port is provided for further valve
control and networking by computer. All four input sources (digital,
analog, USB, and pushbuttons) are simultaneously active, and the LEDs
constantly display the current valve status. ValveGuard™ technology
detects bad valves. It prevents damage to your ValveLink8.2 and let's you
easily observe problem valves. A spill sensor protects your equipment
when a leak is detected.
The ValveLink8.2 is designed to drive 12 volt DC solenoid valves plugged
into RCA jacks on the back of the box. Why not connect valves directly to
your computer? Several reasons:
1) Most computer interfaces provide +5V signals – not strong enough
to drive most valves (6 to 12V DC and higher).
2) Computer interface signals are often too noisy for
electrophysiology amplication. The ValveLink8.2 is designed
with special low-noise circuitry to minimize interference with
high-gain amplication.
3) Finally, many solenoid valves are designed to be opened with a
short, full-voltage pulse, then “held-in” with a lower voltage to
keep the valves from heating. The ValveLink8.2 automatically
provides dual-voltage hold-in.
Chromatography
Gel/Blot Washing System
Operation
..................................................................................17
Manual Control
Digital Inputs
Digital Input Port Pin-out
Analog Input
Simultaneous Edge-triggered Inputs
LED Indicators and ValveGuard
™
Event Marker
Spill Sensor
Where is the power switch? Sleep
3-way Valves
Back Panel
Power Supply
Case and Valve Grounding
Modes
.......................................................................................24
Mode Descriptions
Multiple Modes
USB Communications & Software
..........................................27
Installation
Software Operation
Computer Interfacing ...............................................................32
Techniques ................................................................................ 34
Dead Volume
Small-bore PTFE Tubing
Backow
AutoPrime™ System
Faulty Valves
Stuck Pinch Valves
Valve Cables
Valve Returns & Replacing a Valve
Leaks and Replacing Valve Fittings
Hardware Troubleshooting
Safety Instructions ...................................................................40
Warranty ...................................................................................42
Table of Contents Continued
3
2
Perfusion Systems
AutoMate Scientic builds ValveLink8.2 and ValveBank perfusion systems
with several choices of valves (below) in 4, 8, or 16 channels. Systems
include reservoirs, drippers, stopcocks, brackets, ow regulator, ringstand,
tubing and micro-manifold. Please visit http://www.autom8.com/build_
your_own.html to congure a custom system to your specications and
generate a quotation.
Valves
Solenoid valves are available as part of perfusion systems or sold
separately. We sell 12V DC PTFE and Pinch valves with indicator LEDs
built-in. PTFE valves are faster (open and close in 10 ms.), but pinch valves
are cheaper and easier to clean (open and close in 30-50 ms). PTFE valves
include three choices of
ttings: hose barb (standard),
luer lock, or nut & ferrules for
connecting hard PTFE tubing.
Luer lock ttings allow
direct connection of syringes
as shown. This method
eliminates wasted solution in
tubing between the reservoirs
and valves. Small 2-way
stopcocks are included
with all AutoMate Scientic
perfusion systems. Luer lock PTFE valves
ValveLink8.2 Accessories
BNC cables and rack-mounting brackets make it easier
to connect your ValveLink8.2 to your digital outputs
and to mount the controller in a 19" rack with your
other equipment.
4-BNC cable Part #01-19
AutoMate Scientic also sells
a full range of manual and
motorized micro-manipulators,
ampliers, stimulus isolators,
data acquisition systems, lter
wheels and pipette pullers.
ValveLink8.2 Laboratory Applications
Perfusion
A ValveLink8.2 can be programmed to precisely switch solutions perfusing
over biological samples for physiological research. The ValveLink8.2’s
circuitry is designed to open valves with low noise for electrophysiological
amplication. Several features called ‘Modes’ have been built into the
ValveLink8.2 for advanced perfusion use.
Washing
Combined with an AutoMate Scientic ported washing tray, the
ValveLink8.2 can automate washing of electrophoresis gels and blots, and
developing of x-ray or photographic lm or prints. You have complete
control over which washing steps of your Western, Northern, Southern,
Coomassie Blue and Silver staining runs are automated and which
are handled conventionally. Unattended washing can save a busy lab
countless hours of tedious monitoring.
Liquid Chromatography
A ValveLink8.2 can be easily programmed to automate solution selection
in multi-step ion exchange, gel ltration or anity chromatography runs
with excellent reproducibility. The ValveLink8.2 is especially useful in
preparative work when a protocol has been established and programmed
to repetitively isolate your valuable molecule.
Accessories
AutoMate Scientic oers a number of products which compliment
the ValveLink8.2 controller: valves, pressure upgrades, Perfusion
Pencils®, ThermoClamp™ temperature controllers, perfusion chambers,
manipulators, rack mounting brackets,
BNC cables and entire perfusion systems.
Oocyte Chamber Petri Dish Chamber Pinch Valves (set of 4)
Part #OPC-1 Part #PCP-1 Part #02-pp-04 Rack brackets Part #01-17
5
4
Pressure Regulated Perfusion System
AutoMate Scientic oers a Pressurized Perfusion Upgrade with four,
eight or sixteen channels for:
• Faster switching • Steady ow-rate
• Microliter ne delivery • Microinjecting
• Small diameter pipette delivery
The package can be added to any
new or existing perfusion rig from AutoMate Scientic, any
third-party manufacturer, or even
homemade. Connect to house
air, tank, or compressor (30 to 100
psi). Precision regulator delivers
zero to 10 psi to pressurized
syringe reservoirs.
Part #09-04 4-channel
Part #09-08 8-channel
Part #09-16 16-channel
For Single-cell or Whole-cell Superfusion
Perfusion Pencil
®
Multi-Barrel Manifold Tip
4-16 micro-bore tubes into 1 outow
• Rapid solution change with micro-liter
dead volume. No piezo or stepper
motor translation. No clumsy
rotating valves.
• Single-cell and patch delivery.
For mounting on any
micromanipulator.
• 100, 250 & 360µm
removable tips
available
ThermoClamp™-1 Temperature Control System
• Combination inline heater plus multi-channel focal drug delivery
maintain bath temperature and rapid drug wash-out with a high-ow bath
line while quickly switching 4-8 preheated solutions through the Perfusion
Pencil.® Maintain steady 37°C at 5ml/minute ow rates through both the
bath line and tip.
• Advanced auto-tuning temperature lock
Fuzzy logic PID software maintains chamber or reagent temperature
to within 1°C of setpoint or better. The ThermoClamp calibrates
its own tuning for ideal temperature control - no need to guess
“loop speed” settings.
• Designed for physiology research
No metal anywhere in the ow path - unlike some competitors. Low noise
for electrophysiology with internal and external grounding plus electrical
isolation between liquids and heating elements.
• Ready to use
Includes everything you need for heated perfusion: power
supply, temperature sensors, and inline heater with easy luer
lock tube connections.
Part #03-14-xxx ThermoClamp-1 Temperature Control System [4 Channel]
Part #03-18-xxx ThermoClamp-1 Temperature Control System [8 Channel]
Controller, heated Perfusion Pencil, removable tip & bath sensor
xxx = Specify removable tip i.d. size: 100, 250, or 360µm
7
6
To chamber
& vacuum
trap (8)
(2)
(3 & 4)
(6)
(5)
1) Assemble ringstand rod and base.
2) Attach valve unit.
3) Attach reservoir bracket(s).
4) Insert syringes with stopcocks.
5) Insert short pieces of
3
/16" i.d. tubing
over tops of drippers, then insert
over syringe ttings.
6) Attach dripper tubing to upper valve
barb. Cut as desired, but leave
long enough to move reservoirs.
7) Insert green clamps on pieces of
1
/16" tubing between bottom valve
barbs and manifold.
8) Connect manifold outow into
your perfusion chamber.
9) Plug numbered valve cables into
ValveLink8.2 ports.
(7) Green clamps
close to manifold
System Set-up Diagrams
Instructions on this page are for Economy perfusion systems, PTFE luer
lock valves, pressurized systems or pinch valve systems. Regular hose
barb PTFE perfusion systems please see the previous page. Luer lock
systems should also see the photo on page 5. Find additional photos and
diagrams of the pressure system on page 15.
(2)
(3)
(4)
1) Assemble ringstand base and rod.
2) Attach valve unit.
3) Insert syringes with stopcocks.
Pinch valves have no ttings.
Simply slide larger tubing over
small pinch valve tube above and
below the valves.
4) Connect tubing between bottom
valve tube and manifold.
5) Connect manifold outow into
your perfusion chamber.
6) Plug numbered valve cables into
ValveLink8.2 ports.
Pinch Valve, Pressurized and Luer-Lock Perfusion Systems
Standard PTFE
Perfusion System
(without pressure)
Also see the "Installation Tips"
section on the next page.
Drippers are NOT included
with these systems because the
syringes are inserted directly into
valves.
Pressurized systems - no room for
drippers and may interfere with
pressure in tubes. Use provided
male luer locks to connect tubing
above each valve.
Roller "thumb" clamps
can be used here
(1)
(1)
(5) To perfusion chamber
and vacuum trap
9
8
Valves
Adjust flow rate by height of syringe reservoirs.
Watch flow rate in drip chambers
Adjust flow rate with thump clamp
Inflow manifold
Ground
electrode
slots
Suction tube
Flow rate
adjustment
screw
Good liquid level
BAD!
GOOD
May suck chamber dry,
but may stop oscillations.
Caution:
Suction tube well:
Cover and ground
suction tube with
aluminum foil
to minimize noise
As long as these tubes are prefilled (primed)
with solution, then opening valves upstream
starts liquid flowing inside the manifold here.
Perfusion Cheat Sheet
Your perfusion system may not include optional drip chambers, thumb
clamps or the Petri dish chamber, but these hints from Woods Hole
may still help.
Installation Tips
• Flow rate is adjusted by the relative height of reservoirs and manifold
ow regulator plus optional air pressure.
• Leave the tubing between the reservoirs and valves long enough to raise
and lower the reservoirs.
• Unused lines should be replaced with plugs on manifold, or temporarily
clamped-o just above manifold to avoid back bleeding into empty lines.
They MUST also be lled with solution.
• Priming one line at a time reduces bubbles.
• Connect your vacuum trap line directly to the outow of the manifold
for running cleaning solutions and drying your lines quickly.
• Determine dead volume from the manifold to prep by measuring time
and volume required to ush a colored liquid with a clear one. Calibrate
ow rates by running one line into a graduated cylinder for a xed
period of time.
• Filter solutions down to 5-10 microns when using PTFE or Lee valves.
• See more tips in the "Techniques" chapter later in this manual.
Bubbles and Degassing
Bubbles are often caused by outgassing. This is particularly true when
media is stored cold overnight and allowed to warm to room temperature
in the perfusion system tubing. Since warm liquids hold less gas, bubbles
will form in the tubing and valves as gas leaves the media. The best
solution is to pre-warm your solutions by at least 2-3 degrees above
room temperature even if you are adding gas (CO2, Carbogen, etc.) to
your reagents. If you are using an inline heater like the ThermoClamp,
it is a good idea to warm solutions 2-3 degrees above your inline heater
temperature to prevent bubbles from forming there. If possible, keep
the solutions in the reservoirs at this higher temperature all day using
reservoir heaters.
Degassing can also be facilitated by applying a slight vacuum to the
reservoirs, although this is not recommended if you are purposely gassing
your media.
11
10
Pinch Valve Tubing
Pinch valves have no ttings. Simply slide larger tubing over small pinch
valve tube above and below the valves. The tubing in each pinch valve
can be replaced for easy cleaning. It is 1/32" i.d. x 1/16" o.d. silicone tubing.
We have only found one type of tubing this size which works well in these
pinch valves. AutoMate Scientic sells this replacement tubing as part
#05-14. The tubing can be removed from the valves even when they are
closed. Remember that any liquid remaining in the tube may spill when it
is removed from the valve. New tubing can be installed while the valves
are closed, but it is much easier if they are opened/energized. If you are
concerned about the same piece of tubing being squeezed for long periods
of time, you can slide the silicone tubing up or down in the valve by a
few millimeters to expose a new section to the plunger. The same piece of
tubing can be used for years without fatigue.
Valve Care
Rinse PTFE valves every day. Do not get pinch valves wet. See sections
on Faulty Valves, Stuck Pinch Valves, Valve Cables, Replacing Valves and
Leaks in the "Techniques" chapter later in this manual.
Perfusion Pencil Flow Rates
360µm Removable Tips (reservoir height 40cm)
Gravity (full reservoir) 1.15ml/min +/- .04
2psi air pressure 3.98ml/min +/- .08
8psi air pressure 10.66ml/min +/- .27
250µm Removable Tips (reservoir height 40cm)
Gravity (empty reservoir) 0.35ml/min +/- .05
Gravity (full reservoir) 0.45ml/min +/- .05
2psi air pressure 1.66ml/min +/- .14
8psi air pressure 5.16ml/min +/- .04
100µm Removable Tips (reservoir height 40cm)
Gravity 0
2psi air pressure 0.07ml/min = 4.6ml/hour
8psi air pressure 0.25ml/min = 15ml/hour
PTFE Micro-manifold Use
To use the micro-manifold, you either need pinch valves or PTFE valves
equipped with 1/16" o.d. outow hose barbs. Micro-manifolds are shipped
with a short piece of 1/16" o.d. tubing in each hole (inputs and outow).
You can either connect the valves to manifold inports with a piece of 1/16"
i.d. tubing over both the valve barbs (or pinch tubing) and short pieces of
manifold tubing:
Valve with 1/16" o.d. barb or pinch tubing
v
1
/16" i.d. tubing over barb/pinch tube
and over manifold short tubing
v
Manifold with short pieces of 1/16" o.d. tubing in each port
... or, for even less dead volume, use a short piece of 1/16" i.d. tubing over
the valve barb (or pinch tubing), and piece of smaller 1/16" o.d. tubing
inserted inside the secondary tube and manifold ports (you may need to
supply extra small PE-160 or PTFE tubing for this option):
Valve with 1/16" o.d. barb or pinch tubing
v
Short piece of 1/16" i.d. tubing over valve barb/pinch
v
Small diameter 1/16" o.d. tubing inserted inside valve tube
and inserted inside manifold ports
v
Manifold without connector tubing. 1/16" holes.
Cutting the tubing at an angle and wetting it will make insertion easier.
Cutting the tubing square, however, will minimize dead volume when
inserted as far as possible into the manifold – being careful not block at the
point of convergence. Remember to keep all tubing as short as possible.
Use the provided Allen wrench and small screw near the manifold outow
to adjust ow rate. AutoMate Scientic now sells small PTFE manifold
'stoppers' for plugging unused manifold ports as part #05-05 for a set of
four.
13
12
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