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CHE
F Cooling Module
Instruction Manual
Catalog #1703654
#1703655
#1703688
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Bio-Rad Technical Support Department
The Bio-Rad Technical Support department in the U.S. is open Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 5:00
PM, Pacific time.
Phone: 1-800-424-6723, option 2
Email: Support@bio-rad.com (U.S./Canada Only)
For technical assistance outside the U.S. and Canada, contact your local technical support office or click
the Contact us link at www.bio-rad.com.
Notice
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without
permission in writing from Bio-Rad.
Bio-Rad reserves the right to modify its products and services at any time. This guide is subject to change
without notice. Although prepared to ensure accuracy, Bio-Rad assumes no liability for errors or
omissions, or for any damage resulting from the application or use of this information.
BIO-RAD, CHEF-DR, and CHEF-MAPPER are trademarks of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. in certain
jurisdictions.
All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owner.
Copyright © 2021 by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Revision History
Document Date Description of Change
CHEF Cooling Module
Instruction Manual
(Doc #: INST-222)
April 2021 Added Environment Requirements table
Instruction Manual | iii
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Revision History
iv | CHEF Cooling Module
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Table of Contents
Revision History iii
Warranty 7
Section 1 8
General Information 8
Section 2 9
Environment Requirements 9
Cooling Module Instrument Specifications 10
Section 3 11
Safety Information 11
Definition of Symbols 11
Section 4 12
Maintenance 12
Section 5 12
General Instructions 12
Section 6 16
Troubleshooting Guide 16
Section 7 17
Main Switch Fuse Check 17
Instruction Manual | v
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Table of Contents
vi | CHEF Cooling Module
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Warranty
Bio-Rad’s CHEF Cooling Module is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 1
year. If any defects occur in the instrument during this warranty period, Bio-Rad will repair or replace
the defective parts free. The following defects are specifically excluded:
1. Defects caused by improper operation.
2. Repair or modification performed by anyone other than a Bio-Rad support specialist or authorized
agent.
3. Use of fittings or spare parts supplied by anyone other than a Bio-Rad support specialist or
authorized agent.
4. Damage caused by accident or misuse.
5. Corrosion caused by improper buffer or solvent.
The following components are not covered under warranty:
1. Fuses
2. Tubing
For any inquiry or request for repair service, contact Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Inform Bio-Rad of the
model and serial number of your instrument.
Note: This Bio-Rad instrument is designed for laboratory use only and is certified to meet
IEC/UL/EN-61010 safety standards. Operation of this product is subject to the condition that no
harmful radio interference is caused and that any interference must be accepted. Certified
products are safe to use when operated in accordance with the instruction manual. This
instrument should not be modified or altered in any way. Alteration of this instrument will
n Void the warranty
n Void the IEC/UL/EN-61010 certification, and
n Create a potential safety hazard
Bio-Rad is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by use of this instrument for purposes
other than those for which it is intended or by modifications of the instrument not performed by
Bio-Rad or an authorized agent.
* EN61010-1 is an internationally accepted electrical safety standard for laboratory instruments.
Instruction Manual | 7
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Section 1
Section 1
General Information
The CHEF Cooling Module (known in this manual as the Cooling Module) has been specifically
designed as a standalone, portable refrigerated apparatus for use with the CHEF-DR II, CHEF-DR III,
GenePath, and CHEF-MAPPER pulsed-field instruments. Electrophoresis buffer is circulated from the
electrophoresis chamber by the variable speed pump, cooled directly by the liquid refrigerant in a heat
exchanger within the Cooling Module, and returned to the electrophoresis chamber. The heat
exchanger is electrically isolated from the chassis, compressor, and plumbing to eliminate electrical
shock hazard.
The Cooling Module maintains a constant buffer temperature typically within 1°C of the set
temperature (after stabilization) in an operating range of 5–25°C for a total buffer capacity of 2.2 liters
at a flow rate of 1.0 liter/min. Maximum buffer cooling capacity is 75 watts (255 BTU) of input power at
a set temperature of 14°C.
Fig. 1: Cooling Module. A. Main power switch. B. FLOW IN port. C. FLOW OUT port. D. Control
panel. E. Electrophoresis chamber internal temperature probe port and fuse (back of unit).
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Section 2
Environment Requirements
The Cooling Module has been designed to be safely operated under the environmental conditions
listed in the following table.
Table 1. Cooling Module environment requirements
Parameter Specification
Installation site Indoor use only
Operating altitude <2,000 m
Operating temperature 5 to 25°C
Cooling rate (pre-cool) 0.75°C/min from ambient to 14°C
Environment Requirements
59 to 87.8°F
Cooling capacity (input power) 75 W at 14°C
Relative humidity 20-80% non-condensing
Operating power 90–132 VAC/47–63 Hz/4 amps
198–264 V AC/47–63 Hz/2 amps
MAINS supply voltage fluctuations ±10%
Maximum power usage <850 watts
Fuses 6.3 amp Slo-Blo (100/120 V) or
3.15 amp Slo-Blo (220/240 V)
Overvoltage category II
Pollution degree 2
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Section 2
Cooling Module Instrument Specifications
Table 2 lists the specifications for the Cooling Module.
Table 2. Cooling Module instrument specifications
Parameter Specification
Chassis Aluminum
Dimensions
n L: 42 cm; 17 i n
n W: 23 cm; 9 in
n H: 24 cm; 9.5 in
Weight 14 kg; 30 lb
Compressor 1/12 HP
Refrigerant CFC 12
Heat exchanger Stainless steel
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
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Section 3
Safety Information
The Cooling Module is operated in conjunction with an electrophoresis apparatus connected to a high
voltage power supply. Although those components of the Cooling Module which are in contact with
the electrically charged buffer are electrically isolated, certain precautions should be taken to
eliminate electric shock hazard.
1. The power supply should be off when connecting or disconnecting tubing.
2. The tubing must be firmly seated against the rubber grommets on the “FLOW IN” and “FLOW
OUT” ports to prevent accidental contact with the metal tubing of the heat exchanger.
3. The safety interlock of the electrophoresis chamber lid should never be bypassed to permit
operation of the instrument without the lid.
Definition of Symbols
Safety Information
Caution, risk of electric shock
Caution (refer to accompanying documents)
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
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Section 4
Section 4
Maintenance
When the Cooling Module will not be used for an extended time, rinse the heat exchanger thoroughly
with distilled water to remove all traces of electrophoresis buffer. Drain the residual water from the
heat exchanger, and dry it with laboratory air.
Section 5
General Instructions
Installation
The Cooling Module is supplied with 2 two-foot lengths of 1/4" tubing, two 1/4" tubing clamps, and two
3/8" to 1/4" reducers.
To prepare the Cooling Module for installation
1. Attach one of the two-foot lengths of 1/4" flexible tubing to the “FLOW IN” port (Figure 1B) and
attach the other length to the “FLOW OUT” port (Figure 1C) of the Cooling Module.
Be sure that the tubing is firmly seated against the rubber grommet to prevent accidental contact
with the metal heat exchanger, and avoid putting undue stress on the ports. If the tubing ever
needs to be removed, slit the tubing with a sharp knife or razor blade, rather than pulling it off.
2. Secure one 1/4" clamp onto the end of each length of tubing attached to the Cooling Module. The
clamp must be secure to prevent air leakage into the buffer circulation system.
3. Insert one 3/8" to 1/4" reducer into the other end of the “FLOW IN” tubing.
To add the Cooling Module to the CHEF buffer circulation system
1. Attach the buffer inflow tube (3/8" tube from the left front connector of the electrophoresis
chamber) to the reducer on the end of the tubing attached to the “FLOW IN” port.
The maximum total recommended length of tubing from the chamber connector to the “FLOW IN”
port is 4 feet.
2. Attach the length of tubing from the “FLOW OUT” port of the Cooling Module to the inflow port of
the recirculating pump.
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General Instructions
3. The maximum total recommended length of tubing from the outflow port of the recirculating pump
to the electrophoresis chamber is 4 feet. Cooling capacity and efficiency will increase if shorter
overall lengths of tubing are used.
This configuration is recommended (as compared to having the buffer flow through the pump first into
the Cooling Module) for the following reason:
Residual buffer (from a previous run) can freeze in the heat exchanger of the Cooling Module if it is
turned on, but the recirculating pump is not. This frozen buffer will block the flow of buffer from the
pump to the Cooling Module, and may cause the tubing between the pump and Cooling Module to
come loose or burst. This could result in leakage of gel buffer from the system. In the recommended
configuration, no buffer will be drawn into the pump if a blockage occurs.
Fig. 2: Schematic diagram of Cooling Module installation in CHEF-DR II, CHEF-DR III, GenePath or
CHEF-MAPPER system.
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Section 5
Electrophoresis Chamber Internal Temperature Probe
The internal temperature probe monitors buffer temperature in the electrophoresis chamber. If the
electrophoresis cell’s internal temperature probe is connected to the Cooling Module, buffer
temperature will be automatically monitored at the cell’s internal probe. There is a 9-pin connector on
the back of the Cooling Module for the cell’s internal temperature probe. Buffer temperature is also
automatically monitored at the “FLOW OUT” port (Fig. 1 on page 8) of the Cooling Module by its own
internal temperature sensor.
Operation
After the Cooling Module has been connected, the following steps should be followed for optimal
operation.
To operate the Cooling Module
1. Switch on the recirculating pump, and adjust flow rate to 1.0 liter/min (setting of 70–80).
2. Switch on the Cooling Module (main power switch is on the front panel of the unit). The
temperature display will read “14.0” after ten beeps, indicating that the unit is on (Fig. 3 on page
15), and the red light above the “SET TEMP” button will illuminate (Figure 3B).
3. Enter the desired run temperature (14°C is recommended) by pressing the “LOWER” or “RAISE”
button (Figure 3F) until the desired number is reached.
4. After 100 sec have elapsed, the compressor will engage (if the set temperature is below ambient
temperature), and the red light above “COOLING” will illuminate (Figure 3D). This 100 sec delay
allows pressure equalization in the system to avoid mechanical damage.
5. Press the “ACTUAL TEMP” button (the red light above the button will illuminate; Figure 3C) to
read the current temperature monitored at the internal temperature probe (located in the “FLOW
OUT” port), or at the Cell’s internal temperature probe (if connected).
6. After the Cooling Module has cooled the buffer to the desired set temperature, the “COOLING”
light will occasionally go on and off accompanied by a click. This is an indication of the refrigerant
bypass valve cycling on and off to maintain average buffer temperature within 1°C of set
temperature. Greater temperature fluctuations may occur with longer tubing length, low buffer flow
rates, and/or high amounts of input power and high ambient temperatures. However, the built-in
adaptive algorithm will compensate for these conditions so that the average temperature is
typically within 1°C.
Note: Please allow sufficient room for ventilation at both the front and rear of the unit. The cooling
fan is located in the rear.
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General Instructions
Fig. 3: Control panel of Cooling Module. A. Digital display (3 numerical places plus decimal point).
B. Temperature set button and indicator light C. Actual temperature button and indicator light. D.
Compressor running light. E. Raise button. F. Lower button.
Bio-Rad recommends that the buffer in the system be pre-cooled to the desired run temperature. The
Cooling Module can quickly pre-cool the system, at an approximate rate of 0.75°C/min in the absence
of input power to the recommended operating temperature of 14°C (to pre-cool from ambient
temperature to 14°C only takes 10–15 min), and is designed to maintain set temperature during the
run. If the buffer is not pre-cooled, the presence of input power (from the electrophoresis power
supply) will greatly increase the time required to bring the system to the set temperature.
Note: The 0.75°C/min pre-cooling rate decreases for set temperatures lower than 14°C.
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Section 6
Section 6
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Solution
No power
n Check fuse in main power switch on back panel of unit (see Section
7 on page 17)
n Fuse in main power switch OK; contact Bio-Rad Technical Support
Power on, compressor not
running
No or low buffer flow
Insufficient cooling
Unusual noise or vibration
Small pool of liquid under
Cooling Module
n Reset timer
n Temperature set too high; lower setting
n Still in 100 sec delay period
n Check tubing for kinks
n Pump flow rate too low
n Frozen buffer in head exchanger; turn pump on; raise set temperature
above ambient until buffer flow resumes, then lower set temperature
to desired setting
n Pre-cool buffer to set temperature prior to beginning gel run
n Buffer concentration too high
n Buffer flow rate too high
n Electrophoresis or buffer flow conditions outside design range limits
n Frozen buffer in head exchanger in variable speed pump, see above
n Air leak from loose tubing connection
n Frost may form on heat exchanger under certain operating conditions
resulting in small amounts of water following Cooling Module
shutdown
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Section 7
Main Switch Fuse Check
To check the main fuses
1. Turn the unit around so that the back of the unit is facing forward, and locate the black plastic
assembly containing the power cord receptacle on the lower left corner.
2. Turn the unit off and remove the main power cord from the receptacle (grasp the female plug, not
the cord, and pull gently).
3. Insert a small-bladed flat screwdriver into the narrow slot at the top and twist firmly. This slot can
be seen from above when looking down at the main power cord receptacle. The front cover will
open revealing two light gray fuse holders.
4. Using the screwdriver, gently pull the fuse holders forward (out). Remove the fuse from the holder
and examine. If the fuse is obviously burned, replace it with a 6.3 Amp, 250 V Slo-Blo fuse
(100/120 V) or 3.15 Amp, 250 V Slo-Blo fuse (220/240 V). Otherwise, check the fuse with a
volt-ohmmeter.
Main Switch Fuse Check
5. Place the fuse holders back into the slots such that the arrows on the fuse holders points in the
same direction as the two arrows on the inside of the front cover. Press the fuse holders firmly into
place, then close the front cover by pressing firmly at the top corners.
6. Replace the power cord. The unit is now ready for operation. If the unit still does not turn on, or the
fuse burns again, please contact Bio-Rad Technical Support.
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Section 7
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