583 Gel Drying Supports
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MODEL 583 GEL DRYER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Catalog Numbers
165-1745
165-1746
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety ................................................................................................................................................... i
Section 1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Features ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Physical Description ....................................................................................................... 2
Section 2.0 Set up and Basic Operation ........................................................................................ 4
2.1 Set up ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Operation........................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Determining If your gel is Dry......................................................................................... 6
Section 3.0 Gel Preparation Techniques ........................................................................................ 7
Section 4.0 Suggested Drying Times ............................................................................................. 11
Section 5.0 Maintenance and Troubleshooting.............................................................................. 12
5.1 Routine Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Troubleshooting Guide.................................................................................................... 12
Appendix A. Vacuum Source Options .............................................................................................. 16
A.1 Vacuum Source Requirements....................................................................................... 16
A.2 Types of Vacuum Pumps ................................................................................................ 16
Appendix B. Specifications ............................................................................................................... 17
Appendix C. Warranty and Ordering Information............................................................................ 18
Figures
1. Model 583 Gel Dryer ...................................................................................................................... 1
2. Rear View of the Gel Dryer ............................................................................................................ 4
3. Arrangement for Drying Gels.......................................................................................................... 7
Tables
1. Physical Features ........................................................................................................................... 2
2. Gel Dryer Set Up ............................................................................................................................ 4
3. Gel Dryer Operation ....................................................................................................................... 5
4. Drying Gels..................................................................................................................................... 8
5. Suggested Drying Times for Single Percentage Gels .................................................................... 11
6. Troubleshooting Guide.................................................................................................................... 13
Table of Contents
i
Safety
SAFETY
Caution/Warning
Disconnect the Gel Dryer before servicing. No user-serviceable parts are
inside. Refer servicing to Bio-Rad service personnel.
This instrument is intended for laboratory use only.
This product conforms to the “Class A” standards for electromagnetic emissions intended for laboratory
equipment applications. It is possible that emissions from this product may interfere with some sensitive
appliances when placed nearby or in the same circuit as those appliances. The user should be aware of this
potential and take appropriate measures to avoid interference.
The Bio-Rad Model 583 Gel Dryer (220/240 V AC) is designed and certified to meet EN 61010-1* and CE*
safety standards. 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 void the
manufacturer’s warranty, void the EN 61010-1* and CE certification, and create a potential safety hazard for
the user.
Bio-Rad is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by the use of this instrument for purposes other
than for which it is intended or by modifications of the instrument not performed by Bio-Rad or an authorized
agent.
*EN 61010-1 and CE are
internationally accepted electrical safety standard
s for laboratory instruments.
!
1
Introduction
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Model 583 Gel Dryer is designed to dry sequencing and protein gels fast! With three pre-programmed
drying cycles, the Model 583 provides optimal drying conditions for different types of gels. The exclusive
design incorporates a floating heating element in the lid, to heat the gel from the top, while the vacuum pulls
gel liquids from the bottom.
Figure 1. Model 583 Gel Dryer
1.1 FEATURES
The Model 583 Gel Dryer has the following features:
• Drying cycles are user programmable for greater flexibility and repeatability
• Microprocessor controlled temperature
• Gels can be viewed at any time during the drying cycle
• Heat and vacuum pressure are evenly distributed across the gel
• The dryer automatically seals when the lid is closed
MODEL 583
GEL DRYER
2
Introduction
1.2 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Table 1.
Physical Features
Feature Description
1. Dryer Control Panel The front panel controls are used to program drying cycles.
The panel’s display shows dryer temperature or the amount of time left in the
cycle.
Three different pre-programmed cycles optimize drying of gradient, sequencing, and PAGE gels. Drying cycle parameters are maintained in memory as
long as the gel dryer power is left on. To select a cycle, press the key twice,
and then use the Raise and Lower keys to scroll through the cycles.
PAG E: The dryer temperature is raised to 80° C (its default value) and that
temperature is held throughout the drying cycle.
Sequencing: The dryer temperature is raised to 80° C (its default value) then
slowly lowered at the rate of 1° C/min., until the set temperature is reached.
Gradient: The temperature is raised 1° C/min. until the dryer reaches 80° C
(its default value). Slow heating reduces stress created by a rapid rise in temperature at the gel surface.
4
3
MODEL 583
GEL DRYER
1
CYCLE
2
3
Introduction
Table 1 (continued)
Physical Features
Feature Description
TEMP: Drying temperatures can be set between 50° C and 90° C. To set a
drying temperature, press this key twice, and then press the RAISE and
LOWER keys to select the desired temperature.
TIME: Drying time can be set between 5 minutes and 9 hours 55 minutes. To
set a drying time, press the key twice, and then use the RAISE and LOWER
keys to select the desired time.
START/STOP: Starts and Stops the drying process.
RAISE: Use this key to select cycles, temperature, and time.
LOWER: Use this key to select cycles, temperature, and time.
2. Gel Support The porous Gel Support ensures evenly distributed vacuum pressure.
3. Sealing Gasket The transparent Sealing Gasket allows gels to be viewed at any time during
the drying cycle without disturbing the vacuum seal. To remove the Sealing
Gasket for cleaning or replacement, pull up the plastic strip running along the
left edge of the Sealing Gasket.
4. Heater Element Gels are heated by an element suspended from the lid. The floating element
provides equal contact across the gel, producing even heating over the entire
surface. Temperature fluctuations are minimized by continuous microprocessor control of dryer temperature.
TEMP
TIME
START
STOP
RAISE
LOWER
4
Set Up and Operation
2.0 SET UP AND BASIC OPERATION
2.1 SET UP
Table 2 discusses the electrical and vacuum connections required for the Model 583 Gel Dryer and a vacuum pump. Refer to the vacuum pump instruction manual for complete instructions on pump set-up.
Note
Always use vacuum grade tubing. Vacuum tubing is generally thick-walled to
prevent collapse. Minimize tubing lengths whenever possible to achieve the
best drying efficiency.
Figure 2. Rear View of the Gel Dryer
Table 2
Gel Dryer Set Up
Step Procedure
1. Connect the tubing from the
Gel Dryer to the vacuum source.
2. Plug the dryer into the A.C. outlet.
Description
Leave 15 cm of space between the rear of the gel
dryer and the wall. This distance prevents the vacuum tubing from crimping.
If you are using Bio-Rad’s HydroTech Vacuum Pump,
connect the tubing directly to the pump’s vacuum line
using the barbed connector shipped with the Model
583 Gel Dryer.
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