Bio-Rad Peelable Foil Heat Seal User Manual

™

PX1

Instruction Manual

Catalog #181-4000

PCR Plate Sealer

Bio-Rad Technical Support

For help and technical advice, please contact the Bio-Rad Technical Support
department. In the United States, the Technical Support department is open
Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM–5:00 PM, Pacific time.

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] (for U.S. and international customers)

Online technical support and worldwide contact information are available at
www.consult.bio-rad.com.

Legal Notices

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 Laboratories.

Bio-Rad reserves the right to modify its products and services at any time. This
instruction manual is subject to change without notice.

Although prepared to ensure accuracy, Bio-Rad assumes no liability for errors or for
any damages resulting from the application or use of this information.

Veriti, StepOne, and StepOnePlus are trademarks of the Applera Corporation.
Mastercycler is a trademark of Eppendorf AG. (Agilent) Mx series is a trademark of
the Stratagene Corporation. LightCycler is a trademark of Roche Diagnostics GmbH.
LightScanner is a trademark of Idaho Technology, Inc.

Copyright ©2012 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Reproduction in any form, either print or electronic, is prohibited
without written permission of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Excel is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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Bio-Rad Laboratories Resources

Table 1. Bio-Rad res ources and instructions on how to locate w hat you ne ed.

Resource How to Contact

Local Bio-Rad Laboratories Find local information and contacts on the Bio-Rad Laboratories website
representatives by selecting your country on the Home page (www.bio-rad.com).
Find the nearest international office listed on the back of this manual

Technical note s and literature Go to the Bio-Rad Laboratories website (www.bio-rad.com). Type a

Technical specialists Bio-Rad Laboratories Technical Support scientists provide our customers

term in the Search box and select Documents to find links to technical
notes, manuals, and other literature

with practical advice and expert solutions. To find local Technical Support
on the phone, contact your nearest Bio-Rad Laboratories office. For
Technical Support in the United States and Canada, call 1-800-424­6723 (toll-free phone), and select the Technical Support option

Writing Conventions and Warning Labels

The writing conventions and warning labels used for the PX1™ PCR instrument and its instruction
manual are shown in Table 2. On the instrument, they are used to identify hazards or potentially
hazardous situations; in the manual, they point out impor tant information that the reader nee ds to know
or might find useful.

Table 2. Information identifiers for the instrument and manual.

Identifier Meaning

Tip: Provides helpful instructions, including information explained in further detail elsewhere in

Note: Provides important information, including information explained in further detail elsewhere in

WARN ING! Explains crucial information about a topic that may lead to injury to the user, instrument

Tou ch X Touch X using your finger. For example, touch the SEAL button means use your finger to

this manual.

this manual.

damage, data loss, or the prevention thereof.

touch the SEAL button on the screen.

Caution: See manual! — this icon is placed on or near instrument features that can be

hazardous if improperly handled. It indicates that the manual contains information pertaining
to the hazard and any actions necessary to avoid it. It also identifies warnings in the manual
regarding general hazards and any preventive actions necessary.

Caution: Shock Hazard! — this icon is placed near components or features of the instrument

that present an electrical shock hazard. It is also used in the manual to identify warnings
regarding shock hazards and any actions necessary to prevent harm.

Caution: Hot Surface! — this icon is placed on or near surfaces of the instrument that can

reach temperatures high enough to cause serious injury or damage. It is also used in this
manual to identify warnings regarding hot surface hazards and any preventive actions necessary.

Safety Considerations

Th e PX1™ PCR Plate Sealer has been designed as an easy-to-use instrument for sealing PCR plates.
This instrument applies heat and pressure to the sealing film and plate to create an effective seal that
retains its integrit y during thermal cycling. All users of this instrument are encouraged to read and follow
the safet y and operating instructions contained in this manual.

Table 3. Co nditi ons for safe use of the PX1 PCR plate sealer.

Usage Aspect Conditions for Safe Use

Rated input power 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz,

840 W max

Overvoltage category II

Environment Indoor use only

Temperature 18–31°C

Usage Aspect Conditions for Safe Use

Relative humidity Up to 80% (noncondensing)

Altitude Up to 2,000 meter s above

sea level

Pollution degree 2

Replacement fuses 8 A, 250 V, 5 x 20 mm,

Fast Blow (qt y 2)

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Only qualified laboratory personnel trained in the safe use of electrical equipment should operate this
instrument. Always ha ndle all components of the system with care and with clean, dry hands.

WARNING! The use of this instrument in a manner contrary to the instructions provided, or for

purposes other than those for which it is intended, may impair the safety protections afforded
by the equipment. Additionally, changes or modif ications to this instrument by anyone other
than Bio-Rad Laboratories or an authorized agent may cause its safety protection features to
malfunction. Bio-Rad Laboratories is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by such
use or modification of the instrument.

WARNING! Do not attempt to repair the PX1 PCR plate sealer or remove its outer case.

There are no user ser viceable components or adjustments inside the instrument. Opening the
instrument voids all warrantie s. Contact Bio-Rad Laboratories if you feel your instrument needs
service or repair.

WARNING! Use only power cords, accessories, and consumables authorized by Bio-Rad

Laboratories for use with this instrument. The use of nonapproved power cords, accessories, or
consumables may void the instrument warranty and can create a hazardous situation. Contact
Bio-Rad Laboratories for information on authorized power cords, accessories, consumables,
and their replacement.

WARNING! The surfaces inside the instrument drawer are ex tremely hot when the instrument is

operating and will stay hot for up to one hour after the instrument is turned off. Do not put your
hand or other body par ts inside the unit while it is hot. Do not put any unauthorized objects in
the instrument drawer.

WARNING! Know your materials. The PX1 PCR Plate Sealer uses heat and pressure to seal the

plate and sealing film together. Some sample materials may be inappropriate for a heat sealing
proces s. For example, materials that are highly volatile or have low flash points may be at risk of
exploding or igniting during the sealing process.

WARNING! Risk of splashing. Always wear appropriate protection against splashing. The

PX1 PCR Plate Sealer uses heat to fuse the plate and sealing film together. Expansion of air and
materials sealed in the sample plate could cause the seal or sealing film to rupture, dispersing
the sample material in and around the instrument. This is especially true if the plate is jammed,
stuck, or left in the sealing bay for an extended time.

WARNING! The plate, sealing film, plate support block, and sealing frame may be hot after

a sealing cycle or if left in the instrument for an extended period of time. A llow the plate and
accessories to cool before handling.

WARNING! The display panel is made of glass and contains a liquid crystal substance. If the

display is damaged, the glass can break into shards and the liquid crystal substance may leak
out. The glass shards are sharp and can cut skin or other soft materials. The liquid crystal
substance is toxic. Do not allow glass shards or liquid crystal substance to get in your mouth or
eyes. If the substance comes in contact with your skin or clothe s, wash it off thoroughly using
soap and water. Contact Bio-Rad Laboratories for further instructions and to arrange to have
your instrument repaired.

Regulatory Compliance

This instrument has been tested and found to be in compliance with all applicable requirements of the
following safety standards:

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IEC 61010 -1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory

use — Part 1: General requirements

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IEC 61010-2-010 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory

use — Part 2-010: Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of material

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CAN/CSA- C22 .2 NO. 61010-1- 04 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,

Control, and Laboratory Use — Part 1: General Requirements

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CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 61010-2-010-04 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for

Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use — Part 2-010: Particular Requirements for Laboratory
Equipment for the Heating of Materials

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EN 61010 -1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and

laboratory use — Part 1: General requirements

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EN 61010 -1:2011 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and

laboratory use — Part 1: General requirements

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EN 61010-2-010:2003 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and

laboratory use — Part 2-010: Particular requirements for laboratory equipment for the heating of material

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UL 61010 -1:2004 (R200 8) Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control,

and Laboratory Use — Part 1: General Requirements

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UL 61010 A-2-010 :20 02 Standard for Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use — Part 2: Particular

Requirements for Laboratory Equipment for the Heating of Material

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

This instrument has been tested and found to be in compliance with all applicable requirements of the
following electromagnetic compatibility standards:

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IEC 61326-1:2005 Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use — EMC

Requirements, Class A

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EN 61326-1:2006 Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use — EMC

Requirements, Class A

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FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Sections 15.107 and 15.109 as a Class A digital device

EMC Notices

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Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by Bio-Rad Laboratories

could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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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 radiofrequency 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 inter ference at his own expense.

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Note regarding FCC EMC compliance: Although this instrument has been tested and found to

comply with Part 15, Subpart B of the FCC Rules for a Class A digital device, please note that this
compliance is voluntary, as the instrument qualifies as an “exempted device” under 47 CFR 15.103(c),
in regard to the cited FCC regulations in effect at the time of manufacture.

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Note regarding Canadian EMC compliance: Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits

radioelectrique depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de class A prescrites dans le
reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.

Warranty

The PX1 PCR plate sealer and associated accessories are covered by a standard Bio-Rad warranty.
Contact your local Bio-Rad Laboratories office for details of the warranty.

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Table of Contents

Bio-Rad Laboratories Resources .......................................................................ii

Writing Conventions and Warning Labels ...........................................................ii

Safety Considerations ........................................................................................ii

Regulatory Compliance ..................................................................................... iii

Warranty ..........................................................................................................iv

Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................... 2

Unpacking the PX1

Instrument Overview ......................................................................................... 2

Setting Up the System ...................................................................................... 3

Chapter 2: Using the PX1 PCR Plate Sealer ...................................................... 4

Home Screen Overview .................................................................................... 4

Basic Sealing Instructions .................................................................................4

Optimizing Heat Sealing .................................................................................... 6

Storing and Using Sealing Protocols ................................................................. 7

Set Auto Shutdown ........................................................................................... 7

Chapter 3: PX1 PCR Plate Sealer Maintenance ................................................ 8

Cleaning Outer Instrument Parts ....................................................................... 8

Cleaning the Platen ...........................................................................................8

Cleaning the Drawer ..........................................................................................9

Removing the Drawer ........................................................................................ 9

Replacing the Drawer ........................................................................................ 9

™

.......................................................................................... 2

Chapter 4: Error Messages and Replacing Fuses .......................................... 10

Error Messages ............................................................................................... 10

Replacing Fuses .............................................................................................. 12

Chapter 5: Compatible PCR Plastics and Heat Seals .................................... 13

Heat Sealing Film Comparison Chart .............................................................. 13

Sealing Guidelines for Heat Seals ................................................................... 13

Selection Guide for Compatible PCR Plastics ................................................. 14

Ordering Information ......................................................................................... 16

1

Chapter 1 — Introduction

1

Introduction

The Bio-Rad® PX1™ PCR plate sealer is designed to deliver consistent and reliable
microplate sealing that withstands the stresses of thermal cycling. The PX1 virtually
eliminates sample evaporation from the PCR experimental workflow.

Unpacking the PX1

The PX1 PCR plate sealer includes the following components:

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PX1 PCR plate sealer instrument

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Plate support block

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Sealing frame

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PX1 instruction manual

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Power cord

Remove all packing materials and store them for future use. If any items are missing
or damaged, contact your local Bio-Rad office.

Instrument Overview

Front panel (Figure 1) — the front panel
of the PX1 PCR plate sealer includes the
following components:

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Touch screen user interface — consisting

of a full color screen for complete control of

LED status
light

Touch screen

Motorized
drawer

PX1 functions

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Motorized drawer — used to insert the

plate and seal

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LED light — indicates instrument status.

Fig. 1. Front panel.

Green indicates the instrument is either
actively heating or maintaining a set
temperature. Orange indicates the
instrument has automatically shut down
after a user-programmable amount of time

Back panel (Figure 2) — the back panel of
the PX1 PCR plate sealer includes the
following components:

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Ventilation slots

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Fuse drawer

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Power switch

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Power connection

2

Fig. 2. Back panel.

Ventilation
slots

Fuse drawer

Power switch

Power
connection