Gilson 215 User Manual
Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler
User's Guide
LT2545/©2003 Gilson, Inc. All rights reserved
April 2003
Table of Contents
Declaration of Conformity
1 Introduction
Safety Precautions ...............................................................1-1
Description............................................................................1-2
Unpacking.............................................................................1-3
Standard Equipment ....................................................1-4
Accessories .....................................................................1-4
Customer Service ................................................................. 1- 5
Technical Specifications .....................................................1-6
2 Installation
Locator Plate Installation ...................................................2-2
Armlock Removal ................................................................ 2- 3
Z-Arm Installation...............................................................2-4
Installing the Z-Arm Cable Support Rod ................. 2 -5
Probe Installation ................................................................. 2 -6
Installing the Probe Guide Inserts.............................. 2 - 6
Installing the Probes .....................................................2 - 6
Plumbing Connections ........................................................2-7
Transfer Tubing Installation ....................................... 2 -7
Installing the Level Sensing Cables............................2 - 8
Rinse Station and Drain Waste Tubing Installation.. . 2 - 9
Rack Setup ............................................................................ 2-11
Code 200-Series and Code 500-Series Racks ...........2-11
Code 200-Series and Code 20-Series or
Code 30-Series Racks .................................................... 2-12
Only Code 20-Series or Code 30-Series Racks......... 2-13
Final Z-Arm Adjustment ................................................... 2-14
Electrical Connections ........................................................ 2-16
Rear Panel.......................................................................2-16
Input/Output Ports...................................................... 2-17
RS-232 Port .....................................................................2-19
GSIOC Port ..................................................................... 2-20
Unit ID and Baud Rate/Mode Selection .................. 2-21
Fuses ................................................................................2-23
Power Cord Connection .............................................. 2-24
3 Operation
Front Panel ............................................................................ 3 -2
Start Button ....................................................................3-2
Stop Button .....................................................................3-2
LED Display ................................................................... 3 -2
Power Indicator Light .................................................. 3 -2
Start Up .................................................................................3-3
Running Programs ..............................................................3-4
Configuring the Liquid Handler....................................... 3 - 5
About...............................................................................3-6
Pump Type .....................................................................3 -7
Syringe Options ............................................................. 3 -7
Rinse Site.........................................................................3 - 8
Liquid Detector..............................................................3 -9
Adjust XY ....................................................................... 3-10
Z Height ..........................................................................3-12
Home Phase ....................................................................3-13
Safety Contact ...............................................................3-14
Bearing Life ....................................................................3-14
Sound and Display ....................................................... 3-15
Emergency Contact ...................................................... 3-15
Testing the Liquid Handler's Contacts ............................3-16
4 Maintenance
Helpful Hints ........................................................................4-2
Cleaning ................................................................................4-3
Cleaning the Liquid Handler ......................................4 - 3
Cleaning the Fluid Path ...............................................4 -3
Lubricating............................................................................4-7
Horizontal Pitch and Vertical Rods ........................... 4 -7
Replacing Parts ....................................................................4-9
Replacing Tubing .......................................................... 4 -9
Replacing a Probe ......................................................... 4 -9
Replacing a Level Sensing Cable................................4-11
Replacing a Fuse ............................................................4-13
Checking Position Alignment ............................................ 4-14
Transporting the Liquid Handler .....................................4-15
5 Troubleshooting
Error Messages .....................................................................5 -2
Mechanical............................................................................5-5
Electrical ................................................................................5-6
Liquid Level Detector..........................................................5 - 8
Repair and Return Policies ................................................ 5 - 9
Appendix A Replacement Parts and Accessories
Probes.....................................................................................A-1
Control Software .................................................................A-2
Probe Guide Inserts .............................................................A - 2
Transfer Tubing and Waste Bottle ....................................A -2
Rinse Station ......................................................................... A -3
Rack Accessories..................................................................A-3
Cables and I/O Accessories ............................................... A -4
Miscellaneous .......................................................................A-4
Appendix B Racks
Peltier Racks ...................................................................B-11
Appendix C GSIOC Commands
GSIOC Commands ..............................................................C-2
GSIOC Command List ................................................. C -2
Appendix D Pipetting Techniques
Minimizing Cross-Contamination ....................................D-2
Minimizing Dilution Effect ................................................ D -3
Declaration of Conformity
Application of Council Directives:
89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC
Standards to which Conformity is Declared:
EN61326, EN61000-3-3, EN61000-3-2, EN61010-1
Manufacturer’s Name ...........................................Gilson, Inc.
Manufacturer’s Address .......................................3000 W. Beltline Highway
Middleton, WI 53562
EC Office Address ..................................................Gilson S.A.S.
19 Avenue des Entrepreneurs, B.P. 145
F-95400 Villiers-le-Bel, France
Type of Equipment.................................................Laboratory Equipment
Model. .......................................................................Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler
Beginning with Serial Number: 250A1K001
Month and Year of Manufacture: January 2001
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment
specified above conforms to the above Directives and Standards.
Place: Middleton, WI (USA) Michael Jacquart
Issue Date: January 2001 Senior Vice President
Corporate Technology Development
Introduction
1
Safety Precautions
For safe and correct use of this instrument, it is recommended that both operating and
service personnel follow the instructions contained in this guide when installing, cleaning,
and maintaining this instrument.
Because the probes installed on the Z-arm may contain a dangerous substance, use the
safety shield included with the instrument and do not interfere in the work area of the
instrument until the liquid handler has completed its procedures. If dangerous liquids are
used, adequate protection such as proper ventilation, safety glasses, etc., should be used.
Always switch the power to off when making adjustments to the liquid handler. The
potential exists for bodily harm if you interfere with the work area of the instrument
while it is running.
1-1
Introduction 1
Description
The Gilson Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is an XYZ
robot that can automate any number of manual
Description
liquid handling procedures. The Quad-Z has four
independently operated probes with variable
horizontal spacing (from 9 to 18 mm) allowing
access to virtually any tube, vial, or microplate
configuration.
The optional 849 Multiple Injection Module can be
configured with four sample loops of varying
capacities to provide complete flexibility for open
access laboratories. The advanced liquid-level
detection for each independently operated probe
minimizes carryover ensuring accurate and
reproducible results.
The external 444 QuadDilutor provides for the
accurate and precise handling of liquids.
1-2
Introduction 1
Unpacking
The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is delivered with
all major components already assembled except for
auxiliary parts such as the Z-arm, probe, racks,
tubing, etc. Keep the original container and
packing assembly in case the liquid handler must
be returned to the factory.
The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler and its
components are shipped in two containers:
• One container holds the auxiliary items, such as
locator plate, tubing, probes, rinse station, Z-arm,
and any other accessories you may have ordered
with your system.
• The other container holds the Quad-Z 215
Liquid Handler.
Unpacking
To remove the liquid handler from its container:
1 Cut the metal strapping.
2 Lift the outer box off and away from the liquid
handler.
3 Lift the inner box off and away from the liquid
handler.
4 Lift the unit off its base platform and place it on
a lab bench or cart. Gilson recommends that
two people lift the liquid handler off the base
of the packing container. To lift the liquid
handler:
a) Using the two cutouts for hand holds, place
a hand at the base of the packing container.
b) Grip the liquid handler under the base plate.
c) Lift the unit up and out of the foam packing
material. The side containing the electronics
cabinet is the heavier side.
Do not attempt to lift the instrument from the Y-arm
(the horizontal arm). Always lift the instrument from
its base.
1-3
Introduction 1
Standard Equipment
Once the liquid handler and the accessories
containers have been unpacked, you should have
Unpacking
the following:
Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler
444 QuadDilutor with accessories
Locator plate with one drain base (includes four
mounting screws)
Rinse drain package which includes:
• 2-liter waste bottle
• Cap with quick connect fitting
• Rinse station with fittings
• 5 feet of Tygon waste tubing with quick connect
fitting
Z-arm and control cable with retaining clip and
level sensing cables
Accessory package which includes:
• Fuse drawers, fuses, and power cords
• 10-pin terminal block connector
• 8-pin terminal block connector
• 9/64" ball driver for removal of armlock
• Eight tubing retaining clips
• Cable support rod with bracket and two
Phillips-head attachment screws
• Tubing support rod
215 Utility Programs CD-ROM
444 Utility Programs CD-ROM
Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler User’s Guide
444 QuadDilutor User’s Guide
Accessories
1-4
Based upon your configuration, you’ll also receive
additional accessories, such as the probes, transfer
tubing, racks, etc. If necessary, refer to Appendix A
for part numbers.
Introduction 1
Customer Service
Gilson, Inc. and its worldwide network of authorized
representatives provide customers with the following
assistance: sales, technical applications, and
instrument repair.
If you need assistance, please contact your Gilson
representative or if you are in the United States call
the Gilson Customer Service Department at 800-4457661 or 608-836-1551. You can also contact the
Customer Service Department via its e-mail address:
service@gilson.com. Specific contact information can
be found on the Gilson web site at www.gilson.com.
To help us serve you quickly and efficiently, please
refer to the Before calling us section on page 5-8.
Customer Service
1-5
Introduction 1
Technical Specifications
Please be aware of the following before operating
the liquid handler.
Warning: Changes or modifications to the liquid
handler not expressly approved by Gilson could
void the factory-authorized warranty.
T echnical Specifications
The liquid handler has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC commercial
environment. The liquid handler generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of the liquid
handler in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference; in which case, the user will
be required to correct the interference at the user’s
own expense.
Shielded cables must be used with the liquid
handler to ensure compliance with the Class A
FCC limits.
1-6
Introduction 1
T echnical Specifications
1-7
Introduction 1
T echnical Specifications
1-8
Installation
This section takes you through the steps for setting up your Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler.
2
2-1
Installation 2
Locator Plate Installation
The locator plate serves two functions:
• Positions the racks and accessories that fit onto
the bed of the liquid handler.
• Contains liquid spills, such as those caused by
overflowing vessels.
Locator Plate Installation
The locator plate and its four mounting screws are
shipped in a separate box with the liquid handler’s
accessories. To install the locator plate onto the
instrument bed:
1 Make sure the locator plate’s rinsing station
base is at the rear of the instrument. The locator
plate will only install in this orientation.
2 Align the four corner holes of the locator plate
with the four holes on the instrument bed and
lower the plate onto the bed.
3 Using a Phillips screwdriver, secure the locator
plate using the four mounting screws.
2-2
Installation 2
Armlock Removal
The armlock on the liquid handler secures the Y-arm
during shipment. You must remove the armlock
prior to installing the Z-arm and operating the
instrument. If the armlock is not removed, the
liquid handler cannot move in the X-direction. This
results in an error state during operation.
If you need to move the liquid handler, always
reinstall the armlock. This safeguards against
mechanical damage.
To remove the armlock:
1 Remove the cardboard label in front of the
armlock.
Armlock Removal
2 Using the 9/64" ball driver, loosen the
tensioning screw that immobilizes the Y-arm.
3 Using the 9/64" ball driver, remove the two
remaining screws that hold the armlock in
place.
4 Remove the armlock and store it and the ball
driver for future use.
2-3
Installation 2
Z-Arm Installation
Follow these steps to install the Z-arm:
1 Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the
mounting screw on the Z-arm mounting
Z-Arm Installation
bracket located on the Y-arm. Turn
counterclockwise to loosen.
2-4
2 Partially pull out the bracket. Do not remove
completely.
3 Place the Z-arm into the mounting bracket. You
will need to insert one side of the Z-arm into
place at a time.
4 Tighten the screw on the mounting bracket
until the Z-arm is secure.
You’ll adjust the Z-arm to its proper height
after rack and rinse station installation. This
adjustment is described on page 2-14.
Installation 2
Installing the Z-Arm Cable Support Rod
1 Using the two Phillips screws, attach the cable
support rod bracket in the holes located in the
rear of the X-arm extrusion.
Z-Arm Installation
2 Extend the arm to the extreme X- and Y-direction
to ensure that the cable will have enough slack.
Plug the Z-arm control cable into the back topside
of the control cabinet. The control cable should be
tucked into the groove located in the top of the
X-arm extrusion. The retaining clip that is already
on the control cable should be snapped onto the
top of the cable support rod. Refer to diagram
below.
2-5
Installation 2
Probe Installation
There are different probes available for use on the
Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler. Depending upon your
application, you have purchased the appropriate
probes and probe guide inserts. When installing the
Probe Installation
probes or custom sized probe guide inserts (1.3 or
1.5 mm) refer to the following procedures and
diagrams.
Installing the Probe Guide Inserts
Your Quad-Z is delivered with 1.5 mm probe guide
inserts installed. If you ordered custom sized probe
guide inserts for more precise XY accuracy, refer to
the installation instruction below.
To install the probe guide inserts, turn the insert
clockwise into the probe guide.
Installing the Probes
Insert the probes into the top of the isolation probe
holders and pull them through the holders and the
probe guide inserts until the tip of the probe is in
the probe guides.
2-6
Installation 2
Plumbing Connections
Transfer Tubing Installation
1 Connect one end of each piece of transfer
tubing to the 444 QuadDilutor. Refer to the 444
QuadDilutor User’s Guide for more information.
2 Locate the level sensing cables (LLD cables)
supplied with the Z-arm.
3 Pass the other end of each transfer tubing
through the open end of an LLD cable casing
nearest the right-angle connector. The tubing
should exit the back of the LLD cable casing
approximately 6.5 cm from the end.
4 Connect each tubing to the top of the isolation
probe holder using a 1/4"-28 nut and ferrule
supplied with the tubing. Firmly tighten this
fitting using the supplied headless nut extender
(part number 49041032) since it holds the probe
in place.
Plumbing Connections
2-7
Installation 2
Installing the Level Sensing Cables
To install the level sensing cable:
1 Plug the right-angle connector on one end of the
cable into socket one on the back of the Z-arm.
Plumbing Connections
2-8
2 Snap the cable into the LLD cable guide (refer
to the picture above).
3 Loosen the small hexagonal nut on the probe
holder for probe one. Attach the split-tongue
connector to the nut. Retighten the nut until
snug (approximately one turn after finger
tightening).
4 Repeat for probes 2 through 4.
Installation 2
Rinse Station and Drain Waste Tubing Installation
You’ll clean the probe using the rinse station. To
eliminate carryover of liquids, the rinsing procedure
pumps an excess volume of diluent or probe
washing solution through the probe and out into
the rinse station. The small diameter of the rinse
station inserts allow the outside of the probe to be
washed along with the inside.
The rinse station’s design accommodates three
kinds of rinses:
• Shallow-pocket rinse - Used
for level sensing applications
where the probe is only
immersed in a few
millimeters of the sample.
Plumbing Connections
• Deep-pocket rinse - Used
for non-level sensing
applications. This type of
insert allows for a deeper
insertion of the probe into
the rinse well resulting in a
greater area of the outside
of the probe to be rinsed.
• Flow-through rinse - Used
in applications where a
rigorous wash of the
probe’s exterior is required.
A second source of liquid is pumped to the
rinse station to perform this type of rinse.
It may be necessary to vary the types and
volumes of probe wash solutions to most
efficiently eliminate carryover of particular
compounds. Generally, the smaller the volume
of probe wash solution used, the faster your
automated liquid handling protocol.
2-9
Installation 2
Installing the rinse station
The base of one rinse station is shipped already
secured to the locator plate and is located at the
rear of the locator plate. The locator plate can hold
an optional second rinse station or you can move
the rinse station base to the alternate location.
Before installing the rinse station, make sure the
Plumbing Connections
locator plate has been properly installed with the
previously-installed rinse station base located at the
rear of the instrument bed.
To install the rinse station onto the base, follow
these steps:
1 Align the triangle on the bottom of the rinse
station with the base.
2 With the rinse station’s fittings facing you,
insert the rinse station into the base.
3 Press down and turn the rinse station clockwise.
The rinse station is secure when you feel the
rinse station snap into place. When installed
correctly, the fittings point toward the control
cabinet.
4 If you will be doing shallow- or deep-pocket
rinses, connect waste tubing to the barbed
fitting installed on the rinse station.
If you will be doing flow-through rinses,
remove the plug installed on the rinse station
and replace it with a barbed fitting. Connect
tubing between the barbed fitting and the
external liquid source.
2-10
Installation 2
Rack Setup
The Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler is equipped to
locate Code 20-, 30-, 200-, and 500-series racks. See
Appendix B for a list of racks available for the liquid
handler.
Depending on the racks you’re using, refer to the
appropriate procedures on the following pages.
Code 200-Series and Code 500-Series Racks
If all your racks are Code 200-series or Code 500series racks, place them directly onto the locator
plate:
1 Orient the rack so that the code number (for
example, 200) is facing forward.
Rack Setup
2 Fit the rack on the locator plate so that the slots
and holes on the underside of the rack align
with the pins on the locator plate.
2-11
Installation 2
Code 200-Series and Code 20-Series or Code 30-Series Racks
To use a combination of Code 200-series and Code
Rack Setup
20-series or Code 30-series racks on the locator
plate:
1 Install each Code 200-series rack as described
on page 2-11.
2 For each Code 20-series or Code 30-series rack,
place an adapter plate onto the locator plate. Fit
the plate so that the slots on the adapter plate
align with the pins on the locator plate.
3 Place the Code 20-series or Code 30-series rack
onto the adapter plate.
2-12
Installation 2
Only Code 20-Series or Code 30-Series Racks
If all your racks are Code 20- or Code 30-series racks
and you do not have the optional 849 Multiple
Injection Module installed, follow the steps below.
1 Install the locator tray (part number 2504627,
ordered separately) onto the locator plate of the
liquid handler.
• For Code 20-series racks, the handles face
the front.
• For Code 30-series racks, the hose fittings
should face the back.
2 Position each rack onto the locator tray. You
can install up to seven racks using this tray.
Rack Setup
2-13
Installation 2
Final Z-Arm Adjustment
Follow these steps to adjust the Z-arm to the proper
height.
1 Turn off power to the liquid handler.
2 Locate the appropriate Z-height adjustment
tool in the accessory package. Two Z-height
Final Z-Arm Adjustment
adjustment tools are supplied in the package.
Part number Description
25051094 125 mm Z-height adjustment tool.
Use this tool to adjust the Z-arm
on the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler
for liquid handling and injection.
Z-height
adjustment tool
25051095 175 mm Z-height adjustment tool.
Use this tool to adjust the Z-arm
on the Quad-Z 215 Liquid Handler
for liquid handling.
3 Place the Z-height adjustment tool on one of its
ends near the center of the locator plate (if
necessary, remove any racks or accessories
before doing this).
2-14
Loading...