Hudson Robotics Micro10x User Manual

Micro10x

10 Stern Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081

Tel: [phone]  Fax: [phone]

User Manual

Rev 2.1c

2

Index

Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3

Section 1 - Setup ........................................................................................................ 4

1.1 - Tubing ..................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 - Plate Nest ................................................................................................................ 6

1.4 - External Cables ....................................................................................................... 7

Section 2 - Operation of Micro10X through the Touch Screen Controller ......... 9

2.1 - Controller Features ................................................................................................. 9

2.3 - Dispense Submenu ............................................................................................... 10

2.4 - Prime Submenu..................................................................................................... 12

2.5 - Empty Dispenser................................................................................................... 13

2.6 - Auto-Prime ........................................................................................................... 14

2.7 - Settings Submenu ................................................................................................. 15

2.8 - Starting and Stopping a Program .......................................................................... 20

Section 3 - Maintenance of the Mirco10X Fluid Path ......................................... 22

3.1 - Removal of the Pump Head .................................................................................. 22

3.2 - Disassembly of the Pump Head Module .............................................................. 24

3.3 – Cleaning of the Pump Assembly.......................................................................... 26

3.4 - Pump module Components ................................................................................... 26

3.5 - Additional Spare parts: ......................................................................................... 27

Section 4 – Micro10x Validation ............................................................................ 28

Section 4.1 – General Validation After Cleaning ......................................................... 28

Section 5 - Hardware Specifications ...................................................................... 29

Section 5.1 - General..................................................................................................... 29

Section 5.2 - Mechanical Description ........................................................................... 29

Section 5.3 - Manifold .................................................................................................. 30

Section 5.4 - Dimensions .............................................................................................. 30

Section 5.5 - Electrical .................................................................................................. 30

Section 5.6 - Environmental ......................................................................................... 30

3

Introduction

Warning: To prevent fire, do not use Micro10x to dispense any type of
flammable liquid.

The Hudson Robotic Micro10x™ is a fast, compact, accurate benchtop instrument for
reliable, automated bulk reagent dispensing into all microplates. The Micro10x provides
a combination of fast filling speeds, high accuracy and extreme flexibility not found in
other benchtop reagent dispensers. The Micro10x accurately dispenses volumes down to
1uL per channel, and provides features like tip-touch to ensure a clean, full dispense of
even high surface-tension liquids. Its positive-displacement pump head is adjustable in
10nL increments, and never requires calibration.
The Micro10x can be loaded and operated manually, but is also fully-compatible with

robot loading systems, such as Hudson’s PlateCrane
delivery systems, such as Hudson’s LabLinx, for unparalleled throughput and ease of

setup.

The Micro10x brings these advantages to lab applications:

• Conserves bench space with its small,

7”x10” footprint

• Graphical Image Row Selection to control

the dispening pattern

• Deep-well filling with controlled rise to avoid

bubbles or foaming

• 96-, 384-, 1536- filling, std and deep well

• Tip Touch to control droplets

• Autoclavable fluid path assures sterility

TM,

or track-based microplate

4

Section 1 - Setup

Tubing
Pump to
Reservoir

Tubing Pump to Manifold

1.1 - Tubing

The MC10X is shipped with two tube assemblies (Figure 1.1.1). The tube
assembly with the two Flangeless fittings should be installed between the right
port on the pump head and the MC10X manifold. To create a proper seal tighten
the fittings into the pump head and manifold until they stop finger tight. Once the
fitting is finger tight turn the fitting an additional 1/8 turn to ensure a proper seal.
(Figure 1.1.2)

Install the longer tubing assembly in the same manner; with the single Flangeless
fitting between the left port on the pump head and your reagent reservoir. (Figure

1.1.3)

Figure 1.1.1

5

Right pump port

Manifold port

Left pump port

Figure 1.1.2

Figure 1.1.3

6

The priming trough uses a short silicon drain tube and waste basin. The silicon

Priming Trough

tube can be replaced with a longer one if needed. Standard silicon tubing will
work as a replacement (Figure 1.1.4).

1.2 - Plate Nest

Install the plate nest onto the nest holder. The legs of the plate nest should fit
snugly into the mounting position. The plate nest can be positioned in either the
portrait or landscape orientation. In Figure 1.2.1 you will see the plate nest in the
landscape orientation. You will need the 8-channel manifold to be installed if
using the MC10X in the portrait orientation.

Figure 1.1.4

Figure 1.2.1

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1.3 - Manifold

Note: The MC10x should only be operated with the supplied cables, no substitution is
allowed unless replacement cable is supplied by Hudson Robotics.

Thumbscrews

Install the manifold with the inlet port closest to the pump head. Use the provided
thumbscrews to secure the manifold onto the mounting flange (Figure 1.3.6).

1.4 - External Cables

The Micro10X Comes with a few cables that need to be installed into the rear of
the unit before the unit can be turned on. The first cable is the pump cable, this is
a black coiled cable that has two 90 connectors. The orientation of the cable
does not matter when plugging the cable in. The pump cable is plugged into the
rear of the pump on one side and the other side plugs into the right side connector
on the rear of the MC10X (Figure 1.4.1). The second cable is the controller cable,
this is the black coiled cable that is attached to the controller, this cable will get
plugged into the left side connector on the rear of the MC10X (Figure 1.4.1). The
last cable is the 24VDC power cable that will get plugged into the 4 position
circular receptacle located on the right side rear panel of the MC10X (Figure

1.4.1).

Figure 1.3.6

8

Controller Cable

DC Inlet for
Power cord

Pump Cable

Pump Cable

Port for optional
4-way valve

Serial Port

Power Switch

Figure 1.4.1

9

Section 2 - Operation of Micro10X through the Touch Screen

Figure 2.1.2A &B

Controller

2.1 - Controller Features

The Micro10X comes with a windows based touch screen to control the unit. On the top
cover of the Micro10X there are two locations to slide the controller into (Figure 2.1.1).

So it doesn’t matter which way the unit is facing, because you will able to access the

control panel from either orientation (Figure 2.1.2). If either orientation is not accessible
then you can keep the controller separate from the MC10X and leave it near the unit on
the lab bench.

Figure 2.1.1

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2.2 - Main Menu

When you power the MC10X up, it will automatically boot and start the MC10X
program on the controller. The unit will also home all the axes when the unit is powered
up. After initializing successfully the controller will display the main menu screen.
From there you can access the following sub menus: Dispense, Prime, Empty Dispenser,
Auto-Prime, Change Settings (Figure 2.2.1).

2.3 - Dispense Submenu

The MC10X can support up to 20 dispense programs. When you first enter the
dispense submenu you will be at dispense program 1. Press the Next or Prev key
(Fig. 2.2 1) on the Touch Panel to select the program number you would like to
setup. Any setting for the dispense program can be modified by clicking on its
menu bar. Doing this will put you into the settings screen for that particular
value.

Figure 2.2.1

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Figure 2.3.1

Volume – Any integer value from 1 to 9999uL may be selected.

Speed – This adjusts the percentage of the pumps maximum speed. More viscous

liquids will require a slower pump speed to avoid cavitation.

Depth – Negative values are the distance below the travel height where the tips
will move during the dispensing, allowing the user to dispense with the tips in the
wells. Positive values will move the dispensing location above the travel height.
Entering 0 will keep the travel height and the dispense height the same.

Height – This is the height the tips will travel above the nest during the
dispensing. This value should be at least 1mm above the measured plate height.
The Standard Microtiter plate is ~15mm.

Wells – Select from 96, 384 or 1536

12

Orientation– Select between the Portrait or Landscape plate orientation. This is
determined by which manifold you are working with.12 channel will run in
landscape while the 8 channel runs in portrait configuration.

Tip Touch – Activate or deactivate tip touching.

Tip Touch – Adjust where in the plate well you would like the tips to touch after

the dispensing. Depending on the plate type, you will center your tips in row A of
either a 96 or 384 well plate. Once the tip is centered you will adjust the Y-axis
either to the front or rear of the well until the tip is touching the plates well. A
good location for the height of the tip is ~1mm below the top of the Plate (Figure

2.3.2).

Figure 2.3.2

Fill Pattern – Select the rows you would like to fill, the default is all wells.

2.4 - Prime Submenu

The MC10X can store up to 10 prime programs. Fields are adjusted in the same
manner as the Dispense programs (Figure 2.4 1).

13

Figure 2. 4.1

Volume – This is the total volume that will be primed through the system. Enter a
value between 120 and 9999uL.

Speed – This adjusts the percentage of the pumps maximum speed. More viscous
liquids will require a slower pump speed to avoid cavitation. Do not exceed more

than 30% speed on any value over 1000ul.

Tip Touch – Activate or deactivate tip touching after each dispense.

Tip Touch – Adjust where in the Priming trough you would like to touch the tips

after a prime. This is helpful when running viscous liquids.

2.5 - Empty Dispenser

This feature reverses the pump, removing most of the liquid from the manifold
and tubing and returns it to the source container (Figure. 2.5 1).

14

2.6 - Auto-Prime

Priming can be programmed to occur at a user specified interval. This allows the
MC10X to dispense a certain amount of fluid into the priming trough to prevent
evaporation during every specified time interval. Setting the time to 0 turns off
this feature (Fig. 2.6.1).

Figure 2.5 1

15

Time – This is the interval in seconds; a time of 0 deactivates this feature

Volume – This is the total volume that will be moved through the manifold. Enter

a value between 120 and 9999uL.

Speed – This adjusts the percentage of the pumps maximum speed. More viscous
liquids will require a slower pump speed to avoid cavitation. Do not exceed more

than 30% speed on any value over 1000ul.

2.7 - Settings Submenu

There are critical settings that can be adjusted by an administrator (Figure. 2.7.1).
When you access this submenu you will be ask a question please click yes to
continue to the Settings menu (Figure 2.7.2)

Figure 2.6.1

16

Figure 2.7.1

Figure 2.7.2

17

Adjust Prime Position – This allows the user to jog the dispensing manifold to the
position where they would like all priming functions to occur. When you click on
the button you will be asked if you want to move to the location. If you are
unaware of where the location is, click no and work from the home position

(Figure 2.7.3). After making an adjustment in any of the fields press “OK”. To
lose the changes press “Cancel” (Figure. 2.7.4). The tips should sit ~1/4” into the

trough and be closer to the front of the trough so you do not kink the tubing
coming from the pump fitting. (Figure 2.7.5)

Figure 2.7.3

18

Figure 2.7.4

Figure 2.7.5

Adjust Track/Nest Height – This value should be evaluated and adjusted if
manifold types or plate nests are changed. This will set the 0 position for the Z­axis. All dispense programs will reference this point to determine absolute
dispense height. The manifold should be positioned as close to the surface of the

19

plate nest without touching it. To adjust, place a sheet of paper or business card
on the plate nest. Jog the manifold down until it touches the paper but not pinch it
to the nest. (Figure 2.7.6)

Figure 2.7.6

Adjust Plate Origin – This value should be evaluated and adjusted if manifold
types or plate nests are changed. This is the reference point for all well positions
in a SBS standard plate. This is taught by aligning tip 1 on the manifold with the
intersection of wells A1, A2, B1 and B2 in a 384 well plate. Tips 2-12 should
align with every other well intersection in that row. (Figure 2.7.7)

20

Adjust Row/Column Spacing - This setting is set by the manufacturer and should
not be adjusted.

# Of Tips in Manifold - This setting is set by the manufacturer and should not be
adjusted.

2.8 - Starting and Stopping a Program

Press the Next or Prev key on the TouchScreen to select the program number you
would like to run. When the desired program is selected press the RUN button on
the TouchScreen (Figure 2.8.1). To stop a program, press the CANCEL button on
the TouchScreen. The dispenser will pause, you may then choose to abort or
continue the dispense program. To abort the program, press YES, to complete the
program, press NO.

Figure 2.7.7

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Figure 2.8.1

22

Note: Please turn power off and disconnect all cables from the rear of the Micro10x
before performing any maintenance on the unit.

4 mounting
screws for
Pump head

Section 3 - Maintenance of the Mirco10X Fluid Path

3.1 - Removal of the Pump Head

Remove the 4 mounting screws from the face of the pump (Figure 3.1.1). Support
the pump with your hand to prevent it from falling from the mounting plate.

Figure 3.1 1

Gently pull the pump diagonally away from the mounting plate. Care must be

taken not to pull the piston more than 1” out of the cylinder; damage to the piston

seals may occur (Figure 3.1.2). Once the pump head is far enough away from the
pump module you will slowly lift up on the entire pump assembly. You will need
to remove the piston drive shaft from the pivot bearing inside the pump module
(Figure 3.1.3).

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Pivot Bearing

Figure 3.1 2

Figure 3.1.3

24

Flat Spot on
Liner

3.2 - Disassembly of the Pump Head Module

After the pump head module is removed from the pump you will able to access
the Teflon adapters. The adapters lock the liner and piston into the proper
position inside the cylinder case. You will remove the adapters by using a 5/8”
open ended wrench and turning the adapters counter clockwise until they are
removed from the cylinder case (Figure 3.2.1). When the adapters are removed
you will notice that there are two flat surfaces machined in the liner that need to
be re-aligned at the correct location before the adapters are re-installed (Figure

3.2.2). Now remove the pump bracket from the pump cylinder by removing the
flathead screw using a 1/8” allen wrench (Figure. 3.2.3). This will allow access to
the seal nut. Using an adjustable wrench remove the seal nut by turning the nut
counter clock wise (Figure 3.2 4).

Figure 3.2.1

Figure 3.2.2

25

Figure 3.2 3

Figure 3.2.4

With the Seal nut loose you will carefully slide the piston, seals and seal nut out
of the cylinder case (Figure 3.2 5). Make sure that the seals do not come off the
piston if you force the seals back on you may damage the surface of the seal that
sits against the piston. If this happens you will have to replace the seal with a new
one.

26

3.3 – Cleaning of the Pump Assembly

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

All of the pump parts may be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner with a dilute
detergent solution. The parts must be thoroughly rinsed prior to autoclaving.

3.4 - Pump module Components

Figure 3.2.5

27

Item #

QTY

Part Number

Description

1 1 PMP-1018

Cylinder Nut

2 1 PMP-1021

Gland Washer, ¼”. Teflon

3 2 PMP-1019

Lip Seal, ¼”, Rulon RA

4 1 PMP-1017

Q1C Cylinder Liner/Piston Set

5 1 PMP-1020

Cylinder Head Seal

6 2 MCF1-18202-00

Adapter, Teflon

7 1 MCF1-18201-00

Cylinder Case

Item #

QTY

Part Number

Description

1

1

MCF1-24000-00

Tubing, Pump to Manifold set

2

1

MCF1-25000-00

Tubing, Pump to Reservoir set

3

1

MEC-1543

Dispense manifold, 8-channel

4

1

MEC-1544

Dispense manifold, 12-channel

3.5 - Additional Spare parts:

28

Section 4 – Micro10x Validation

Section 4.1 – General Validation After Cleaning

To Ensure that the unit is dispensing properly after cleaning you will need to perform a
validation dispense. To perform a validation dispense you will need the following items:

 Clear 96-well Polypropylene Plate
 Bulk reagent to dispense (preferably not clear)
 Optional- Sartorius WZA225-CW balance or similar with at least a 0.001mg

readability.

Setup a dispense program in the Micro10x to dispense 100ul into the 96-well plate.
Make sure to prime the system properly so the unit is dispensing the bulk reagent without
any air bubbles. Dispense into the entire plate, once the unit is finished dispensing you
will inspect the plate. The inspect the plate you will raise the plate to eye level and
visually inspect each well with the next in row A and H of the Plate. You want to make
sure that the fluid makes a level horizontal line across the entire plate. If the fluid levels
are not even, remove the manifold and clean/sonicate to clean. Run the test again after
the manifold is re-cleaned.

Optional:

Before dispensing into the validation plate you will put it on the balance and tare the
weight of the empty plate. Now take the plate and place it on the Micor10X nest and run
the validation program. Once the program is completed you will weigh the plate on the
balance. The Plate should weigh the following:

1uL of water ~ 1mg

A 100ul/well 96-well plate ~ 9600mg

~2% tolerance @ 100ul

Plate should weigh 9800mg - 9400mg

29

Section 5 - Hardware Specifications

Section 5.1 - General

NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Micro10X:

 Plate Format: 96, 384, or 1536 well plates in any shallow,

Medium or Deep well-formatted SBS plate.

 Housing Material: Painted steel covering anodized cast

aluminum housing

 Plate Nest Material Peek
 Number of Axes Three (X, Y and Z axes)

Section 5.2 - Mechanical Description

 X-axis: Integrated stepper motor/stepper controller

with encoder. This is a belt driven axis with
pulley

 X-axis Travel Distance: ½” hard stop to hard stop
 X-axis Stepper Motor: Integrated 2048 encoder steps per revolution

stepper motor. +/- 0.013mm resolution,
approximately ½ second per revolution.

 Y-axis: Stepper motor linear actuators with 250

count encoder. Actuator has integrated 1/2”

pitch Leadscrew. Controlled by separate
stepper controller with encoder option.

 Y-axis Travel Distance: 5 ½” hard stop to hard stop
 Y-axis Stepper Motor 1000 encoder steps per revolution linear

actuator. +/- 0.026mm resolution,
approximately ½ second for entire travel
distance.

 Z-axis: Stepper motor linear actuator. Actuator has

integrated 9.74mm pitch Leadscrew.
Controlled by separate stepper controller.

 Z-axis Travel Distance: 3 ¾” hard stop to hard stop
 Z-axis Stepper Motor: 200 steps per revolution linear actuator.

+/- 0.006mm resolution, approximately ½
second for entire travel distance.

 Pump Module Material: Stainless steel covering anodized aluminum

frame.

 Pump head Housing Material: Stainless steel casting
 Pump Material: Ceramic cylinder liner and Ceramic piston

30

 Liner Bore Size: ¼”
 Tubing Material: Peek fittings on Telfon tubing
 Max Shot Size 225ul per revolution
 Min Shot Size 12ul per revolution
 Max Flow 0.225 lps (60% Max speed)

Section 5.3 - Manifold

 Fixed Tip Manifold Material: Peek
 Fixed tip Material: Stainless Steel

Section 5.4 - Dimensions

 11½”H X 7”W X 10”D (Does not include Nest plate)
 11½”H X 7”W X 15”D (Includes Nest Plate)
 Weight: ~15LBS

Section 5.5 - Electrical

 Power Input: 24VDC, 4A
 Fuses: Internal T4.0 A/250 V
 Grounding: Through the power cord, must be properly

 Computer Interface: RS-232 straight through serial cable

Section 5.6 - Environmental

 Operating Temperature: 15 to 40C (59 to 104F)
 Operating Humidity: 0 to 85%, no condensation
 Storage Temperature: -20 to 65C (-4 to 149F)
 Altitude: Up to 2000m

earth grounded