PCRmax 13204-31 Instructions for Use

Combination Vortex and Plate Shaker
13204-31
Instructions for Use
2
Contents
1 Symbols Used in this Instruction Manual ......................................................... 4
2 Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use ...................................................... 5
3 Regulatory Limitations of Use .......................................................................... 9
4 Unit Description ............................................................................................. 10
5 Unit Installation .............................................................................................. 12
6 Unit Operation ................................................................................................ 13
6.1 Overview of Operating Controls ..................................................................... 13
6.2 Unit Shutdown Procedure .............................................................................. 16
6.3 Shaking Plates and Tubes ............................................................................. 17
6.3.1 Shaking with Free-style Parameters .............................................................. 18
6.3.2 Pre-defined Shaking Programs ...................................................................... 22
6.3.3 Using PCR Plates in the PCR Adapter Block (Type 1) .................................. 24
6.3.4 Using Micro Tubes in the Tube Adapter Blocks (Type 1, 2 and 3) ................ 24
6.3.5 User-defined Mixing Programs ...................................................................... 24
6.4 Vortexing Tubes ............................................................................................. 25
6.4.1 General Tube Vortexing ................................................................................. 25
6.4.2 Batch Vortexing of Tubes ................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
6.4.3 User-defined Vortexing Programs ................................................................. 28
7 Advanced Set-up Features ............................................................................ 30
7.1 Shaker Program Tools ................................................................................... 30
7.1.1 Favorite Programs List ................................................................................... 31
7.1.2 Creating a New User-defined Program .......................................................... 32
7.1.3 Changing the Program ID, Info, Adapter Type and Parameters .................... 33
7.1.4 Deleting a User-defined Program .................................................................. 34
7.2 Profiled Mixing Programs ............................................................................... 35
7.3 Vortexer Program Tools ................................................................................. 39
7.4 User Preferences and Options ...................................................................... 40
7.4.1 Beeper and Button Click Volume ................................................................... 41
7.4.2 LCD Backlight Brightness Level .................................................................... 41
7.4.3 Cooling Fan Operating Mode ......................................................................... 41
7.4.4 Program Set-up Protection Mode .................................................................. 41
7.4.5 Vortexer Auto-start Mode ............................................................................... 42
7.4.6 Standby Mode ................................................................................................ 42
8 Maintenance and Servicing............................................................................ 43
8.1 Replacing the Unit Fuse ................................................................................ 43
8.2 Routine Cleaning and Inspection ................................................................... 44
8.3 Decontamination Procedure .......................................................................... 45
8.4 Transportation and Storage ........................................................................... 46
8.5 Product Disposal ............................................................................................ 46
9 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 47
10 Warranty and Returns .................................................................................... 49
11 Technical Specifications ................................................................................ 50
12 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations ............................................................ 51
Combination Shaker
Instructions for Use
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Figures
Figure 1: Front and Rear Unit Views ....................................................................... 10
Figure 2: Unit Label and Mains Power Inlet ............................................................. 11
Tables
Table 1: Advisory Symbol Meanings.......................................................................... 4
Table 2: Key for Figure 1 and Figure 2 .................................................................... 10
Table 3: Unit Accessories ........................................................................................ 11
Table 4: Page Selection Tabs .................................................................................. 13
Table 5: Button Quick Reference ............................................................................. 15
Table 6: Menu Structure and Button Presses .......................................................... 16
Table 7: Supported Plate and Tube Types .............................................................. 17
Table 8: Pre-defined Mixing Programs .................................................................... 22
Table 9: Supported Vortexer Tube Types ................................................................ 25
Table 10: Program Tools Options ............................................................................ 31
Table 11: Program Editing Functions ...................................................................... 33
Table 12: Program Profile Step Parameters ............................................................ 35
Table 13: Program Profiling Functions .................................................................... 37
Table 14: Profile Editing Functions .......................................................................... 39
Table 15: User Preferences and Options ................................................................ 40
Table 16: Protected Function Buttons ..................................................................... 42
Table 17: Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................... 47
Table 18: Unit Error Codes ...................................................................................... 48
4
1 Symbols Used in this Instruction Manual
The following advisory symbols are used in this manual.
Table 1: Advisory Symbol Meanings
DANGER
Indicates a Risk of Electric Shock which could, if not avoided, result in severe injury or death.
DANGER
Indicates a Risk of Explosion which could, if not avoided, result in severe injury or death.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which could, if not avoided, result in severe injury or death; or severely damage the unit.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which could, if not avoided, result in minor or moderate injury; or degrade or impair the functionality of the unit.
CAUTION
Indicates a Risk of Crush hazard due to moving parts which could, if not avoided, result in minor or moderate injury.
INFO
Advisory or other useful information.
NN
Refer to “section NN” for more details.
Combination Shaker
Instructions for Use
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2 Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use
It is essential that all users of this equipment have fully read and understood the following safety precautions and limitations of use before installing or operating the Combination Shaker unit.
IMPORTANT
WARNING
The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is not used in a manner described in this manual.
WARNING
It is essential that the user of this equipment is aware of the potential hazards associated with the unit and its accessories.
All operators should be familiar with the safety precautions and warnings given in these instructions before attempting to operate the unit.
Improper use of this unit or its accessories may impair their functionality and invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.
Unit Handling Precautions
CAUTION
Care should be taken not to drop the unit or subject it to rough physical handling, both during normal use and during transportation and storage.
Do not use the unit if it shows any signs of damage or wear.
WARNING
The unit should be held and supported in both hands when lifting or moving. Do not lift the unit by the mixer or vortexer.
The base of the unit is cast from solid metal and is designed to be heavy. Care should be taken to avoid trapping fingers under unit when placing it down on a solid surface.
CAUTION
Care should be taken not to knock the LCD display. Do not use excessive force when pressing the touchscreen
buttons or when cleaning it.
6
Unit Installation and Operating Environment
DANGER
WARNING
The Combination Shaker unit is designed for indoor laboratory use only.
The acceptable operating temperature range is 10ºC to 38ºC, with a relative humidity of 20% to 85% non-condensing, at a maximum altitude of 2000m above sea level.
If the unit is stored in conditions outside of these ranges, it must be left to stand unpowered until it has acclimatised to within these environmental limits before being powered.
DANGER
Use only the AC mains power cord provided with the unit or as specified in section 11.
The unit must be connected to a suitably earthed mains supply, with appropriate earth-leakage and over-current protection.
WARNING
Always ensure that the mains power connector is securely inserted into the rear of the unit, and any excess power cord does not pose a potential trip or pull hazard.
DANGER
Do not operate the unit in any area which is, or has been, or is thought to have been exposed to explosive or flammable gases, vapours or liquids.
WARNING
The unit must be installed and operated on a solid, stable, vibration-free and level working surface; ensuring that the ventilation slots on the underside of the unit are not blocked.
CAUTION
The unit can create strong vibrations at high speeds which may cause objects positioned near to it to move.
Do not place easily movable objects near the unit; or ensure that such objects are appropriately secured.
Combination Shaker
Instructions for Use
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General Operating Precautions
DANGER
Ensure that the power is switched off at both the AC mains supply outlet and at the back of the unit before inserting or removing the mains power cord.
However, if a spillage occurs in or over the unit, always switch the power off and unplug the power cord at the mains supply outlet first, before attempting to deal with the spill.
DANGER
The unit is intended for use with aqueous solutions and suspensions only.
Never use the unit to mix any explosive, volatile or highly reactive substances or chemicals.
WARNING
To avoid liquid spills and possible cross-contamination of samples, only use sealed plates and closed tubes when mixing and vortexing.
WARNING
Injury can occur from flying plates and tubes if they are not correctly inserted, or if the maximum recommended mixing speed or total load weight is exceeded.
Always ensure that plates, adapter blocks and tubes are correctly and securely inserted, and that plate dimensions comply with the ANSI/SBS Standards for Microplates.
WARNING
Serious injury can occur from improper vortexing of tubes, and tubes may be damaged, broken or destroyed.
Never vortex tubes made of glass or other fragile material.
WARNING
Injury or contamination can occur from sample material being expelled from the plates or tubes whilst mixing and vortexing.
Only ever mix and vortex in sealed plates and closed tubes. Always follow prescribed laboratory procedures and use
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE, such as gloves, clothing, goggles, etc) when handling samples.
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CAUTION
There is a possible finger crush hazard due to moving parts. Do not remove or replace any consumables, tubes or Adapter
Blocks whilst the plate mixer is running. Do not remove the vortexer pad when the unit is switched on.
Unit Maintenance and Serviceability
DANGER
WARNING
There are no user or operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
Do not remove the unit casework. Removal of the units casework will void the manufacturer’s
warranty and may expose the user to a Risk of Electric Shock resulting in serious injury or death.
DANGER
The externally accessible unit fuse will only blow under an extreme internal fault condition. This fuse should only be changed after the unit has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified engineer. See section 8.1 for details.
DANGER
Always switch off the unit and disconnect the power cord before performing any cleaning or decontamination procedure.
If liquid is spilt into or over the unit, switch off and disconnect the power from the AC mains outlet before attempting to deal with the spillage.
CAUTION
The use of harsh chemicals and cleaning agents may damage the unit and degrade its performance.
Always follow the cleaning and decontamination procedures specified in sections 8.2 and 8.3 of this instruction manual.
Combination Shaker
Instructions for Use
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3 Regulatory Limitations of Use
Declaration of Conformity
This product fulfils the essential requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2006/95/EC and the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, when installed and operated in accordance with the instructions given in this manual.
The Combination Shaker unit has been type tested by TRaC Global Ltd (UKAS accredited Testing Laboratory No 0026) against the Safety and EMC Requirements listed below, and issued Certificate Nos TRAC13SAF0012 and TRA-011466-38.
Safety and EMC Requirements
SAFETY
EN 61010-1:2010, EN 61010-2-051:2003
UL 61010-1:2001 2nd Edition (CAN C22.2 CSA 61010-1)
EMC
EN 61326:2006, Class B
FCC CFR 47 Parts 15.107 and 15.109, Class B
RoHS and WEEE Directive Compliance
This product is compliant with the requirements of the RoHS2 Directive 2011/65/EU for Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Where applicable, the Combination Shaker unit should be disposed of in accordance with the European Union WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Do not dispose of this product into unsorted municipal waste or public landfill. Please refer to section 8.5 for details of how to correctly dispose of this product.
The Combination Shaker unit is designed and manufactured under ISO 9001 by:
Integrated Technologies Limited Viking House, Ellingham Way, Ashford, Kent, TN23 6NF United Kingdom
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4 Unit Description
The combination vortex and shaker unit has the following features:
Figure 1: Front and Rear Unit Views
Table 2: Key for Figure 1 and Figure 2
LCD Touchscreen User Interface
6.1
Plate Shaker / Plate Holder
6.3
Plate Clamping Lever
6.3.2
Tube Vortexer
6.4
Unit Label and Serial Number
4
Mains Power Switch
5
Mains Power Inlet
5
External Fuse Access Cover
8.1
Mains Power and Fuse Ratings
11
The Combination Shaker has a unique automated plate clamping lever () which allows plates and adapter blocks to be easily inserted and removed from the plate holder () without disturbing the samples.

Combination Shaker
Instructions for Use
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The unit label is located at the rear and provides general ratings information:
Figure 2: Unit Label and Mains Power Inlet
The unit is also supplied with the following accessories:
Table 3: Unit Accessories
Mains power cord (varies according to country of use)
5
11
96 well PCR plate and 0.2ml tube adapter block
6.3
6.3.3
24 well 0.5ml tube adapter block
6.3
6.3.4
24 well 1.5ml and 2.0ml tube adapter block
6.3
6.3.4
Other optional accessories and specialty adapter blocks may be available on request. Please contact Cole-Parmer for details.
  
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5 Unit Installation
Before installing the Combination Shaker unit, please check that the delivery is complete (see Table 3) and that the unit and all accessory parts are intact and free from any signs of transportation damage.
Please retain all packaging for future transportation and storage of the unit and its accessories.
The Combination Shaker unit should be installed in a location which meets the following requirements:
Safe and suitable operating environment (see section 2)
Solid, stable, vibration-free, level working surface
At least 10cm clearance around the unit to adjacent objects and walls
Earthed AC mains power connection (see section 11)
WARNING
Please also observe and abide by the Unit Installation and Operating Environment safety precautions and preconditions
listed in section 2.
Install and test the Combination Shaker unit using the following procedure:
1. Place the Combination Shaker unit on the suitably selected working surface (as specified above), ensuring that the ventilation slots on the underside of the unit are not covered or blocked.
2. Connect the unit to the AC mains power outlet using the mains power cord supplied (see section 4).
3. Switch the mains power on at supply outlet first, and then switch the unit on using the power switch located at the rear of the unit.
4. Carry out a mixing test at the maximum required load and speed (using the free-style MIX program described in section 6.3.1) to determine if the grip between the unit and the working surface is sufficient to prevent the unit from moving.
5. If the surface grip is sufficient, then the Combination Shaker unit should not be moved from this installed position.
If the unit needs to be repositioned in the future, then the above installation procedure should be repeated at the new location.
Combination Shaker
Instructions for Use
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6 Unit Operation
WARNING
Please ensure that you have read and fully understood all of the Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use listed in section 2 before attempting to operate the Combination Shaker unit.
6.1 Overview of Operating Controls
The unit’s user interface consists of a color LCD touchscreen, with page selection tabs down the left-hand side of the display and function buttons along the bottom.
Page S
election
Tabs
Control and Status
Function and Option buttons
The Combination Shaker is designed to allow simultaneous operation of both the plate shaker and tube vortexer, by providing easy mode switching using the three page selection tabs shown in Table 4.
Table 4: Page Selection Tabs
Plate Shaker control and status
6.3
Tube Vortexer control and status
6.4
User Preferences and options
7.4
14
The unit can store up to 200 shaking and vortexing programs (each with different speed and time parameter settings) and is preloaded with eight commonly used mixing programs.
The program selection grid on the Mixer and Vortexer pages can store up to 100 programs each, arranged as a 3x3 scrolling grid list.
Home
Previous
Next
Tools
Accept
Each program grid button shows the program’s ID and the assigned speed and time parameters.
Program ID
Favourite
Pre-defined
Speed
Time
To load a program, use the Home button to jump to the top of the program grid list or the Next and Previous buttons to scroll through the list to highlight the desired program, and then press the Accept button.
The Tools button allows access to advanced program set-up functions, including user-defined programs and profiled mixing programs.
Once the unit has been fully set-up, the program set-up functions can be disabled to prevent accidental modifications. Refer to section 7.4 for details.
Combination Shaker
Instructions for Use
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The user interface and controls are described in detail in sections 6.3, 6.4 and 7. Below is a quick reference guide to the main button functions.
Table 5: Button Quick Reference
Accept or Cancel option
Home, Previous or Next program
6.3.1
Program Tools menu
7.1
Exit to previous menu
Add/remove Favourite program
7.1.1
New, Edit or Delete program
7.1
Change program ID or Info
7.1.3
Change user program Adaptor type
7.1.3
Unlock program speed and time
7.1.3
Increase or Decrease setting
6.3.1
Show Program selection grid list
6.3.1
Mixer program Profile edit
7.2
Open or Close clamping mechanism
6.3.1
Mute audible sounder
6.3.1
Start and Stop mixing or vortexing
6.3.1
Vortexer Restart mode
Error!
Reference source not found.
16
The user preferences and set-up option buttons are detailed in section 7.4.
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Instructions for Use
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Table 6 provides an overview of the button presses required to perform certain common actions.
Table 6: Menu Structure and Button Presses
Action
Button Sequence
Load a program
6.1
Load free-style program
6.3.1
Fine tune free­style program
6.3.1
Plate or Tube Shaking
6.3.1
Automatic Tube Vortexing
6.4.1
Manual Tube Vortexing
6.4.1
Batch Tube Vortexing
Error!
Reference source not found.
Add favorite program
7.1.1
Create new program
7.1.2
Edit user-defined program
7.1.3
Change program speed and time
7.1.3
Edit profiled program
7.2
Delete user­defined program
7.1.4
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