PHYSITEMP INSTRUMENTS INC
154 Huron Avenue
Clifton NJ 07013 USA
Tel: 973-779-5577
Fax: 973-779-5954
OPERATING MANUAL
EB FRONTIS EB BFS-MP 6310
BFS-MP SERIES FREEZING STAGES
Models BFS-3MP, BFS-5MP, BFS-30MP
APPENDIX 2
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
ECV-1 ELECTRICALLY OPERATED SOLENOID VALVE
The ECV-1 is supplied with an AC line cord and 12 VDC desktop power supply.
1 Connect the line cord to the socket on the power supply and to the rear auxialiary outlet on the
BFS-MP controller.
2 Connect the 12VDC power supply to the input socket on the front of the ECV-1.
3 Connect the water tubes as shown below:
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ECV-1
Freezing
Stage
Extension tube with
female connector
TO WASTE
FROM WATER SUPPLY
Extension tube with 1
female connector and
1 universal connector
Female connector
Male connector
Stage has 2 water tubes
with male connectors
EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
APPENDIX 1
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PHYSITEMP
PUMP AND TANK UNIT, PTU-3
1. Unscrew cap. Fill reservoir with 5 gallons of distilled water.
2. Connect extension tubing to the back of the controller and the connections on the tank. Direction
of the flow is not important. All water fittings are automatically self-sealing when disconnected to prevent water spills.
3. Connect the AC line cord to the receptacle on the pump and to the outlet on the rear of the controller. This ensures that water is always flowing when the controller is on.
4. Switch on the controller.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The use of distilled water is recommended. This avoids discoloration of the tubing due to organic matter
in untreated water. A purification agent can be added to the water. Any commercially available dehumidifier treatment in liquid, powder or tablet form may be used.
If the stage will be operated for long periods, water temperature may gradually increase. Ice cubes can
be added to the tank to maintain low temperature.
The tank should not be placed more than three feet below the stage itself.
When filling the reservoir for the first time, or when refilling it, a small amount of air may become
trapped in the pump housing and cause intermittent noise, cavitation and a reduced flow rate. If this
occurs, screw the cap firmly onto the tank and, while pump is running, tip it at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal in all four directions as shown below. This will eliminate air in the pump
housing and restore flow to its maximum.
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EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
7.0 MAINTENANCE, WARRANTY AND SERVICE
7.1 MAINTENANCE
The stage needs no maintenace at all. It may be cleaned as necessary with a soft cloth, water or detergent. DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER
7.2 WARRANTY
Physitemp Instruments Inc. warrants this system to be free from defects in material or workmanship for
12 months from date of shipment. Repair or replacement will be made at no charge at the discretion of
Physitemp if the defect is not the result of misuse or abuse. Physitemp accepts no consequential liability
for delay in delivery, alleged faulty performance of the product or any other cause.
Cables and probes are considered expendable and are not covered by this warranty.
7.2 REPAIRS AND RECALIBRATION
For technical applications information on this instrument contact us at:
Tel: 973-779-5577
Fax: 973-779-5954
E-mail: physitemp@aol.com
In the event that any part of this system is to be returned for repair or recalibration, please pack it with
care (in the original packing material if possible) and send it prepaid to:
Service Department
PHYSITEMP INSTRUMENTS INC
154 Huron Avenue
Clifton, NJ 07013 USA
Please include with the instrument:
1. A note describing any problems encountered
2. The name and telephone number of a person we can contact
3. The complete return address for shipping.
For your protection, please pack the item carefully and insure against possible damage or loss.
Physitemp will not be responsible for damage resulting from careless packaging. Please return freight
prepaid.
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EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS
6.1 CONTROLLER
Operating Range: BFS-3MP and 5MP: -35°C to ambient
BFS-30MP: -40°C to ambient
Digital Readout Resolution: 0.1°C
Accuracy: ±0.2°C
Ambient Operating Range: 15° - 45°C
Input Power Requirements: 100 - 120VAC @ 4 Amps or
200 - 240VAC @ 2 Amps
Grounded Outlet
Power Output to stage: BFS-30MP - 12VDC @ 10Amps
BFS-3 & 5 MP - 5VDC @ 10Amps
Display: Dual LED display of set and run Temperature
Safety Features: Power shutoff during over-temperature condition caused by
inadequate coolant flow (50°C). Short circuit protection.
Size: 9 1/2” wide x 10” deep x 4 1/2” high
Weight: 5 lbs
Other Features: Self-sealing water connectors.
Auxiliary switched AC output for ECV-1 or PTU-3.
6.2 STAGE
Temperature Range: -40°C to ambient
Controlled Surface Area: BFS-3MP - 3 x 4cm
BFS-5MP - 3.8 x 4cm
BFS-30MP - 7.5 x 8cm
Weight: 15ozs, including leads
Lead Length: 5ft
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EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
collar in an anti-clockwise direction. An ohmmeter will be required to make several readings on the
stage connector. Once the connector has been removed the pin numbers are visible as slightly raised
numerals on the face of the connector.
Between pins 1 and 2 1 - 3 ohms
3 and 5 100 - 110 ohms
6 and 7 20 - 27 Kilohms
If the readings you obtain do not fall within these ranges, please consult our engineering department.
3 Controller display is illuminated but module does not cool
Check the setting of the set temperature and adjust if necessary using the instructions provided in
Section 4.6. If the set temperature is OK check the connector to the module cable on the rear of the controller and the fault condition light on the front of the controller.
If the fault light is on follow the instruction for fault condition number 2
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EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
4.7 REMOVING SPECIMEN FROM STAGE
Press the Freeze/Thaw switch and hold in the QUICK THAW position for a few seconds. Allow the
stage to warm up until specimen slides off easily. Wipe stage dry.
4.8 TYPICAL STAGE PERFORMANCE
The degree of cold obtained is dependent on the temperature of the cooling water. The stage temperature
should reach 55-65° below that of the cooling water. Therefore, a stage temperature of -40° can be
achieved under normal conditions. 1/2” thickness of liver which covers the stage should freeze within
15-20 minutes. Temperature throughout the tissue should drop to -20°C in a further ten minutes. Tissue
under 1/16” in thickness should be ready for sectioning within 90 seconds after switching on.
4.9 MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL OF TISSUE TEMPERATURE
One of the main advantages of these freezing stages is the ease with which the temperature of frozen tissue can be changed. Optimum cutting temperature varies for different tissue and is best determined by
experiment. the following temperatures have been found satisfactory:
TISSUE TEMPERATURE °C
Kidney -15
Brain -18
Liver -18
Thyroid -20
Skin -30
Keloid -35
Patella -40
4.10 ADJUSTING THE VIEWING ANGLE OF THE INSTRUMENT
The two front feet can be flipped down toadjust the viewing angle. Rotate the feet down and towards the
front until they lock in position. To return the the original position, pull down slightly then rotate back..
5.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
1 Controller display fails to illuminate when power is turned on
Check power cord continuity from the AC outlet to the input socket on the rear of the controller. Check
the fuse next to the AC input socket in the rear panel. If these are both OK, try a differnt AC outlet
2 Fault Condition lamp is illuminated
As a safety feature, this unit has power supply short circuit protection. In the event that the output
becomes short circuited by a wiring fault, a protection circuit built in the power supply senses the
increase in current and shuts off the output power. Before output power can be restored to the controller,
the AC power supply must be turned off and the fault condition corrected. Consult our engineering
department for further details.
If the PTU-3 or ECV-1 is being used, check for adequate water flow as described in section 3.1. Touch
the silver heat sink, the middle segment of the stage, to see if is is hot to the touch -- this would indicate
a low or inadequate flow rate.
If water flow is OK, the stage or controller may be defective. In order to check the stage, turn of the
power to the controller and remove the stage connection from the rear of the controller by turning the
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EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
4.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 Ensure that the POWER Switch on the rear panel of the controller is in the OFF position
4.2 Check the VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH on the rear panel to ensure that it is set for the cor
rect line voltage.
4.3 Connect the AC power cord to any suitable grounded AC outlet.
4.4 Unless you have PTU-3 or ECV-1, turn on the water supply and adjust the flow rate until it
flows steadily, without spurting.
4.5 Turn the POWER switch on the rear of the controller ON and ensure that the display on the
front is illuminated.
If you are using ECV-1 and have installed it according to the instructions in Appendix 2, turn on
the water supply now and adjust the flow rate as described above.
If you are using PTU-3, and have installed it according to instructions in Appendix 1, check
that the neon lamp on the side of the pump is illuminated and you can hear a low hum from the
pump. Check that the water is flowing by observation of air bubbles inside the tubing or remove
the cap on the tank and check the water stream from the return tube which is located at the top
of the tank underneath the tubing connections.
4.6 SETTING THE STAGE TEMPERATURE
The operating temperature may be set anywhere
in the range from ambient down to -35°C (-40°C
for BFS-30MP.)
To set control temperature:
a) Press SHIFT. A digit will flash
b) Use UP and DOWN buttons to
change the flashing digit. Press SHIFT
again to select the next digit.
c) When all digits have been changed,
press SET to enter new control temperature.
5
WARNING
The auxiliary outlet is designed for use only with our approved accessories, the PTU-3 Pump
and Tank Unit and the ECV-1 Electrically Operated Solenoid Valve. No other AC devices
should be connected to this outlet without first consulting our engineering department.
WARNING
Various functions of the display and controller are accessible via the four buttons on the display.
It is inadvisable to make any adjustments to these parameters, which are preset at the factory for
optimum performance. In the event that these operating parameters are changed accidentally,
please consult our engineering department for restoration to the original settings.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
FREEZE/THAW
SWITCH
FAULT
CONDITION
UP
SET
SHIFT DOWN
PV -14.9
SV -15.0
RUN display
SET display
EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
3.0 SETTING UP THE SYSTEM
This section gives instructions for set-up if the equipment is to be used with tap water:
If a Pump and Tank Unit is to be used to circulate the cooling water, see Appendix 1
3.1 ATTACH THE WATER TUBES
Connected to the stage are an electrical lead and two
PVC tubes which terminate in male self-sealing connectors. A pair of 5 foot water tubes with mating
female connectors is also provided. Connect the 5 foot
tube to the tubes on the stage. Attach one tube to the
the laboratory water supply, while the other goes to a
convenient sink or drain. The direction of the water
flow through the stage is not important. The water supply should be adjusted until it flows steadily from
the output tube without spurting.
If the water supply is accidentally reduced or turned off while the equipment is operating, the stage will
tend to heat up. However, an electronic safety circuit will sense the rise in temperature and shut off
power to the stage before damage can occur.
3.2 ATTACH THE STAGE TO THE MICROTOME
If the make and model of the microtome were specified with the order, the freezing stage should have
been shipped with the correct mounting hardware already in place. The most frequently used hardware is
a 3/4” vise block. Other pillar and blocks are available as well as adaptor plates for many brands and
models of microtome.
3.3 CONNECT THE STAGE TO THE CONTROLLER
Connect the electrical lead from the stage to the mating socket on the rear of the controller. Rotate the
collar on the connector housing in a clockwise direction to lock in place.
Connect the blue thermocouple plug to the mating socket on the rear panel. This is the Stage
Temperature Feedback Sensor.
3.3 ATTACH AC LINE CORD
Before connecting controller to AC power supply, check the VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH
on the rear panel to ensure that it is set for the correct line voltage..
Connect the line cord supplied with the controller to the mating socket on the rear panel.
4
PUSH TO CONNECT
SQUEEZE TAB IN TO RELEASE
AC FUSE
AND
VOLATGE
SELECTOR
COOLING
FAN
OUTPUT TO
STAGE
AUXILIARY
SWITCHED OUTLET
THERMOCOUPLE
INPUT SOCKET
REAR PANEL
CONNECTIONS
POWER
SWITCH
AC SOCKET
EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
BFS/MP SERIES THERMAL STAGES
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 Physitemp manufactures three freezing stages for use with microtomes. All stages operate in the
same way and reach the same minimum temperature. They differ only in surface area, as follows:
BFS-3MP has stage area 3cm x 4cm
BFS-5MP has stage area 3.8cm x 4cm
BFS-30MP has stage area 7.5cm x 8cm
This manual also covers the FRM/MP
series freezing microtomes which comprise a BFSMP Stage and and ERMA
Microtome.
1.2 The BFS/MP THERMAL STAGE
The stage is a metal plate, 1/16” thick.
Heat is supplied to or withdrawn from the
specimen by means of an electric heat
pump attached to the underside of the
plate, and excess heat is conducted away
by cooling water.
1.3 The CONTROLLER will maintain stage temperature at any point between -35° (-40° for BFS-
30MP) and ambient. Resolution is 1/10°C. It has a simple set point control LED readout and pushbutton
entry control. Once the unit is turned on, the LED displays the set point and current temperature. The set
point can be adjusted by simply incrementing the set point up or down with the pushbuttons.
1.4 Optional PUMP AND TANK UNIT, PTU-3. The stage needs running water for operation. If
access to a water tap is inconvenient, a circulating pump with a small water tank is required.
1.5 Optional ELECTRICALLY OPERATED SOLENOID VALVE, ECV-1, enables the used to acti-
vate a tap water supply with the controller power switch.
2.0 UNPACKING AND CHECKING THE PACKAGE CONTENTS
The BFS-MP Controller and Stage is comprised of the following items.
1. Digital Temperature Controller with AC line cord
2. A Freezing Stage with 3 foot connector lead and water tubing with self-sealing male
fittings.
3. 5 foot water tubing extensions with self-sealing female fittings
4. Operating Manual with Warranty Registration Card
Optional Accessories purchased with the unit may include:
1 PTU-3 Pump and Tank Unit, supplied with AC line cord and 5 foot extension water
tubes with male and female self-sealing fittings
2 ECV-1 Electrically Controlled Solenoid Valve, supplied with AC line cords and a
12VDC 1.3 Amp desktop power supply
3
MOUNTING
HARDWARE
TEMPERATURE
CONTROLLED SURFACE
WATER
TUBES
ELECTRICAL
CONNECTIONS
EB BFS-MP 6310 04/04
WARNING! DO NOT USE DRY ICE ON TOP OF THE STAGE
Several customers have reported using Dry Ice (CO2) to speed up the
freezing of tissue specimens mounted on their BFs series freezing stage.
This may cause several problems. Putting dry ice, which is at -85°C,
directly onto the metal surface of the stage fools the controller into
believing that the top plate has reached its set temperature and so it
shuts off power to the thermoelectric cooling elements.
If there is too much dry ice on the plate it can cause irrepairable damage
to the thermoelectric modules which are designed for a temperature gra-
dient of 60°C. With dry ice on the surface of the stage this gradient can
exceed 100°C. This can cause severe mechanical stress on the components of the module due to thermal expansion and contraction and can
literally shear it apart.
Bearing the above cautionary information in mind, it is
possible to use
dry ice of top of the specimen itself to reduce its temperature quickly.
Do not put the dry ice directly on the metal surface of the stage.
Please contact our technical department for further assistance.
1-800-452-8510
2
OPERATING MANUAL
BFS-MP FREEZING STAGES
FOR MICROTOMES
BFS-3MP, BFS-5MP, BFS-30MP
CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE
1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 2
2.0 UNPACKING AND CHECKING 2
CONTENTS
3.0 SETTING UP THE SYSTEM 3
4.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 4
4.6 Setting Stage Temperature
4.7 Removing Specimen from Stage
4.8 Typical Stage Performance
5.0 TROUBLE SHOOTING 5
6.0 SPECIFICATIONS 7
7.0 MAINTENANCE, WARRANTY AND 8
SERVICE
Appendix 1: Operating Instructions for Physitemp 9
Pump and Tank Units
Appendix 2: Operating Instructions for ECV-1 10
Elelctrically Controlled Solenoid Valve
EB BFS-MP 6310 09/20/04
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