Thermo Savant FastPrep FP120, FastPrep FP220, FastPrep FP110 Instruction Manual

FastPrep

®

FP120

Cell Disrupter

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Applies to FP100, FP120, and FP220 Models

Qbiogene, Inc. (North America)
2251 Rutherford Road
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

104-3003-00 Rev. B
© 2001 Thermo Savant

Qbiogene, Inc (Europe)
Parc d’Innovation BP72
67042 Illkirch
Cedex, France
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

A Thermo Electron business

Table of Contents

Section Section Title — Introduction Page

1.0 Introduction 1

Section Section Title — Installation Page

2.0 Installation 1
Receiving 1
Unpacking 1
Inspection 1
Set-up 2

Section Section Title — Operation Page

3.0 Operation 2-3

3.1 Mode Selection 4

3.2 Setting Target Time 4

3.3 Example of Manual Run 5

3.4 Example of Auto Run 6

3.5 Drying Rate 6

3.6 Other Topics 7

Section Section Title — Specifications Page

4.0 Specifications 8

Section Section Title — Accessories Page

5.0 Accessories 9

Section Section Title — Warranty and Page

6.0 Warranty and Liability 9

FastPrep®is a registered trademark of Qbiogene.
©2000 Thermo Savant

Liability

Appendix 1:
Proper handling of hazardous exhaust vapors 10
Appendix 2:
Operating hints 10

1.0 DESCRIPTION

The FastPrep®FP120 is a high-speed, benchtop reciprocating device for efficient
disruption of cell membranes. The unit is designed for use with the FastPrep
Extraction Kits (Qbiogene, www.qbiogene.com). These kits are available for a
wide variety of extraction and purification applications. The FastPrep®sample
holder has the capacity to process 12 FastPrep®sample tubes simultaneously.
We do not recommend using any tubes other than those supplied with the
FastPrep®Kits.

The front control panel of the FastPrep®Instrument includes a digital display and
two control switches. Speed (4.0-6.5 m/sec) and run time (1-45 seconds) are fully
programmable. The microprocessor measures and displays time and speed dur­ing each programmed run.

®

For information on FastPrep®kits, other kits for use with the FastPrep
Instrument and their various applications, call Qbiogene at 800-424-6101 (North
America) or [phone] (Europe) or visit the FastPrep®Users Resource
Group at http://www.qbiogene.com.

2.0 INSTALLATION

Unpacking. Carefully remove the FastPrep®Instrument and accessories from

the shipping carton. Compare the packing list to the box contents. If there is a
discrepancy, call Qbiogene, Inc.

Inspection. Inspect the unit for any damage that may have occurred during
shipment. Should there be damage, report it to the carrier and contact Qbiogene
immediately. Save the packaging material in the event a return is necessary.

Set-up. To assure safe operation and best results, read this manual in its entire­ty before operating the FastPrep®Instrument.

The FastPrep®Instrument comes fully assembled, requiring very little set-up.
Install the system on a clean, dry, level, stable surface within 4 feet (1.2m) of a
compatible electrical outlet.

Allow 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) of space around the FastPrep®Instrument for proper
motor ventilation.

®

This unit is “FOR INDOOR USE ONLY”. Avoid operating in areas of excessive
humidity or extremes of temperature.

IMPORTANT: Remove motor locking plate prior to use as per instructions includ­ed with the unit.

1

2.0 INSTALLATION (cont’d)
Connecting the power

WARNING: Before connecting the FastPrep®Instrument to an outlet. Make sure

that the voltage, frequency, and amperage are compatible with the requirements
indicated on the label on the instrument rear panel. If there are any questions,
please consult an electrician.

As a safety feature, this unit is equipped with a three-prong grounded plug that fits
a grounding-type power outlet. Consult an electrician to replace the outlet if neces­sary. Do not defeat this safety feature by modifying the plug. Make sure the power
switch, located on the rear panel, is OFF. Connecting the power cord to the instru­ment (power fixture is on the rear panel) and plug it into a compatible outlet.

Note: Asafety latch prevents the FastPrep®FP120 lid from opening when the main
power switch, located on the rear panel, is OFF. Before switching power ON, make
sure that the unit is properly set up, connected to a suitable power source, and the
RUN/OFF/CHANGE switch on the front control panel is turned OFF (see Figure 1.
Below). Once the main power is ON, press COVER (SPEED/TIME/COVER switch)
to release the lid.

3.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 PREPARINGTHE FASTPREP®FP120 FOR OPERATING

Turn the main power switch ON.This switch is located on the rear panel of the instru­ment. When switched O N, factory-set default values automatically program
FastPrep to operate at speed 4.0 m/sec and run time 20 seconds (to override these
values, see section 3.2 below).

3.2 CONTROL PANEL
A

DISPLAY

Figure 1. FastPrep®FP120 Control Panel

There are two rocker switches on the instrument front panel (Figure 1). The
RUN/OFF/CHANGE switch on the right (switch B) allows the user to choose RUN,
for operation (cellular disruption) or CHANGE, to program the desired operating
parameters (speed or time). Setting the switch to the OFF (center) position opens
the lid after a run is completed. The OFF position can also be used, if necessary, to
terminate a run that is in progress.

B

Note: Run settings cannot be changed once the run is in progress.

2

3.3 PROGRAMMING A RUN

Note: For application protocols, refer to extraction kit instructions supplied by

Qbiogene.
A. Select desired speed. The units displayed are in meters/second. See Appendix

2 on page 10 for explanation of FastPrep®instrument speed settings.
Set switch A (SPEED/TIME/COVER) to SPEED position.
Press and hold CHANGE on switch B (RUN/OFF/CHANGE) to scroll to the desired

speed setting. When the switch is released, it returns to the OFF position.
Note: While setting run speed, the display counts forward in increments of 0.5 m/sec

within the operating range of 4.0-6.5 m/sec.
B. Select desired time of run. The units displayed are seconds.
Set switch A (SPEED/TIME/COVER) to TIME position.
Press and hold CHANGE on switch B (RUN/OFF/CHANGE) until the desired time

setting is shown on the display. The longer CHANGE is held, the faster the incre­ments are displayed. When the switch is released, it returns to the OFF position.

Note: While setting run time, the display counts forward in increments of 1 second
within the operating range of 1-45 seconds.

3

3.4 LOADING THE SAMPLES

The main power must be ON to open the FastPrep®FP120 cover. Unlock and open
cover by setting switch A (SPEED/TIME/COVER) to COVER position.

Loosen the three knobs that secure the spoke plate by turning the knobs counter­clockwise (see Figure 1 p. 6).

Using the rotation knob, rotate the spoke plate clockwise to expose the sample cav­ities.

WARNING: Before inserting sample tubes, always make sure that their screw
caps are tight.

Load sample tubes into the sample holder. Whenever possible, position the tubes
symmetrically.The FastPrep®Instrument is designed to be used exclusively with the
FastPrep®kits and reagents. These can be purchased from Qbiogene at 800-424­6101 (North America) or [phone] (Europe).

Use of non-approved reagents may result in damage to the FastPrep®Instrument,
leakage of content and instrument contamination. Also, unapproved reagents may
cause sample tubes to burst in downstream processing.

Figure 2. FastPrep®FP120 sample holder showing both open and closed positions

4

3.5 SECURING THE SAMPLES

When all samples are loaded, rotate the spoke plate by turning the rotation knob coun­terclockwise so that the retention spokes are centered above each sample tube cap.

Hand-tighten the three securing knobs while pushing down on the rotation knob.
W ARNING: Samples must be secured properly before running the FastPrep

Instrument. Overtightening of FastPrep®knobs may result in damage to FastPrep
spokeplate and FastPrep®knobs.

Close and lock cover of FastPrep®FP120.

3.6 RUNNING THE UNIT

Start run by setting switch B (RUN/OFF/CHANGE) to RUN.
If display flashes “CC”, the cover is not properly secured. Firmly press down cover to lock.

(As a safety feature, the FastPrep®Instrument will not operate when cover is not properly
locked.)

To display speed during the run, set switch A (SPEED/TIME/COVER) to SPEED.
To display time remaining in the run, set switch A (SPEED/TIME/COVER) to TIME.

Note: When SPEED is selected on switch A, “AA” is displayed during motor acceleration.
When the motor reaches its preset speed, the set speed value is displayed. If the set speed
is not reached within 10 seconds of starting a run, an error message appears (E.3.), and
the run is automatically aborted. During motor deceleration at the end of a run, “dd” is dis-
played. If the motor does not decelerate to a complete stop within 10 seconds, error mes­sage E.4. appears. Call Qbiogene immediately if an error code appears.

®
®

At the end of a run, the motor brakes to a stop automatically, and the display reads “EE”
to indicate that the run has ended. Set switch B (RUN/OFF/CHANGE) to OFF to unlock the
cover (the “EE” display stays on for 2 seconds, then returns to the preset value). Open
cover and remove sample tubes.

Warning: Use caution when removing samples; sample holder may become hot after
the run.

5

4.0 SPECIFICATIONS

Controls: Programmable run time and speed; large LED readout
Time: Range: 1-45 sec

Speed: Range: 4.0-6.5m/sec

Acceleration: < 2 seconds to maximum speed
Deceleration: < 2 seconds to maximum speed
Construction: Anodized aluminum sample holder

Dimensions: 11 in x 15.75 in x 12 in
(W x D x H) 28.0 cm x 40.0 cm x 30.5 cm

Weight: 36 lbs

Programmable in 1 sec increments

Programmable in 0.5 m/sec increments

Polypropylene sample retention “spoke” plate
Chemical-resistant painted surfaces

16.3 kg

Power: 120 V AC, 60 Hz, 8 A
Requirements: 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 8 A

Safety: Designed to international safety standards
Registration: ISO 9001-1987. Registered by QMI (Quality Management Institute).

Certificate number 001080.

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5.0 WARRANTY & LIABILITY

This FastPrep®Instrument product is warranted against defects in material and workman­ship for one year after the date of delivery to the original purchaser. This warranty is limit­ed to defective materials and workmanship, and does not cover incidental or consequen­tial damages.

Qbiogene will repair free of charge any apparatus covered by this warranty. If a new com­ponent fails to work, we will replace it, absorb all charges, and continue the one-year war­ranty period. Warranty work is subject to our inspection of the unit. No instruments, equip­ment, or accessories will be accepted without a Return Material Authorization (RMA) num­ber issued by Qbiogene. Costs of shipping the unit are not covered under warranty. The
warranty obliges you to follow the precautions in this manual.

When returning apparatus that may contain hazardous materials, you must pack and label
them following U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations applying to trans­portation of hazardous materials. Your shipping documents must also meet DOT regula­tions. All returned units must be decontaminated.

Use of this equipment in manners other than those specified in this manual may jeopardize
personal safety. Under no circumstances shall Qbiogene be liable for damages due to the
improper handling, abuse, or unauthorized repair of its products. Qbiogene assumes no lia­bility, express or implied, for use of this equipment.

Use of non-approved kits and reagents with the FastPrep®Instrument is not covered
under this warranty.

7

APPENDIX 1 MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

Maintenance. The FastPrep®Instrument requires no scheduled maintenance. Clean sur-

faces immediately after contact with sample solutions or reagents.
Cleaning. The FastPrep®Instrument should be cleaned if reagents or sample solutions

spill on or inside the unit. If a sample tube leaks during a run, the solution will be sprayed
on the inside cover. Always clean up any spray or spills immediately using a damp paper
towel. Always wear gloves when cleaning.

The components of the FastPrep®Instrument are chemically resistant and compatible with
most cleaning solutions.

The spoke plate can be removed for a thorough cleaning. To remove the spoke plate,
unscrew and remove the three knobs by gently pulling up on the knobs and turning coun­terclockwise until they come completely free from the unit. Carefully remove the three
knobs, remove the spoke plate, and then remove the three washers and three springs
under each knob. Clean spoke plate with damp cloth or paper towel. Reassemble instru­ment in reverse order.

APPENDIX 2 ANEXPLANATION OF FASTPREP®INSTRUMENT SPEED SETTINGS

The cell disruption process during a FastPrep®Instrument run is caused by the collision
of matrix and sample within the FastPrep®Instrument sample tube. The rate of collision
and energy of impact (both of which determine the effectiveness of the disruption process)
are a function of the FastPrep®Instrument speed settings and specific gravity of the bead

material used. The FastPrep®Instrument speed settings in meters per second refer to the
maximum vertical velocity achieved by a sample tube during reciprocating motion. The
rate of collision is proportional to speed, while the energy of impact is proportional to the

square of the speed. For example, a 50% increase in the FastPrep®Instrument speed

setting increases the rate of collision by 50%, and at the same time increases the energy
of impact by 125%.

The FastPrep®Instrument has been specifically designed to allow operation within an
ideal range of parameters for disrupting membranes from a wide variety of cell types.
When used with cell-specific protocols and kits (Qbiogene, www.qbiogene.com), cell
membrane disruption and nucleic acid yield is maximized.

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APPENDIX 3 EMERGENCY INTERLOCK OVERRIDE

If a general electrical power failure should occur while the FastPrep®Instrument is in use,

the cover will remain locked. The cover may also remain locked if an error code appears
in the display. In such an emergency, access to samples may be gained by means of the

emergency interlock override.

1. Unplug power from electrical unit.

2. Release vacuum under suction cup feet.

3. Slide the FastPrep®Instrument forward until the emergency interlock override

handle is visible underneath, situated toward the front. The override mechanism is
a flat metal handle with release cord wound around, attached to the undersurface
by two Phillips head screws.

4. Remove the screws.

5. Holding the metal handle, pull down on cord until the safety interlock releases.
There will be an audible click, and the cord will release.

6. Remove samples.

7. Rewind release cord around handle.

8. Replace screws, reattaching handle to undersurface of the FastPrep®Instrument.

9. Slide the FastPrep®Instrument back to its previous location.

10. Reconnect power cord.

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104-3003-00 Rev. B
© 2000 Thermo Savant