Agilent Technologies PlateLoc, User Manual

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Chapter 1: PlateLoc introduction
PlateLoc User Guide
2
Description of the PlateLoc
About this topic
This topic describes the PlateLoc and explains its uses.
Description
The PlateLoc Thermal Plate Sealer is available in two models:
❑
PlateLoc . The PlateLoc is a device that applies seal material on top of
microplates (plates) to seal individual wells. Sealing the wells
protects the contents from evaporation, condensation, and cross-
contamination during transport or storage.
❑
Gas-Purging PlateLoc . In addition to the plate-sealing function of the
original PlateLoc, the Gas-Purging PlateLoc uses argon gas to
displace air, containing moisture and oxygen, in the plate
immediately before the sealing begins. Because argon is inert, it
does not react with the plate contents. The plate contents can be
protected from hydration and oxidation for up to 24 hours.
Typically used for compound storage applications, the Gas-Purging
PlateLoc is best for plate contents that are sensitive to oxidation and
moisture (for example, DMSO).
Note: For typical polystyrene and polypropylene plates, the gas-
purging effects can last up to 24 hours when the plates are stored
at room temperature. The effects can last longer if the plates are
stored at lower temperatures.
Ways to use the
PlateLoc The PlateLoc can be used in the following ways:
❑
As a standalone device
❑
In a Velocity11 lab automation system
❑
In another company’s lab automation system
As a standalone device
You can set up the PlateLoc as a standalone device, operating the
PlateLoc from the built-in touch screen. You do not need to connect the
device to a computer.
Using the PlateLoc in the standalone mode allows you to manually load
and seal one plate at a time (a single seal cycle in one run). The
standalone device cannot automatically load and seal multiple plates in
one run.
In a Velocity11 lab automation system
You can set up the PlateLoc in a Velocity11 lab automation system such
as the BenchCel or the BioCel. To install the PlateLoc in the system, you
must connect the device to the controlling computer. You can operate
the integrated device using the software supplied with the lab
automation system, such as BenchWorks or VWorks. Integrated PlateLoc
operation allows you to automate the loading and sealing of multiple
plates in one protocol run (multiple seal cycles in one run).