Dynex Opsys MW, User Manual

Page: 82 / 95

Pump Calibration
Pump Calibration
Each Opsys MW™ washer manifold, or head, (e.g., 1 x 8, 1 x 12) has three
calibration values stored in memory. These values are calculated and stored
during manufacture at DYNEX Technologies. When the
Opsys MW
configuration is changed from one manifold to another, the corresponding
calibration settings will be recalled by correctly setting the head size using
the SETUP/HEAD feature (refer to page 28 for Specifying the Wash Head).
This calibration protocol may be used at any time to verify the performance
of the
Opsys MW washer.
IMPORTANT! It is recommended that this protocol be completed if any
fluid-carrying component of the Opsys MW is replaced. This protocol may
also be used to recalibrate the Opsys MW if a new wash buffer with different
viscosity is used. Customize the protocol to emulate your assay, using the
appropriate dispense volume, pump speed and fluid density.
Calibration Protocol:
1. Define a flat bottom plate profile using the SETUP/PLATE
function (refer to page 30 for Specifying Plate Parameters).
2. Program an assay to dispense 200µl/well into columns 1-12
(refer to page 41 for Creating a New Wash Protocol).
3. Obtain a clean, dry flat bottom 96-well styrene plate.
4. Weigh the plate and record the empty plate weight in grams.
5. Run the assay programmed in Step 2. (This assay will dispense
200µl to all 96 wells in the plate.)
6. Weigh the plate and record the filled plate weight in grams.
7. Calculate the actual dispensed volume and % error using the
following formulas:
A. Actual Volume = [(Full weight – Empty weight) x 1000mg/g] /
(96 wells x fluid density)
B. %Error = 100 x (Actual Volume – Target Volume)/Target
Volume
Example:
Empty plate weight: 48.38g
Full plate weight: 67.42g
Density of water at 20°C = 0.998mg/µl
Actual Volume = [(67.42 – 48.38) x 1000]/(96 x 0.998) =
198.7µl/well
%Error = 100 x (198.7 – 200)/200 = -0.6%
74 Opsys MW™ User’s Guide