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Environmental Express
• 9
AutoBlock® Fill:
Operation and Instruction Manual
Operation
3.
HotBlock® Screen
– This screen is used to calibrate the position of the HotBlock® and
check pump volumes. To calibrate the HotBlock® position, you must first choose the
block type from the drop-down menu. Blocks are listed by the Environmental Express
part number (e.g. SC154) as well as the well configuration (e.g. 9x6). If you are unsure of
the part number, choose any option that has the correct well configuration. Once you
make a selection, a map of the wells will appear onscreen. If you select the “Custom”
option, you will need to specify the number of wells in each row and column. The cups’
positions are labeled in rows by number and columns by letter. You will calibrate on
the front left corner cup (always labeled “A1”) and the back right corner cup.
Click the “Calibrate” button on the row for “Location of Cup A1”. The button will turn
red and the dispensing probe will move to a location close to where the A1 cup should
be. Use the “Jog” arrows to position the arm so that the dispensing tip is centered above
the A1 cup. The magnitude of the motion from the “Jog” arrows can be adjusted to
smaller distances, down to 0.1 mm, by changing the field value. You can use the
“Dispense” button to verify the position. If you anticipate using the disposable reflux
caps, we recommend having one in position over the cup being calibrated.
Click the same “Calibrate” button as before. The button will change color again and the
position will be saved to the unit. Repeat these steps for the location of the cup in the
opposite corner. Once that is completed, click the “Save Block to ABFill” button. If you
have not saved the block calibration to the unit, a red asterisk [
*
] will appear on the tab
to alert you of unsaved changes.
4.
Pump Calibration Screen
– This screen allows you to adjust the pump to account for
changes in the pump tubing. The positions of the cups used to check the calibration are
fixed but the volume used can be adjusted to something close to the standard amount
of liquid being dispensed. Place a preweighed empty cup in each red shaded well as
indicated on the map of the block. Change the amount listed in
Step 1
to the desired
calibration amount; 2 mL is the default value. Click the “Dispense” button to begin the
procedure. The unit will then dispense the indicated amount into each of the cups.
Weigh the cups and determine the amount of water dispensed by the increase in mass.
Average the values and enter in the field in
Step 2
. Click the “Update” button and the
software will automatically calculate the Calibration Factor to update in the field at the
top of the screen. Repeat the calibration steps until the value stabilizes within a margin
of error acceptable for your laboratory.
Note:
Environmental Express recommends checking this value at least weekly and
possibly more often depending on the use in your laboratory. We also recommend
changing the peristaltic pump tubing at least monthly.
