Molecular Devices SkanWasher 300, User Manual

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Parts and Description
SkanWasher 300 User Guide 13
Pressure/Vacuum Washer Parts
External Vacuum Source
The instrument requires an external vacuum source.Vacuum is expressed in
millibar (mbar), with reference to absolute vacuum, which equals 0 mbar and
room pressure equals 1000 mbar. (Note: 1000 mbar = 1 bar = 1 atmosphere =
14 PSI). To increase pressure, lower the value on the vacuum pump gauge. To
lower pressure, increase the value on the vacuum pump gauge. The instru-
ment should be used with a stable vacuum source with the following mini-
mum requirements:
‹
Capacity: Higher than 30 L/min, free air displacement.
‹
Peak vacuum: Better than 300 mbar.
A dedicated vacuum source is recommended. House vacuum often has fluctu-
ation in vacuum since typically there is more than one user.
Hydrophobic filter
A hydrophobic filter should be placed between the waste reservoir and vac-
uum pump. The filter is used to protect the pump by preventing liquid from
entering into the pump system. A filter with a pore size of 0.2 µm is recom-
mended.The pump protection membrane filter with continued use will reduce
flow capacity. The filter should be replaced when condensation is visible in
the housing.
Internal Pressure Source
The instrument is equipped with an internal pressure pump that creates air
pressure in the liquid reservoirs, eliminating the need for gravity feed. The
pressure level can be adjusted between 0.0 and 0.6 bar (approximately 9 psi).
The air pressure is supplied through the small quick couplings on the left side
of the instrument labeled Pressure ports (Figure 8). The default air pressure
value is 0.25 bar (approximately 4 psi). Any value between 0.15 -0.40 bar is
considered a reasonable operating pressure. The air pressure value can be set
for each wash program through the on-board software and adjusted for differ-
ent assays.
&
TIP: Adjusting the level of the
air pressure also adjusts the flow
rate of the liquid entering the
microplate wells. It does not have
an effect on the volume.