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Cavro® XLP 6000 Modular Syringe Pump Operating Manual, 734237-C, en
4 - Setting Up the XLP 6000 for Your Application
Optimizing XLP 6000 Performance
4.2
Optimizing XLP 6000 Performance
Caution! Run the pump only in the upright position. Do not move the pump valve
or syringe plunger without first wetting or priming the pump.
For command details, see Chapter 3, "Software Communication".
To optimize XLP 6000 performance, follow these steps:
1
Check chemical compatibility.
Check the chemical compatibility chart in Appendix D, "Chemical Resistance
Chart" to determine if the fluids in your application are compatible with the
XLP 6000 syringe and valve materials. If not, a system fluid is required.
Complete the optimization procedure with the fluids you will use in your final
system.
Note that the system fluid is used to prime the syringe and tubing from inlet to
outlet. After the tubing is primed (and before any sample or reagent is
aspirated), an air gap must be taken into the aspirate/dispense tubing to
separate the system fluid from subsequently aspirated sample or reagent. Air
gaps should be aspirated slowly to avoid break-ups, and they should be one-
tenth the volume of the aspirated fluid
⎯
or at least 10
µ
L
⎯
to avoid any
dilution effect. Similar air gaps should separate each aspirated fluid when
performing multiple aspirates with no intervening dispenses, in order to
prevent premature mixing and/or contamination. In addition, the aspirate/
dispense tubing must be long enough to hold the total aspirate volume without
coming in contact with the valve or syringe.
2
Select syringe size.
Determine your volume and flowrate requirements. Select a syringe that
accommodates the smallest and largest volumes to be dispensed without
refill, as well as the desired flowrate (see Table 4-1, Flowrate Ranges). While
smaller syringes allow better accuracy and precision, a larger syringe allows
more aliquots when multiple aspirations or multiple dispenses are required,
and they allow better breakoff and longer seal life.
Table 4-1
Flowrate Ranges
Syringe Size
Minimum Flow Rate
(mL/min)
Maximum Flow Rate
(mL/min)
50 µL
3.125 x 10
-4
2.5
100 µL
6.25 x 10
-4
5.0
250 µL
1.563 x 10
-3
12.5
500 µL
3.125 x 10
-3
25.0
