Thermo Scientific Vitrobot Mk IV, User Manual

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Contents
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Design Change .................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Design Philosophy ............................................................................................... 5
1.2.1 Theoretical analysis of specimen thermodynamics ................................... 5
1.2.2 Thermodynamic analysis of specimen evaporation .................................. 6
1.3 Technical Specification ........................................................................................ 7
1.3.1 Key Features ............................................................................................ 7
1.3.2 Instrument Specifications ......................................................................... 8
2 Safety ................................................................................................................. 9
2.1 General Safety ..................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Messages and Symbols ....................................................................................... 9
2.3 Mechanical Moving Parts ................................................................................... 11
2.4 Electronics ......................................................................................................... 11
2.5 Thermal ............................................................................................................. 12
2.5.1 Liquid Nitrogen specific safety precautions ............................................. 13
2.6 Climate Chamber ............................................................................................... 14
2.7 Safety Data Sheets (SDS) ................................................................................. 14
2.8 Biohazard .......................................................................................................... 14
2.9 Decontamination and Decomissioning ............................................................... 15
3 Operating Instructions ................................................................................... 16
3.1 Starting Up
– Filling the Humidifier .....................................................................
16
3.2 Starting Up
– Switching on the Vitrobot ..............................................................
17
3.3 Defining the Vitrobot User Interface ................................................................... 18
3.4 Preparation of the Climate Chamber .................................................................. 22
3.5 Preparation of the Grid ....................................................................................... 23
3.6 Preparation and Lifting of the Coolant Container................................................ 24
3.7 Sample Application ............................................................................................ 26
3.8 Blotting and Vitrification ..................................................................................... 27
3.9 Transfer of Vitrified Grid ..................................................................................... 28
3.10 Summary - Vitrification Control through UI ................................................ 30
3.11 Shutting down
– Emptying the humidifier ..................................................
31
4 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 32
4.1 Guidelines for Optimal Specimen Preparation ................................................... 32
4.2 General Remarks on the Operational Procedures .............................................. 33
4.3 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 34
5 Revision History .............................................................................................. 36
6 Index ................................................................................................................ 37