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Install Flow Cell Tubing
Attach the inlet tube of the flow cell to the Sample Funnel or Pipette tip. Additionally for some models
of the FlowCAM there are bulk head connectors that are installed in the instrument case. These
connectors allow for the sample container to be located outside of a closed instrument case (e.g., the
Portable FlowCAM case). Sample fluid should enter the top of the flow cell and flow down through and
exit at the bottom.
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Pipette Tip Holder Assembly
= The pipette tip holder assemblies come in three sizes (see
Figure 12) to hold different sizes of pipette tips. The small size is for pipette tips up to 1 mL, the
medium size is for pipette tips from 2.5 – 5 mL, and the large size is for pipette tips that are 10
mL. The tubing from the flow cell is attached to the pipette in a similar manner as the sample
funnel (see Figure 13). The shorter and straighter the tubing, the better.
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Sample Funnel
= Using a six inch ring stand, measure and cut the tubing upstream of the flow
cell. Lower the funnel holder ring all the way down, around the tubing. Attach funnel to tubing,
then raise funnel holder to the point where the tubing is fully extended. (This procedure takes
pressure off the flow cell and connector- especially important for some of the smaller, more
fragile flow cells.) The shorter and straighter the tubing, the better. See Figure 14 for an
example of a sample funnel set up.
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Bulk Head
= Connect upstream tubing at the top of the flowcell to the inside of the Bulk Head
connector. Attach an additional length of tubing from the outside of the Bulk Head connector to
the sample container. For this setup, be sure that sample is well stirred (if necessary), and use
the shortest length tubing possible. Finally, attach the downstream end of the flow cell tubing to
the inlet end of the pump.
Figure 12.
Two different views of the three sizes of pipette tip holders installed on the ring stand post
