Labcyte Echo 520, Руководство пользователя, Страница: 29 / 200

Introduction
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1.2.5 Low maintenance requirements
Echo instrument up-time is high, not only because it is reliable, but also
because very little maintenance is required.
 Routine operator maintenance takes only minutes each week—
typically keeping the coupling fluid bottle clean and filled.
 Field service maintenance is scheduled once every six months.
 Echo technology means that there are no tips, no pins, and no
washing.
 The acoustic transducer itself has no moving parts to wear out. It
simply converts RF (radio frequency) energy to ultrasound energy. The
mechanisms that move it into position are designed for a long and
serviceable life.
1.2.6 Cost savings
The Echo liquid handler reduces operating costs by:
 Enabling the routine use of higher density, lower volume assays.
Moving to smaller assay volumes reduces the costs of compounds,
solvents, and reagents.
 The use of higher density microplates. High density microplates
dramatically increase the number of assays that can be performed
with a limited amount of test compound used.
 Minimizing the use of expendable supplies (for example, intermediate
microplates, tips, pins, and wash solutions).
 Eliminating washing stations and their complex procedures and fluids.
 Eliminating the requirement to calibrate reduces upkeep time or
delays in adopting new liquid handling procedures.