Molecular Devices FlexStation II, Руководство оператора

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6 Troubleshooting Procedures
6.3 Understanding Potential Mechanical Problems
Important! Read these instructions before attempting to use the FlexStation II
instrument in Flex mode.
6.3.1
Background
The FlexStation II instrument’s intended function dictates that it have many moving
parts. Furthermore, the operator interacts extensively with the instrument by introducing
various types of plastic disposable plates, tips, and troughs. Molecular Devices has made
every effort to ensure smooth and reliable operation of the FlexStation II instrument.
However, problems can occur. For example:
•
Pipette tips can jam in the rack (possibly due to imperfectly molded tips).
•
After transfer, an unreleased tip may remain on the nose cone and be jammed against
one of the lower drawers or into another tip during a subsequent transfer operation.
•
If the tips are accidentally released from the nose cones during operation, they may
fall outside of the rack.
•
If the power fails during a pipetting step, serious damage can result to the instrument
if appropriate corrective steps are not taken.
As can be seen, there are several opportunities for mechanical problems within the
fluidics module. Fortunately, these problems will be rare if you understand how to avoid
them. Furthermore, the design of the FlexStation II instrument provides the means for
successfully recovering from most problems.
6.3.2 Before Using the Instrument
Molecular Devices recommends that you disconnect the power and open up the
instrument to become familiar with the mechanical parts of the fluidics module. Observe
that it is possible to manually (and always gently) move the drawers, doors and pipettor
head. Moving the parts manually is important for recovering from some mechanical
problems. For further information, see 6.2, Opening a Drawer Manually.
100 FlexStation II Operator’s Manual – Rev. D