Pierce Biotechnology
PO Box 117
(815) 968-0747
www.thermo.com/pierce
3747 N. Meridian Road
Rockford, lL 61105 USA
(815) 968-7316 fax
4
Note:
Once calibration has been performed for a given aluminum block, vial size and ambient condition, setting the
Heat knob to the same set temperature with the Display Adjust knob at the same dial position for subsequent uses
will reproduce the same heating performance. You may wish to mark or note the Display Adjust dial position for
future reference when using this same heating application.
Instructions for Use with Remote Temperature Probe (RTP, Product No. 18820)
Using the Remote Temperature Probe (RTP) provides more accurate and responsive control of the heating function because it
replaces the internal heat sensor (housed under the block reservoir) with one placed directly in the aluminum block or
reaction vial. However, the RTP is not a substitute for temperature calibration to an independent thermometer.
For best results, perform temperature calibration for a given application (i.e., particular temperature setting, aluminum block
and vial/sample size) with the RTP placed in the aluminum block thermometer well and a standard thermometer placed in a
reaction vial in one of the aluminum block wells. Calibration performed in this configuration will provide for accurate in-vial
sample heating, controlled by the RTP conveniently positioned in the thermometer well. The triple-block module allows for
both the RTP and thermometer to be placed in block thermometer wells, making alternative configurations possible.
Calibrate with the RTP in a vial only if that will be the configuration for use. The following instructions assume the
suggested calibration configuration. Be aware that the aluminum block and in-vial sample temperatures may be different.
1.
Place clean Reacti-Block Aluminum Block(s) into the module reservoir.
Note:
The triple-block reservoir space of the
Reacti-Therm III Module must be filled with three aluminum blocks to obtain acceptable heating performance.
2.
Set Heat knob to the off position (turn all the way counter-clockwise). Set the Display Adjust knob to the center position.
Connect the RTP to the Reacti-Therm Module (left side). When the Heat knob is turned on (step 4), the Temp. Probe
light will illuminate to indicate that the RTP is connected and operating as the thermal sensor.
Note:
The Heat knob must be in the off position when connecting or disconnecting (plugging or unplugging) the RTP.
3.
Place the RTP tip into the aluminum block thermometer well and insert a thermometer (200°C range) into a reaction vial
placed in one of the block wells. For in-vial placement of the RTP, fill the vial sufficiently with mineral oil or other
suitable liquid so that the probe tip is immersed at least 2.5 cm to ensure adequate thermal contact with the vial.
4.
Turn the Heat knob clockwise to set the desired target block temperature (°C), as indicated in the LED display above the
Heat knob. The displayed value will continue to flash (blink) until the block temperature approaches the set temperature.
Example:
To set temperature to 100°C, turn Heat knob until the value “100” appears (flashing) in the LED display.
5.
Allow 15-30 minutes for the block to approach the set temperature, at which point the LED display stops flashing the set
temperature and begins reporting (without flashing) the block temperature recorded by the RTP. The actual time required
for the unit to reach a given temperature may vary depending on the block used and the ambient (room) temperature.
6.
When the LED display stops flashing, monitor the displayed temperature for an additional 15 minutes to ensure that the
it has fully stabilized (i.e., that the in-vial thermometer reading remains unchanged for several minutes). Note that the
thermometer reading, although stabilized, might still be different from the set temperature reported by the RTP.
7.
Once the block has stabilized at a given temperature, turn the Display Adjust knob until the LED display value matches
the block temperature indicated by the in-vial thermometer.
Example:
Suppose the Heat knob had been set to 100°C (step 4) as indicated by the LED display. After 30 minutes, the
block temperature measures 98°C (as indicated by the in-vial thermometer) and has remained unchanged for several
minutes. Harmonize the reported (displayed RTP) value to the actual (thermometer) temperature by turning the Display
Adjust knob until the LED display value equals 98°C.
8.
If the Display Adjust was used in step 7, re-position the Heat knob to the original target temperature.
Example:
Having changed the Display Adjust knob until the LED display value equals 98°C, now turn the Heat knob so
that the set temperature (LED display) equals 100°C.
9.
After several minutes, the block will stabilize to the desired temperature.
Note:
Once calibration has been performed for a given aluminum block, vial size and ambient condition, setting the
Heat knob to the same set temperature with the Display Adjust knob at the same dial position for subsequent uses
will reproduce the same heating performance. You may wish to mark or note the Display Adjust dial position for
future reference when using this same heating application.
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