Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel
Summary of Contents for Beckman Instruments Biomek 2000
- Page 1 Beckman Part No. 609909-AA April 1998 ® ® ® ® Biomek 2000 User’s Guide Beckman Instruments, Inc. 2500 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92834-3100 ©Copyright 1998 Beckman Instruments, Inc. Printed in U.S.A.
- Page 2 Copyright, Licenses and Trademarks Copyright © Beckman Instruments, Inc., 1998. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permission of Beckman Instruments, Inc.
-
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Accessory Safety......................ix Side Loader (SL)......................x SL Incubator........................x High-Density Replicating System................xi Plate Reader .........................xi Wash System.......................xii Heater/Cooler Block ....................xii Biomek 2000 Safety Features....................xii Summary of Warning Information ..................xii Introduction Introduction ........................1-1 Intended Use ......................1-1 Theory of Operation....................1-1 Workstation Components...................1-1 Automation Features....................1-2... - Page 4 SL Incubator ........................2-4 High-Density Replicating System ................... 2-5 Plate Reader ........................2-5 Wash System........................2-6 Heater-Cooler Block......................2-6 Biomek 2000 Safety Features ................... 2-6 Principles of Operation General Information......................3-1 The Edit Module ....................... 3-1 Creating a Method..................... 3-4 Setup, Initial Configuration, and Default Configuration ..........
- Page 5 Recommended Maintenance Procedures Maintenance Procedures....................5-1 General Information ......................5-1 Weekly ........................5-1 Perform a Position Calibrate ................5-1 Perform Check Disk ....................5-1 Verify the Alignment Points................5-1 Check Finger Pads for Wear ................5-2 Monthly .......................5-2 Semi-Annually (Every Six Months) ................5-2 Calibrate Pipetting Tools..................5-2 Biomek 2000...
- Page 6 Table of Contents User’s Guide Document 609909-AA Parts, Supplies and Accessories Diagnostics Overview ......................6-1 General Information ......................6-1 United States Sales Telephone Number..............6-1 World Wide Web .......................6-1 Biomek 2000...
- Page 7 Beckman Instruments, Inc. ® ® Biomek and Beckman are registered trademarks of Beckman Instruments, Inc. BioWorks™ and BioScript™ are trademarks of Beckman Instruments, Inc. ® ® Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows™ is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
- Page 8 Notice Biomek 2000...
-
Page 9: Safety Notice
Safety During Installation Do not lift the Biomek 2000 by the bridge. Two people are needed to lift the Biomek, grasping the front rail and the back support. Do not connect the Biomek to an electrical outlet until it is positioned properly on the bench. -
Page 10: Safety Against Risk Of Fire
Use the Stop switch at the base of the workstation if an emergency stop is required. Pressing this switch will freeze the workstation (but not the Side Loader). Click on the Stop button on the Run window to stop the instrument if the stop is not an emergency viii Biomek 2000... -
Page 11: Cleaning
Do not replenish bleach in a sterilization reservoir using the aspirate and bulk dispense transfers, as the bleach may damage the Wash tool. Accessory Safety Follow the appropriate safety instructions for the accessories listed below in addition to the standard safety precautions for the Biomek 2000. Biomek 2000... -
Page 12: Side Loader (Sl)
Use 50% polyethylene glycol and 50% water as the conductive fluid in the water circulator. • Maximum inlet pressure to the SL Incubator is 5 psig (34.5 kPa). • When cleaning the incubator wear protective gloves and eyewear. Biomek 2000... -
Page 13: High-Density Replicating System
(or equivalent) before putting the microplate on the drawer. Alternatively, place a clear sheet (such as a Molecular Devices blanking template) underneath the microplate when inserting it in the drawer. Biomek 2000... -
Page 14: Wash System
Biomek 2000 Safety Features The Biomek 2000 workstation is equipped with several safety features. A Stop switch is located on the front of the instrument. Press this switch to stop the Biomek. Also the warning light at the top of the bridge warns you that the instrument is operating, and emits a beep before the initial movement in a method. -
Page 15: Introduction
Introduction Introduction Intended Use The Biomek 2000 Laboratory Automation Workstation is designed to meet the needs of rapidly changing life science technology with simple, intelligent automation of liquid-handling tasks. Pipetting, diluting and dispensing operations are performed quickly, easily and automatically. The modular platform allows expansion of system capability to include plate heating and cooling, plate washing, high-density transfers, photometric measurement and high-capacity operation. -
Page 16: Automation Features
User’s Guide Chapter 1 Document 609909-AA Figure 1: Biomek 2000 Laboratory Automation Workstation Head Assembly Worksurface Back Support Bridge Side Module (both sides) Safety Light Front Rail Automation Features The Biomek provides the following features which simplify and automate routine and repetitive laboratory operations: •... -
Page 17: Modular Platform For Easy Upgrades
Communication ports and software communication links provided Pipette and Wash Tools The Biomek 2000 workstation uses individual tools to aspirate and dispense fluids to labware. Pipette tools transfer from 1 µL to 1 mL with high precision. Multichannel tools increase throughput by transferring eight high-precision samples simultaneously. - Page 18 (large pin) 0.015 or 0.045 in. 3,456 (small pin) or 1,536 384-Pin HDRT (large pin) *Number of samples spotted onto a microplate-sized area (approximately 9 x 13 cm). For complete operating specifications and application information, contact your Beckman Representative. Biomek 2000...
-
Page 19: Accessories
Interconnect Diagrams The following diagrams show the interconnection of the Biomek Workstation with the PC controller, and other additional options. Refer to the Biomek 2000 Hardware and Software Installation Manual for complete installation instructions, or contact your local Beckman Field Service Engineer. - Page 20 User’s Guide Chapter 1 Document 609909-AA Figure 2: Connecting the Biomek Workstation to the Computer Biomek 2000...
- Page 21 Chapter 1 User’s Guide Document 609909-AA Figure 3: Connecting the Biomek Workstation to the Side Loader Controller Biomek 2000...
-
Page 22: Safety Features
Pressing this switch will freeze the workstation (but not the Side Loader). Click on the Stop button on the BioWorks Run window to stop the instrument if the stop is not an emergency. Biomek 2000... - Page 23 Use the Stop switch at the base of the workstation if an emergency stop is required. Biomek 2000...
- Page 24 User’s Guide Chapter 1 Document 609909-AA 1-10 Biomek 2000...
-
Page 25: Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions Safety During Installation Do not lift the Biomek 2000 by the bridge. Two people are needed to lift the Biomek, grasping the front rail and the back support. Do not connect the Biomek to an electrical outlet until it is positioned properly on the bench. -
Page 26: Chemical And Biological Safety
• Because the parts of the Biomek move automatically, keep clear of the head assembly during operation. Also, keep the area around the workstation clear (including the expansion area) to prevent obstructing the movement of the instrument. Biomek 2000... -
Page 27: Cleaning
Do NOT autoclave Pipetting or Wash tools; autoclaving may cause damage to the internal parts. • Perform only the maintenance described in this manual and in the Biomek 2000 Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide. Maintenance other than specified in these manuals should be performed only by Beckman-trained, qualified personnel. -
Page 28: Side Loader (Sl)
Use 50% polyethylene glycol and 50% water as the conductive fluid in the water circulator. • Maximum inlet pressure to the SL Incubator is 5 psig (34.5 kPa). • When cleaning the incubator wear protective gloves and eyewear. Biomek 2000... -
Page 29: High-Density Replicating System
Devices blanking template) underneath the microplate when inserting it in the drawer. • When reading filter bottom microplates where fluid may drip off the filter membrane, place a clear sheet under the microplate (such as a Molecular Devices blanking template) when inserting it in the drawer. Biomek 2000... -
Page 30: Wash System
Biomek 2000 Safety Features • The Biomek 2000 workstation is equipped with several safety features. A Stop button is located on the front of the instrument. Press this button to stop the Biomek. Also, the warning light at the top of the bridge warns you that the instrument is operating, and emits a beep before the initial movement in a method. -
Page 31: Principles Of Operation
Lab books should be deleted using the Lab Book Manager only. The Edit Module The Biomek uses methods to define the actions that the workstation performs. These methods are created using the Edit module, within the BioWorks program group. Biomek 2000... - Page 32 User’s Guide Chapter 3 Document 609909-AA When you click on the Edit icon, the Edit window is displayed. Refer to your BioWorks Software Reference Manual for a complete description of all of the features of the Edit window. Biomek 2000...
- Page 33 Select one of the methods (such as the Demo method shown below) from the list provided in the window, by clicking on that method. Click Open when done. Once you have selected the Demo method, you will be presented with the dialog shown on the following page. Biomek 2000...
-
Page 34: Creating A Method
Function Palette/ List of Actions Labware Bar Setup Biomek 2000 Worksurface Button Creating a Method When you create a method, you specify the actions that the workstation will perform using the Edit module. You use the function buttons on the Function Palette to specify a function (such as a pipetting operation or a labware move). -
Page 35: Setup, Initial Configuration, And Default Configuration
Refer to the screen shown on page 3-4; the Setup button is shown, located on the Biomek 2000 worksurface. By clicking on the Setup button, you will be prompted by the Setup screen, which allows you to change the setup of the system. You will use setup whenever you want to install (or remove) a wash unit, six port valve, Side Loader, Disposal units, or a Plate Reader. -
Page 36: Initial Configuration
The initial configuration does not include any transfers, only the locations of the labware and devices. The first line of any method is always “Initial Configuration”. When you highlight this line in the method window, the starting layout of the labware is shown on the worksurface window. Initial Configuratiom Biomek 2000... -
Page 37: Default Configuration
To edit the Default Configuration, select Options/Default Configuration from the Edit module: Default Configuratiom Worksurface The worksurface is then displayed. Place the items that you want to appear in the Default Configuration on the worksurface just as you would for a method. Biomek 2000... -
Page 38: Placing Labware On The Worksurface
Specifying a Method Step (Action) First, click the desired function icon on the Function palette. In this example, the Mix at Location icon is selected. Mix at Location Icon Biomek 2000... - Page 39 In this example, the 96-well flat plate in location B2 is selected. The following Mix at Location dialog will appear. Once you have defined all actions and tip handling options in the screen, click OK when done. Biomek 2000...
-
Page 40: Error Messages During Labware Placement
Pipette Transfers The most commonly used function of the Biomek is the pipette transfer. Most pipette transfers define the transfer of a specific volume of liquid from one place on the worksurface to another. 3-10 Biomek 2000... - Page 41 To do this, click the Pipette Transfer button on the Function Palette, click the Source plate on the worksurface, then click the Destination plate. The Pipette Transfer window, shown below, is used to define the transfer. Biomek 2000 3-11...
-
Page 42: Source
Hint Set the first height well below the actual level to ensure that all liquid is aspirated, and to avoid aspiration of air. 3-12 Biomek 2000... - Page 43 Use an Existing Mark starts the system at the current mark. This does not move the mark after the transfer is complete. • Use then Set New Mark starts the system at the current mark and moves the mark after the transfer. Biomek 2000 3-13...
-
Page 44: Destination
The direction of the pipetting action selected will influence the direction of the replicates. Marks are handled the same at the destination, as at the source. All marks can be cleared using the Clear Marks icon on the function palette, as shown on the next page. 3-14 Biomek 2000... -
Page 45: Tool Options
For a multi tip tool, this is identical to “After Transfer” • At New Replicate changes the tip before a new replicate Discard Tips releases the tips into the Disposal chute after use. Otherwise, tips are returned to the tip rack. Biomek 2000 3-15... -
Page 46: Advanced Options
Pipette Transfer window. Advanced Options Note: Validation of new labware is based upon the labware Type, and corresponding dimensions. To display the Advanced options, click the Advanced button near the bottom, center of the Pipette Transfer dialog. 3-16 Biomek 2000... - Page 47 If the biomek is late (i.e., because it changed tips) it executes the transfer immediately. If it is still late, it executes transfers until it catches up with the beat. Biomek 2000 3-17...
-
Page 48: Printing Methods
A mix within a single well or at a single piece of labware can be programmed independently of a transfer using this function. The following dialog appears when the Mix icon and a piece of labware are clicked. 3-18 Biomek 2000... -
Page 49: Serial Transfer
This means that when the system visits the first well in the range, no mix takes place at that well. A Serial Transfer is defined using the Serial Transfer dialog: Biomek 2000 3-19... -
Page 50: Tip Handling Functions
Tips are numbered starting with tip #1 as the tip in the upper left-hand corner, tip #2 immediately below it in the same column, and so on. Setting this value to zero causes the system to use all of the tips in the rack as new. 3-20 Biomek 2000... -
Page 51: Wash Tool Functions
The Aspirate function uses the wash tools to remove liquid from a plate or tubes using the vacuum source. Duration controls the length of time that the valve is open and liquid is removed from the source. (The Aspirate function is based on time, not on volume.) Biomek 2000 3-21... -
Page 52: Bulk Dispense
Function Palette, then click the tool in the Tool Rack to be purged. Source Reagent indicates which buffer the tool is to be purged with. Purge Volume controls the volume of buffer to purge with. Purge Rate sets the rate of the peristaltic pump. 3-22 Biomek 2000... -
Page 53: Labware Moves
Both the Gripper Tool and the Side Loader are also capable of moving plates to and from the optional Plate Reader when it is installed in a compatible location. Biomek 2000 3-23... -
Page 54: Editing Existing Methods
If you are making an interim save (that is, the method is not yet complete but you want to save what you have so far) you should check this box so that the system does not attempt to validate the method. 3-24 Biomek 2000... -
Page 55: Running A Method
Method Pause alarms when the method has paused for a programmed user intervention. Warnings alarms when a warning message is posted. No intervention is required and the method continues. Select the Suppress All Alarms option if you want to disable all of the alarms. Biomek 2000 3-25... -
Page 56: Verify Configuration
1 MB of RAM If an error is detected, an error code is displayed through the diagnostic LEDs located on the workstation. Contact an authorized Beckman service engineer for additional information if a power-up error is detected. 3-26 Biomek 2000... -
Page 57: Performance Characteristics And Specifications
Tool Pipetting Precision 5% C.V. at 1µL MP20 5% C.V. at 1µL P200L 5% C.V. at 5µL MP200 5% C.V. at 5µL P1000L 2% C.V. at 50µL Wash1 15% C.V. at 50µL Wash8 15% C.V. at 50µL Biomek 2000 3-27... - Page 58 User’s Guide Chapter 3 Document 609909-AA 3-28 Biomek 2000...
-
Page 59: Basic Operating Procedures
Note This manual does not attempt to address all of the functionality avail- able with the BioWorks operating software for the Biomek 2000. Rather, this section provides a number of tutorial examples designed to illustrate the most important and commonly used features of the system. - Page 60 The name of the current lab book is shown in angle brackets at the top of the window. If the BOOK1 lab book is currently the default, skip to the next step in the middle of page 4-4. Otherwise change the lab book to BOOK1, by selecting Options/Select Lab Book... from the Menu bar. Biomek 2000...
- Page 61 Chapter 4 User’s Guide Document 609909-AA Select Lab Book Biomek 2000...
- Page 62 When the Edit window displays <BOOK1> as the current lab book, select Method/Open from the Menu Bar of the Edit window. This will display a list of available methods. Select the Demo method from the list, then click Open. Biomek 2000...
- Page 63 Chapter 4 User’s Guide Document 609909-AA Biomek 2000...
- Page 64 Then place the labware on the desired location on the Worksurface window. • To delete an item of labware from the Worksurface, click on the item, then press the Delete key. (You will be prompted for confirmation.) Biomek 2000...
-
Page 65: Changing The Initial Configuration
The cursor becomes a rectangle (to represent the plate). Place the rectangle on position B4 to add a third plate to the initial configuration. The new configuration, with the 96-well plate located in position B4 of the worksurface, is shown on the following screen. Biomek 2000... -
Page 66: Viewing And Editing A Transfer Function
Familiarize yourself with a basic Pipette Transfer function by viewing the first transfer function in the Demo Method. To do this, double-click on the second line in the Method window. This displays the Pipette Transfer dialog for this step. Biomek 2000... - Page 67 In this function, the Biomek pipettes 200µL from location A2 to B2 on the worksurface, using the P200L tool. When you have finished viewing the configuration, click Cancel to exit the dialog without making any changes. Next, we will modify the configuration of the second transfer function. Biomek 2000...
- Page 68 Then click on the Mix Values button to display the Mix Values dialog. Edit the Mix Values dialog as follows: • Change the Mix Cycles to 3 Change the Aspirate and Dispense Rates to 5 • Change the Aspirate and Dispense Heights to 50% • 4-10 Biomek 2000...
-
Page 69: Adding A Transfer Function
Adding a Transfer Function Now you will add a new transfer function to the method. Highlight the last transfer function in the Method window, then click on the Pipette button on the Function Palette. Biomek 2000 4-11... - Page 70 Source End Action to “Repeat Same Labware” (which would reuse the source wells until all of the destination wells were filled). Select a Tip Touch at the source and at the destination • • Select Fixed for Liquid Level 4-12 Biomek 2000...
-
Page 71: Inserting Messages And Pauses
From the Edit Window, highlight the second pipette transfer (in the Method Window) then click on the Pause System button (shown on the next page), located on the function pallette. Biomek 2000 4-13... - Page 72 Enable the Message Alarm and set the Interval, if you wish • The dialog should look like the one shown: Click OK to add the Message step to the method. (Note that we have not yet added the pause itself.) 4-14 Biomek 2000...
- Page 73 Set System Activity to Pause System • • Set System Actions to Pause system for, then set the timer to 1:00 minute The dialog should look like the one shown: Click OK when you are finished. Biomek 2000 4-15...
-
Page 74: Saving A Method
To do so, select Method/Save As... then enter a file name of your choice in the dialog. Note that when you save a method, it is automatically validated, unless you request otherwise. A method must be validated before it can be run. 4-16 Biomek 2000... -
Page 75: Running A Method
To run the method, click on the Run icon in the icon bar of the BioWorks Edit window: The Biomek 2000 Configuration screen will appear. This screen will serve to remind you to set up labware, tip racks, and tools on the worksurface.You will be prompted to accept the worksurface configuration. - Page 76 User’s Guide Chapter 4 Document 609909-AA The method will begin, and the Method Run screen will be displayed, showing a list of actions performed during the method run. 4-18 Biomek 2000...
-
Page 77: Recommended Maintenance Procedures
User’s Guide Document 609909-AA Chapter Five Recommended Maintenance Procedures Maintenance Procedures General Information This section is intended to be a checklist of recommended maintenance and preventative maintenance procedures. Note that the intervals indicated are suggestions only, based on typical usage. You may need to realign or recalibrate more frequently. -
Page 78: Check Finger Pads For Wear
User’s Guide Chapter 5 Document 609909-AA If re-alignment is needed, refer to the Biomek 2000 Hardware and Software Installation Manual for complete instructions. Check Finger Pads for Wear If your system includes a Side Loader or a Gripper Tool, then you should periodically check the pads on the fingers for wear and replace the pads as needed. -
Page 79: Diagnostics Overview
Sales: 1-800-742-2345 Service: 1-800-551-1150 Fax:1-800-643-4366 World Wide Web You can also access additional information and find out more about new products for the Biomek 2000 from: www.beckmancoulter.com The BioRobotics User Resources section contains information specific to users of the Biomek 2000. - Page 80 User’s Guide Chapter 6 Document 609909-AA Biomek 2000...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Biomek 2000 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers