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Molecular Devices SkanStacker 300 User Manual

An all-inclusive automatic microplate washer
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SkanStacker 300
User Guide
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UTOMATIC
ICROPLATE
ASHER

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Summary of Contents for Molecular Devices SkanStacker 300

  • Page 1 SkanStacker 300 User Guide NCLUSIVE UTOMATIC ICROPLATE ASHER...
  • Page 2 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale, California, 94089, USA. Trademarks and Patents SkanWasher is a trademark of Molecular Devices Corporation (MDC) and is not to be used in any type of promotion or advertising without permission from MDC. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Clogged Probes ....... . 31 Removal of wash head ......32 SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 4 Index ............1-1 SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 5 Figure 3: Microplate transfer base ......2-8 Figure 4: SkanStacker 300 Instrument ..... . 3-9 Figure 5: Control Panel, LCD and Touch Keys .

  • Page 6: Chapter 1: Introduction

    (ELISA). The SkanStacker 300 meets this demand and those of other numerous laboratory assays now being performed in 96-well microplates where thorough washing is an essential component of the assay.

  • Page 7: About This Guide

    Alerts user to CAUTION: situations that could result in instrument damage or failure to complete a procedure. !! IMPORTANT: Information that you need to know to perform a task properly. TIP: Helpful information that can simplify a task SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 8: Safety Features

    Magazine transfer base Aerosol shield Warranty card Reservoir and Tubing 45 L/min vacuum pump with hydrophobic filter Buffer reservoir (4 L); Rinse reservoir (4 L) Waste collection vessel (15 L) with level sensor and alarm waste cable SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 9 Inlet tubing for buffer (blue) and rinse (green) Pressure tubing (yellow) Vacuum waste tubing (red): connects from instrument to 15 liter collection vessel Vacuum pump tubing (black): connects from vacuum pump to 15 liter collection vessel SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 10: Chapter 2: Installation

    Turn the switch around until the proper setting is pointing to the small white mark on the bottom of the casing. Verify correct fuses are in place; change if indicated. 230 VAC= 1A fuse 115 VAC= 2A fuse SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 11: Figure 1: Waste Reservoir And Vacuum Pump

    (Hydrophobic filter should be connected to tubing from vacuum pump with arrow on filter facing pump.) Vacuum-Grade Tubing SS 300 Vacuum Pump Waste Alarm Cable Waste Reservoir Figure 1: Waste reservoir and vacuum pump SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 12: Figure 2: Wash And Rinse Liquid Connection

    Vacuum Pump Rinse Inlet Waste Reservoir Figure 2: Wash and Rinse liquid connection Step 7 Load microplates into magazines using the microplate transfer base (see Figure 3). Step 8 Insert magazines in slots on top of instrument. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 13: Figure 3: Microplate Transfer Base

    Installation Step 9 Set up vacuum pump and adjust if necessary (starting pressure 300 mbar). Microplate Transfer Base Figure 3: Microplate transfer base SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 14: Chapter 3: Parts And Description

    Adjustment Knobs Magazine racks Wash Head Control Panel Figure 4: SkanStacker 300 Instrument Wash Head The wash head contains 96 paired probes: the longer probes are used when aspirating and the shorter probes are used when dispensing. The head is a combined manifold and washhead, equipped with 3 valves, electronic sensors for vacuum and pressure, and a spirit level to assist in leveling the wash head.

  • Page 15: Control Panel

    [Setup] [Program] pressed, its corresponding LED will light. Wash The three light gray keys ( , and ) are used [Start] [Rinse] [Stop] to run a pre-selected wash sequence or rinse or prime. When the SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 16: Led Display

    LED will light when user is in setup mode. Program: LED will light when user is in program mode. Ready: LED will light when unit is ready to run a program. Instrument Rear Connections Figure 6: Rear of the SkanStacker SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 17 25 microplates. A plastic clip at the bottom of the magazine holds the microplates in the magazine. The clips are activated by the microplate carrier during microplate collection and storage operations. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 18: Pressure/Vacuum Washer Parts

    TIP: Adjusting the level of the air pressure also adjusts the flow rate of the liquid entering the microplate wells. It does not have an effect on the volume. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 20: Chapter 4: Software Configuration

    At the end of this Guide, a blank program guide sheet is included to facilitate programming. Duplicate this sheet for your own use to save a hard copy of each program for reference purposes. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 21: Setup Function

    Select the program to be edited or select an open space to create a new wash program. Use the arrow keys to move cursor to selection. Press [Enter] !! IMPORTANT: To save changes, Exit/Save must be selected after program setting completed. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 22 The instrument is set at a default of 1.00 which can handle water and up to 0.02% Tween. If a viscous material is used, increase the dispense volume by increasing the factor (range 0.01 to 2.50). SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 23 . Carriage will move microplate under [Enter] probes. Use arrow keys to set at correct height (see Figure 7). For low residual volume, the aspirate probe must be close to the bottom of the well. Total adjustable distance is 6 mm. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 24 Up to 16 wash steps can be added. There are seven wash 1-16 step selections available for each step: Rinse time, Disp volume, Soak / Pause, Wash volume, Wash time, Aspi- rate, and End Wash. See Table 1 on page 20 for descrip- tions. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 25: Figure 7: Aspirate Probe Height Position

    Software Configuration h = 0-6 mm 200 L Figure 7: Aspirate probe height position h = 0-6 mm Figure 8: Dispense probe height position SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 26 Aspirate time = 5 seconds, lift velocity approximately 4 seconds. End Wash Set for last step of wash. Table 1: Wash Step Selections !! IMPORTANT: To save changes, Exit/Save must be selected after program setting completed. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 27: Edit Options

    Step 2 Press Down-arrow key to select Edit Options. Step 3 Press [Enter] Step 4 Select Sensor On/Off by pressing [Enter] Step 5 Use Up arrow key to select either Enabled or Disabled. Step 6 Press [Enter] SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 28 This sensor will display “*” instead of the plate lift 0- position. Refer to Read Stacker Sensors to obtain status of plate lift. Shows the status of the waste level sensor. Displays in (+) or (-). This sensor can be disabled through Edit Options/Sensor On/Off. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 29 1. Horizontal to Wash Position 2. Horizontal to Right Magazine Position 3. Vertical to Up Position 4. Veridical to Down Position 5. Rel to In Position 6. Rel to Out Position SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 30: Chapter 5: Operation

    To exit the Program mode with- out selecting a program, press the key. [Program] Use 0.02% Tween (i.e. 0.8 mL in 4L bottle) in wash solution to optimize surface tension and pre- vent dripping of probes. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 31 Place microplate(s) in the left magazine. Step 7 Press key. [Start] Step 8 When all microplates are washed, LED Ready light will illuminate. Step 9 At end of run, run a rinse program using rinse solution (consult Daily Maintenance). SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 32: Chapter 6: Maintenance

    If end of the day, proceed with Empty Wash Head Procedure. If further washing will be performed later the same day, turn instru- ment off and start new wash with prime. Do not leave probes soaking CAUTION: overnight. At end of day, empty wash head. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 33: Empty Wash Head Procedure

    (This will blow air through the wash head to remove any remaining liquid.) Move waste tubing from vacuum port to Rinse port just prior to dispensing. Repeat 2 times. Reconnect waste tubing back to vacuum port. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 34 Go to Setup Main Menu, select Edit Options, choose Sensor On/ Off. Enable sensors. Step 10 Instrument may be turned off. !! IMPORTANT: Prime instrument at next day of use with buffer solution. Follow instructions in Operation chapter. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 35: Weekly Maintenance

    Connect tubing from reservoir bottle to Rinse port and pressure tubing to pressure port. Verify waste tubing is connected to vacuum port and vacuum pump. Step 4 Insert a clean microplate into the left magazine. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 36: Monthly Maintenance

    Check tubing and quick connects for wear and contamination. Replace if indicated. Check reservoir bottles. Clean reservoir bottles with decontaminate solution. Flush well with water. Check reservoir bottles for contamination (algae). Replace if indi- cated. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 37: Advanced Maintenance

    Perform a forward flush to remove the particles. Insert a clean microplate into the left magazine. Press the key to enter the Rinse/Prime mode. [Rinse] Press the key a second time to start the prime program. [Start] Repeat 3 times. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 38: Removal Of Wash Head

    Step 4 Lift the wash head up slowly. Disconnect the air pressure supply tube and the ribbon cable from the wash head. Solenoid valves Sensor block Ribbon cable Air pressure supply Figure 9: Wash head connections SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 39: Replacing Probes

    Commercially available glue recommended: Loctite QuickTite Super Glue Easy Squeeze Gel or Loctite 290 Loctite Threadlocker Green (does not set up as quickly as QuickTite). Step 5 After 15 minutes, use water to wash excess glue off wash head. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 40: Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

    For problems not listed here, or if the listed resolution does not fix the problem, please call the Technical Support department at Molecular Devices at 800-635-5577 (outside the U.S. and Can- ada, please contact your local representative for assistance).
  • Page 41 Remove tubing from side of washer at pressure fit- ting. If pump stops, the problem is probably the tubing caps. If the pump continues running, it is most likely another internal problem. Call Techni- cal Support. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 42 Magazine should be aligned over plate carriage platform. Consult Magazine Alignment proce- dure. Carriage hitting the Sensor for positioning plate carriage needs to be rail. Grinding sound aligned. Call Technical Support. heard after [Stop] button pressed. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 43: Error Messages

    The LED Ready light flashes and a message is shown in the display. The sensor check is performed once when the key is pressed to ini- [Start] tiate a wash. During the wash, the SkanStacker 300 does not check the sen- sors. Error Cause Things to Try...
  • Page 44 Alignment must be per- No store* Left formed by Trained ser- vice Technician. Call Technical Support. Inspect magazine clip. Check horizontal posi- tion of the carriage through Setup Menu and Edit options (Set Hori- zontal >0< R-mag). SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 45: Magazine Alignment

    Tighten screw on the top of the casing. Press to exit program. [Enter] Press to return to main menu. [Setup] [Setup] Step 5 Set up a program and test five microplates through the cycle of wash and restack. Re-adjust if indicated. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 46: Figure 10: Right Magazine Alignment

    Troubleshooting Balls Track Adjustment Screws Figure 10: Right magazine alignment SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 47: Section B: Left Magazine Alignment

    Tighten screw on the top of the casing. Press to reset. [Stop] Press to return to main menu. [Setup] [Setup] Step 4 Set up a program and test five microplates through the cycle of wash and restack. Re-adjust if indicated. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 48: Figure 11: Left Magazine Alignment

    Troubleshooting Adjustment Screws Balls Track Figure 11: Left magazine alignment SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 49: Vacuum Pump Troubleshooting

    With a start value of 1000 mbar, reading after a few minutes should be 100 mbar. Step 6 Evaluate system if performance not met. Rule out leaks in the sys- tem and/or build-up of condensed particles in filter. Repeat test if indicated. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 50: Discharge Test For Vacuum Pump

    Step 2 Record the internal vacuum sensor reading. Step 3 Record the pump gauge reading. Step 4 Compare two readings. If the readings are not the same, check for leaks or blockage in the vacuum system. SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 51: Application Tips: Skanwasher 300/ Skanstacker

    Set Aspirate pressure Range 0.0-0.6 Position Applications setting at Range 0-6 mm pump (Edit Program) (Edit Program) ELISA and 250 mbar 0.25 bar 0-2 mm adherent cells (0=bottom of plate) Cells 350 mbar 0.15-0.20 bar 2-4 mm SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 52 For low residual volume, the aspirate probe must be close to the bottom and side of the well. If residual volume too low, check also for clogged probes. Is volume low in certain wells? SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

  • Page 54: Appendix A: Shipment

    (see page 5). Step 6 Complete and sign the decontamination form. Step 7 Ship in the original packaging material and cardboard box. !! IMPORTANT: Original packaging must be used. If unavailable, obtain packaging from Molecular Devices. SkanStacker User Manual...

  • Page 56: Appendix B: Specifications

    Appendix B: Specifications Physical Dimensions Length ....66 cm Width....34 cm Height .

  • Page 58: Appendix C: Warranty

    Molecular Devices Corporation service facility. You must call or write to the nearest Molecular Devices Cor- poration service facility to schedule warranty service. You may call Molecular Devices Corporation at the telephone number or address below to locate the nearest service facility.
  • Page 59 For the name of the nearest authorized Molecular Devices Corporation ser- vice facility, please contact Molecular Devices at one of the following tele- phone numbers: 408-747-1700 800-735-5577 (US &...

  • Page 60: Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets

    Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets SkanStacker 300 Wash Program Sheet Program 1 Wash programs are pre-set at the factory. These programs may be edited. Program Number Program Name A + 3 * W Date 09.10.1998 Signature Description: Demo program Wash: Aspirate followed by 3 times wash.
  • Page 61 Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets SkanStacker 300 Wash Program Sheet Program 2 Wash programs are pre-set at the factory. These programs may be edited. Program Number Program Name A + 4 * W Date 09.10.1998 Signature Description: Demo program Wash: Aspirate followed by 4 times wash volume = 250 µL.
  • Page 62 Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets SkanStacker 300 Wash Program Sheet Program 3 Wash programs are pre-set at the factory. These programs may be edited. Program Number Program Name A 2 W S A Date 09.10.1998 Signature Description: Demo wash program Wash: Aspirate followed by 2 times wash, soak for 5 seconds then finally an aspirate.
  • Page 63 Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets SkanStacker 300 Wash Program Sheet Program 4 Wash programs are pre-set at the factory. These programs may be edited. Program Number Program Name D - V 2 5 Date 09.10.1998 Signature Description: Demo wash program Aspirate followed by Dispense 200 µL.
  • Page 64 Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets SkanStacker 300 Wash Program Sheet Program 5 Wash programs are pre-set at the factory. These programs may be edited. Program Number Program Name D - V 5 0 Date 09.10.1998 Signature Description: Demo wash program Aspirate followed by Dispense 200 µL.
  • Page 65 Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets SkanStacker 300 Wash Program Sheet Program 6 Wash programs are pre-set at the factory. These programs may be edited. Program Number Program Name D + A S P Date 09.10.1998 Signature Description: Demo wash program Wash followed by Aspirate.
  • Page 66 Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets SkanStacker 300 Wash Program Sheet Program 7 Wash programs are pre-set at the factory. These programs may be edited. Program Number Program Name R E S T K Date 09.10.1998 Signature Description: Demo wash program Stacker: ReStack Only.
  • Page 67 Appendix D: Wash Program Sheets SkanStacker 300 Wash Program Sheet Program Number Program Name Date 09.10.1998 Signature Description: Instrument Parameters Stacker Mode Wash Only Wash & ReStack ReStack & Wash ReStack Only Volume Adjust σV Air Pressure 0.25 [bar] 1.00 [-]...

  • Page 68: Index

    Microplate transfer base Edit Options Edit Program ELISA setting Operation Empty Wash Head Procedure Enter (key) Error messages Pressure port Pressure pump Pressure, port from wash reservoir Filter for waste reservoir Probes Filter, waste alignment SkanStacker 300 User Guide...
  • Page 69 Shipment vacuum port Soak Waste alarm connector Software Weekly maintenance Specifications Stacker mode Stacker sensors Stacker test Start (key) Stop (key) Stop key System contents Troubleshooting advanced Tween Vacuum port Vacuum pump – Voltage setting SkanStacker 300 User Guide...

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