Molecular Devices AquaMax 2000 User Manual
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Molecular Devices AquaMax 2000 User Manual

Microplate washers
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AquaMax 2000
AquaMax 4000
Microplate Washers
User Guide
0112-0151 P
March 2023

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  • Page 1 AquaMax 2000 AquaMax 4000 Microplate Washers User Guide 0112-0151 P March 2023...
  • Page 2 For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners. These trademarks may not be used in any type of promotion or advertising without the prior written permission of Molecular Devices, LLC.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Safety Information Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips Chapter 1: Introduction Components Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument Unpacking the Instrument Connecting Reagent Bottles Connecting Waste Bottles Installing Wash Heads Connecting an AquaMax Microplate Washer to a StakMax Microplate Handler Chapter 3: Getting Started Administrative Mode Chapter 4: Main Tab...
  • Page 4 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide StakMax Microplate Handler Control Errors Chapter 9: Maintenance Purging the Instrument Decontaminating the Instrument Cleaning the Exterior Cleaning Solutions Removing the Wash Head Cleaning Wash Heads Changing the Fuses Before You Move the Instrument...

  • Page 5: Safety Information

    Follow the related safety information. The following user attention statements might be displayed in the text of Molecular Devices user documentation. Each statement implies the amount of observation or recommended procedure.
  • Page 6 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Symbols on the Instrument Each safety label found on the instrument contains an alert symbol that indicates the type of potential safety hazard. Symbol Indication Consult the product documentation. Potential biohazard. Potential electrical-shock hazard from a high-voltage source. Read and understand all safety instructions before you proceed with the installation, maintenance, and service of all modules.
  • Page 7 Safety Information Electrical Safety To prevent electrical injuries and property damage, inspect all electrical equipment before use and report all electrical deficiencies. Contact Molecular Devices technical support for equipment service that requires the removal of covers or panels. WARNING! The instrument is an Equipment Class 1 product that relies on protective earth grounding for safe operation.
  • Page 8 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Moving Parts Safety The instrument contains moving parts that can cause injury. Under normal conditions, the instrument is designed to protect you from these moving parts. To prevent injury: Never try to exchange labware, reagents, or tools while the instrument is operating.

  • Page 9: Chapter 1: Introduction

    You can store up to 32 plate types in the plate library. The AquaMax 2000 Microplate Washer is equipped with two reagent ports to connect two different dispense bottles and the AquaMax 4000 Microplate Washer has four reagent ports to connect four different dispense bottles.

  • Page 10: Components

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Components AquaMax 4000 Microplate Washer Components Item Description 4 L reagent reservoirs Back panel with USB and StakMax Microplate Handler connectors 384-well wash head 96-well wash head Plate carriage with plate Touch screen Touch Screen You use the touch screen to control the instrument operation.
  • Page 11 Chapter 1: Introduction Wash Heads Plate wash heads have either 96 or 384 paired probes. The instrument uses the long probe for aspiration and the short probe to dispense. The plate wash heads have straight dispense probes for thorough cleaning and aspiration. The cell wash heads have angled dispense probes to minimize cell loss during washing.
  • Page 12 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Plate Carriage The plate carriage is located on the right side of the washer. The plate carriage slides in and out of the wash chamber to load and unload. Plate Carriage Item Description Plate carriage in eject position...
  • Page 13 Chapter 1: Introduction Plate Library The following plate types are in the plate library when you turn the instrument on for the first time. See Plates Tab on page Plate Library Plate Type Specifications Name # Wells Bottom Manufacturers’ # Height Depth (mm)
  • Page 14 The source channels and waste connections are located on the left side of the instrument. The AquaMax 2000 Microplate Washer has two source channels and the AquaMax 4000 Microplate Washer has four. Each source channel is composed of a fluid input, a pressure output, and an optional level sensor connector and you can connect each source channel to a reagent bottle.
  • Page 15 Labels and text next to the power switch provide important information about the instrument, such as line voltage rating and serial number. Use the model/serial number on this label when you contact Molecular Devices for technical support. Back Panel Right Side...
  • Page 16 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 17: Chapter 2: Setting Up The Instrument

    CAUTION! Do not operate the instrument in an environment with a temperature below 15°C. CAUTION! Do not touch or loosen any screws or parts unless specifically instructed by Molecular Devices. Doing so can cause misalignment and voids the instrument warranty. Unpacking the Instrument WARNING! The AquaMax Microplate Washers weigh approximately 18.5 kg (41 lbs).

  • Page 18: Connecting Reagent Bottles

    Eventually, the bottles will show signs of aging such as yellowing, plastic degradation, or thread wear. You should replace bottles at the earliest signs of aging. Use only bottles supplied for use with the AquaMax 2000 Microplate Washer and the AquaMax 4000 Microplate Washer.

  • Page 19: Connecting Waste Bottles

    Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument To connect a reagent bottle: 1. Fill the bottle with a reagent and tighten the cap firmly. Tip: For quick and accurate assembly of reagent bottles, use slip-on rings to color- code all tube and sensor connections. 2.

  • Page 20: Installing Wash Heads

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide To connect a waste bottle: 1. Connect the quick connect fitting of the waste tube to the Waste Output fitting on the left side of the instrument. 2. Connect the free end of the tube to a vented waste container.

  • Page 21: Connecting An Aquamax Microplate Washer To A Stakmax Microplate Handler

    Chapter 2: Setting Up the Instrument Connecting an AquaMax Microplate Washer to a StakMax Microplate Handler The microplate washer uses on board programs to control the microplate stacker. See Stacker Options on page AquaMax Microplate Washer With StakMax Microplate Handler Item Description StakMax Microplate Handler...
  • Page 22 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 2. Use the StakMax/AquaMax base plate to connect the StakMax Microplate Handler to the AquaMax Microplate Washer. StakMax to AquaMax Adapter Plate Item Description Small fitting for pressure connection Large fitting for liquid input Level sensor fitting on the instrument 3.

  • Page 23: Chapter 3: Getting Started

    Chapter 3: Getting Started Use the touch screen to operate the AquaMax Microplate Washer. To power on the instrument, do one of the following: If the instrument is powered off, turn the instrument power switch located on the back panel to the On position.
  • Page 24 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 25: Chapter 4: Main Tab

    Chapter 4: Main Tab Use the Main tab to run programs. There are shortcuts to run the Prime, Clean, and Rinse one- touch programs and the list of programs. You can edit and copy the one-touch programs but you cannot rename or delete them. Main Tab Item Description...

  • Page 26: Running Programs

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Running Programs The Main tab lists the programs you can run. Programs that display with gray font are not compatible with the wash head you install. You cannot run a gray program. Programs that display with red font indicate that the plate type has changed. When you run a red program, a Plate parameters changed message displays.
  • Page 27 Chapter 4: Main Tab Running One-Touch Programs There are several one-touch programs. To run a one-touch program: 1. Connect the reagent bottles to Liquid Input and Pressure fittings on the left side of the instrument. 2. Connect the waste tube to the Waste Output fitting and the waste bottle. 3.
  • Page 28 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 29: Chapter 5: Program Tab

    Chapter 5: Program Tab Use the Program tab to manage the program library. Program Tab Item Description Function tabs with the Program tab selected. New: Tap to display the Program Settings dialog where you define the non-step settings for a new program.
  • Page 30 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Program Tab in Administrative Mode In Administrative mode, you have access to the View button and the Admin button. Tap Admin and enter the administrator passcode to access the program management settings. Program Tab in Administrative Mode...

  • Page 31: Managing The Program Library

    Chapter 5: Program Tab Managing the Program Library You can modify one-touch programs but you cannot rename or delete one-touch programs. Note: Program settings and menus are optimized for the wash head you install. Before you create or edit a program, make sure to install the applicable wash head. Do not remove the wash head before you save the program changes.
  • Page 32 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Copying Programs To copy a program: 1. On the Program tab, select a program and tap Copy to display the Copy Program dialog. 2. Enter the program name and tap OK to display the Program Settings dialog.
  • Page 33 Chapter 5: Program Tab Program Settings Use the Program Settings dialog to define non-step program settings such as the plate type, messages, stacker integration, and dispense volume. The Program Settings dialog displays when you create a new program. To access the Program Settings dialog: 1.
  • Page 34 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Program Options Use the Program Options dialog to access the Messages dialog, the Stacker Settings dialog, and the Adjust Dispense dialog. From the Program Settings dialog, tap Program Options to display the Program Options dialog.
  • Page 35 Chapter 5: Program Tab To access the Messages dialog: 1. In the list of steps, select Program Settings and tap Edit. 2. Tap Program Options. 3. Tap Messages. Stacker Options Use the stacker options dialog to enable the use of the StakMax Microplate Handler for a step in a program.
  • Page 36 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Adjusting Dispense Use the Adjust Dispense dialog to optimize the accuracy of the dispense volumes based on the requirements of the program. The instrument dispense accuracy is set during manufacturing. Various installation configurations can affect accuracy, such as location and size of reagent bottles, types of reagent, and so on.

  • Page 37: Managing Program Steps

    Chapter 5: Program Tab Managing Program Steps Use the Program tab to manage the steps in programs. To manage program steps: 1. On the Program tab, select a program. 2. Tap Edit. Program Details Item Description New: Tap to display the New Step dialog where you select the step. See Selecting New Steps on page Edit: Select a step and tap to edit the step.
  • Page 38 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Adding Steps to Programs To add a step to a program: 1. On the Program tab, select a program and tap Edit. 2. Tap New to display the list of step types you can add.
  • Page 39 Chapter 5: Program Tab Selecting New Steps Use the New Step dialog to select the step types to include in the program. Each program can have up to 50 steps. Before you create or edit a program, configure the instrument for the operations of program.
  • Page 40 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Plate Wash Dispense Rates Plate Wash 96 Plate Wash 384 Plate Wash Dispense (mmHg) (µL/plate/sec) (mmHg) (µL/plate/sec) Rate 18300 21600 22100 25600 25400 26200 31300 35600 36600 41400 Cell Wash Dispense Rates Plate Wash...
  • Page 41 Chapter 5: Program Tab Aspirate Step Settings Use the Aspirate dialog to define the parameters to remove fluid from a plate. Aspirate Settings Item Description Mode: Tap Center to aspirate from the center of the wells. Tap Edge to aspirate from the edged of the wells, flat bottom wells only. Tap Crosswise to aspirate from front to back of wells, flat bottom wells only.
  • Page 42 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Tip: For plate washing, minimal residual volume is best achieved when you use the Crosswise mode with a Rate of 5, the Fast descent speed, a 1 second Dwell Time, and 0 mm to 0.2 mm Probe Height.
  • Page 43 Chapter 5: Program Tab Shake Step Settings Use the Shake dialog to define the parameters for steps that shake the plate in the carriage. Shake Settings Item Description Shake Speed: Tap the speed to shake the plate (Slow, Medium, or Fast). A fast shake is vigorous and generally mixes the wells in 10 to 30 seconds.
  • Page 44 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Fast Wash Step Settings Use the Fast Wash dialog to define the parameters for rapid plate washing that uses multiple aspirate-dispense cycles. Fast Wash performs a final aspiration after the last cycle. All aspirations use a rate of 5 and a fast descent speed. See...
  • Page 45 Chapter 5: Program Tab Purge Step Settings Use the Purge dialog to add a purge step that evacuates liquids from the wash head. Run a purge step when you do not plan to use the washer again immediately. Purging prevents needle clogging or mold growth when the instrument is idle.
  • Page 46 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Repeat Step Settings Use the Repeat dialog to define program steps to repeat. One Repeat step counts as just one step in the 50-step program limit, regardless of the number of steps or cycles you repeat. The system does not allow you to add a Repeat step within another Repeat step.
  • Page 47 Chapter 5: Program Tab Prime Settings (continued) Item Description Mode: Maintenance: Tap to use 150 mL of the reagent to prepare the instrument after long periods of system inactivity. Full: Tap to use 400 mL of the reagent to prepare the instrument after you install a wash head, exchange the reagent, or purge the system.
  • Page 48 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 49: Chapter 6: Plates Tab

    Chapter 6: Plates Tab Use the Plates tab to manage the plate types in the plate library. See Plate Library on page Plates Tab Item Description New: Tap to create a new plate type. Edit: Select a plate type and tap to edit the details of the plate type. Delete: Select a plate type and tap to delete the plate type.

  • Page 50: Managing Plate Type Definitions

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Managing Plate Type Definitions Use the Plate Definition dialog to define the plate type parameters. The plate type definition controls the position of the plate and the probes. Inaccurate settings can cause some operations to run incorrectly.
  • Page 51 Chapter 6: Plates Tab 4. Tap a Bottom option: Tap Flat for plates with full-size flat-bottom wells. The Crosswise and Edge aspiration modes are for Flat plates only. Tap U for plates with round-bottom wells. Tap V for plates with tapered wells. Tap Small Vol for small volume or half-area plates.
  • Page 52 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 53: Chapter 7: Options Tab

    Chapter 7: Options Tab Use the Options tab to do instrument functions and manage Administrative mode. Instrument Options Item Description Depressurize: Tap to release the system and bottle pressure. During operation, the source bottles can be under mild pressure, up to 500 mmHg (10 psi or 70 kPa). Before you change the fluid in the source bottles, depressurize to avoid releasing pressure when you open the cap.

  • Page 54: Turning Administrative Mode On

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Turning Administrative Mode On To turn on Administrative mode: 1. On the Options tab, tap Change Passcode and enter the administrator passcode. The Change Passcode option does not display when the instrument is in Administrative mode.

  • Page 55: Screen Calibration

    Chapter 7: Options Tab Screen Calibration Use the screen calibration dialog to calibrate the position of the touch screen overlay in the display area. To calibrate the touch screen: 1. On the Options tab, tap Calibrate Screen. 2. Tap the crosses as they appear on the screen. The Screen Calibration dialog closes when the calibration completes or after 10 seconds.

  • Page 56: Defining Shutdown Options

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Defining Shutdown Options Use the Shutdown Options dialog to define the automatic shutdown parameters. Use automatic shutdown for general use with short periods of inactivity. Automatic shutdown turns off the touch screen, releases system pressure, shuts off all motors and valves, and puts the instrument in a low power mode.

  • Page 57: Chapter 8: Using A Host Computer For Instrument Control

    Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control You can use a host computer to control the AquaMax Microplate Washers. Use the commands in this section to bypass the instrument touch screen. You connect a StakMax Microplate Handler directly to an AquaMax Microplate Washer via a StakMax interface cable.

  • Page 58: General Commands

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide It is acceptable, but not required, to allow commands to be abbreviated with a minimum 4 characters to uniquely identify the command. The commands are searched in alphabetical order. The first match is the selected command.
  • Page 59 StakMax firmware versions. Name Command: /NAME [no arg] Action: Returns the name and model of the instrument. Response: Name and model ASCII string, “AquaMax 2000” or “AquaMax 4000”. Example: OKTABAquaMax 4000CRLF> Serial Number Command: /SERIAL [no arg] Action: Returns the serial number of the instrument.
  • Page 60 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide State Report Command: /REPORT [no arg] Action: Returns a text message describing the current action in progress or status. Response: “text message” n m Where n is an action flag: (-127) = display post-program user message (in Pause state).
  • Page 61 Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control Program Control Pause / Resume Command: /PAUSE [no arg | 0 | 1] Action: Temporarily pauses (or resumes) execution of a running program. [no arg]: Reports current state. [0]: Resumes execution of a paused program. Requests a pause.
  • Page 62 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide User Adjustment Liquid Factor Command: /LIQF [no arg | P0 {P1 P2 P3}] Action: For currently open protocols, specifies a liquid factor value to adjust effective dispense time for a specified inlet for any dispense (wash) step in 50-200[%] of the calculated nominal.

  • Page 63: Program Management Commands

    Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control Program Management Commands You create programs to wash plates and perform maintenance. These programs are composed of basic primitives for wash functions (dispense, aspirate, wash, shake), program control (soak/pause, repeat), or maintenance functions (prime, purge, rinse). Firmware maintains these programs in non-volatile storage, with a total of 103 slots available.
  • Page 64 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Open “No data OK” response if the command succeeds. Response: Close Action: Closes access to the opened protocol. <Save> is a Boolean to save protocol (1) or to discard changes (0). Close “No data OK” response if the command succeeds.
  • Page 65 Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control Get Response: Returns the start or end messages (<m>=0 or 1) or the parameter list. The parameter list consists of single character tokens followed by the token value, where the tokens are: Plate ID, 0-31 or -1 for “no plate”.
  • Page 66 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Edit/View Protocol Steps Command: /STEP[New <index>| Delete <index>| Default <code>| Get <index>| Set <index> <code> <tokens>] Action: Edits and views steps of the currently open protocol (/protocol open). The first parameter defines the specific action. Step indices range from 0–49.

  • Page 67: Function Specific Step Arguments And Return Data

    Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control Function Specific Step Arguments and Return Data parameters of the command and response are mnemonics <code> <tokens> /STEP for protocol steps primitives and required parameters. <Code> Step Types disp Dispense aspi Aspirate wash Wash...
  • Page 68 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Dispense (DISP) Dispense step delivers the fluid into the plate. The dispense needles move to just above the top of the plate and the horizontal position. The dispense valve opens for a calculated time to deliver the volume at the specified flow rate.
  • Page 69 Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control Wash (WASH) Washing is simultaneous aspiration and dispense. Aspiration begins as with whole plate aspiration. However, when the aspiration needles reach the specified height, dispensing begins. No crosswise aspiration is allowed in this mode. The aspiration rate should be greater than the dispense rate.
  • Page 70 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Soak/Wait (SOAK) Soak removes the needles from the wells and no other operations are performed for the specified time. See Soak Step Settings on page Parameter Tokens Time: 1-7200 [sec] Example: /step set 2 SOAK T60 CR returns OKTABCRLF>...
  • Page 71 Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control Standby (STAN) Standby step fills the prime/soak trough with a rinse fluid and leaves the dispense tips in the rinse fluid. At the specified refresh interval, the trough drains and refills with the rinse fluid. When you stop the operation through a user interface selection, the trough drains and a small amount of fluid rinses (dispenses) through the dispense needles.

  • Page 72: Plate Library Access

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Plate Library Access The plate library stores up to 32 plate descriptions (indexed 0-31). Plate descriptions include a unique configuration ID, the plate name, number of wells, well geometry (flat, V-bottom, U-bottom, small volume), plate height, and well depth.
  • Page 73 Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control Select Action: If <plate> is given, selects <plate> index and sets plate specific hardware offsets (requires compatible wash head installed). Select Response: Returns “No data OK” response if <plate> is given, otherwise returns the configuration ID of the selected plate or -1 if no plate is selected.
  • Page 74 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Set Example: /plate set 8 W0 B1 D5000 H10000CR returns OKTAB CRLF> Used Action: Determines the total number of programs (protocols) currently using the <index> plate. Used Response: Returns the number of programs. Used Example: /plate used 8 returns OKTAB 1 CRLF>...

  • Page 75: Stakmax Microplate Handler Control

    Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control StakMax Microplate Handler Control The StakMax Microplate Handler is automatically detected by the washer during power-on initialization. The AquaMax Microplate Washer controls the StakMax Microplate Handler via the StakMax communication port connection. Stacker Control Command: /STACKER [{} | Init, Restack, Load 0|1 | Plates | Barcode]...
  • Page 76 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Barcode Action: Returns the barcode string read by the StakMax Microplate Handler enclosed by double quotes (if available). The string is cleared at the start of the plate load (return “”) and updated from the StakMax Microplate Handler barcode reader when the plate is successfully loaded to the AquaMax Microplate Washer (loaded plate number is incremented).

  • Page 77: Errors

    Chapter 8: Using a Host Computer for Instrument Control Errors Errors that arise during runtime are stored in an error buffer. The error buffer is maintained in non-volatile memory, so all error messages will survive an instrument power cycle or reset. The error buffer is a circular first-in, first-out list with 128 elements.
  • Page 78 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 79: Chapter 9: Maintenance

    Review the manual prior to beginning the maintenance procedures. Maintenance not covered in this manual should be performed only by a Molecular Devices representative. You should perform routine maintenance at the end of each day or before extended instrument inactivity.

  • Page 80: Cleaning The Exterior

    WARNING! Risk of electrical shock. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the instrument. Refer service requests to Molecular Devices service representatives. CAUTION! Risk of equipment damage. Do not open the panels and covers to clean inside the instrument. The exposed circuitry and power supply inside the instrument can be damaged by water-based or conductive cleaning agents.

  • Page 81: Removing The Wash Head

    Chapter 9: Maintenance Removing the Wash Head You must always wash and purge heads before you remove them. Any fluid that remains can spill onto the instrument and cause damage. Fluid that remains in the head can lead to the growth of mold and salt crystals that cause blockage in the dispense and aspiration probes.

  • Page 82: Cleaning Wash Heads

    If these checks fail to remedy the loss of power, replace the fuses. If you do not have spare fuses, you can obtain them from Molecular Devices. The fuses are located in the fuse carrier on the rear of the instrument.
  • Page 83 10. Reconnect the power cable to the instrument and to the wall outlet. 11. Power on the instrument. Note: If the instrument still does not power on after you change the fuses, contact Molecular Devices Technical Support. See Obtaining Support on page 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 84: Before You Move The Instrument

    Note: Depending on the distance that you move the instrument, you can repackage it in its original shipping packaging to secure the Z and Y axis motion stages. If you do not have the shipping container, contact Molecular Devices Technical Support. Obtaining Support on page To move the instrument: 1.

  • Page 85: Obtaining Support

    Knowledge Base, you can submit a request to Molecular Devices Technical Support. You can contact your local representative or Molecular Devices Technical Support at 800-635-5577 x 1815 (North America only) or +1 408-747-1700. In Europe call +44 (0) 118 944 8000.
  • Page 86 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 87: Chapter 10: Troubleshooting

    Obtaining Support on page Note: It is your responsibility to decontaminate the instrument, as well as any accessories, before you request service by and before you return the instrument or any components to Molecular Devices. System Fluidics Issues Problem Possible Causes & Remedies Air in the bottle lines.
  • Page 88 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide General Instrument Issues Problem Possible Causes & Remedies No power to the instrument or touch The instrument may be in Shutdown mode: screen. Touch anywhere on the touch screen to activate it. No power to the instrument: Check that the power cord is plugged in.
  • Page 89 Chapter 10: Troubleshooting External Communication Issues Problem Possible Causes & Remedies The StakMax Microplate Handler is not Verify that the StakMax cable is connected to both communicating. the StakMax Microplate Handler and the AquaMax Microplate Washer. Power-cycle both instruments to re-establish the connections.
  • Page 90 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Cell Wash Issues Problem Possible Causes & Remedies Coating or cells in wells are damaged Decrease the aspiration rate (96-cell wash head only). after wash or aspirate. Decrease the aspiration dwell time. Increase the aspiration probe height.
  • Page 91 Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Aspiration Issues Problem Possible Causes & Remedies The plate is stuck on the wash head Plates with conical or tapered bottoms (such as certain V- after aspiration or wash. bottom or small volume/ half-area plates) might be incompatible with aspiration and wash operations.

  • Page 92: Instrument Error Messages

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Instrument Error Messages After you perform the recommended tasks, touch Stop or Cancel to continue. WARNING! Before you manually check for obstructions, turn off the power to the AquaMax Microplate Washer. Problem Possible Causes & Remedies “Z-Motor...
  • Page 93 Chapter 10: Troubleshooting Problem Possible Causes & Remedies Pressure If the system cannot achieve target bottle pressure: timeout error Check that all pressure fittings are properly connected. 154. Tighten caps on all reservoir bottles. Remove all pressure tubes from the bottles, and reconnect them to one reservoir bottle at a time, to determine which bottle is having pressure problems.
  • Page 94 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide 0112-0151 P...

  • Page 95: Appendix A: Instrument Specifications

    Appendix A: Instrument Specifications The following table lists the technical specifications for the AquaMax 2000 Microplate Washer and the AquaMax 4000 Microplate Washer. Note: Technical specifications are subject to change without notice. Technical Specifications Item Description Environmental Conditions Environment For Indoor use only Altitude 2,000 m (6,561.68 ft)
  • Page 96 AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Technical Specifications (continued) Item Description Washing Times 96 Wash Head, 300 µL/well Single cycle: 11 sec. Three cycles: 26 sec. Washing Times 384 Wash Head, 100 µL/well Single cycle: 12 sec. Three cycles: 28 sec. FastWash Times (optimized for speed) 96 Wash Head, 300 µL/well, three cycles: 14 sec.

  • Page 97: Appendix B: Aquamax Sterilant

    Appendix B: AquaMax Sterilant You can use the AquaMax Sterilant (Part Number: R8156) to clean and sterilize the fluid paths in the AquaMax Microplate Washers. Accumulated residues and contaminating microorganisms can impair the operation of liquid handling equipment. Proteins in cell culture media, salts and minerals in buffers, and other reagent components can build up on fluid path surfaces.

  • Page 98: Preparing The Sterilant

    AquaMax 2000/4000 Microplate Washer User Guide Preparing the Sterilant The automated clean cycle on the AquaMax Microplate Washer uses approximately 420 ml of sterilant. You should prepare 500 ml of sterilant to make sure that you have enough. To prepare 500 ml of the sterilant: 1.

  • Page 99: Appendix C: Elisa Based And Cell Based Applications

    Appendix C: ELISA Based and Cell Based Applications Using the Washer for ELISA Based Applications Objective: wash effectively to get a dry plate to achieve low background and improved signal. All ELISA assays differ in their binding properties. Biochemical antigen-antibody interactions can be strong or weak.
  • Page 100 The trademarks used herein are the property of Molecular Devices, LLC or their respective owners. ©2023 Molecular Devices, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice. Patents: www.moleculardevices.com/patents All rights reserved. FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES...

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Aquamax 4000

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