About the Vacuum Alignment Shelf

About this topic

The Vacuum Alignment Shelf is designed to prevent problems caused by warped PCR microplates. The Vacuum Alignment Shelf is an Automation Solutions-installed and configured accessory. This topic describes the shelf and how to test the shelf function.

Description

The Vacuum Alignment Shelf uses a vacuum system to hold the PCR plate flat and ensure reliable pipetting in every well. A vacuum sensor ensures proper plate engagement before any liquid handling steps.

The following figure shows the Vacuum Alignment Shelf.

 

Before using the shelf

Verify the setup:

•	Ensure the vacuum tubing is in good condition and is connected from the vacuum source to the vacuum port on the back of the Vertical Pipetting Station.

•	Make sure the vacuum is turned on at the source.

•	Verify that the teachpoint for the Vacuum Alignment Shelf is accurate.

•	Optional. Create a special labware class for the plates that require the Vacuum Alignment Shelf.

Microplates are the only labware appropriate for use on the Vacuum Alignment Shelf. In the Labware Editor, you can define a labware class for the plates that require the vacuum alignment to automate which plates are placed on the Vacuum Alignment Shelf.

 

CAUTION Clean up any spills immediately. Excess fluid can damage the Vacuum Alignment Shelf.

Testing the Vacuum Alignment Shelf

 

 

To test the Vacuum Alignment Shelf:

1	At the Vertical Pipetting Station, verify the following:

a	The tubing is securely connected to the vacuum port on the rear panel and the vacuum source is turned on.

b	A microplate is in position on the Vacuum Alignment Shelf.

2	In Vertical Pipetting Station Diagnostics, click the Configuration tab.

3	In the Accessory Configuration area, highlight Vacuum shelf, and then click Diagnose accessory.

 

4	In the Accessory Diagnostics dialog box, click Vacuum On to open up the vacuum supply to the Vacuum Alignment Shelf.

 

5	Verify that the Vacuum Present indicator is green.

If the indicator is red, the Vacuum Alignment Shelf cannot establish a vacuum with the microplate. Verify that the vacuum is turned on at the source and that the vacuum tubing and connections are in good condition.

6	To interrupt the vacuum supply to the Vacuum Alignment Shelf, click Vacuum Off.

 

 

Related topics

 

For information about…	See…
Vacuum connections	Connecting the air and vacuum sources
Editing teachpoints	Setting shelf teachpoints
Editing labware definitions	VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide
Using the accessory in a protocol	VWorks Automation Control User Guide