Connecting the air and vacuum sources

About this topic

Compressed air is used to move the Vertical Pipetting Station shelves, tipbox press, and other components. If the Vertical Pipetting Station is fitted with vacuum shelves, a vacuum source is required. This topic explains how to connect the Vertical Pipetting Station to an air source and vacuum source and how to check the connections for leaks before use.

Before you begin

Make sure the laboratory set up requirements for compressed air have been met. See Laboratory requirements.

Make sure you have the supplied ¼-in tubing for the compressed air.

If the Vertical Pipetting Station is fitted with vacuum shelves, make sure you have the supplied 3/8-in tubing for the vacuum.

Ensure you follow all safety precautions.

 

WARNING Working with open, charged air lines can result in injury. Switch the compressed air line off before installing the Vertical Pipetting Station. Contact your facilities department or Automation Solutions Technical Support with questions about setting up the air line.

 

CAUTION Ensure that the air coming into the Vertical Pipetting Station is properly filtered from moisture or aerosolized impurities. Significant moisture or impurities in the air line can adversely affect the performance and life of the Vertical Pipetting Station. Using oil compressors can cause oil to leak into the Vertical Pipetting Station and void your warranty.

Connecting the air source

To connect the Vertical Pipetting Station to the air source:

1	Turn off the air at the source (house, cylinder, or pump).

2	Use tubing cutters to cut the supplied tubing to the length required for the air line.

3	Connect one end of the air tubing to the air source (house, cylinder, or pump).

4	Connect the free end of the air tubing to the quick-disconnect fitting at the air-input port on the Vertical Pipetting Station, as the figure shows.

Figure. Vertical Pipetting Station rear air panel

 

To connect the tubing, push the end of the tubing into the quick-disconnect fitting. Make sure the tubing is free of any kinks.

Note: If your house air uses a threaded nozzle, attach the ¼-in NPT fitting to your house air.

Connecting the vacuum source

If your Vertical Pipetting Station is fitted with a vacuum shelf, use the following procedure to connect the device to the vacuum source.

To connect the Vertical Pipetting Station to the vacuum source:

1	Turn off the vacuum supply at the source.

2	Use tubing cutters to cut the supplied 3/8-in tubing to the length required for the vacuum line. Ensure the cut edge of the tubing is square and clean.

3	Connect one end of the vacuum tubing to your house vacuum supply, and then connect the free end of the tubing to the quick-disconnect fitting at the vacuum-input port on the back of the Vertical Pipetting Station.

Checking air and vacuum connections

To check the air and vacuum connections:

1	With the air source turned off, gently tug the air tubing at each connection.

If you feel resistance at the connection, the tubing has been properly installed.

2	Turn on the air at the source (house, cylinder, or pump).

3	Listen near each connection for hissing sounds that might indicate a leak.

If you hear hissing sounds, turn off the air at the source, check and tighten the connections, and then turn on the air again. If the problem persists, contact your facilities department or Automation Solutions Technical Support.

4	If you connected a vacuum source, repeat step 1 to step 3 for the vacuum connections.

Disconnecting air and vacuum sources

You must disconnect the air and vacuum tubing before moving or shipping the Vertical Pipetting Station and before performing maintenance or cleaning.

 

CAUTION Do not pull the tubing out of the orange quick-disconnect fitting. Doing so can damage the fitting.

To disconnect the air and vacuum tubing from the Vertical Pipetting Station:

1	Turn off the air at the source (house, cylinder, or pump).

2	If a vacuum source is connected, turn off the vacuum at the source.

3	At the back of the Vertical Pipetting Station, push and hold the locking collar against the quick-disconnect fitting, and then gently pull the tubing out of the fitting.

Figure. Closeup view of quick-disconnect fitting

 

Note: Alternatively, you can use the SMC Pneumatics tool (TG-2) to aid in this task. See the manufacturer’s documentation for use instructions. Contact your local SMC parts supplier for ordering details.

4	Repeat step 3 for the vacuum line, if applicable.

Related topics

 

For more information about…	See…
Air source requirements	Laboratory requirements
How to set up the Vertical Pipetting Station	Workflow for setting up the Vertical Pipetting Station
Component locations	Hardware overview