ABGENE ALPS 50V User manual

ALPS 50 ™
Variable Temperature Sealer
User Manual >>

This product is designed and constructed to be safe when properly used, in accordance with
the supplied documentation, and when the operating precautions outlined in this document
are fully observed.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE USER OF THIS MANUAL IS AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS
ASSOCIATEDWITHTHE UNIT AND ITSACCESSORIES.ALLOPERATORSSHOULD BE FAMILIARWITH
THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS GIVEN IN THIS SECTION PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO
OPERATETHE UNIT.IF THE UNIT IS USED IN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIED BYTHE MANUFACTURER,
THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE EQUIPMENT MAY BE IMPAIRED.
The following symbols are used in this manual:
CAUTION/WARNING
HEATED SURFACE
Important >>
1
!!

WARNING: If the unit is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
• The unit is intended for indoor laboratory use only, at an altitude of less than 2200m
above sea level, within a temperature range of 18°C to 30°C and a relative humidity
range of 20% to 80% non-condensing. If the instrument is stored outside these ranges,
it should be left to stand until it equilibrates to within the above limits.
• Ensure the voltage selection switch is set to the correct voltage for the required region
(See Fig 3).
• Ensure the correct fuse for the required voltage setting is fitted (see Specifications
section).
• Do not operate the unit outside the rated power supply range specified.
• There are no user accessible or serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not remove or open
the unit’s casework.
• Before using any cleaning or decontamination method except those recommended by
the manufacturer, users should check with the manufacturer that the proposed method
will not damage the equipment.
• Ensure the unit is only connected to an earthed supply.
WARNING:The hot plate can reach temperatures up to 200°C. Care must be taken
not to touch it or serious burns may occur.
• The unit will remain hot for a considerable time after it has been turned off and must
be allowed to cool down to an acceptable level before cleaning.
• Foil sealed plates may remain hot for a number of seconds after sealing and should be
handled with care.
Warnings >>
2
!!

1. General Description of Aparatus Page 4
2. Intended function of apparatus Page 4
3. Installation Page 4
4. Types of Consumable Page 5
5. Operating Instructions Page 6
6. Cleaning Page 9
7. Specification Page 9
8. Over Temperature Safety Cut Out Page 9
9. Switching off the Audible Warning (if audible sounder fitted) Page 10
10. Lifting and Moving the Instrument Page 10
11. Warranty and Returns Page 10
12. Declaration of Conformity Page 11
The information in this user guide including any apparatus, Methods, Techniques and Concepts described herein,
are the property of ABgene® or its Licensees and may not be copied, disclosed or used for any purpose not expressly
authorised by the owners there of.
Since ABgene constantly strives to improve all of its products, We reserve the right to modify equipment and any
user instruction manual without prior notice. No part of this instruction manual may be reproduced in any form
without the prior consent of ABgene.
ABgene®
ABgene House
Blenheim Road
Epsom
Surrey
KT19 9AP
England
Copyright: ABgene 2005
All Rights Reserved
ALPS 3000™ is a registered trademark of ABgene®
Contents >>
3

The ALPS 50V™ provides a safe, controlled method of sealing sample plates made from various
plastics. The sealer is adjustable for both sealing time and temperature and gives a visual
countdown display during the sealing process. The variable heat sealer can seal deep well
plates (Bioblocks) with various thermal sealing plastic or foil films and may be adapted to seal
Microplates and PCR plates by using a suitable plate carrier.
4
1. General Description of Aparatus >>
2. Intended Function of Aparatus >>
3. Installation >>
The variable heat sealer is intended to provide a platform with which to load and thermally seal
biological plates to prevent sample loss at high temperature or prolonged periods of storage.
Various types of plate may be loaded onto a plate carrier and covered by a thermal sealing
medium, which may be foil or clear plastic.
The operator may pre-set a precise temperature and seal time for the sealing operation.
Sealing is initiated by pulling down a handle which raises the sample plate into contact with
the hot plate. The plate sealer detects when the sample plate is in the correct position and
starts a countdown timer. The countdown is displayed on a three digit LED display. When the
display reads zero, the operator lifts the handle back to the upright position, which moves the
sample plate away from the hot plate. The plate may then be manually removed for further
processing.
The variable temperature sealer should be removed from it’s packaging and all internal
packaging removed. The instrument should be placed on a level surface, away from direct
sunlight and drafts ensuring access to the power switch on the rear of the unit. Ensure that
the vents on the back panel are not obstructed.
3.1 - Mains inlet selection:
The mains voltage selector switch should be checked to ensure that the desired voltage has
been set and the correct value of fuse has been fitted ( see FIG 3, FIG 4 and the specification
section ). The instrument should now be connected to an earthed mains supply with an IEC
320 connector type C13 mains lead ensuring there is sufficient space around it so that the
mains connection is not obscured.