Agilent Technologies BenchCel User manual

BenchCel Microplate Handler
User Guide
Original Instructions

Notices
Manual Part Number
G5580-90000 Revision B
November 2020
Copyright
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2020
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or
translation into a foreign language) without
prior agreement and written consent from
Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Contact Information
Agilent Technologies Inc.
Automation Solutions
5301 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051
USA
Web:
https://www.agilent.com
Contact page:
https://www.agilent.com/en/contact-
us/page
Documentation feedback:
[e-mail]
Acknowledgments
Microsoft® and Windows® are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of the
Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and other countries.
Warranty
The material contained in this document is
provided “as is,” and is subject to being
changed, without notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted
by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all war-
ranties, either express or implied, with
regard to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not limited
to the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent
shall not be liable for errors or for incidental
or consequential damages in connection
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this document or of any information con-
tained herein. Should Agilent and the user
have a separate written agreement with
warranty terms covering the material in this
document that conflict with these terms,
the warranty terms in the separate agree-
ment shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of
a U.S. Government prime contract or
subcontract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer
software” as defined in DFAR 252.227-7014
(June 1995), or as a “commercial item” as
defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as “Restricted
computer software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
agency regulation or contract clause. Use,
duplication or disclosure of Software is
subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard
commercial license terms, and non-DOD
Departments and Agencies of the U.S.
Government will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-
19(c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government
users will receive no greater than Limited
Rights as defined in FAR 52.227-14
(June1987) or DFAR 252.227-7015 (b)(2)
(November 1995), as applicable in any
technical data.
Safety Notices
A WARNING notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered
to, could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating proce-
dure, practice, or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not pro-
ceed beyond a CAUTION notice until
the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
WARNING
CAUTION

iiiBenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
About this guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Accessing product user information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
1. Safety guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
General safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety and regulatory compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Emergency stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Safety equipment and features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Potential safety hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
BenchCel Microplate Handler description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Hardware overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Integration options for workstations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Labware considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Software description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3. Installing BenchCel Microplate Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Installation workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Verifying laboratory requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Unpacking BenchCel Microplate Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Mounting the robot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
About integrating devices in a BenchCel Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Connecting the power source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Connecting the pendant directly to the BenchCel device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Connecting the pendant through the Robot Disable Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Connecting and disconnecting the air source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Connecting the computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Installing the shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
4. Setting up the BenchCel device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Setup workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Starting up and shutting down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Creating BenchCel device in the VWorks software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Opening BenchCel Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Creating profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Initializing the device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Setting and managing teachpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Contents
iviv BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
5. Setting sensor thresholds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Overview for setting sensor thresholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Calculating the Plate presence threshold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Determining the optimum Orientation sensor offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Calculating the Orientation threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Worksheet for setting sensor thresholds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
6. Preparing for a run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Workflow for operating the BenchCel Microplate Handler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Handling the labware racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Filling and emptying the labware racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Installing and uninstalling the labware racks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Performing pre-run checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
7. Maintenance and troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Routine maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Cleaning up after a protocol run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Replacing the fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Hardware problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Software error messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Adjusting the stacker gripper pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Reporting problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
A. Quick reference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Rack-release button indicator light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
BenchCel Diagnostics - Controls tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
BenchCel Diagnostics - Jog/Teach tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
BenchCel Diagnostics - Labware tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
BenchCel Diagnostics - General Settings tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
BenchCel Diagnostics - Profiles tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Teachpoint Details dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

v
Preface
This preface contains the following topics:
•“About this guide” on page vi
•“Accessing product user information” on page viii

Preface
About this guide
vi BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
About this guide
Who should read this guide
This user guide is for people with the following job roles:
What this guide covers
This guide describes the G5580A BenchCel Microplate Handler and earlier R-Series
models. This guide covers installation, setup, operation, and maintenance.
This guide does not provide instructions for the following:
•Agilent devices that are integrated with the BenchCel Microplate Handler in a
workstation configuration, such as the Bravo Platform, PlateLoc Thermal
Microplate Sealer, Microplate Labeler, and Labware MiniHub
•Third-party devices
For more information about these topics, see the relevant user guides for these
products.
Software version
This guide is applicable for the following software:
•BenchCel Diagnostics 21.3.0, which is included in VWorks software 14.0 and later.
•BenchCel Diagnostics versions included in VWorks software 12.3 – 13.1.x.
What is new in this edition
and
Job role Responsibilities
Installer Unpacks, installs, and tests the device before it is used.
Integrator Configures hardware and writes software.
Lab manager,
administrator, or
technician
•Manages the automation system that contains the device
•Develops the applications that are run on the system
•Develops training materials and standard operating
procedures for operators
Operator Performs the daily production work on the device and solves
routine problems.
Description See…
Added descriptions for VWorks software
14.0.
“Software description” on page 29

vii
Preface
About this guide
BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Related guides
You should use this guide in conjunction with the following guides:
•Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide. Provides general safety
information and describes potential safety hazards that you might encounter when
using Automation Solutions products. A copy of this safety guide is included with
your shipment.
•VWorks software guides:
–VWorks Automation Control Setup Guide. Explains how to define labware and
labware classes, liquid classes, and pipetting techniques.
The VWorks 14.0 version also explains the VWorks compliance features and
how to set up an experiments databases.
–VWorks Automation Control User Guide. Explains how to create protocols, and
set task parameters for each device in the system.
•BenchCel Microplate Handler Quick Guide. The quick guide summarizes the
instructions in this user guide.
•Agilent Technologies device user guides. These guides explain how to set up and
use the devices that you integrate with the BenchCel Microplate Handler, such as
the Bravo Platform User Guide.
•Third-party device user documents, if applicable. These guides explain how to set
up and use the third-party devices.
Updated the Robot Disable Hub
descriptions to specify the 3-Port Robot
Disable Hub.
•“Safety equipment and features” on
page 8
•“Connecting the pendant through
the Robot Disable Hub” on page 53
Updated the instructions for creating the
device file to include how to select the
teachpoint for an integrated device.
“Specifying BenchCel accessibility at
other devices” on page 72
Updated the profile and teachpoint
descriptions and procedures to reflect
changes introduced in VWorks software
14.0.
•“Creating profiles” on page 76
•“Setting and managing teachpoints”
on page 84
•“BenchCel Diagnostics - Profiles
tab” on page 179
Updated the fuse replacement procedure
to make the description consistent for
both 115 V and 230 V power.
“Replacing the fuse” on page 134
Added a description of the indicators on
the Controls tab.
“BenchCel Diagnostics - Controls tab” on
page 167
Description See…

Preface
Accessing product user information
viii BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Accessing product user information
About this topic
This topic describes the different formats of user information and explains how to
access it for the Agilent Automation Solutions products.
Where to find user information
The user information is available in the following locations:
•Knowledge base. The help system for the Automation Solutions products is
available from:
–Help menu within the VWorks software: Select Help > Knowledge Base or press
F1.
–From the Windows desktop: Select Start ( ) > All Apps > Agilent
Technologies > VWorks Knowledge Base.
For guidelines on using the VWorks context-sensitive help and knowledge base
features, see Using the knowledge base, below.
•PDF files. The PDF files of the user guides are installed with the VWorks software
(C:\Program Files (x86)\Agilent Technologies\VWorks\UserGuides) and are
available in the VWorks Knowledge Base.
•Website. You can search the online VWorks Knowledge Base or download the latest
version of any PDF file from the Agilent website at www.agilent.com/chem/askb.
Accessing safety information
Safety information for the Agilent Automation Solutions devices appears in the
Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide and in the corresponding device
safety guide or user guide.
You can also search the knowledge base or the PDF files for safety information.
Using the knowledge base
Knowledge base topics are displayed using web browser software such as Microsoft
Edge.
Note: If you want to use Internet Explorer to display the topics, you might have to allow
local files to run active content (scripts and ActiveX controls). To do this, in Internet
Explorer, open the Internet Options dialog box. Click the Advanced tab, locate the
Security section, and select Allow active content to run in files on my computer.

ix
Preface
Accessing product user information
BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Opening the help topic for an area in the VWorks window
To access the context-sensitive help feature:
1In the main window of the VWorks software, click the help button . The pointer
changes to . Notice that the different icons or areas are highlighted as you
move the pointer over them.
2Click an icon or area of interest. The relevant topic or document opens.

Preface
Accessing product user information
xBenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Features in the Knowledge Base window
Step For this task...
1Contents pane. Lists all the books and the table of contents of the books.
2Search. Allows you to search the Knowledge Base (all products or selected products) using
keywords.
3Topic area. Displays the selected online help topic.
4Navigation buttons. Enable you to navigate through the next or previous topics listed in the Contents
tab.
5Toolbar buttons: Enable you to:
•Expand or collapse all the sections in a topic that has drop-down headings.
•Print the topic.
•Send feedback by email for a given topic.

1
1 Safety guidelines
This chapter contains the following topics for the BenchCel Microplate Handler:
•“General safety information” on page 2
•“Safety and regulatory compliance” on page 3
•“Emergency stops” on page 5
•“Safety equipment and features” on page 8
•“Potential safety hazards” on page 10

1 Safety guidelines
General safety information
2BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
General safety information
Before installing and using the device
Before using the BenchCel Microplate Handler, make sure that you are properly trained
in:
•General laboratory safety
•The correct and safe operation of the BenchCel Microplate Handler
•The correct and safe operation of devices used in combination with the BenchCel
Microplate Handler
WARNING
Changing or modifying the BenchCel safety equipment may prevent the safe
operation of the BenchCel Microplate Handler, invalidate its safety compliance, and
lead to personal injury or property damage. Any customer who does not use the
supplied safety equipment or who modifies the supplied safety equipment assumes
full responsibility for providing an appropriate level of safety for its operators and for
providing the applicable safety compliance marking and documentation.
General safety precautions
For the general safety precautions, the intended product use statement, and the list of
safety labels, see the Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide.
The following figure shows the location of the safety label on the BenchCel Microplate
Handler.
Figure Safety label location (front view and side view)

3
1 Safety guidelines
Safety and regulatory compliance
BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Related information
Safety and regulatory compliance
About this topic
This topic lists the compliance regulations and standards for the BenchCel Microplate
Handler.
Note: Earlier models of the BenchCel Microplate Handler may not comply with all the
standards listed in this topic.
Compliance information
The BenchCel Microplate Handler is considered partly completed machinery as defined
by the Machinery Directive of the European Union. Therefore, the BenchCel Microplate
Handler is provided with a Declaration of Incorporation and no CE marking. The
BenchCel Microplate Handler is intended to be integrated into a conforming completed
machine (workstation). A customer in the European Union (EU) that acquires a
standalone BenchCel Microplate Handler is responsible for this integration and for CE
marking the completed workstation. The BenchCel Microplate Handler is designed to
comply with the standards listed in the table below.
Unless specifically requested by the customer, BenchCel Workstations provided by
Agilent Technologies are configured to conform to the Machinery Directive and bear
the CE marking. The Declaration of Conformity shipped with the BenchCel Workstation
describes the specific configuration that has been evaluated for conformity. Any
deviations from the specified configuration may invalidate the Declaration of
Conformity. See the Declaration of Conformity for details.
An EU customer that requests Agilent Technologies to provide a nonconforming
BenchCel Workstation must assume responsibility as the manufacturer for completing
the workstation in conformity with the applicable directives, including the Machinery
Directive. In the case of a nonconforming BenchCel Workstation, each component that
Agilent Technologies supplies will carry a Declaration of Conformity or Declaration of
Incorporation, as appropriate, to be used by the manufacturer to compile the technical
construction file.
For information about... See...
General precautions, intended product
use statement, and list of safety labels
Automation Solutions Products General
Safety Guide
Regulatory compliance “Safety and regulatory compliance” on
page 3
Stopping in an emergency “Emergency stops” on page 5
Safety equipment “Safety equipment and features” on page 8
Potential hazards specific to the
BenchCel Microplate Handler
“Potential safety hazards” on page 10

1 Safety guidelines
Safety and regulatory compliance
4BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Electromagnetic compatibility
If the BenchCel Microplate Handler causes interference with radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the device off and on, try one or more of
the following measures:
•Relocate the radio or television antenna.
•Move the device away from the radio or television.
•Plug the device into a different electrical outlet, so that the device and the radio or
television are on separate electrical circuits.
•Make sure that all peripheral devices are also certified.
•Make sure that appropriate cables are used to connect the device to peripheral
equipment.
•Consult your equipment dealer, Agilent Technologies, or an experienced technician
for assistance.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent Technologies could void
the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Sound emission declaration
Sound pressure: Lp < 70 dB according to EN ISO 779:2010.
Regulatory Compliance Standard
EMC
European Union EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
IEC 61326-1:2012 / EN 61326-1:2013
Canada ICES/NMB-001:2006
Australia/New Zealand AS/NZS CISPR 11:2011
RoHS
European Union RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
Safety
European Union Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
IEC 61010-1:2001 / EN61010-1:2001
IEC 61010-2-081:2001+A1:2003 /
EN 61010-2-081:2002+A1:2003
Canada CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-081-04
USA ANSI/UL 61010-1:2004

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1 Safety guidelines
Emergency stops
BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Schalldruckpegel: Lp < 70 dB nach EN ISO 779:2010.
Related information
Emergency stops
The BenchCel Microplate Handler is equipped with an interlock circuit and emergency-
stop pendant.
WARNING
To avoid potential injury, Agilent recommends that you install a main emergency
stop button (Robot Disable Hub) that will stop the BenchCel robot and all other
devices on the safety interlock circuit simultaneously. In addition, all operators must
be instructed in the emergency stop procedure.
CAUTION
You might not be able to resume a protocol after an emergency stop. Do not use an
emergency stop to pause a run. To pause and continue a run, use the appropriate
commands in the automation software.
Stopping in an emergency
WARNING
After pressing the emergency-stop button, the robot arm might have momentum and
continue to move until it comes to the end of its travel in the x-axis, z-axis, or theta-
axis or until it bumps into an obstacle. Stay clear of the robot until it stops moving.
To perform an emergency stop:
Press the red button on the pendant. The safety interlock circuit is interrupted,
disabling the robot motors. The BenchCel Microplate Handler operation stops.
For more information about… See…
General safety and labels “General safety information” on page 2
Safety hazards “Potential safety hazards” on page 10
Stopping in an emergency “Emergency stops” on page 5
Safety equipment “Safety equipment and features” on page 8

1 Safety guidelines
Emergency stops
6BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Recovering from an emergency stop
After you press the button on the emergency-stop pendant, the robot stops. One of the
following occurs:
•If you stopped a protocol run, a dialog box opens in the VWorks software.
•If you stopped the robot while diagnosing problems in BenchCel Diagnostics, a
motor-disable message appears on the screen.
Use the following procedure to recover in either case.
To recover the BenchCel device after an emergency stop:
1If the robot dropped labware before or during the emergency stop, remove labware
that was dropped. Also remove labware at teachpoints or other locations.
2If the BenchCel robot attempted to place labware at a location that was not free, a
collision might have occurred resulting in misalignment of the robot gripper. Check
the robot gripper alignment:
aMove the robot arms so that they are perpendicular to the x-axis.
bMake sure the bottom of the robot gripper pads are perpendicular to the robot
arms. If they are not, contact Agilent Technical Support.
Figure Gripper alignment: (A) correct alignment, and (B) incorrect alignment
3To re-enable the motors:
aAt the emergency-stop pendant, turn the button clockwise to release it.
B) Incorrect - misaligned
A) Correct alignment

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1 Safety guidelines
Emergency stops
BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
bIn the VWorks software message dialog box, select an appropriate option to
continue:
For a full description of the selections, see the VWorks Automation Control User
Guide.
4Optional. In BenchCel Diagnostics, use the available commands to manually move
the robot or other components, including:
•Release the microplate that the robot is currently holding.
•Upstack the microplate that the robot is currently holding.
•Replace the lid on the microplate.
•Home the robot.
•Verify teachpoints.
For details, see “Diagnostic tools” on page 146.
If a physical crash occurred, always start BenchCel Diagnostics to home the robot and
verify teachpoints.
Related information
Selection Description
Diagnostics Opens the BenchCel Diagnostics dialog box. See step 4.
Note: This selection is available only when you are in the
middle of a protocol run and not while you are in BenchCel
Diagnostics.
Retry Attempts to restart the current command or task in the
run.
Ignore and
continue
Ignores the current command or task and continues to the
next command or task in the protocol sequence.
Abort Aborts the current command or task in the run. Select
Abort if you have determined that the protocol run is not
recoverable.
For information about… See…
Pausing and resuming protocol runs VWorks Automation Control User Guide
Using commands in BenchCel
Diagnostics
“Diagnostic tools” on page 146
Complete list of available commands
in BenchCel Diagnostics
“Quick reference” on page 165
Reporting a problem “Reporting problems” on page 162

1 Safety guidelines
Safety equipment and features
8BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Safety equipment and features
About this topic
This topic describes the safety equipment and features of the BenchCel Microplate
Handler that are required to protect operators from moving-parts hazards.
WARNING
Changing or modifying the BenchCel safety equipment may prevent the safe
operation of the BenchCel Microplate Handler, invalidate its safety compliance, and
lead to personal injury or property damage. Any customer who does not use the
supplied safety equipment or who modifies the supplied safety equipment assumes
full responsibility for providing an appropriate level of safety for its operators and for
providing the applicable safety compliance marking and documentation.
Shields
Make sure the BenchCel device is enclosed in the supplied shield. The shield restricts
access to the BenchCel robot while the BenchCel Microplate Handler is operating.
Figure BenchCel front shield
Additional shields may be required on devices that are integrated with the BenchCel
Microplate Handler, such as the Bravo Platform.
In addition, a light curtain connected to the safety interlock circuit may be required.

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1 Safety guidelines
Safety equipment and features
BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury from moving parts, ensure that the BenchCel shield and
the shields for any integrated devices are installed on the workstation.
WARNING
Operating the Bravo Platform or Microplate Centrifuge with Loader without a safety
shield or a light curtain connected to the safety interlock circuit increases the risk of
injury.
Safety interlock circuit
WARNING
To avoid potential injury, Agilent recommends that you install a main emergency
stop button (Robot Disable Hub) that will stop the BenchCel robot and all other
devices on the safety interlock circuit simultaneously. In addition, all operators must
be instructed in the emergency stop procedure.
The BenchCel Microplate Handler has a safety interlock circuit that is designed to
protect operators from moving-parts hazards. The safety interlock circuit must be
closed for the device to operate. The pendant connects to the safety interlock circuit.
Pressing the red button on the pendant trips the interlock circuit and causes the motion
of the BenchCel operation to stop.
Figure Emergency-stop pendant
When the BenchCel device is integrated with another device that has a safety interlock
circuit, such as the Bravo Platform, Agilent Technologies uses the Robot Disable Hub to
connect all the devices on the interlock circuit. Pressing the red button on a pendant or
interrupting a light curtain connected to the Robot Disable Hub will trip the safety
interlock circuit and stop all the devices connected to the circuit.
Figure Robot Disable Hub
Related information
Devices
Pendants Power
Light Curtain
Rx
Tx
For information about… See…
Stopping in an emergency “Emergency stops” on page 5
Product compliance “Safety and regulatory compliance” on
page 3

1 Safety guidelines
Potential safety hazards
10 BenchCel Microplate Handler User Guide
Potential safety hazards
About this topic
This topic contains precautions about potential hazards that are specific to the
BenchCel Microplate Handler. In addition to the following potential hazards, make sure
that you understand how to avoid the general hazards described in the Automation
Solutions Products General Safety Guide.
The potential hazards that you can encounter when using the BenchCel Microplate
Handler include the following:
•“Moving parts” on page 10
•“Sharp edges and pinch hazards” on page 11
•“Infrared LED injury hazard” on page 11
•“Static electricity” on page 12
•“Improper access or use” on page 12
•“Lifting hazard” on page 12
Moving parts
To minimize potential injury, the BenchCel device is designed to stop immediately if the
robot head hits an obstacle while it is in operation. However, be aware that the robot
moves with considerable force in the vertical or z-axis direction and could pierce your
skin with one of its grippers.
Not all circumstances can be foreseen and serious injury is possible. It is the
responsibility of every operator to follow warnings and safety labels and keep out of the
robot’s workspace whenever it is likely to move.
WARNING
The BenchCel Microplate Handler has moving parts that can injure you if you deviate
from the procedures given in this guide. Keep your fingers, hair, clothing, and jewelry
away from the BenchCel Microplate Handler while it is in motion.
WARNING
To avoid potential injury, do not touch the BenchCel Microplate Handler as you start
the software. The robot head moves when the device initializes.
Moving parts and other hazards “Potential safety hazards” on page 10
Safety labels and general information “General safety information” on page 2
Reporting a problem “Reporting problems” on page 162
For information about… See…