Esco Provocell User manual

PCR Thermal Cyclers • Real-time PCR System • Microplate Shakers / Incubators
Esco Life Science Laboratory
Equipment Solutions
User Manual
Microplate Shaker / Incubator

Esco Healthcare Pte. Ltd. • 21 Changi South Street 1 • Singapore 486777 • Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
[email protected] • www.pcrthermalcyclers.com
File No.:..............................................
File Version: 3.2 December 2009
Note:
• Please read this manual carefully before this instrument is rst operated!

Congratulations! have just purchased one of the nest Mixer/ Incubators available.
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the growing number of customers who own and operate Esco Mixer/
Incubators.
Your new, ergonomically designed Esco Provocell™ incorporates many user friendly features and technical
developments designed to guarantee performance, versatility and simplify maintenance.
These include:
• An easily to program, ergonomically designed front panel.
• A new, backlit LC display for easy viewing, even under poor lighting conditions.
• A choice of 4 easily changeable blocks to allow for a wide variety of applications.
• High quality Peltier technology guaranteeing fast temperature ramping as well as accurate temperature control.
Please read this manual to familiarize yourself with the proper installation, operation and maintenance of
this instrument.
We recommend that this manual, together with the factory test report, be kept near this instrument for
convenient reference by operators and maintenance personnel.
If you have any questions that are not addressed in the manual, please do not hesitate to contact us by
email at [email protected] , or give us a call on [phone].
With warm regards from Singapore,
Lim Lay Yew
Chief Executive Ofcer

Provocell™ Microplate Shaker / Incubator • User Manual

v
Important Note :
Important Note
1. GENERAL
2. SAFETY
During the operation, maintenance, or repair of this instrument, the necessary safety precautions should be taken.
a) Grounding:
The instrument must be grounded to prevent electric shock. The 3-pin plug with 10A supplied with the Provocell™
Shaking Micro Incubator power cable should be grounded. Plugs should be replaced by a qualied electrician.
b) Electric Circuits:
Do not open the instrument. This should be done by a qualied service engineer.
c) A.C. Power Considerations:
Before turning on the power, check the voltage (A.C. 220 - 240V or A.C. 100-120V, according to the label on the
back of the instrument) and whether the current rating of the plug complies with specication.
d) General:
The Provocell™ should be placed in a low-humidity, dust-free, well-ventilated environment. The Provocell™
should not be installed in close proximity to water sources.
Never cover or obstruct the openings of the Provocell™. These are designed for ventilation and to prevent the
device’s interior from becoming too hot. When installing a single instrument, the minimum distance between
the openings and the nearest object should be at least 30 cm; when two or more instruments are running at the
same time, the minimum distance between them should be 50 cm.
Excessively high temperatures may lead to poor performance, or instrument failure. The instrument should not
be placed in direct sunlight, near ovens, or central heating.
e) Warning:
Note: Please read this manual before using this instrument. Failure to read the manual may result in damage to the
instrument.
This symbol means that you should be cautious when performing an operation/procedure.
!HOT SURFACE!
Note: Metal parts near this sign (on the block) are hot and should not be touched.
Name: Provocell™ Shaking Micro Incubator
Model: ESC/TC-PVC
Fuse: 250V 3A (Ø5×20)
SN: *******-*** Date: ****.**.**
Power Supply: AC220V±22V 150VA 50Hz/60Hz
Name: Provocell™ Shaking Micro Incubator
Model: ESC/TC-PVC
Fuse: 250V 3A (Ø5×20)
SN: *******-*** Date: ****.**.**
Power Supply: AC110V±22V 150VA 50Hz/60Hz

Provocell™ Microplate Shaker / Incubator • User Manual
3. MAINTENANCE
The instrument’s accessories are as follows: Block Bolts, Spring Washer and special-purpose Allen Key.
Please use this Allen Key to tighten the four Block Bolts when changing the block. Don’t over tighten and
make sure that each bolt is securely fastened.
4. WARRANTY AND SERVICE INFORMATION
a. Warranty:
The Thermal Cycler is warranted free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 24 months, from
date of shipment from Esco. Esco shall be obligated, under this warranty, at its discretion, to repair or exchange
the Thermal Cycler
b. Warranty Terms:
The warranty does not apply to instruments that are used incorrectly, abnormal operating conditions, improper
application, and unauthorized maintenance or changed in any way.
Note: Once opened, the package should be checked according to the packing list. If the any items are missing or
damaged, contact the distributor. Store the package and packing materials in a safe place in case of future device
maintenance.
During cleaning, the power must be off.
Do not use corrosive materials or detergents to clean the instrument
WARNING:

vii
Table of Contents :
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER 2. Specications .....................................................................................................................................11
CHAPTER 3. Product Guide....................................................................................................................................13
3.1 Description .............................................................................................................................................13
3.2 Display Panel..........................................................................................................................................13
3.3 Buttons ...................................................................................................................................................14
CHAPTER 4. Operation Guide................................................................................................................................15
4.1 Power On................................................................................................................................................15
4.2 Temperature, Mixing Time and Speed Setup......................................................................................15
4.3 Instant MIxing........................................................................................................................................1 5
4.4 Temperature Correction........................................................................................................................16
4.5 Buzzer Setup ..........................................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER 5. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................19

Provocell™ Microplate Shaker / Incubator • User Manual

9
Chapter 1 • General :
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Provocell™ Shaking Mixer/ Incubator is a multi-block, microprocessor controlled instrument. It has many applications
including sample storage, storage, various kinds of enzyme, DNA amplication, denaturation enzyme reactions and
so on. The main features of Provocell™ are:
• Bright VFD display.
• Simultaneous display of temperature, orbital speed & time.
• Choice of low maintenance autoclavable Aluminum blocks.
• Internal over-temperature protection.
• Temperature bias calibration.
• Adjustable orbital speed up to 1500rpm.

Provocell™ Microplate Shaker / Incubator • User Manual

11
Chapter 2 • Characteristics :
CHAPTER 2
CHARACTERISTICS
This chapter deals with the Provocell™ Shaking Mixer/ Incubator operation, transportation, storage conditions, basic
parameters and performance.
2.1 Normal Operating Parameters
Environmental temperature: 10°C ~ 30°C
Relative humidity: ≤70%
Power supply: AC220V (or% 110v) ±22V 1A 50Hz/60Hz
2.2 Transportation and Storage Conditions
Ambient temperature: -20°C - +55°C
Relative humidity: ≤80%
2.3 Basic Parameters
Model / Parameters PV-PVC
Block Choice as ordered
Reference Code PVC-BLC-1 PVC-BLC-2 PVC-BLC-3 PVC-BLC-4 PVC-BLC-5 PVC-BLC-6 PVC-BLC-7
Optional Block 1.5ml × 40
(Standard)
0.2ml × 96 0.5ml × 54 15 × 24
Glass tube
Elisa plate 0.5ml x 26 +
1.5ml x 24
2ml × 40
Dimension(mm)(W×L×H) 295×265×170
Weight(kg) 8.5
2.4 Performance
Temperature range: Room temperature -14°C ~ 100°C.
Timer Range: 1~ 99h59min
Cooling Time: Room temperature - 10°C for 12min
Between 100°C to room temperature +10°C for 15min
Heating time: About 6°C/min; from 20°C to 100°C
Temperature control accuracy: ≤ ± 0.5 °C, 0-60°C; ≤ ± 1°C over 60°C
Temperature display resolution: 0.5°C
Temperature uniformity across the block: ≤ ± 0.5 °C, 0-60°C; ≤ ± 1°C over 60°C
Orbital speed: 300-1500rpm
Amplitude: 3mm
Note: Before power-on, please check the above operating conditions. Pay special attention to the voltage and the
power cable’s grounding
Note: The aluminum block can be customized to the user’s request. Please contact the distributor for futher information.

Provocell™ Microplate Shaker / Incubator • User Manual

13
Chapter 3 • Product Guide :
      
  
 

     



    
  
   
   
   


 
  




 
CHAPTER 3
PRODUCT GUIDE
This chapter introduces the Provocell™ physical structure and components, as well and some preparations before
power-on. Please read these carefully before the Provocell™ is rst operated.
3.1 Description
Display Panel Block Main Body Label Power Connector,
and Keyboard Fuse and On/Off
Switch
12 3 4 5
3.2 Display Panel
1 2 3
Actual time
Program Buttons
Actual temperature
Temperature set
Actual mixing time
Orbital Speed
5
      
  
 

     



    
  
   
   
   


 
  




 
4
Actual Speed
Temperature
Pulse
Time Orbital speed
Start / Stop

Provocell™ Microplate Shaker / Incubator • User Manual
14 : Chapter 3 • Product Guide
3.3 Buttons
Function keys
Temperature set up: Press or to adjust the values and to set the required temperature.
Holding down or speeds up the temperature setting.
Timer set up: Press or to adjust the value and set the requested time. Keep pressing or . .
speeds up the time setting.
Orbital speed set up: Press or to adjust the value and set the requested speed. Keep
pressing or speeds up the orbital speed setting.
Pulse: Press to start instant mix mode. The speed will default to the maximum mixing
speed. This button can also be used for temperature calibration and sounds.
Start / Stop: Press to start or stop the instrument.
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short

15
Chapter 4 • Operation :
CHAPTER 4
OPERATION GUIDE
This chapter section deals with temperature, mixing time & mixing speed set up. It also explains how to correct for the
difference between the actual and displayed temperature, and how to set up the sounds.
4.1 Power on:
Before turning on the power, check the following:
1. The voltage should comply with specications (Refer to Chapter 2 for the specications).
2. The plug should be plugged into the outlet;
3. The instrument must be earthed
Are you ready? Let’s start!
4.2 Temperature, Mixing time & Orbital Speed Set Up.
a) Approximately 5 seconds after power on, the monitor will
display a temperature of 28.5. The TEMP 100.0 display is the
last set up temperature used. The TIME 80:00 display is the last
mixing time used.The SPEED 1000 display is the last mixing
speed used.
b) TEMP display may be reduced or increased by pressing
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
o r
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
respectively.
TIME display may be reduced or increased by pressing
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
o r
4.3 Instant Mixing
Press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to start instant or short period mixing. Press and release the button. The default speed is the maximum
speed (1500rpm).
28.5
OO:OO
1O:OO
TEMP
1OO.O
TIME
8O:OO
SPEED
1OOO
28.5
OO:OO
1O:OO
TEMP
4O.O
TIME
6O:OO
SPEED
1OOO
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
respectively.
These buttons must be pressed for more than 3 seconds to set
the exact value.
If the temperature is set at 40°and the time set at 60:00, keep the
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
depressed until the desired temperature is
reached, release the button, and the temperature will automatically be saved. Next press the
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
and keep depressed
until 60:00 is reached, release the button. The temperature will automatically be save.
28.5
OO:OO
1O:OO
TEMP
6O.O
TIME
8O:OO
SPEED
1OOO
Note: Do not operate the orbital shaker without a block.
c) Press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
or
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to program the speed. The number will
increase or reduce at a rate of 50rpm, release the button when
the number reaches the desired speed. When set up is
complete, press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to start mixing.

Provocell™ Microplate Shaker / Incubator • User Manual
16 : Chapter 4 • Operation
4.4 Temperature Correction.
The instrument temperature has been calibrated before shipment. However, there may be a discrepancy between
the actual temperature and the displayed temperature. In such cases, the calibration button may be used to
correct the discrepancy.
a) C_1 : Simultaneously press both
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
and
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
. The display
will show the last set value: 20.0°C and the cursor of the rst
calibration point;
b) Press the temperature set up button
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
and
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to set up
the rst calibration temperature, e.g. 40.0°C;
c) Perform the same operation again to set up the second
calibration temperature, e.g. 100.0°C.
d) Simultaneously press both
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
and
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to start the
calibration. The display will show 40.0°C and the temperature
of the instrument will increase to 40°C. Once the temperature
is constant, timing will start. After 30 minutes, press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
once.
The TEMP display will ash.
At this time, the display will show the actual temperature
reading. For example, if the thermometer reads 40.5°C, you
can adjust the temperature display to 40.5 by pressing the
temperature set up button. Next press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
once. The display
will show 100.0. Following the same procedure, when the
temperature of the instrument increases to 100.0, wait for 30
minutes, input the calibrated value and press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to save it.
When the calibration of 40.0°C is complete, press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to exit
At this time the calibration of 40.0°C is cancelled.
When the calibration is done at both 40.0°C and100.0°C. Check
the discrepancy between the two calibration points and the
actual temperature points. This should be within 0.5°C. If it’s
more than 0.5°C, repeat the above and recalibrate until set.
2O.0
C_1
4O.0
C_1
1OO.0
C_2
Note: When setting the temperature points, set the low temperature point first and high temperature second. In
case the high temperature point is set before the low temperature when performing the actual calibration,
follow the order of low temperature first and high temperature second.
28.5
C_2
TEMP
4O.O
TIME
40.5
OO:30
C1
TEMP
4O.O
TIME
OO:3O
CAL
69.5
OO:OO
C2
100.O
TIME
OO:3O
CAL
TEMP
99.5
OO:3O
C2
100.O
TIME
OO:3O
CAL
Note: To ensure temperature accuracy, please wait for at least 30 minutes after the instrument is set at a constant
temperature before performing the calibration.
Please use certified standard class two mercury thermometers, or digital thermometers to calibrate this instrument.
Calibration point: Center well of the block. Fill the hole with mineral oil before immersing the thermometer in the well.

17
Chapter 4 • Operation :
4.5 Buzzer Setup:
A – When a program has ended, or in case of an instrument failure, an alarm will sound. This can be disabled.
The default setting is ON.
B – This instrument keyboard can beep when buttons are pressed. This can be disabled. The default setting is
ON.
a) Simultaneously press both
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
and
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
The display will show
On, Beep
b) Press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
once to change ON to OFF.
c) Simultaneously press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
and
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to save the setting.
The display will show the keyboard beep status. The display
will show On K_S. Press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to change ON to OFF.
d) Simultaneously press both
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
and
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
to save the setting. The
keyboard beep will be disabled.
If you want to exit during set up, press
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
Temp Time Speed TimeTemp
Prog
Speed
Start
Stop
Short
. The setting
will be disabled.
ON
BEEP
OFF
BEEP
ON
Y_S
OFF
Y_S

Provocell™ Microplate Shaker / Incubator • User Manual

19
Chapter 5 • Troubleshooting :
CHAPTER 5
TROUBLESHOOTING
No. Problem Probable Cause Solution
1No display when the power is on.
Power is not connected. Check the power and connect it.
Faulty fuse Replace the fuse (250V 3A Φ5x20)
Damaged/Broken switch Replace the switch.
Other. Contact the supplier of manufacturer.
2 Large discrepancy between the actual and
displayed temperature.
Damaged/Faulty sensor or
bad contact
Contact the supplier of manufacturer.
3 Slow cooling or the temperature cannot
reach below ambient temperature.
Faulty Peltier Module Contact the supplier of manufacturer.
Faulty Blower.
4 The module is neither able to heat nor
able to cool.
Damaged Temperature. Contact the supplier of manufacturer.
Faulty Peltier Module
5 Mixing stops.
Faulty Drive Contact the supplier of manufacturer.
Faulty Motor
Damaged Fuse. Replace the fuse (250V 3A Φ5x20)
Note: Do not open the instrument cover / During warranty, contact distributor or manufacturer.

©2009 Esco Healthcare Pte. Ltd. Specifications Subject to Change. ES1460_V3.2_12/09
Esco Healthcare Pte. Ltd. • 21 Changi South Street 1 • Singapore 486 777
Tel. [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.pcrthermalcyclers.com • [email protected]