GE akta start User manual

ÄKTA™start
Maintenance Manual
Original instructions

Page intentionally left blank

Table of Contents
51 Introduction ..........................................................................................................
61.1 About this manual ................................................................................................................................
71.2 Important user information .............................................................................................................
91.3 Associated documentation ..............................................................................................................
121.4 Abbreviations ..........................................................................................................................................
132 System description ..............................................................................................
142.1 System overview ...................................................................................................................................
182.2 Instrument ...............................................................................................................................................
213 Maintenance operations ....................................................................................
233.1 Regular maintenance schedule .....................................................................................................
263.2 Clean before planned maintenance or service ......................................................................
273.3 Access the modules .............................................................................................................................
293.4 Instrument Display ...............................................................................................................................
313.4.1 Touch screen calibration .............................................................................................................
343.4.2 Color test ............................................................................................................................................
353.4.3 Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................................
363.4.4 Log book ............................................................................................................................................
383.5 UV Monitor ...............................................................................................................................................
393.5.1 UV LED calibration .........................................................................................................................
413.5.2 Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................................
443.5.3 Flow cell path length ....................................................................................................................
473.5.4 Reset number of run hours ........................................................................................................
483.6 Pump ..........................................................................................................................................................
503.6.1 Calibration .........................................................................................................................................
523.6.2 Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................................
543.6.3 Pump tubing log .............................................................................................................................
563.7 Buffer valve ............................................................................................................................................
593.8 Sample valve ...........................................................................................................................................
623.9 Wash valve ..............................................................................................................................................
653.10 Outlet valve ..............................................................................................................................................
683.11 Conductivity Monitor ...........................................................................................................................
693.11.1 Temperature sensor calibration ..............................................................................................
703.11.2 Sine generator calibration ..........................................................................................................
713.11.3 Conductivity flow cell calibration ............................................................................................
743.11.4 Set reference temperature .........................................................................................................
753.12 Pressure sensor ....................................................................................................................................
773.13 Frac30 ........................................................................................................................................................
783.13.1 Enable or disable Frac30 ............................................................................................................
793.13.2 Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................................
813.13.3 Run Log ..............................................................................................................................................
833.14 System .......................................................................................................................................................
853.14.1 Firmware update ............................................................................................................................
883.14.2 Export system report to USB .....................................................................................................
893.14.3 Delay volume setting ....................................................................................................................
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 3
Table of Contents

903.14.4 Switch valve timing .......................................................................................................................
923.15 Main board ...............................................................................................................................................
934 Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................
944.1 UV .................................................................................................................................................................
964.2 Conductivity ............................................................................................................................................
974.3 Frac30 ........................................................................................................................................................
984.4 Pump ..........................................................................................................................................................
994.5 Pressure sensor .....................................................................................................................................
1004.6 Main board and Power Supply .......................................................................................................
1014.7 System related error messages .....................................................................................................
1024.8 Troubleshooting flow charts ............................................................................................................
1085 Removing and replacing modules ....................................................................
1105.1 3-Port valves ...........................................................................................................................................
1145.2 Mixer ...........................................................................................................................................................
1175.3 UV .................................................................................................................................................................
1225.4 UV flow cell ..............................................................................................................................................
1245.5 Pump ..........................................................................................................................................................
1295.6 Pump tubing ............................................................................................................................................
1325.7 Conductivity Monitor ...........................................................................................................................
1365.8 Injection valve ........................................................................................................................................
1395.9 Injection valve kit ..................................................................................................................................
1425.10 Frac30 Bowl assembly .......................................................................................................................
1505.11 Fuse .............................................................................................................................................................
1546 Reference information ........................................................................................
1556.1 Health and Safety Declaration Form ...........................................................................................
1576.2 Ordering information ..........................................................................................................................
161Index .......................................................................................................................
4 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
Table of Contents

1 Introduction
About this chapter
This chapter contains important user information and a list of associated documentation.
In this chapter
See pageSection
61.1 About this manual
71.2 Important user information
91.3 Associated documentation
121.4 Abbreviations
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 5
1 Introduction

1.1 About this manual
Purpose of this document
The ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual provides you with the instructions needed to unpack,
maintain and troubleshoot the ÄKTA start system in a safe way.
Nomenclature conventions
The nomenclature used in this manual is explained in the table below.
ExplanationConcept
The instrument.ÄKTA start
The Fraction collector.Frac30
The software installed on a computer.UNICORN™ start
The entire liquid chromatography system, including instrument,
Fraction collector and software.
ÄKTA start System
Typographical conventions
Software items are identified in the text by bold italic text. A colon separates menu levels,
thus File:Open refers to the Open command in the File menu.
Hardware items are identified in the text by bold text (for example, Buffer valve).
6 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
1 Introduction
1.1 About this manual

1.2 Important user information
Read this before operating the
product
All users must read the entire Operating Instructions before installing, operating or
maintaining the product.
Always keep the Operating Instructions at hand when operating the product.
Do not operate the product in any other way than described in the user documentation.
If you do, you may be exposed to hazards that can lead to personal injury and you may
cause damage to the equipment.
Intended use
ÄKTA start is a liquid chromatography system used for preparative purification of proteins
at laboratory-scale. The system can be used for a variety of research purposes to fulfill
the needs of the users in academia and the life sciences industry.
ÄKTA start is intended for research use only, and shall not be used in any clinical proce-
dures, or for diagnostic purposes.
Prerequisites
In order to follow this manual and use the system in the manner it is intended, it is im-
portant that:
•you understand the concepts of liquid chromatography
•you have read and understood the Safety instructions chapter in the ÄKTA start Op-
erating Instructions.
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 7
1 Introduction
1.2 Important user information

Safety notices
This user documentation contains safety notices (WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE)
concerning the safe use of the product. See definitions below.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. It is important not to proceed
until all stated conditions are met and clearly understood.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury. It is important not to pro-
ceed until all stated conditions are met and clearly understood.
NOTICE
NOTICE indicates instructions that must be followed to avoid
damage to the product or other equipment.
Notes and tips
A note is used to indicate information that is important for trouble-free and
optimal use of the product.
Note:
A tip contains useful information that can improve or optimize your procedures.
Tip:
8 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
1 Introduction
1.2 Important user information

1.3 Associated documentation
Introduction
This section describes the user documentation that is delivered with the instrument and
how to find related literature that can be downloaded or ordered from GE.
User documentation on the CD
The user documentation listed in the table below is available on the ÄKTA start User
Documentation CD.
Main contentsDocumentation
Instructions needed to install, operate
and maintain ÄKTA start in a safe way.
ÄKTA start Operating Instructions
Detailed instructions for maintenance
and troubleshooting of ÄKTA start.
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual
Instructions for unpacking ÄKTA start.ÄKTA start Unpacking Instructions
Instructions for initial setup of the UV
monitor.
ÄKTA start UV module and Support Infor-
mation
A condensed guide to prepare and run
chromatographic techniques on ÄKTA
start.
ÄKTA start System Cue Card
A condensed guide to handling routine
maintenance operations and trou-
bleshooting ÄKTA start.
ÄKTA start Maintenance Cue Card
The following documentation is available from the Instrument Display.
Main contentsDocumentation
Dialog descriptions of the functionality
menu for ÄKTA start (only accessible from
the Instrument Display).
ÄKTA start Instrument Display Help
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 9
1 Introduction
1.3 Associated documentation

From the Help menu in UNICORN start or on the UNICORN start DVD, the following user
documentation is available.
Main contentsDocumentation
Overview and detailed descriptions of the
system control software designed for
ÄKTA start, which includes process pic-
ture map for real time monitoring,
method editor, evaluation and adminis-
tration modules.
UNICORN start User Manual
Dialog descriptions for UNICORN start
(only accessible from the Help menu).
UNICORN start Online Help
Data files, application notes and
user documentation on the web
To order or download data files, application notes or user documentation, see the instruc-
tion below.
ActionStep
Go to www.gelifesciences.com/AKTAstart.1
Navigate to Related Documents under Product Support.2
Select to download the chosen literature.3
10 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
1 Introduction
1.3 Associated documentation

Access documentation from
mobile units
Scan the code using your mobile phone or tablet computer to access the product page
for ÄKTA start. Select documents to download from Related Documents under Product
Support.
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 11
1 Introduction
1.3 Associated documentation

1.4 Abbreviations
Introduction
This section explains abbreviations that appear in the user documentation for ÄKTA
start.
Abbreviations
DefinitionAbbreviation
affinity chromatographyAC
absorbance unitAU
bitmap file formatBMP
centipoise (unit of viscosity)cP
column volumeCV
demineralizedDM
desaltingDS
ethylene tetrafluoroethyleneETFE
fluorinated ethulene propyleneFEP
field-programmable gate arrayFPGA
gel filtration (synonymous with size exclusion chromatographyGF
ion exchange chromatographyIEX
light-emitting diodeLED
milliSiemens (unit of conductivity)mS
polyether ether ketonePEEK
proprietary detergentRBS
size-exclusion chromatography (synonymous with gel filtration)SEC
unified fine thread (screw thread standard)UNF
uninterruptible power supplyUPS
universal serial busUSB
12 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
1 Introduction
1.4 Abbreviations

2 System description
About this chapter
This chapter provides an overview of ÄKTA start, and the optional Frac30 (Fraction col-
lector). For more details, refer to ÄKTA start Operating Instructions.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following section:
See pageSection
142.1 System overview
182.2 Instrument
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 13
2 System description

2.1 System overview
Introduction
ÄKTA start is operated and controlled from the Instrument Display. In addition, the
UNICORN start software can be used to control ÄKTA start and to analyze the data ac-
quired during chromatography runs. UNICORN start offers several additional features
that are described in detail in UNICORN start User Manual.
This section gives an overview of the ÄKTA start System.
Illustration of the system
The illustration below shows the ÄKTA start System with UNICORN start installed on a
computer.
1 23
DescriptionPart
ÄKTA start (instrument).1
Frac30 (Fraction collector).2
UNICORN start (software installed on a computer).3
14 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
2 System description
2.1 System overview

Illustration of the instrument
The illustration below shows the main parts of the instrument.
1
2
3
4
5
FunctionDescriptionPart
User interface for controlling the system and
visualization of the runtime data.
Instrument Display1
The modules interconnected by tubing have
the following functions:
Wet side2
•to deliver the liquid in a specified flow path
and divert the flow as required,
•to monitor the UV absorbance and
conductivity of the liquid.
Location intended for the placement of buffer
bottles used during chromatography runs.
Buffer tray3
Connects or disconnects the power.Power switch4
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 15
2 System description
2.1 System overview

FunctionDescriptionPart
To connect a USB memory stick for storage of
results and transfer of files.
Note:
USB hard drives are not supported.
USB port5
Illustration of the Fraction
collector
The illustration below shows the Fraction collector (Frac30), showing the front and rear
views.
ÄKTA start does not support fractionation with any fraction collector other
than Frac30.
Note:
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
Rear viewFront side view
FunctionDescriptionPart
Holds and positions the tubing holder for dispens-
ing the liquid into fractions.
Dispenser arm
assembly
1
Holds the tubing used for dispensing the liquid
fractions into the collection tubes.
Tubing holder2
10 to 18 mm diameter tubes used to collect the
fractions.
Collection tubes3
Holder for collection tubes, which supports tubes
of four sizes.
Bowl assembly4
Case for electromechanical assembly and holder
for the Bowl assembly.
Base unit5
16 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
2 System description
2.1 System overview

FunctionDescriptionPart
Power on indicator.LED6
Friction drive to turn the Bowl assembly during
fraction collection.
Drive sleeve7
Main features of ÄKTA start
The main features of ÄKTA start are listed below:
•ÄKTA start is a compact and one step purification solution for quick and reliable pu-
rification of proteins.
•A simple and modern system offered to automate the protein purification workflow
by providing features like automated sample injection, fraction collection, real-time
monitoring.
•Method templates are available for all common chromatography techniques such
as Affinity Chromatography, Ion Exchange Chromatography, Gel filtration, and De-
salting.
•Quick start methods are available for purifying several common proteins.
•Predefined system methods are available for cleaning the flow path.
•ÄKTA start is operated using a touch screen on the instrument.
•In addition, the system can be operated from a computer connected to the instrument
using the UNICORN start software.
•ÄKTA start is offered with a dedicated Fraction collector, Frac30, allowing collection
of fractions in four different tube sizes.
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 17
2 System description
2.1 System overview

2.2 Instrument
Introduction
This section provides an overview of ÄKTA start modules.
Illustration of the instrument
modules
The illustration below shows the locations and gives brief descriptions of the modules
placed on the wet side of the instrument.
1
2
3
4 5
6
7
8 9 10
DescriptionFunctionPart
A 3-port valve that is used as a switching valve for
gradient formation using two buffers.
Buffer valve1
A static mixer that is used for mixing buffers A and
B.
Mixer2
18 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
2 System description
2.2 Instrument

DescriptionFunctionPart
A 3-port valve that allows either the buffer or the
sample to enter the flow path. The Sample valve
enables direct application of the sample onto the
column using the Pump.
Sample valve3
A peristaltic pump, which delivers buffer or sample
to the flow path with a flow rate of up to 5 ml/min.
For cleaning procedures, the Pump can flush the
flow path at a flow rate of 10 ml/min.
Pump4
The Pressure sensor reads the pressure in the flow
path and senses overpressure.
Pressure sensor5
A 3-port valve that is used to divert the flow path to
waste. The Wash valve switches automatically dur-
ing the predefined cleaning procedure, Pump wash.
In a manual run, the valve can be set to the intended
position by configuring the run parameters.
Wash valve6
A 6-port manually operated valve that is used to
transfer the sample loaded in the sample loop on to
the column.
Injection valve7
A sample loop is connected to the appropriate ports
of the valve. The valve is switched manually to posi-
tions:
•Load sample: to allow the loading of the sample
into the sample loop.
•Inject to column: to transfer the sample from
the loop on to the column during a
chromatography run.
The UV Monitor continuously measures the ab-
sorbance of the liquid in the UV flow cell at a fixed
wavelength of 280 nm. The UV flow cell has a path
length of 2 mm.
UV8
ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD 19
2 System description
2.2 Instrument

DescriptionFunctionPart
The Conductivity Monitor continuously reads the
conductivity of the liquid in the Conductivity flow
cell.
Conductivity9
The conductivity is automatically calculated by mul-
tiplying the measured conductance by the cell con-
stant of the flow cell. The cell constant is
factory-calibrated.
The Conductivity flow cell is provided with a temper-
ature sensor that measures the temperature of the
liquid in the Conductivity flow cell.
Note:
The buffers used should be within the conductivity
range of the instrument (0 to 300 mS/cm).
A 3-port valve that is used to direct the flow to the
Fraction collector or to Waste.
Outlet valve10
20 ÄKTA start Maintenance Manual 29060308 AD
2 System description
2.2 Instrument