Helmer Scientific OuickThaw DH2 User manual

HELMER SCIENTIFIC
14400 Bergen Boulevard
Noblesville, IN 46060 USA
PH +1.317.773.9073
FAX [phone]
USA and Canada 800.743.5637
ISO 13485:2003 CERTIFIED
Plasma Thawing System Operation Manual
OuickThaw
TM
Model Version
DH2 A
DH4 A
DH8 A
360094-1/M

360094-1/M i
Document History
Revision Date CO Supersession Revision Description
L 08 MAY 2013* 8409
Supersedes A,
B, C, D, E, F, G,
H, I, J, K
Revised layout for ease of navigation and locating information.
M 16 MAY 2014* 9492 M supersedes L Removed 0086 mark from manual.
* Date submitted for Change Order review. Actual release date may vary.

360094-1/M ii
Contents
Section I: General Information ........................................3
1 About this Manual .......................................................... 3
1.1 Intended Audience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Model References ......................................................................3
1.3 Copyright and Trademark ................................................................3
2 Safety .................................................................... 3
2.1 Product Labels ........................................................................3
2.2 Avoiding Injury.........................................................................3
3 General Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1 Intended Use..........................................................................4
3.2 General Use ..........................................................................4
3.3 Initial Loading .........................................................................4
4 Specications.............................................................. 4
5 References and Compliance.................................................. 5
5.1 Alarm Reference .......................................................................5
5.2 Regulatory Compliance..................................................................5
5.3 WEEE Compliance .....................................................................5
6 Installation ................................................................ 6
6.1 Location Requirements ..................................................................6
6.1.1 Placement .....................................................................6
6.2 Install External Thermometer (Optional) .....................................................6
7 Maintenance Schedule ...................................................... 6
Section II: Operation ................................................7
8 General Operation .......................................................... 7
8.1 Initial Start Up .........................................................................7
8.2 Fill the Chamber .......................................................................7
8.3 Drain the Chamber .....................................................................8
8.4 Determine the Correct Thaw Time .........................................................8
8.5 Load Bags ............................................................................9
8.6 Thaw Cycle Functions..................................................................10
8.6.1 Start a Thaw Cycle ..............................................................10
8.6.2 Stop, Pause, or Resume a Thaw Cycle ..............................................11
8.6.3 Complete a Thaw Cycle ..........................................................11
8.7 Unload Bags .........................................................................11
8.8 Enable or Disable Agitation Motion ........................................................12
8.9 Mute an Audible Alarm .................................................................12
9 Temperature Monitor Setpoints .............................................. 12
9.1 Change the Chamber Temperature Setpoint.................................................12
9.2 View or Change Temperature Alarm Setpoints ...............................................13
10 Components .............................................................. 14
10.1 Front and Sides.......................................................................14
10.1.1 Control Panel ..................................................................15
10.2 Chamber ............................................................................15
10.2.1 Thawer Basket .................................................................16
10.3 Rear................................................................................16

360094-1/M 3
General Information
Section I: General Information
1 About this Manual
1.1 Intended Audience
This manual is intended for use by end users of the plasma thawing system and authorized service
technicians.
1.2 Model References
Generic references are used throughout this manual to group models that contain similar features. For
example, “DH models” refers to all models of that type (DH2, DH4, DH8). This manual covers all plasma
thawing systems, which may be identied singly, by their size, or by their “series” (DH).
1.3 Copyright and Trademark
Helmer®and Rel.i™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Helmer, Inc. in the United States of
America. Copyright © 2013 Helmer, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property
of their respective owners.
Helmer, Inc., doing business as (DBA) Helmer Scientic and Helmer.
2 Safety
Includes general safety information for plasma thawing system operation.
2.1 Product Labels
Caution: Risk of damage
to equipment or danger to
operator
Earth / ground terminal
Caution: Hot surface Protective earth / ground
terminal
Caution: Shock/electrical
hazard
2.2 Avoiding Injury
► Review safety instructions before installing, using, or maintaining the equipment.
► Before moving unit, ensure chamber water has been removed.
► Never physically restrict any moving component.
► Avoid removing electrical service panels and access panels unless so instructed.
► Use supplied power cords only.
!
CAUTION Decontaminate parts prior to sending for service or repair. Contact Helmer or your
distributor for decontamination instructions and a Return Authorization Number.

360094-1/M 4
General Information
3 General Recommendations
3.1 Intended Use
Helmer plasma thawing systems are intended for thawing frozen blood products and other medical,
biological, and scientic products.
3.2 General Use
Allow plasma thawer to come to room temperature before switching power on.
During initial startup, low temperature alarm may sound while plasma thawer reaches operating temperature.
3.3 Initial Loading
Allow chamber temperature to stabilize at the setpoint before thawing frozen product.
4 Specications
DH2 DH4 DH8
Physical
Height (Baskets Lowered) 16.25” (413 mm) 16.25” (413 mm) 16.25” (413 mm)
Height (Baskets Raised) 23.00” (584 mm) 23.00” (584 mm) 23.00” (584 mm)
Width 15.50” (368 mm) 21.75” (553 mm) 21.75” (553 mm)
Depth 15.50” (394 mm) 15.50” (394 mm) 22.50” (572 mm)
Weight 38 lbs (17 kg) 58 lbs (26 kg) 74 lbs (34 kg)
Chamber Volume 2.2 gal. (8.2 L) 4.75 gal. (18 L) 8.5 gal. (32 L)
Basket Capacity 2 units 4 units 8 units
External Port Standard (for external thermometer)
Electrical
Input Voltage and Frequency 100 V, 50 Hz / 115 V, 50-60 Hz / 230 V, 50-60 Hz
Voltage Tolerance ±10%
Circuit Breakers
5 A (100 V)
4 A (115 V)
2 A (230 V, quantity 2)
10 A (100 V)
7 A (115 V)
4 A (230 V, quantity 2)
15 A (100 V)
15 A (115 V)
6 A (230 V, quantity 2)
Power Consumption (1)
3.0 A (100 V)
2.5 A (115 V)
1.25 A (230 V)
8.0 A (100 V)
6.0 A (115 V)
3.0 A (230 V)
12.0 A (100 V)
10.0 A (115 V)
5.0 A (230 V)
Power Source (2) Varies (refer to product specication label)
Control and Monitoring
Interface Integrated temperature control, monitoring, and display
Alarms High temperature, low temperature, lift-out malfunction
Environmental
Application
► Indoor use only
► Altitude (maximum): 2000 m
► Ambient temperature range: 15 ºC to 32 ºC (59 ºF to 90 ºF)
► Relative humidity (maximum for ambient temperature): 80% for
temperatures up to 31 ºC (88 ºF), decreasing linearly to 50% at
40 ºC (104 ºF)
(1) Power consumption is measured in full-load Amperes.
(2) Product specication label is located on the left side of the plasma thawer.

360094-1/M 5
General Information
5 References and Compliance
5.1 Alarm Reference
If an alarm condition is met, an alarm activates. The following table indicates if an alarm is audible (A) or
visual (V). Messages for visual alarms, if applicable, appear in the table as well.
Alarm Alarm Type
High Temperature A, V (“-AL-” on temperature controller, “E1” on all cycle time indicators)
Low Temperature* A, V (“-AL-” on temperature controller)
Lift Out System
Malfunction
A, V (“E2” on affected cycle time indicator)
* Low temperature alarm is available but not used.
5.2 Regulatory Compliance
Pollution degree: 2 (for use in USA and Canada only)
This product is certied to applicable UL and CSA standards by a NRTL.
This device complies with the requirements of directive 93/42/EEC concerning
Medical Devices, as amended by 2007/47/EC.
Sound level is less than 70 dB(A).
5.3 WEEE Compliance
The WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) symbol (right) indicates
compliance with European Union Directive WEEE 2002/96/EC and
applicable provisions. The directive sets requirements for labeling and
disposal of certain products in affected countries.
When disposing of this product in countries affected by this directive:
► Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste.
► Collect this product separately.
► Use collection and return systems available locally.
For more information on the return, recovery, or recycling of this product, contact your local distributor.

360094-1/M 6
General Information
6 Installation
6.1 Location Requirements
► Has a sturdy, level surface
► Has a grounded outlet meeting national electric code (NEC) and local electrical requirements
► Is clear of direct sunlight, high temperature sources, and heating and air conditioning vents
► Minimum 8” (203 mm) above
► Access to a water supply
► Adjacent to a sanitary drain or waste water container
► Meets limits specied for ambient temperature and relative humidity
NOTE If possible, drain or waste container should be located on same side as drain
port.
6.1.1 Placement
!
CAUTION ► Ensure chamber has been drained before moving.
► Unplug unit from AC power before moving.
6.2 Install External Thermometer (Optional)
Install the external thermometer according to the manufacturer’s documentation. If using a Helmer DT1
digital thermometer, refer to the instructions on the CD shipped with the plasma thawer.
7 Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance tasks should be completed according to the following schedule. Refer to the service manual
for more detail on the various tasks.
NOTE These are recommended minimum requirements. Regulations for your
organization or physical conditions at your organization may require maintenance
items to be performed more frequently, or only by designated service personnel.
Task Frequency
Weekly Quarterly Annually As Needed
Clean the chamber and basket (DH2) or baskets
(DH4 and DH8).

Clean the exterior. 
Clean the fan (100 V DH8). 
Lubricate moving parts. 
Check temperature calibration for the temperature
controller readout. Recalibrate if necessary.

Test the high temperature alarm. 
Check the bearings on each basket for wear.
Replace if necessary.


360094-1/M 7
Operation
Section II: Operation
8 General Operation
8.1 Initial Start Up
1 Plug the power cord into a grounded outlet that meets the electrical requirements on the product
specication label.
2 Press the AC ON/OFF button to power the plasma thawer ON.
NOTE ► The AC ON/OFF switch also controls the fan on 100 V DH8 models.
► High temperature alarm activates quickly when chamber is empty.
8.2 Fill the Chamber
Two ll lines are marked on the rear wall of the chamber. The lines indicate the maximum water level for
the following applications:
► Upper line: maximum level for thawing random bags
► Lower line: maximum level for thawing apheresis bags
Chamber ll lines.
NOTE ► Determine the type of water to be used (tap or distilled), according to your
organization’s requirements.
► Use of a bacterial growth inhibitor, such as Helmer CleanBath, is recommended.
► Do not use deionized water as it may be corrosive to the chamber and baskets.
Add water to the chamber:
1 Ensure the chamber and drain are free of debris or contaminants.
2 Ensure the drain tube is not connected.
3 Fill the chamber to the appropriate level.
4 Add bacterial growth inhibitor (optional).

360094-1/M 8
Operation
8.3 Drain the Chamber
!
CAUTION ► Disconnect the plasma thawer from AC power before draining the chamber.
► Do not move the plasma thawer when the chamber is lled or if the plasma thawer is
connected to AC power.
The plasma thawer has a drain port to drain water from the chamber. The drain valve is integrated into
the drain tting on the side of the plasma thawer. The drain valve remains closed until the drain tube is
connected to the valve. When the drain tube is connected, the chamber begins to drain immediately.
The drain coupling must be installed on the drain tube before the drain tube can be connected to the drain
valve. The 90º elbow may be installed in the drain tube to facilitate convenient routing of the drain tube.
Left: Drain port with coupling valve and drain tube connected (release button identied with arrow).
Middle: Drain tube with coupling valve installed. Right: 90° elbow tting.
Drain water from the chamber:
1 Press the AC ON/OFF button to power the plasma thawer OFF.
2 Disconnect the power cord from AC power.
3 Place the open end of the drain tube into a waste container or sanitary drain.
4 On the opposite end of the drain tube, push the coupling valve into the drain port. The coupling valve
will click when it is properly seated.
► Water immediately begins to drain from the chamber.
5 After the water has drained from the chamber, release the drain tube:
► Press down on the release button on the coupling valve.
► Pull the coupling valve out of the drain port.
8.4 Determine the Correct Thaw Time
Thaw time varies by bag type and how the bags were manipulated when frozen (at or folded). The table
below indicates median thaw times for bags previously stored at -30 °C.
Plasma Bag (Size and Type) Manner
Frozen
Median Thaw
Time (Minutes)
10 mL to 15 mL cryoprecipitate Folded 5
250 mL standard Flat 10
250 mL thick plastic Flat 16
250 mL standard Folded 17
300 mL standard Flat 14
500 mL (jumbo) apheresis Flat 18

360094-1/M 9
Operation
8.5 Load Bags
!
CAUTION ► Do not manually lift the baskets out of the chamber. Manually lifting baskets will
damage the system. Press the LIFT OUT button to raise the baskets.
► Press the LIFT OUT button only if the baskets are installed. The basket must be
installed for the lift out system to operate correctly.
► DH2 basket holds 2 standard bags.
► DH4 uses 2 of the same basket used in the DH2, for a total capacity of 4 compartments.
► DH8 basket holds 8 standard bags.
NOTE On the DH8, the divider between compartments on each side can be removed to
hold jumbo or wide bags.
When thawing a plasma bag (of any type or size), a plasma overwrap bag must be used. The plasma
bag is placed inside the overwrap bag, and the overwrap bag is attached to the basket.
Overwrap bags provide the following benets:
► Secure the plasma bag to the basket
► Protect the plasma bag from water-borne contaminants
► If the plasma bag breaks, the contents will not contaminate the water bath
NOTE Use only 1 overwrap bag, of the appropriate size, per plasma bag.
The following recommendations will aid in thawing plasma bags:
► Use security snaps on smaller bags that tend to oat
► Load plasma bags together that require the same thaw time
► When loading 2 bags on same side of the basket in DH8 models, place thicker bag in the front-most
compartment
Load the bag(s):
1 Insert plasma bag into appropriate size overwrap bag.
2 On control panel, press the LIFT OUT button to raise and open basket.
LIFT OUT button.
3 DH8 models: Remove the basket divider if a jumbo or wide bag is loaded.
► Squeeze sides of the divider together and pull divider away from basket.
Removing divider from DH8 basket.

360094-1/M 10
Operation
4 Place overwrapped plasma bag in basket. Hook the slot at the top of the overwrap bag over the tab
on the basket. For large overwraps, ensure both slots are hooked over the tabs.
5 Insert a security snap through top set of holes on the basket compartment. Push the snap toward the
basket until it snaps against the overwrap bag.
Bag in standard-sized overwrap bag with security snap.
8.6 Thaw Cycle Functions
!
CAUTION ► Keep ngers and clothing away from basket(s) while in motion.
► If a temperature alarm is active, a thaw cycle cannot be initiated until the alarm
condition is cleared.
► A lift-out malfunction alarm for one basket will not prevent the other basket from
performing a thaw cycle (DH4 and DH8 models).
► Allow the water temperature to stabilize at the setpoint between thaw cycles.
Button Button Name Function
CYCLE TIME
► Set thaw cycle time (in minutes)
► Extend thaw cycle time
► Select the hold (“HO”) setting
CYCLE START Start a thaw cycle
LIFT OUT
► Pause a thaw cycle in process (press to raise the basket)
► Resume a paused thaw cycle (press to lower the basket)
► Stop a thaw cycle
8.6.1 Start a Thaw Cycle
When the thaw cycle is started, the lift out system closes the basket and lowers it into chamber. If agitation
motion is enabled, the basket begins to agitate after the basket reaches the bottom of its travel. The
remaining cycle time (in minutes) is displayed on the cycle time indicator (located on the control panel).
Programmed time settings of 0, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 25 minutes, as well as a hold (“HO”)
setting, are pre-programmed in to the timing system.
► Pressing the TIME SET button advances through each pre-programmed time setting.
► To indenitely extend a thawing cycle that is already in progress, press the TIME SET button until the
display reads “HO”.
► Press the TIME SET button again and the cycle will nish its initial programmed time.

360094-1/M 11
Operation
Start a Cycle:
1 Conrm the chamber has been lled to the appropriate level.
2 Conrm the water temperature stabilized at temperature setpoint.
3 Enable or disable agitation motion, depending on your organization’s specic needs.
4 Load overwrapped bags into basket(s), with security snap(s) as needed.
5 For each basket, press the CYCLE TIME button to select the desired time.
6 Press the CYCLE START button to lower basket and start the thaw cycle.
NOTE One DH4 and DH8 models, the cycle time, cycle start, and lift out for each basket
is controlled individually.
8.6.2 Stop, Pause, or Resume a Thaw Cycle
When a thaw cycle is stopped or paused, the basket lifts out of the chamber before the thaw cycle is
completed.
► Press the LIFT OUT button to raise the basket and temporarily pause the thaw cycle. The remaining
time is displayed on the cycle time indicator.
► Press the LIFT OUT button again to resume the thaw cycle. The basket is lowered into the chamber
and the agitation motion resumes.
► The hold (“HO”) setting may be selected while the thaw cycle is paused (LIFT OUT button pressed).
8.6.3 Complete a Thaw Cycle
When a thaw cycle reaches the end of its programmed time setting, the basket stops agitating, lifts out,
and opens. An audible alert sounds to indicate the thaw cycle has completed, and the cycle time indicator
resets to the previously selected time setting.
8.7 Unload Bags
!
CAUTION ► Do not manually lift the baskets out of the chamber. Manually lifting baskets will
damage the system. Press the LIFT OUT button to raise the baskets.
► Press the LIFT OUT button only if the baskets are installed. The basket must be
installed for the lift out system to operate correctly.
Unload the bag(s):
1 On control panel, press the LIFT OUT button to raise and open basket.
LIFT OUT button.
2 Remove the security snap from the basket.
3 Unhook the slot at the top of the overwrap bag from the tab on the basket.
4 Remove the overwrap bag from the basket.
5 Remove the plasma bag from the overwrap bag. Discard the overwrap bag.

360094-1/M 12
Operation
8.8 Enable or Disable Agitation Motion
Default is enabled. Agitation reduces thaw time. It is controlled with the switch located at the rear of
thawer. For DH4 and DH8, top and bottom switches control right and left basket agitation, respectively.
Agitation switches.
8.9 Mute an Audible Alarm
Audible alarms can be muted. The temperature controller will still continue to ash an alarm message if
the alarm has been muted.
► To mute an audible alarm, press the MUTE button.
Mute button.
Pressing the MUTE button silences alarms for both baskets (DH8 models). If a second audible alarm
activates while the rst audible alarm is muted, the second alarm will be muted as well.
When an alarm is muted, the duration is indenite. Muting is cleared under the following conditions:
► The condition that triggered the alarm is resolved
► AC power to the plasma thawer is switched off
9 Temperature Monitor Setpoints
9.1 Change the Chamber Temperature Setpoint
NOTEQ Do not change any other temperature controller parameter unless instructed in
this manual or by Helmer Technical Service.
The default chamber temperature setpoint is 36.5 °C. If the chamber temperature falls below the setpoint,
the temperature controller activates the chamber heater until the setpoint is reached. The chamber
heater and sensor are located underneath chamber.
Change the setpoint:
1 Determine setpoint, if other than default.
2 The chamber temperature appears on the display.
NOTE The displayed temperature may differ from the setpoint, especially if chamber
temperature has not stabilized at the setpoint.

360094-1/M 13
Operation
Temperature controller display.
3 Press and hold the *button.
► The setpoint value is displayed.
4 Press the UP or DOWN buttons to change the setpoint value.
► The setpoint value is adjusted up or down in increments of 0.1 °C.
5 Release all buttons to exit the setpoint value adjustment. New setting is saved.
9.2 View or Change Temperature Alarm Setpoints
NOTE ► Changing parameter values affects plasma thawer operation. Do not change values
unless instructed in product documentation or by Helmer Technical Service.
► By default, the low temperature alarm is not enabled. If the Low Temperature alarm
is enabled, follow regulations for your organization to determine the appropriate
temperature setting.
► Ensure the Low Temperature alarm setting is no higher than 30.0 ºC.
The monitoring and control system has alarms which activate if the temperature is too high or too low (if
the Low Temperature alarm is enabled). The setpoints for these alarms may be viewed and/or changed
using the temperature controller.
Temperature controller display.
The High Temperature alarm setpoint (AL.hi) species the temperature at which the High Temperature
alarm should activate. If the temperature detected by the temperature control sensor is greater than or
equal to this value, the alarm activates.
The Low Temperature alarm setpoint (AL.Lo) species the temperature at which the Low Temperature
alarm should activate. If the temperature detected by the temperature control sensor is less than or equal
to this value, the alarm activates.
View or change parameter values:
NOTE ► Default high temperature alarm setpoint is 37.6 °C.
► Low temperature alarm setpoint is disabled by default (setpoint is 0.0 °C).
► When setting alarm setpoints, maintain at least a 1.0 °C difference above or below
the plasma thawer setpoint.
► When there is no interaction for 60 seconds, the temperature controller exits program
mode.

360094-1/M 14
Operation
1 Enter Level 1 program mode:
a Press and hold the UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously for approximately 3 seconds.
b “tunE” and “oFF” ash on the display.
c The temperature controller is now in Level 1 program mode.
2 Select the parameter to be changed:
a Press and release the UP or DOWN buttons until the desired parameter ashes on the display.
b For the High Temperature setting, select the “AL.hi” parameter.
c For the Low Temperature setting, select the “AL.Lo” parameter.
3 Change a parameter value:
a Press and hold the *button.
b Press the UP or DOWN buttons to change the parameter value.
4 Release all buttons to exit the parameter. New settings are saved.
5 Exit program mode:
a Press and hold the UP and DOWN arrow buttons simultaneously for approximately 3 seconds, or
b the current chamber temperature is displayed.
10 Components
10.1 Front and Sides
A
B
C
D E F
G
H
I
Front and left sides (115 V DH4 model shown).
Label Description Label Description
A Fan (DH8 100 V models) F Control panel
B Drain port G Cover
C Drain tube with coupling valve H Basket
D Drain port cover I Plasma overwrap holder
EProduct specication label

360094-1/M 15
Operation
10.1.1 Control Panel
A
B
C
D
A B E D C D E
F G E H
G F F G H
Control panel. Top: DH2 model. Bottom: DH4 and DH8 models.
Label Description Label Description
A Power indicator LED E CYCLE START button
B POWER button F Cycle time indicator
C MUTE button G LIFT OUT button
DCYCLE TIME button H Temperature controller
10.2 Chamber
A
B
C
D
E
Rear of thawer (230 V DH4 model shown with parts from various models).
Label Description Label Description
A Chamber D Basket
B Finger knob E External thermometer access port
C Lift-out system

360094-1/M 16
Operation
10.2.1 Thawer Basket
A
B
C D E F
DH8 basket shown with 2 plasma bags in standard overwraps.
Label Description Label Description
A Basket D Basket divider (DH8)
B Bearing E Overwrap bag
CTab F Security snap
10.3 Rear
A
C
C
D
C
B
Rear of thawer (230 V DH4 model shown with parts from various models).
Label Description Label Description
A Agitation switch C Circuit breaker
B Vent D Power connector
END OF MANUAL

HELMER SCIENTIFIC
14400 Bergen Boulevard
Noblesville, IN 46060 USA
PH +1.317.773.9073
FAX [phone]
www.helmerinc.com