Malvern MICROCAL PEAQ-ITC User manual

MAN0572
Cover: MRK2157
www.malvern.com
Malvern Instruments Limited
Grovewood Road, Malvern
Worcestershire, WR14 1XZ, UK
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
MICROCAL PEAQ-ITC
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
LABEL-FREE BINDING ANALYSIS
MICROCALORIMETRY
LABEL-FREE BINDING ANALYSIS
MICROCALORIMETRY
MRK2157-01_MICROCAL_PEAQ-ITC_OPERATING_INSTRUCTIONS.indd 1 16/12/2014 12:47:42

MICROCAL PEAQ-ITC
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MAN0572-01-EN-00

Copyright © 2014 Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Publication date: 02 March 2015
Malvern Instruments makes every effort to ensure that this document is correct. However,
due to Malvern Instruments’ policy of continual product development we are unable to
guarantee the accuracy of this, or any other document after the date of publication. We
therefore disclaim all liability for any changes, errors or omissions after the date of pub-
lication. No reproduction or transmission of any part of this publication is allowed
without the express written permission of Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Head office:
Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Enigma Business Park,
Grovewood Road,
Malvern,
Worcestershire WR14 1XZ
United Kingdom.
Tel + [44] (0)1684-892456
Fax + [44] (0)1684-892789
Malvern® and the green “hills” logo are registered trademarks in the UK and/or other
countries, and is owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd.
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC® is a registered trademark in the UK and /or other countries, and is
owned by Malvern Instruments Ltd.
Windows® is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.

Table of contents
3
CONTENTS
Introduction 5
About this manual 6
Important user information 6
Regulatory information 8
Associated documentation 10
Health and safety 11
Safety precautions 12
Labels 17
Emergency procedures 19
Recycling information 20
Declaration of Hazardous Substances (DoHS) 20
System description 23
General introduction 24
System overview 25
Instrument cell unit 26
Washing module 30
Installation 33
Installation precautions 34
Site requirements 35
Unpacking and transport 37
Set up 37
Operation 39
Precautions 40
Prepare the instrument 41
Open a method or an experiment 43
Load the instrument 45
Start the experiment 46

Table of c ontents
4
Clean the instrument 48
Maintenance 51
Maintenance overview 52
Replace the syringe plunger tip 55
Replace the titration syringe 62
Clean the titration syringe 66
Refill the reference cell 71
Troubleshooting 73
Troubleshooting overview 74
Troubleshooting chart 75
Reference 77
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC specifications 78
Chemical resistance guide 79
Wetted materials 80
Index 81

INTRODUCTION
This section contains important user information, description of safety notices, regulatory
information and a general description of the intended use of MicroCal PEAQ-ITC, and a list
of associated documentation.
5
1
The following topics are covered in this section:
About this manual 6
Important user information 6
Regulatory information 8
Associated documentation 10

Introduc ti on
6
About this manual
Purpose of this manual
The Operating Instructions provide you with the instructions needed to install, operate
and maintain the product in a safe way.
Scope of this document
This manual covers MicroCal PEAQ-ITC including the MicroCal PEAQ-
ITCControlSoftware.
Typographical conventions
Software items are identified in the text by bold italic text. A colon separates menu levels,
thus Malvern InstrumentsFile:Open refers to the Malvern InstrumentsOpen command in
the Malvern InstrumentsFile menu.
Hardware items are identified in the text by bold text (for example, Malvern Instru-
mentsPower).
Important user information
Note: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 of the product
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC is an Isothermal Titration Calorimeter system designed for bio-molecu-
lar interaction studies in research applications.

Introduc ti on
7
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC is intended for research use only and shall not be used in any clinical
procedures or for diagnostic purposes.
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC is not suitable for operation in a potentially explosive atmosphere or
for handling flammable liquids.
!
WARNING! Do not operate the product in any other way than described in the
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC user documentation.
Prerequisites
In order to operate MicroCal PEAQ-ITC safely and according to the intended use, the fol-
lowing prerequisites must be met:
lYou should have a general understanding of the use of a personal computer run-
ning Microsoft®Windows®in the version provided with your product.
lYou should be acquainted with the use of general laboratory equipment and with
handling of chemical and biological materials.
lYou should understand the concepts of isothermal titration calorimetry.
lYou must read and understand the Safety instructions of these Operating Instruc-
tions.
lThe system must be installed according to the instructions in Installation.
Safety notices
This user documentation contains safety notices (WARNING, CAUTION, and NOTICE) con-
cerning the safe use of the product. See definitions below.
!
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 con-
ditions are met and clearly understood.

Introduc ti on
8
!
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury. It is important not to proceed until all stated con-
ditions are met and clearly understood.
!
NOTICE indicates instructions that must be followed to avoid damage to the
product or other equipment.
Notes and tips
Note: A note is used to indicate information that is important for trouble-free
and optimal use of the product.
Tip: A tip contains useful information that can improve or optimize your pro-
cedures.
Regulatory information
Introduction
This section lists the directives and standards that the MicroCal PEAQ-ITC system fulfills.
Manufacturing information
The table below summarizes the required manufacturing information. For further inform-
ation, see the EC Declaration of Conformity (EC DoC) document.
Name and address of manufacturer
Malverninstruments
Grovewood road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1XZ, United Kingdom
Conformity with EU Directives
This product complies with the European directives listed in the table, by fulfilling the cor-
responding harmonized standards.

Introduc ti on
9
A copy of the EC Declaration of Conformity is available on request.
Directive Title
2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive
2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
CE marking
The CE marking and the corresponding EC Declaration of Conformity is
valid for the instrument when it is:
lused as a stand-alone unit, or
lconnected to other products recommended or described in the
user documentation, and
lused in the same state as it was delivered from Malvern Instru-
ments, except for alterations described in the user doc-
umentation.
International standards
The standard requirements fulfilled by this product are summarized in the table below.
Standard Description Notes
EN 61010-1, IEC 61010-1, UL
61010-1, CAN/CSA C22.2 No.
61010-1
Safety requirements for electrical equip-
ment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use.
EN standard is har-
monized with EU dir-
ective 2006/95/EC.
EN 61326-1, IEC 61326-1 (Emis-
sion according to CISPR 11,
Group 1, class A)
Electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use - EMC
requirements.
EN standard is har-
monized with EU dir-
ective 2004/108/EC.
Instrument safety compliance specifications
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC calorimeters carry the CUE (Canada, USA, Europe) mark:

Introduc ti on
10
The CUE mark (authorized by TÜV America, a division of TÜV Süd-
deutschland) signifies that:
lThe instrument has been tested by an accredited certification
body and meets applicable Canadian electrical safety stand-
ards/requirements (CSA/SCC).
lThe instrument has been tested by an NRTL (Nationally Recog-
nized Testing Laboratory) and meets applicable United States elec-
trical safety standards/requirements (ANSI/UL).
lThe instrument has been tested by a competent and notified
body for applicable EU directives and meets applicable safety
standards/requirements (EN/IEC).
Regulatory compliance of connected equipment
Any equipment connected to MicroCal PEAQ-ITC should meet the safety requirements of
EN 61010-1/IEC 61010-1, or relevant harmonized standards. Within EU, connected equip-
ment must be CE marked.
Associated documentation
Introduction
This section lists the user documentation that is delivered with MicroCal PEAQ-ITC and
related literature that can be downloaded or ordered from Malvern Instruments.
User documentation
The user documentation for MicroCal PEAQ-ITC consists of:
lMicroCal PEAQ-ITC Operating Instructions
lMicroCal PEAQ-ITC User Manual
lMicroCal PEAQ-ITC Analysis Software User Manual
Related literature
Additional downloadable material can be found at: www.malvern.com

HEALTH AND SAFETY
This section provides vital health and safety information which all users of the system must
read and understand. It describes safety precautions and emergency shutdown procedures
for MicroCal PEAQ-ITC. The labels on the system and information regarding recycling are
also described.
11
2
!
WARNING! Before installing, operating or maintaining the product, all users
must read and understand the entire contents of this section to become aware of
the hazards involved.
The following topics are covered in this section:
Safety precautions 12
Labels 17
Emergency procedures 19
Recycling information 20
Declaration of Hazardous Substances (DoHS) 20

Health and safety
12
Safety precautions
Introduction
Before installing, operating or maintaining the system, you must be aware of the hazards
described in the user documentation. Follow the instructions provided to avoid personal
injury or damage to the equipment.
The safety precautions in this section are grouped into the following categories:
lGeneral precautions
lUsing flammable liquids
lPersonal protection
lInstalling and moving
lSystem operation
lMaintenance
General precautions
!
Warning! Do not operate the product in any other way than described in the
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC user documentation.
!
Warning! Do not use MicroCal PEAQ-ITC if it is not working properly, or if it
has suffered any damage, for example:
ldamage to the power cord or its plug
ldamage caused by dropping the equipment
ldamage caused by splashing liquid onto it
!
Warning!In case of fire. In case of fire, unplug MicroCal PEAQ-ITC.

Health and safety
13
!
Warning!Liquid solutions. Use caution when using solutions near the instru-
ment. If any liquid is spilled on or around the instrument, unplug the instru-
ment immediately and wipe up the spilled liquid. If there is any possibility that
liquid may have leaked into the instrument case, contact Malvern Instruments
immediately. Do not plug the instrument into any electrical outlet until the
problem is resolved.
!
Warning!Strong acids. The MicroCal PEAQ-ITC cells are constructed out of
Hastelloy™. Strong acids must be avoided.
!
Notice!Electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI). Lab-
oratory tests have shown that significant electromagnetic waves may affect the
performance of MicroCal PEAQ-ITC.
Strong electrical or magnetic fields may be produced by an NMR, microwave
oven, large motors or refrigeration units. In some cases, these waves can cause
unintended data results.
Please refrain from all use of such equipment.
Using flammable liquids
!
Warning!Fire Hazard. Before starting the system, make sure that there is no
leakage.
!
Warning!A fume hood or similar ventilation system shall be installed when
flammable or noxious substances are used.
Personal protection
!
Warning! Always use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during
operation and maintenance of this product.

Health and safety
14
!
Warning!Hazardous substances and biological agents. When using haz-
ardous chemical and biological agents, take all suitable protective measures,
such as wearing protective glasses and gloves resistant to the substances used.
Follow local and/or national regulations for safe operation and maintenance of
MicroCal PEAQ-ITC.
Installing and moving
!
Warning! The product must be installed and prepared by Malvern Instruments
personnel or a third party authorized by Malvern Instruments.
!
Warning! Power cord. Only use power cords with approved plugs delivered or
approved by Malvern Instruments.
!
Warning!Electrical power. Provide proper electrical power to the instrument.
This should be 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, observing any local electrical safety
requirements. Only power cords supplied with the instrument should be used.
!
Warning!Protective ground. The product must always be connected to a
grounded power outlet.
!
Warning!Access to power switch and power cord with plug. Do not block
access to the power switch and power cord. The power switch must always be
easy to access. The power cord with plug must always be easy to disconnect.
!
Warning!Do not block the ventilation inlets or outlets on the system.
!
Notice!Disconnect power. To prevent equipment damage, always disconnect
the power from the product before an instrument module is removed or
installed, or a cable is connected or disconnected.

Health and safety
15
System operation
!
Warning! Removal of solutions. All solutions in the cells must be cooled
down below 40ºC before removal using the titration syringe. Any higher tem-
perature may cause the syringe to break, and the exposure to hazardous sub-
stances may increase.
!
Warning! Placement of vessels containing liquid. Do not place vessels con-
taining liquid on top of the instrument, except those designed for the washing
module. Spilled liquid is a fire, electrical and corrosion hazard.
!
Warning! Hazardous chemicals during run. When using hazardous chem-
icals, flush the entire system tubing with distilled water, before service and
maintenance.
!
Warning!Methanol is highly volatile and can be hazardous to humans.
lStorage containers should be kept tightly closed.
lMethanol should always be transferred in a well-ventilated area with no
ignition sources. The operator should have protective clothing, eye pro-
tection and gloves.
lMethanol can be absorbed through the skin. Do not allow methanol to
be swallowed or to come in contact with skin or eyes. If accidental
exposure occurs, flush the affected area with water. If methanol is swal-
lowed, or there is significant skin or eye exposure, seek medical help.
!
Caution!Waste tubes and containers must be secured and sealed to prevent
accidental spillage.

Health and safety
16
!
Notice:Never allow liquid in the cells to freeze. The expansion of the liquid can
distort the cells and rupture the most critical sensor, causing irreparable dam-
age.
!
Notice:The MicroCal PEAQ-ITC should always be moved in its normal oper-
ating orientation. Other orientations will subject delicate sensors inside the
instrument to stress.
Maintenance
!
Warning! Repairs, alterations or modifications must only be carried out by a
Malvern Instruments specialist, or with explicit directions from a technician.
Removal or modification of any cover or component could result in an unsafe
or easily damaged instrument.
!
Warning! Only spare parts and accessories that are approved or supplied by
Malvern Instruments may be used for maintaining or servicing the product.
!
Warning!Disconnect power. Always disconnect power from the instrument
before replacing any component on the instrument, unless stated otherwise in
the user documentation.
!
Warning!Hazardous chemicals during maintenance. When using hazardous
chemicals for instrument cleaning, use a neutral solution in the last phase or
step.
!
Warning!Decontaminate the equipment before decommissioning to ensure
the removal of all hazardous residues.

Health and safety
17
!
Warning! Contrad 70™ (Decon 90™) is corrosive and therefore dangerous to
health. When using hazardous chemicals, avoid spillage and wear protective
glasses, gloves, and other suitable personal protective equipment as specified
in the Safety Data Sheet.
Labels
Introduction
This section describes the various labels on the MicroCal PEAQ-ITC instrument and their
meaning.
Instrument label
The following illustration shows an example of the identification label that is attached to
the MicroCal PEAQ-ITC instrument.
The following label is also attached on the instrument.
Label explanations
The following table describes the various labels that may be found on the MicroCal
PEAQ-ITC instrument.

Health and safety
18
Label text Description
The system complies with applicable European directives. Refer to Regulatory inform-
ation.
This symbol indicates that the product contains hazardous materials in excess of the
limits established by the Chinese standard SJ/T11363-2006 Requirements for Con-
centration Limits for Certain Hazardous Substances in Electronics.
Warning! Read the user documentation before using the system. Do not open any
covers or replace parts unless specifically stated in the user documentation.
This symbol indicates that waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) must not
be disposed as unsorted municipal waste and must be collected separately. Please con-
tact an authorized representative of the manufacturer for information concerning
the decommissioning of equipment.
The system complies with applicable requirements for Australia and New Zealand.
This symbol indicates that the instrument been tested by:
lan accredited certification body and meets applicable Canadian electrical
safety standards/requirements (CSA/SCC), and
lan NRTL (Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory) and meets applicable
United States electrical safety standards/requirements (ANSI/UL).
Refer to Instrument safety compliance specifications.
Warning! High Voltage. Always make sure that the system is disconnected from
electric power before opening the cabinet doors or disconnecting any electric equip-
ment.