Merlin Instrument Company Merlin MicroShot User manual

Merlin MicroShotTM Injector
InstructIon Manual
InstallIng the syrInge
1. To lubricate the Syringe Plunger, load approximately
1 µL of solvent into the syringe.
2. Move the Plunger Stop to the released position.
3. Open Plunger Bolt.
4. Open Syringe Latch.
5. Raise the Plunger Slide about half way.
6. Slide the Syringe Flange under the Syringe Flange Clamp.
7. Close the Syringe Latch to secure the syringe.
8. Lower Plunger Slide until it stops.
9. Close the Plunger Bolt to secure the Syringe Plunger.
10. Rinse with solvent to check for free plunger motion.
reMovIng the syrInge
1. Open the Plunger Bolt.
2. Raise the Plunger Slide half way.
3. Open the Syringe Latch.
4. Remove the syringe.
Key coMPonents
Figure 1 shows the components of the
Merlin MicroShot Injector and will be
referred to throughout this instruction manual.
The Merlin MicroShot Injector delivers quick and reproducible
manual syringe injections for gas chromatography.
CAUTION: Pumping a dry syringe can
reduce the syringe life and compromise
injector performance. Always supply
solvent to the needle tip when moving
the syringe plunger.
selectIng a syrInge
The MicroShot Injector does not come with a
syringe installed. These can be purchased from your
distribution partner.
Figure 2 shows the syringe compatibility requirements
including plunger end detail, which is important for proper
function. A 10 µL syringe will give the nominal injected volume
indicated for that MicroShot Injector and a 5 µL syringe will
give half that volume. Removable or fixed needles, 23 or 26
gauge needles can all be used with the MicroShot Injector.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 1
Trigger
BACK
Syringe
Plunger
Stop
(armed)
Volume
Rod
Plunger Bolt
(closed)
FRONT
Syringe
Latch
(closed)
Syringe
Flange
Clamp
Plunger
Slide
Figure 2
Step 3
Step 2
Step 5
Step 4
Step 9
Step 8
Step 6
Step 7
closed
open
5 or 10 µL Syringe
Plunger End Detail
Half Moon Bay, CA | Newark, DE
MERLIN INSTRUMENT COMPANY

Warranty and calIbratIon
The MicroShot Injector is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from date of purchase.
Please contact your distribution partner for service or return policies.
Each MicroShot Injector is calibrated to deliver a stroke of the plunger slide within +/- .025 mm of nominal.
Most syringes are calibrated by the manufacturer therefore, please refer to your syringe manufacturer
for calibration requirements for your particular syringe.
saFety and cleanIng
Please use all applicable laboratory safety procedures when using sharp objects or chemical solvents.
Laboratory goggles should be worn at all times when working with the MicroShot Injector.
The injector can be cleaned with warm solution of laboratory-grade detergent and rinsed with deionized water.
Dry the injector completely before use.
Half Moon Bay, CA | Newark, DE
PreParIng For an InjectIon
1. With the Plunger Stop in the released position, rinse
and fill the syringe with sample using the Plunger Slide.
2. Keeping the Plunger Slide raised, arm the Plunger Stop.
3. Lower the Plunger Slide slowly until the Volume Rod
comes to rest on the Plunger Stop.
4. Wipe the needle.
5. The MicroShot Injector is now filled and armed for
injection.
MaKIng an InjectIon
1. Align the syringe needle with the injection port.
2. Push the needle all the way into the injection port and then
withdraw the MicroShot Injector. The injection occurs when
the Trigger is displaced by the top of the injection port.
3. Start the instrument.
tIPs For best PerForMance
For split injections use a small amount of glass wool in the inlet liner to prevent the sample from reaching the bottom of the
liner, which would cause vaporization past the split point. Other appropriate inlet liner designs will also serve this same function.
Glass wool also helps wick low volatility compounds from the tip of the syringe needle.
An easy way to verify the MicroShot Injector is functioning properly is as follows:
• Load and arm the syringe.
• Hold the needle tip approximately 2 cm above a piece of paper.
• Manually push the trigger and listen for an audible click.
• Look for a small spot of liquid on the paper.
ProbleM Probable cause solutIon
Syringe Plunger end doesn’t go into
Plunger Slide.
Plunger Bolt is in the closed position. Move Plunger Bolt to the open position
(Figure 3).
Sample doesn’t fill syringe. Syringe plunger not connected to Plunger Slide. Close Plunger Bolt (Figure 4).
Syringe needle is plugged. Remove and clean or replace syringe.
Microshot Injector fails to make
injection.
Plunger Stop not armed before injection. Arm Plunger Stop prior to injection (Figure 5).
Trigger is not getting pressed in all the way. Make sure Trigger contacts septum nut.
Plunger Slide or syringe plunger sticking. Remove and clean syringe. Verify free plunger
movement.
troubleshootIng
Figure 5
Step 3
Step 2
Step 1
MERLIN INSTRUMENT COMPANY 2010-07