Promega Maxprep AS9100 User manual

14831TA
Maxprep™ Liquid Handler
Operating Manual
Instructions for use of AS9100, AS9101, AS9200 and AS9201
TM509 |Revised 1/19

1Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................5
1.1 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler ........................................................................5
1.2 Product Use .............................................................................................6
1.3 Product Use Limitations............................................................................6
1.4 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler Features..........................................................6
1.5 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler Specifications..................................................7
1.6 Product Components ...............................................................................9
1.7 Precautions ............................................................................................10
1.8 Safety Symbols and Marking ..................................................................11
1.9 Environmental Requirements (Operating, Shipping and
Storage Conditions) ...............................................................................13
2 Hardware Overview ..........................................................................15
2.1 Hardware Features .................................................................................16
2.2 UV Light (optional)...................................................................................17
2.3 Labware Carriers ....................................................................................18
3 Setting Up the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler.........................................23
3.1 Installing the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler..................................................23
3.2 Switching On the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler...........................................24
3.3 Shutting Down the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler ........................................24
3.4 Configuring the PC .................................................................................24

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Table of Contents
4 Maxprep™ Software.........................................................................25
4.1 ‘Home’ Screen .......................................................................................25
4.2 Software Settings ...................................................................................28
4.3 Administrator Settings.............................................................................31
5 Operating the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler...........................................53
5.1 Maintenance...........................................................................................53
5.2 Methods .................................................................................................55
5.3 Starting a Method...................................................................................56
5.4 Error Recovery........................................................................................64
5.5 Reports ..................................................................................................67
5.6 Accessing Reports..................................................................................70
6 Cleaning the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler............................................73
6.1 Weekly Cleaning .....................................................................................73
6.2 Dealing with Spills ..................................................................................75
7 Troubleshooting................................................................................77
7.1 Errors and Warnings ...............................................................................78
7.2 Using a USB Flash Drive .........................................................................79
8 Instrument Service............................................................................81
8.1 Service ...................................................................................................81
8.2 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler Service..........................................................81
8.3 Instrument Disposal ................................................................................81

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Table of Contents
9 Warranties, Service Agreements and Related Products ....................83
9.1 Warranty.................................................................................................83
9.2 Warranty and Service Agreement Options...............................................83
9.3 Related Products....................................................................................86
10 Certificate of Decontamination.........................................................87
11 Appendix: Configuring the PC .........................................................89
11.1 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler and PC .......................................................89
11.2 Glossary ...............................................................................................90
11.3 Adjusting Volume Settings ....................................................................92
11.4 Configuring Date and Time Settings......................................................92
11.5 Managing Local Windows®User Accounts ...........................................92
11.6 Managing Maxprep™ Access Levels for a Windows®User Account ...102
11.7 Managing the Current Active Account.................................................110
11.8 Shutting Down and Restarting ............................................................111
11.9 Connecting to a Network....................................................................112
11.10 Adding a Network Printer..................................................................113

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Table of Contents

5Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
1
Introduction
1.1 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler
The Maxprep™ Liquid Handler provides automated methods for preprocessing of samples
prior to nucleic acid purification on the Maxwell®RSC and Maxwell®RSC 48 Instruments for a
range of research sample types. In addition, the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler provides a variety
of post-processing automated methods for handling and analysis of eluted nucleic acids. The
Maxprep™ Liquid Handler is designed for use by laboratory professionals. Up to 48 samples
can be prepared in a single preprocessing run.
The instrument is controlled through a graphical user interface running on a PC. The Maxprep™
Liquid Handler has the ability to record and report sample tracking and method run data. The
included automated and manual bar code readers can be used with the Maxprep™ Liquid
Handler to capture bar code information for samples and reagents. The Maxprep™ Liquid
Handler provides reports of the data gathered for instrument operations; reports can be printed
and exported to a storage location or a USB drive for transfer to a separate computer. Sample
tracking and run-specific information can also be tracked in the Promega Portal software to
facilitate information transfer between the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler and the Maxwell®RSC
and Maxwell®RSC 48 Instruments. Reports of information contained within the Promega Portal
software can be generated using the separate Portal Access reporting software (see Technical
Manual #TM549).
To start a run, select the appropriate method and follow the instrument setup instructions
displayed by the user interface including scanning or entering sample bar code information.
For preprocessing methods, the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler prepares the samples for addition
to Maxwell®RSC cartridges, adds samples to the cartridges, adds elution buffer to the elution
tubes, and transfers plungers to the Maxwell®deck trays. The deck trays containing prepared
cartridges are manually transferred to the appropriate Maxwell®instrument(s) for the purification
run where sample tracking information that was entered can be retrieved from the Promega
Portal software. For post-processing methods, the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler can start with
samples in Maxwell®deck trays or other labware options for a variety of handling and analysis
methods. Training on the use of the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler is provided during installation
(see Section 9.2, Warranty and Service Agreement Options).

6Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Introduction
1.2 Product Use
The Maxprep™ Liquid Handler is exclusively designed to be used with Maxwell®RSC reagent
kits to perform automated preprocessing of samples prior to isolation of nucleic acids with the
Maxwell®RSC and Maxwell®RSC 48 Instruments. A variety of post-processing methods are
available with the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler that are compatible with reagents from a variety of
vendors.
The Maxprep™ Liquid Handler is for research use only.
1.3 Product Use Limitations
The Maxprep™ Liquid Handler is not intended for use with purification kits other than Maxwell®
RSC nucleic acid purification kits or with samples other than those defined within the product
limitations of the specific Maxwell®RSC kit being used. Post-processing methods provided with
the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler are tested for use with Promega reagents. It is the responsibility
of the end-users to internally verify/validate that these methods perform to their needs with
reagents from other vendors.
1.4 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler Features
• Easy-to-use system
• Standardized sample preparation workflow
• Ability to create administrator-defined method variants
• Comprehensive technical support
• System controlled via PC and touch-screen monitor
• Run-specific and sample-specific reporting functionality
• Preprogrammed methods for preprocessing and post-processing of samples
• Included bar code reader and manual bar code scanner

7Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Introduction
1.5 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler Specifications
Instrument Specifications
Desktop PC Windows®10 Operating System with Ethernet connection to
instrument, wired connectivity to local network
Communication Ethernet
Weight Approximately 220lb (98.6kg)
Dimensions (W × D × H) 42.1 × 27.8 × 33 inches (106.9 × 70.6 × 83.3cm)
height with door open: 48.4 inches (123cm)
Power Requirements Input: 100–240VAC, 50/60Hz, 5A
Output: 42VDC ± 5%, 600W max
250VAC, 5A, low breaking capacity, time-lag fuse (AC250V,
T5AL, 5 × 20mm)
Operating
Temperature
Relative Humidity
Altitude
15–35°C (59–95°F)
30% to 85% non-condensing
0–2,000m above sea level
Storage
Temperature
Relative Humidity
–20° to 70°C
10% to 90% non-condensing
UV Bulb (optional) Average lifetime approximately 10,000 hours, length 9.2in
(233mm base face to face, diameter 15mm, 11W, 0.43A
current, 25.6V, UV-C, UV output 32W at 1 meter)
Regulatory
Compliance
For Research Use Only. Not for use in Diagnostic Procedures.
CE Compliance Pollution degree 2.
Installation category II.
Indoor use only.
Main supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed >10% of the
nominal supply voltage.
This instrument complies with the requirements of the EU
Directives for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive)
and for electrical safety (LVD). Compliance with the relevant
directives was demonstrated by third-party testing to the
appropriate EN and IEC standards. The product bears the
CE mark on its label as evidence of compliance, and an EU
Declaration of Conformity for the product is available from
Promega on request.

8Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Introduction
1.5 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler Specifications (continued)
Pipetting Specifications
Liquid Level Detection
Independent Channels
Capacitive Liquid Level Detection
Pressure Liquid Level Detection
Shaking 3mm Orbit
Up to 2500rpm
Temperature range ambient to 105°C
Pipetting
Specifications for
Channels
Disposable
Tips Size Volume
Accuracy
(%)
Precision
(%CV)
50µl 1µl 5.0% 5.0%
5µl 2.5% 2.0%
50µl 2.0% 1.0%
300µl 10µl 5.0% 2.5%
50µl 2.0% 1.0%
300µl 1.0% 1.0%
1000µl 10µl 7.5% 3.5%
100µl 2.0% 1.0%
1000µl 1.0% 1.0%
Gantry Bar Code Scanner Supported Symbologies.
1D Bar Codes UPC/EAN/JAN, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 39, Code 128,
Code 93
2D Bar Codes QR Codes

9Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Introduction
1.6 Product Components
PRODUCT CAT.#
Maxprep™ Liquid Handler, RSC Carriers AS9100
Maxprep™ Liquid Handler, RSC Carriers w/ UV Light AS9101
Maxprep™ Liquid Handler, RSC 48 Carriers AS9200
Maxprep™ Liquid Handler, RSC 48 Carriers w/UV Light AS9201
Cat.# AS9100 and AS9101 are provided with Maxwell®RSC-compatible 16-position deck tray carriers.
Cat.# AS9200 and AS9201 are provided with Maxwell®RSC 48-compatible 24-position front and back deck tray carriers.
Cat.# AS9101 and AS9201 are provided with an optional UV light in the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler.
Includes:
• 1 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler
• 3 10mm Sample Tube Carriers
• 3 12–13mm Sample Tube Carriers
• 3 15–17mm Sample Tube Carriers
• 1 Box of Maxprep™ 50µl Conductive Disposable Tips, Filtered (5 × 96)
• 1 Box of Maxprep™ 300µl Conductive Disposable Tips, Filtered (5 × 96)
• 1 Box of Maxprep™ 1000µl Conductive Disposable Tips, Filtered (5 × 96)
• 1 Box of Maxprep™ Reagent Reservoirs, 50ml (28 reservoirs)
•2 Maxwell®Deck Tray Carriers
• 3 Reagent Reservoir Carriers
• 1 Utility Carrier (for Heater Shaker, tools and plates)
• 1 Tip and Plate Carrier
• 1 Heater Shaker
• 4 Plunger Tools
• 2 Gripper Paddles
• 1 Maxprep™ Accessory Kit
• 1 PC preloaded with Maxprep™ Software
• 1 Ethernet cable for connection of Maxprep™ Liquid Handler to PC
• 1 Power Cable for Maxprep™ Liquid Handler
• 1 Power Cord for PC
• 1 Power Cord for PC Monitor
• 1 Manual Bar Code Reader
• 2 Maxprep™ Plunger Holders
• 4 Maxprep™ 3-Position Reagent Tube Holders

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Introduction
1.7 Precautions
Important Safety Instructions. Save these instructions.
• Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
• This equipment has been designed and tested to CISPR 11 Class A. It may cause radio
interference, in which case you may need to take measures to mitigate the interference.
• Do not use this device in proximity to sources of strong electromagnetic radiation (e.g.,
unshielded intentional RF sources), as these may interfere with the proper operation.
• Do not use this instrument for anything other than its designed purpose.
• Always disconnect the power to the instrument and the PC before cleaning or performing
routine maintenance.
• Do not disassemble unit.
• Ensure that any deck setup instructions are faithfully followed. Failure to do so may result in
damage to the instrument.
• Use only Promega Maxwell®RSC branded and supplied cartridges, plungers and elution
tubes. Use only Promega-supplied consumables (tips, troughs, preprocessing plates).
• Do not reuse cartridges, plungers or elution tubes.
• If the equipment is used in a manner other than that specified by Promega, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
•During some processing methods, the heated shaker at the back left corner of the instrument
becomes very hot. Do not touch.
• Do not attempt to lift or move the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler. The Maxprep™ Liquid Handler
should only be moved by a trained Promega representative.
• Equipment can be hazardous due to the use of chemical and biohazardous substances.
• Do not override the door sensor.
• This instrument can be used with potentially biohazardous materials. Use appropriate
personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, safety goggles, lab coat, etc.) for handling and
disposing of biohazardous materials.
• Loading nonessential software programs on the PC supplied with Maxprep™ Liquid Handler
is not recommended. Promega cannot guarantee compatibility of the Maxprep™ Liquid
Handler software with other third-party software programs. Additional programs may also
cause the application to slow down.
• Do not use any software other than the Maxprep™ software to control the Maxprep™ Liquid
Handler.

11 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Introduction
1.8 Safety Symbols and Marking
Important Safety Instructions. Save these instructions.
Safety Symbols and Markings
5295MA.eps
Warning. Risk of personal injury to the operator or a
safety hazard to the instrument or surrounding area.
Warning. Hot surface. Burn hazard.
6422MA
Warning. Biohazard.
Warning. UV light hazard. Do not look directly at the
UV light.

12 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Introduction
1.8 Safety Symbols and Marking (continued)
Symbols Explanation
Catalog Number
10928MA
Voltage: 95-240 VAC
50-60Hz, 1.0A
250V, 2.5A
Time-lag, 5x20mm
AS4000
123456789
Made in
USA
050-9800 Rev. D
Maxwell®CSC
Promega BioSystems Sunnyvale, Inc.
645 N Mary Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085 USA
249469
Serial Number
Manufacturer
10928MA
Voltage: 95-240 VAC
50-60Hz, 1.0A
250V, 2.5A
Time-lag, 5x20mm
AS4000
123456789
Made in
USA
050-9800 Rev. D
Maxwell®CSC
Promega BioSystems Sunnyvale, Inc.
645 N Mary Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085 USA
249469
Consult your local Promega Representative regarding
instrument disposal WEEE Directive (European Community
directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment)
Test Certification
CE Compliance Marked
6006TA
Representative in the European Community
14840TA
Device is China RoHS-compliant
Important Information

13 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Introduction
1.9 Environmental Requirements (Operating, Shipping and
Storage Conditions)
Power
Requirements
100–240VAC, 50/60Hz, 5A
Temperature –20 to 70°C (shipping/storage), 15–35°C (operation)
Humidity 30–85% relative humidity, non-condensing (operation)
10–90% non-condensing (storage)
Operating Altitude <2000 meters
The Maxprep™ Liquid Handler is intended for indoor use only. Wipe up spills immediately. To
avoid shortening the expected lifespan of the instrument, install in a location that meets the
following criteria:
• Locate on a sturdy, level surface capable of stably supporting 350lb.
• Avoid dusty areas.
• Choose a location that has good air circulation and is not exposed to direct sunlight.
• Avoid electrically noisy power sources (e.g., power generators).
• Do not install in a location where there is large temperature variability or high humidity.
• Do not position the instrument so that it is difficult to unplug from the power source.
• Do not place next to heat sources.
• Do not use near flammable gases or liquids.
• Allow at least 6 inches (15.25cm) clearance on all sides of the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler.
• Do not place near other electrically sensitive instruments. Allow at least 6 inches (15.25cm)
on all sides of the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler.
• Connect the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler and PC to a power outlet. Promega recommends
that you plug the instrument and PC into an uninterruptible power supply.

14 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Introduction
Notes

15 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
2Hardware Overview
The Maxprep™ Liquid Handler (Figure 1) is a fully enclosed four-channel pipetting system
designed to automate sample preprocessing and deck tray preparation for a variety of Maxwell®
RSC chemistries and post-processes for storage, normalization, and analysis of nucleic acid
eluates. The front of the instrument has a large door for access to the inside of the system. To
open the door, grip the handle, pull toward you, and then slide the door upwards. To close the
door, grip the handle, pull toward you, slide the door downwards, and then push the door
inwards at the bottom of its vertical motion. When the instrument is in operation, door locks
prevent access to the inside of the instrument. In the lower front corner of the instrument is the
power button. Press the power button to turn the instrument on/off.
Figure 1. Front of the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler.
14831TA

16 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Hardware Overview
2.1 Hardware Features
The gantry system on the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler has four independently controlled pipetting
channels, which can support a 1µl to 1ml volume range using 50, 300 and 1000µl disposable
tips (Figure 2). These channels are capable of both pressure and capacitive liquid level sensing.
The pipetting channels of the instrument can retrieve tools to perform other tasks including
transferring Maxwell®RSC plungers to Maxwell®cartridges and moving plates within the
instrument. Included on the front arm of the gantry is a 1D/2D bar code reader that can
automate the process of reading tube bar codes that are loaded on the system in tube carriers.
Figure 2. Gantry system on the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler. The gantry system on the
Maxprep™ Liquid Handler houses the four pipetting channels on the system. On the front
arm of the gantry is the 1D/2D bar code reader.
In the back left corner of the instrument are the heater shaker and the tool rack that houses the
gripper paddles and plunger tools (Figure 3). When placing the gripper paddles in the tool rack,
make sure the magnet and pins on each paddle are facing toward the center of the tool rack.
14833T
A
Pipetting Channels
1D/2D Bar code reader

17 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Hardware Overview
Figure 3. Heater shaker and tool rack. Panel A. The heater shaker is in the back left
corner of the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler. In front of the heater shaker is the tool rack that
houses the plunger tools and gripper paddles. Panel B. Plunger tools are shown at the top
of the image and gripper paddles at the bottom of the image. When placing gripper paddles
in the tool rack make sure the magnet and pins on each paddle are facing toward the center
of the tool rack.
2.2 UV Light (optional)
Maxprep™ Liquid Handler Cat.# AS9101 and AS9201 are provided with a UV light system. UV
lights are present on the top left and top right side of the instrument enclosure. The UV lights,
in addition to regular cleaning of the instrument, can be used for sanitization. A Sanitization
maintenance method is included in the Maxprep™ software to perform UV treatment of the
system for an administrator-defined time period. UV sanitization can only be performed with
the instrument door closed. If necessary, always replace the UV lights on the system with
Maxprep™ UV Lamp bulbs from Promega (Cat.# AS9310).
14834TA
A. B.

18 Maxprep™ Liquid Handler | TM509 | Revised 1/19
Hardware Overview
2.3 Labware Carriers
Provided with the Maxprep™ Liquid Handler are a variety of carriers that hold the labware
needed to perform preprocessing and post-processing methods (Figure 4). The configuration
of the carriers on the instrument is designed to be consistent amongst Maxprep™ Liquid
Handler methods. The instrument platform is divided into 30 tracks. On the metallic plate at the
front of the instrument you can see the individual tracks with tracks 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and
30 indicated. The tracks are used as reference positions when placing carriers on the system.
To remove carriers from the instrument, grasp the handle on the carrier and pull it straight out
toward you, supporting the bottom of the carrier as you remove it from the system. When
adding carriers to the instrument, support the bottom of the carrier and place the back edge
of the carrier on the track positions at the front of the instrument; then slide the carrier straight
back until it touches the backstop of the instrument. Below is a table indicating the carriers
provided with the system and their track positions and functions.
Carrier Type Number Provided
Track
Positions Function
Utility Carrier 1 1–6 Static carrier (cannot be removed from system)
with heater shaker and tool rack at the back two
sites and two plate positions at the front two
sites.
Maxwell®Deck
Tray Carriers (2)
[either 16-position
or 24-position deck
trays depending
on catalog number
purchased]
2 7–12
14–19
Removable carriers that hold Maxwell®deck
trays. There are two types of Maxwell®Deck
Tray Carriers available: the Maxprep™ Carrier,
Maxwell®RSC, that is used for Maxwell®RSC
(16-position) Deck Trays, and the Maxprep™
Carrier, Maxwell®RSC 48 Front and Back, that
are used for Maxwell®RSC 48 (24-position)
Deck Trays. On the left top side of the carrier is
a removable magnet that interfaces with elution
tubes on the Maxwell®deck tray to help remove
residual resin from eluates when pipetting from
these positions. Underneath the deck tray are
two plate positions. For some methods, it may be
necessary to remove the magnet from the carrier
in order to use the plate positions.
A reagent carrier is placed between the Maxwell®
deck tray carriers to provide appropriate spacing
on the instrument.
Maxwell®RSC 48 deck tray carriers are keyed to
accept either the Maxwell®RSC Front deck tray
or Maxwell®RSC Back deck tray.