SILICYCLE MiniBlock User manual

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SiliCycle MiniBlock®
User Guide

SiliCycle MiniBlock® User Guide
2www.SiliCycle.com | inf[email protected]om
1. Usage and Safety Precauons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Cleaning .................................................................................................... 6
Maintenance ............................................................................................... 6
Storage ..................................................................................................... 6
Temperature ................................................................................................ 6
Pressure .................................................................................................... 6
Components ................................................................................................ 6
Document Convenons ...................................................................................... 6
2. General .................................................................................... 7
2.1. The SiliCycle MiniBlock Reacon Tubes .................................................................... 8
2.2. SiliCycle MiniBlock Conguraons ....................................................................... 10
2.2.1. Ambient Temperature Conguraons ............................................... 11
2.2.2. Plugs for Unused Pinch-Tube Inserts ................................................ 11
2.2.3. Controlled Temperature Conguraons ............................................. 11
2.2.4. Combining Red and Blue SiliCycle MiniBlocks Into 96-Well Format ....................... 12
2.3. SiliCycleMiniBlock System Materials .................................................................... 12
2.3.1. SiliCycle MiniBlock Metal Components .............................................. 12
2.3.2. Reacon Tube Materials .......................................................... 12
2.3.3. Pinch-Tube Insert Materials ....................................................... 12
2.3.4. Septa Materials ................................................................. 13
2.4. SiliCycleMiniBlock Temperature Control ................................................................. 14
2.5. SiliCycle MiniBlock Reacons Requiring an Inert Atmosphere .............................................. 15
3. SiliCycle MiniBlock Assembly and Reacon Setup ................................................ 16
3.1. Pre-Assembly Checks .................................................................................. 16
3.2. SiliCycle MiniBlock Assembly ........................................................................... 18
3.2.1. Setup for Ambient Temperature Reacon ............................................ 18
3.2.2. Setup for Controlled Temperature Reacon .......................................... 18
3.2.3. Inserng Reacon Tubes .......................................................... 19
3.2.4. Sealing for Reacons Not Requiring Inert Condions .................................. 20
3.2.5. Sealing for Reacons Requiring Inert Condions ...................................... 22
3.2.6. Closing the SiliCycle MiniBlock Valve ................................................ 23
4. Reacon Setup, Mixing and Incubaon ......................................................... 24
4.1. Resin Addion – Solid-Phase Reacons .................................................................. 24
4.1.1. Resin Addion – Serial ........................................................... 24
4.1.2. Resin Addion – Parallel .......................................................... 24
4.1.3. IRORI® Kans™ ................................................................... 24
4.1.4. Resin Swelling .................................................................. 24
4.2. Inert Atmosphere ..................................................................................... 24
4.3. Adding Solvents and Reagents .......................................................................... 25
4.4. Reacon Mixing and Incubaon ........................................................................ 26
4.4.1. Shaking Staons ................................................................ 26
4.4.1.1. Securing SiliCycle MiniBlocks on the Shaking Staon ................................. 26
4.4.1.2. Balancing the Shaking Staon .................................................... 26
4.4.1.3. Pre-Operaonal Shaking Staon Check ............................................ 27
4.4.1.4. Seng Agitaon Speed ......................................................... 28
4.5. Incubaon ............................................................................................ 28
4.5.1. Aaching the Manifold to the Shaker ............................................... 28
4.5.2. Connecng to the Recirculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.5.3. Tesng the Recirculaon System ................................................... 29

3
5. Washing, Puricaon and Product Collecon .................................................... 30
5.1. Solvent Removal and Resin Washing .................................................................... 30
5.1.1. Removing Solvents to Waste on the Shaking Staon ................................... 30
5.1.2. Accelerang Solvent Drainage ..................................................... 30
5.1.2.1. Air Push Assist Device .......................................................... 31
5.1.2.2. Posive Pressure Manifold ...................................................... 31
5.1.2.3. Inert Atmosphere Manifold ...................................................... 32
5.1.3. Washing ....................................................................... 32
5.2. Puricaon and Clean-Up .............................................................................. 32
5.2.1. Solid-Phase Extracon ( SPE)....................................................... 32
5.2.2. Scavenger Resins ................................................................ 33
5.3. Product Collecon / Cleavage ........................................................................... 33
5.3.1. Collecon Rack Selecon ......................................................... 34
5.3.2. Collecon Vessel Posioning ...................................................... 37
6. Maintenance .............................................................................. 39
6.1. Cleaning Procedure .................................................................................... 39
6.1.1. Post-Collecon Rinse ............................................................. 39
6.1.2. SiliCycle MiniBlock Cleaning ....................................................... 40
6.2. Replacing Consumable Components .................................................................... 40
6.2.1. Replacement of Pinch-Tube Inserts ................................................. 40
6.2.2. Replacement of Compression Cords ................................................ 42
7. Troubleshoong ............................................................................ 43
7.1. Jammed Slide Valve ................................................................................... 43
7.2. Leakage / Solvent Loss ................................................................................. 43
7.3. Prevenve Maintenance ............................................................................... 45
Appendix A: Heat Shrinking Teon® Sleeves Onto Glass Reacon Tubes ................................ 48
A.1. Apparatus ............................................................................................ 48
A.2. Procedure ............................................................................................ 48
A.3. Quality Checks ........................................................................................ 49
A.3.1. Incomplete Heat-Shrinking ........................................................ 49
A.3.2. Defecve Heat-Shrinking ......................................................... 49
Appendix B: Resin Dispenser: Operang Instrucons ............................................... 50
B.1. Overview ............................................................................................. 50
B.2. Operaon Descripon ................................................................................. 50
B.3. Dispensing............................................................................................ 51
B.3.1. Resin Dispenser Setup ( Procedure wrien for the 48-Posions Version )................... 51
B.3.2. Dispensing Procedure ............................................................ 52
B.3.3. Dispensing to Microter / Deep Well Plates .......................................... 53
B.4. Resin Cleaning ........................................................................................ 54
B.5. Resin Dispenser Calibraon ............................................................................ 54
Appendix C: SiliCycle MiniBlock Collecon Rack Conguraons ....................................... 55
C.1. Assembly Diagrams .................................................................................... 56
Appendix D: Determining Correct Collecon Tube Height ............................................ 58
D.1. Instrucons for the Go/No-Go Test ...................................................................... 58
Appendix E: Chemistry Applicaons .............................................................. 59
Procurement ................................................................................ 59

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Figures
Figure 1: SiliCycle MiniBlock ..................................................................... 7
Figure 2: Reacon Tube Components ............................................................. 8
Figure 3: SiliCycle MiniBlock Components .......................................................... 8
Figure 4: Glass Reacon TubeWith Teon® Heat Shrink Sleeve ......................................... 8
Figure 5: Types of Pinch-Tube Inserts .............................................................. 9
Figure 6: Valve Mechanism in Closed Posion ...................................................... 9
Figure 7: SiliCycle MiniBlock with Valve Key ........................................................ 9
Figure 8: Reacon Tube Conguraons ........................................................... 10
Figure 9: Red Plugs Conguraons ............................................................... 11
Figure 10: SiliCycle MiniBlock Heat Transfer Blocks ................................................. 11
Figure 11: Collecon conguraon 96-Posions .................................................... 12
Figure 12: SiliCycle MiniBlock with Heat Transfer Block .............................................. 14
Figure 13: Inert/Purge Manifold ................................................................. 15
Figure 14: Slide Valve Operaon ................................................................. 16
Figure 15: Inspecng Pinch-Tubes ............................................................... 17
Figure 16: Pinch-Tube Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Figure 17: AlignmentsPlates Installed ............................................................ 18
Figure 18: Heat Transfer Block Installed ........................................................... 19
Figure 19: Insert Reacon Tubes ................................................................ 19
Figure 20: Male / Female Luer Fing ............................................................ 20
Figure 21: Seang Reacon Vessels .............................................................. 20
Figure 22: Septum Layer and Cover Plate ......................................................... 21
Figure 23: Inert / Purge Manifold ................................................................ 22
Figure 24: SiliCycle MiniBlock With Valve Key ...................................................... 23
Figure 25: Dispensing Plate ..................................................................... 24
Figure 26: Shaking Staons ..................................................................... 26
Figure 27: Aligning SiliCycle MiniBlocks on the Shaker Top ( With Oponal Recirculator Manifold )........... 27
Figure 28: Securing SiliCycle MiniBlocks on the Shaker Top ........................................... 27
Figure 29: Aaching the Recirculator Manifold to the Shaker Top ..................................... 28
Figure 30: Slide Valve Operaon ................................................................. 30
Figure 31: Air Push Assist Device ................................................................ 31
Figure 32: Posive Pressure Manifold ............................................................ 31
Figure 33: Transfer to Second SiliCycle MiniBlock Containing SPE Packed Tubes ( Using Transfer Adapter ).....32
Figure 34: Examples of SiliCycle MiniBlock Collecon Racks and Plates ................................. 33
Figure 35: Collecng Products .................................................................. 34
Figure 36: Vacuum Collecon Base, Shown With a 24-Posions Rack .................................. 34
Figure 37: Proper Height Alignment for Collecon Tubes ............................................ 37
Figure 38: Posioning SiliCycle MiniBlock Components For Collecng Into 48 Test Tubes Rack .............. 38
Figure 39: Pinch-Tube Extension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Figure 40: Tube Removal Tool ................................................................... 39
Figure 41: Remove Valve Insert Lock-Plate ........................................................ 41
Figure 42: Remove Pinch Tube Inserts ............................................................ 41
Figure 43: Compression Cords Replacement ....................................................... 42
Figure 44: Leakage Points ...................................................................... 43
Figure 45: Exploded View of SiliCycle MiniBlock Reactor ............................................. 46

5
Figure 46: Glass Reacon Tube with Teon® Sleeve ................................................. 48
Figure 47: Resin Dispensing Plate ................................................................ 50
Figure 48: Resin Dispenser ( 13742086)........................................................... 51
Figure 49: Resin Dispenser Closed Posion ........................................................ 52
Figure 50: Resin Dispensing Spreader ............................................................ 52
Figure 51: Dispensing Powder .................................................................. 53
Figure 52: Replacing the Plate .................................................................. 54
Figure 53: The Vacuum Collecon Base Set ( 13742008)............................................. 55
Figure 54 : 12 x 100 mm Test Tubes ( 8 mL)........................................................ 56
Figure 55 : 12 x 75 mm Test Tubes ( 6 mL)......................................................... 56
Figure 56 : Deep Well Plate ( Various Volumes )..................................................... 56
Figure 57 : Tall Minitube Rack ( 2.5 mL)........................................................... 56
Figure 58 : 16 x 100 mm Test Tubes ( 15 mL)....................................................... 57
Figure 59 : 15 x 45 mm Vials (3.7 mL)............................................................. 57
Figure 60: 17 x 61 mm Vials (7.5 mL) ............................................................ 57
Figure 61 : 21 x 70 mm Vials (15 mL)............................................................. 57
Figure 62 : 28 x 95 mm Vials ( 40 mL)............................................................. 57
Figure 63: Tube Heights are Correct. “GO” ........................................................ 58
Figure 64: Tube Heights are too Low. “NO-GO” .................................................... 58
Figure 65: Tube Heights are too High. “NO-GO” .................................................... 58
Tables
Table 1: MinBlock Physical Descripon ............................................................ 7
Table 2: SiliCycle MiniBlock Conguraons ........................................................ 10
Table 3: SPE Development Kits Available from SiliCycle .............................................. 33
Table 4: Collecon Plates, Racks and Vessels ...................................................... 36
Table 5: SiliCycle MiniBlock Spare Parts .......................................................... 47
Table 6: Standard Conguraons ................................................................ 51
Table 7: High Volume Kit ( Sold Separately )........................................................ 51
Table 8: Collecon Rack Conguraons ........................................................... 55

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1. Usage and Safety Precauons
The SiliCycle MiniBlock products for parallel synthesis are intended for use by persons skilled in chemical handling and synthesis. Best results with
the SiliCycle MiniBlock can be achieved by following the usage, maintenance and storage guidelines in this Operaons Manual.
SiliCycle MiniBlock products include a 12 month warranty. This warranty is conngent on proper usage and maintenance as described in this
manual. If instrucons contained in this manual are not followed, the warranty may be invalidated. Some of the common consideraons for opmal
SiliCycle MiniBlock use include:
Cleaning
All chemicals should be cleaned from the SiliCycle MiniBlock as soon as possible. Full cleaning of the SiliCycle MiniBlock is recommended
immediately aer synthesis.
Maintenance
SiliCycle MiniBlocks should be checked and consumable components replaced as part of a scheduled maintenance program.
Storage
SiliCycle MiniBlocks should be stored with the slide (drainage) valve in the open posion and the two side clamps le undone.
Temperature
Reacon temperatures are limited to 80°C unless high temperature components are obtained from SiliCycle. Reacon temperatures must be
achieved using the apparatus described in this manual.
Pressure
SiliCycle MiniBlocks are not designed to withstand pressure build-up. Care should be taken to avoid pressure build-up when designing SiliCycle
MiniBlock synthesis procedures.
Components
Use only SiliCycle MiniBlock components purchased from, or approved by SiliCycle.
Document Convenons
The SiliCycle MiniBlock reactor is the central plaorm in SiliCycle’s advanced system for parallel
synthesis. SiliCycle MiniBlock reactors can be used to yield synthesis products for either high-throughput
or larger volume applicaons.
WARNING : is used to indicate the presence of a hazard which can cause personal
injury or death.
CAUTION : is used to indicate a potenal for damage to equipment
or synthesis results.
TECH TIP : is used to explain a product or operaonal nuance for a more eecve use of
the SiliCycle MiniBlock system.

7
2. General
The SiliCycle MiniBlock is designed to enable the chemist to achieve maximum product yield and purity,
while minimizing the potenal for cross-contaminaon.
The SiliCycle MiniBlock’s patented valve mechanism enables simultaneous boom drainage of all reacon vessels, aided by the use of vacuum
and pressure. Reacon products are then transferred into collecon vessels, or SPE tubes for puricaon.
Ancillary components are used to achieve reacon agitaon and temperature control for the SiliCycle MiniBlock system.
Height Width Depth Weight
5” (13 cm)7” (18 cm)5” (13 cm)6.4 lbs (2.9 kg)
Table 1: MinBlock Physical Descripon
Figure 1: SiliCycle MiniBlock

6
5
4
3
2
1
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2.1. The SiliCycle MiniBlock Reacon Tubes
SiliCycle MiniBlock Reacon Tubes are designed as simple yet robust vessels for chemical synthesis. They consist of glass or polypropylene reacon
tubes containing a 20 μm frit for solids ltraon.
Figure 2: Reacon
Tube Components
Figure 3: SiliCycle
MiniBlock Components
Polyethylene
Reacon Tube Cover Plate
Septum Layer
Upper Alignment Plate
Lower Alignment Plate
Blue Teon®
Heat Shrink Sleeve
Large Alignment Pin
Small Alignment Pin
Reacon Tube
20 µm Frit
Pinch Tube
Female Luer Fing
Male Luer Fing
Glass reacon tubes also have a Teon® heat shrink sleeve at the luer p to improve sealing. When using toluene, or other solvents to which
polypropylene is not fully resistant, glass reacon tubes should be used instead.
Figure 4: Glass Reacon Tube
With Teon® Heat Shrink Sleeve

0.5 0.50.5
9
Pinch-Tube Inserts are available in PFA Teon®. PFA Teon® inserts can be used at high temperatures, PFA ngs also provide good chemical
resistance, parcularly to toluene. (Figure 5).
The Reacon Tubes are sealed at the boom by compressing the Pinch-Tubes, which project through the SiliCycle MiniBlock (Figure 6). This closure
is achieved for all Reacon Tubes simultaneously with a single turn of the T-handle valve key (Figure 7).
Reacon Tube
PFA Teon ©
Grey Fings
Figure 6: Valve Mechanism
in Closed Posion
Figure 7: SiliCycle MiniBlock
with Valve Key
Figure 5: Types of Pinch-Tube Inserts

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2.2. SiliCycle MiniBlock Conguraons
The base SiliCycle MiniBlock comes as standard with 48 female luer ngs in the base. SiliCycle MiniBlock can be adapted
to any of four basic conguraons:
Reacon Tubes
per SiliCycle MiniBlock
Reacon Tube
Volume (mL)Reacon Tube Material Collecon Format
48 (Blue Block)4Polypropylene or Glass 48 or 96 posions
48 (Red Block)4Polypropylene or Glass 48 or 96 posions
24 (Green Block)10 Glass 24 posions
12 (Silver Block)20 Glass 12 posions
6 (Gold Block)40 Glass 6 posions
Table 2: SiliCycle MiniBlock Conguraons
SiliCycle MiniBlock conguraons, together with the reacon tubes and color-coding are depicted in Figure 8.
Glass reacon tubes are provided with a blue Teon® heat-shrink sleeve at the luer p. This is to improve sealing against the female luer ng:
(Figure 4). Insert glass reacon tubes into Pinch-Tube Inserts gently and carefully to avoid snagging or damaging the Teon® heat-shrink sleeve.
Figure 8: Reacon Tube Conguraons
Blue
Silver
4 mL 4 mL
2
4
6
8
10 mL
4
8
12
16
20 mL
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40 mL
Red
Gold
Green

11
2.2.1. Ambient Temperature Conguraons
Converng SiliCycle MiniBlock volume conguraons for ambient temperature operaon requires:
• Proper Reacon Tubes
• Corresponding alignment and cover plates
These plates are color-coded (Figure 8) to enable ready idencaon of conguraon components. For 48-Posions SiliCycle MiniBlocks, Black
alignment plates are used for either a Blue or Red SiliCycle MiniBlock.
2.2.2. Plugs for Unused Pinch-Tube Inserts
Red plugs are used to ll unused female luer posions, to hold the vacuum applied beneath the SiliCycle MiniBlock when draining.
Figure 9: Red Plugs Conguraons
2.2.3. Controlled Temperature Conguraons
For temperature controlled reacons, heat transfer blocks are substuted for the alignment plates. The heat transfer blocks are color-coded, as are
the alignment plates, except for the black heat transfer block, which is used with either a Blue or Red 48-Posions SiliCycle MiniBlock. The basic
SiliCycle MiniBlock conguraons with the heat transfer blocks are depicted in Figure 10.
TECH TIP : The two (2) dierent 48-Posions SiliCycle MiniBlocks -
Red and Blue - are actually complementary conguraons.
A Blue block can be collected into half the posions
of a 96 deep well plate; the Red block can then be collected into the
intervening posions of the same 96 well plate (see Figure 11).
Alternavely, either the Red or Blue SiliCycle MiniBlocks
can be transferred into a 48-Posions collecon format.
Use a collecon block of corresponding Blue or Red
to assure proper transfer into the collecon vessels.
Figure 10: SiliCycle MiniBlock Heat Transfer Blocks
Blue block, 6-Posions Blue block, 24-Posions
Blue block, 12-Posions
Red block, 6-Posions Red block, 24-Posions
Red block, 12-Posions

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2.2.4. Combining Red and Blue SiliCycle MiniBlocks Into 96-Well Format
Figure 11: Collecon conguraon 96-Posions
2.3. SiliCycle MiniBlock System Materials
The SiliCycle MiniBlock system is designed and constructed using high quality materials. Understanding of SiliCycle MiniBlock materials is important
when selecng SiliCycle MiniBlock components for a given chemistry.
2.3.1. SiliCycle MiniBlock Metal Components
SiliCycle MiniBlocks are primarily constructed of anodized aluminum and stainless steel. Given proper handling and prompt cleanup of corrosive
or deposit-forming compounds, these materials are very resistant to chemicals and physical wear.
2.3.2. Reacon Tube Materials
4 mL and 10 mL SiliCycle MiniBlock Reacon Tubes are available in either polypropylene or glass. The polypropylene tubes contain high quality
polyethylene frits (average porosity: 20 μm). All glass Reacon Tubes (4, 10, 20 and 40 mL) have 20 μm average porosity frits. Glass reacon tubes
also have a Teon® heat shrink sleeve at the luer p to improve sealing. When using toluene, or other solvents to which polypropylene is not fully
resistant, glass reacon tubes should be used instead.
2.3.3. Pinch-Tube Insert Materials
Pinch-Tube Inserts are available in PFA Teon®. PFA Inserts can be used at high temperatures, when other high temperature components are used.
PFA ngs also provide best chemical resistance, parcularly to toluene. (Figure 5).
Red Reactor
52-Posions
48 Used
96-Well
Collecon Plate
Blue Reactor

13
2.3.4. Septa Materials
The septa used to cover and seal the tops of SiliCycle MiniBlock reactors serve a number of dierent funcons.
They provide:
• Sealing of the Reacon Tubes to minimize evaporaon.
• Uniform compression of the Reacon Tubes to seal the Pinch-Tube Insert luer ngs.
• Septum piercing for reagent addion.
Septa for MiniBlock Top Plate:
• Mul-layer (13820118) – excellent chemical resistance, reduced solvent evaporave loss, readily pierced by automaon. This is the
recommended septum for most applicaons, except those exceeding 80°C.
• Silicone Mul-Layer Septa (13742080) - for reacons requiring high temperatures, up to 160°C.
TECH TIP: SiliCycle MiniBlocks are not designed for pressurized reacons. Do not
perform synthesis at or above solvent boiling points. Pressure buildup
resultant from synthesis can be avoided using an Inert
Atmosphere Manifold (See Secon 3.2.5 Sealing
For Reacons Requiring Inert Condions).
CAUTION: Hot toluene can damage polypropylene. Hot toluene should be used with
glass reactor tubes and PFA Pinch-Tube Inserts.
WARNING: SiliCycle MiniBlock applicaons are limited to a maximum temperature of
80°C, unless high temperature components are used. Consult SiliCycle for
informaon regarding applicaons over 80°C.

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2.4. SiliCycle MiniBlock Temperature Control
Reacon temperatures are adjusted on the SiliCycle MiniBlock using a Heat Transfer Block, which ts closely around each reacon tube (Figure 12).
Heat transfer uid is recirculated through the anodized aluminum Heat Transfer Block, with heat transmied eciently.
A dierent Heat Transfer Block is required for each of the four basic SiliCycle MiniBlock conguraons (48, 24, 12 and 6-Posions) (Figure 10).
Heat Transfer Block
Locking Arm Large Alignment Pin
Small Alignment Pin
Quick Disconnect Fing
Septum Layer
Cover Plate
Figure 12: SiliCycle MiniBlock with Heat Transfer Block

Outlets Inert/Purge Manifold (48-posions)
15
2.5. SiliCycle MiniBlock Reacons Requiring an Inert Atmosphere
For air and / or moisture sensive reacons, the SiliCycle MiniBlock can be ed with an Inert Atmosphere Manifold (Figure 13).
This manifold has a natural rubber septum inside, providing inert gas to individual reactor tubes.
The Inert Gas Manifold septum can also be pierced at each reactor posion with a syringe, without compromising the inert condions
in the reactors.
Figure 13: Inert/Purge Manifold
MiniBlock Format Inert Manifold PN Internal Septum PN
Sealing Gaskets (Bottom Gasket)
Rubber PN Mul-Layer PN
6-posions 13200957 13742152 13200992 13201040
12-posions 13200951 13742169 13200993 13201041
24-posions 13200950 13742170 13200994 13201042
48-posions Red 13742182 13200080 13200079 13200081
48-posions Blue 13742183

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3. SiliCycle MiniBlock Assembly and Reacon Setup
3.1. Pre-Assembly Checks
1. With no reactor tubes inserted, make sure the SiliCycle MiniBlock is clean and that plugs are inserted in Pinch-Tube Inserts for unused posions.
The Pinch-Tube Inserts should be inserted uniformly ush to the base of the SiliCycle MiniBlock. The «keyhole» alignment plate should be secured
to x the posion of all Pinch-Tube Inserts. See secon 6.2.1 Replacement of Pinch-Tube Inserts for detailed instrucons.
2. Use the T-handle Valve Key (5/32’’ hex key) to check that the valve mechanism slides freely (Figure 14). Be certain that the SiliCycle MiniBlock has
been stored with the valve in the «open» posion. If the valve was closed, see secon 6 Maintenance before proceeding.
3. Inspect the Pinch-Tubes (the part of the Pinch-Tube Inserts which projects through the base of the SiliCycle MiniBlock) on the boom of the SiliCycle
MiniBlock (Figure 15). All Pinch-Tubes should be extending through the boom of the SiliCycle MiniBlock by 3-5 mm. (Figure 16.) This extension is
important to prevent cross-contaminaon in later transfer steps. Reinsert or replace any Pinch-Tubes that do not extend through the base properly.
See secon 6.2.1 Replacement of Pinch-Tube Inserts for detailed instrucons.
Figure 14: Slide Valve Operaon

17
Figure 15: Inspecng Pinch-Tubes
Figure 16: Pinch-Tube Extension
Tall Tube Extender
Spacer
3-5 mm
Collecon Base

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3.2. SiliCycle MiniBlock Assembly
3.2.1. Setup for Ambient Temperature Reacon
1. Place the corresponding colored lower Alignment Plate on the SiliCycle MiniBlock, followed by the upper alignment plate (Figure 17). Note that
these plates have hole sizes corresponding to SiliCycle MiniBlock alignment pins, which make it possible to only posion the lower plate at the
boom and the upper Alignment Plate at the top.
2. Secure the Alignment Plates on either side of the SiliCycle MiniBlock, by turning front and back locking arms into posion and ghtening
thumbscrews.
Figure 17: Alignment Plates Installed
3.2.2. Setup for Controlled Temperature Reacon
1. With no alignment plates on the SiliCycle MiniBlock, place a Heat Transfer Block of the corresponding color over the Alignment Pins. Be sure to
orient the large alignment hole of the Heat Transfer Block with the large alignment pin on the SiliCycle MiniBlock.
Red and Blue SiliCycle MiniBlocks require a Black (48-Posions) Heat Transfer Block. The 24, 12 and 6-Posions SiliCycle MiniBlocks have color-coded
Heat Transfer Blocks (Green for 24-Posions, Silver for 12-Posions, Gold for 6-Posions).
2. Secure the Heat Transfer Blocks on either side of the SiliCycle MiniBlock, using front and back locking arms and thumbscrews (Figure 18).
TECH TIP: The SiliCycle MiniBlock has one large alignment pin, which prevents
installaon of the alignment plates in any way other than the intended
orientaon. Do not force the alignment plates or other SiliCycle MiniBlock
components onto the SiliCycle MiniBlock. Proper orientaon with respect to
the large alignment pin permits all components to slide on easily.
Upper Alignment Plate
Lower Alignment Plate
Thumb Screw
Front Locking Arm
Large Alignment Pin
WARNING: Keeping alignment plates or heat transfer blocks secured with the front
and back locking arms is important to safe operaon. Liing an unsecured
SiliCycle MiniBlock by the plates or heat transfer block could result in block
slippage and potenal chemical spillage or contact, as well as physical injury.

19
3.2.3. Inserng Reacon Tubes
1. Insert the appropriate Reacon Tubes into the available posions on the SiliCycle MiniBlock (Figure 19). A full complement of Reacon Tubes is
required; all posions must be occupied to assure uniform sealing.
2. Ensure the luer ps of the Reacon Tubes are fully and evenly posioned in the female luer ngs of the Pinch-Tube Inserts (Figure 20).
The luer ngs are compressed together by installaon of the septum and cover plate, or inert atmosphere manifold.
Upper Alignment Plate
Heat Transfer Block
Reacon TubeReacon Tube
Small Alignment Pin
Heat Transfer Block
Lower Alignment Plate
Thumb Screw
Front Locking Arm Large Alignment Pin
Large Alignment Pin
Figure 18: Heat Transfer Block Installed
CAUTION: Take care inserng glass reacon tubes, so the Teon®
heat shrink sleeves are not snagged or damaged.
Figure 19: Insert Reacon Tubes

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Figure 20: Male / Female Luer Fing
3.2.4. Sealing for Reacons Not Requiring Inert Condions
1. Select the appropriate septum for your applicaon (see secon 2.3 SiliCycle MiniBlock System Materials). Mul-layer or laminated septa
should be placed over Reacon Tubes with the Teon® side down and the largest end notch ed to the large alignment pin.
2. Place the appropriately colored cover plate over the Reacon Tubes, being careful to correctly orient the plate
on the large alignment pin (Figure 21).
Reacon Tube
Female Luer Fing
Valve Insert
Spring Clamp
Lower Alignment Plate Upper Alignment Plate
Figure 21: Seang Reacon Vessels
Cover Plate
Septum Layer
Large Alignment Pin
Locking Arm