SPT Labtech apricot S1 User manual

apricot S1
user guide

© 2021 SPT Labtech Ltd
1
Notes:

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the apricot S1 –the innovative multi-channel liquid
handling system with the Interchangeable Pipetting Core!
Our ongoing commitment is to help you get the best results, so we designed and
manufactured this instrument with you in mind. With the apricot S1, access to the
pipetting core is quick and easy for greater flexibility in pipettor operation. Just
determine the pipetting configuration that best matches the applications you want to
perform. Then, load a 96 or 384 channel core into the pipettor (without tools!) and
you’re ready to go.
With proper handling and maintenance, as detailed in this manual, this instrument
will provide years of efficient and reliable service. This manual is your ready
reference to the care, maintenance, and operation of the instrument and should be
stored in a convenient place. Failure to adhere to proper care, maintenance, and
operation of the instrument may lead to poor experimental results, reduced
equipment life, and the possibility of injury to the operator.
We truly appreciate your business and the trust you have placed in us. Should you
have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding this instrument, please
email us at [email protected]
Frequency Interference
There are a variety of external causes for frequency interference and/or
interruptions in connectivity or loss of data/information.
Frequency interference can occur when another signal passes through your location
corrupting the signal.
Frequency interference is location specific and not device dependent and may result
from the location of the device and nearby competing signals.
SPT Labtech staff does not provide any technical support relating to troubleshooting
or identifying frequency interference.
SPT Latbtech is not responsible and assumes no liability for interruptions in
connectivity or loss of data/information due to frequency interference.

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Table of Contents
1. SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................4
1.1 Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................5
1.2 Inspection and Set-Up ......................................................................................................6
1.3 Moving the apricot S1 .......................................................................................................7
1.4 Software Specs and Requirements..................................................................................8
2. FEATURES .....................................................................................................9
2.1 Applications .....................................................................................................................10
2.2 Core, Tip & Head Compatibility ......................................................................................11
2.3 Pipettor + Head + Tips = Repeatable Results ................................................................12
2.4 EZ-Load Tip Technology ..................................................................................................12
2.5 Adjustable Plate Elevators ..............................................................................................13
2.6 Adjustable Split-Level Shuttles .......................................................................................13
2.7 Accessing the Pipetting Core ..........................................................................................14
2.8 Loading a 96 or 384 Channel Core.................................................................................14
3. OPERATION OVERVIEW .............................................................................15
4. MAIN SCREEN OVERVIEW........................................................................16
4.1 Pipettor Control Interfaces .............................................................................................16
4.2 Touch Screen (User Interface) ........................................................................................17
4.3 Settings Screen ................................................................................................................19
4.4 Quick Access Keys (User Interface) ................................................................................20
5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE......................................................................21
6. TROUBLESHOOTING ...............................................................................22
TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT INFORMATION .........................................23

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1. Specifications
The following is a list of the ideal operating parameters for the S-Pipette. This
instrument will perform optimally and safely under standard laboratory settings. The
use of this instrument in other environments is not recommended, and results may
prove unsatisfactory.
Model
apricot S1
DispensingPrecision
(1250) <3% CV at 10µL *Note : 1250µL Aluminum Core
(1000) <3% CV at 10µL
(500) <3% CV at 5µL
(125) <3% CV at 1µL
Dispensing Accuracy
(1250) +/–2% error at 10µL
(1000) +/–2% error at 10µL
(500) +/–2% error at 5µL
(125) +/–2% error at 1µL
Resolution
(1250/1000/500) 1µL
(125) 0.1µL
Volume
Max channel capacity 1250µL
Dispense range
(1250) 5–1000µL
(1000) 5–1000µL
(500) 1–500µL
(125) 0.5–125µL
ParticleSize
< 0.032” diameter to prevent tip blockage
Current
3 Amp
Power (Input)
100 –240VAC, 50 –60Hz
Power Consumption (MAX)
130W
Power Consumption Idle
60W
Operating Temperature
40 –104°F, 5 –40°C
Relative Humidity (MAX)
80% (non-condensing)
Equipment Ratings
Indoor use only, temperature regulated, non-dusty
Altitude
Up to 2000m
Pollution degree
2
Powersupplyvoltage
Fluctuations not exceeding ± 10% of the nominal voltage
Transient overvoltage
According to Category II (Installation Category)
Dimensions
11.5”W x 13”D x 20.5”H
(292mm W x 330mm D x 521mm H)
Weight
Approx. 44lbs (20kg)

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1.1 Safety Precautions
The apricot S1 is designed and engineered with your safety in mind. However, failure
to adhere to proper care, maintenance, and operation of the instrument may lead to
poor experimental results, reduced equipment life, and the possibility of injury to the
operator.
Please adhere to the following safety guidelines when working with the apricot
S1:
oOpen the hood to exchange cores only!
oDo not attempt to make an adjustment or try to repair something that is not
working correctly –this could result in injury and will void the warranty. If you
encounter a problem with the instrument, please contact Apricot Designs, Inc. or
your distributor.
oOperate the instrument in an indoor environment only!
oAvoid exposure to direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Also, for safe
operation, do not operate the instrument with wet hands.
oAlways connect the instrument via a grounded power outlet.
oUse only Apricot Designs optional tools, equipment, and peripherals!
oOur optional tools, equipment, and peripherals will enhance the performance of
the manufactured instrument to help you get the best results.
oIt is highly recommended that you use disposable tips manufactured by Apricot
Designs because they are designed to perform optimally with our instruments.
oUsing add-on products or modifications not supplied by Apricot will void the
warranty and likely affect the performance of the instrument as well as lead to
poor experimental results, reduced equipment life, and the possibility of injury
to the operator.
oUnder no circumstances should any part of the operator’s body or any foreign
object(s), except the labware in use, enter the area directly under the pipetting
tips and above the elevator. In case of emergency, turn the power off
immediately.
oPlace the instrument on a sturdy and level surface. Use appropriate caution
when operating this instrument.
oWear protective clothing/goggles when dealing with dangerous, corrosive, or
radioactive substances.
oThis instrument is designed to fit inside a suitably-sized fume hood when
working with volatile organic solvents.
For full instructions regarding the handling of pathogens or biological hazards in Risk
Group 2 or higher, please refer to the current edition of the Laboratory Biosafety
Manual, published by the World Health Organization

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1.2 –Inspection and Set-Up
Care should be exercised when unpacking the crate.
oInspect the instrument for any visible damage that may have occurred during
shipping.
After confirming that there is no damage you can start the installation of the apricot
S1.
oRe-assemble and save the shipping crate for future use.
oWe recommend that you read through the Operating Instructions Manual before
you start the install process.
oPlace the instrument on a sturdy and level surface.
oUse appropriate caution when operating this instrument.
oVerify that the ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position.
oUsing the power cord provided connect the instrument entry connector and
connect the opposite end to a power outlet with a ground connection.
oThe instrument is ready to turn on. Press the ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
DO NOT PLUG IN OR TURN ON
THE SYSTEM
Contact SPT Labtech immediately –
take a picture of the damage and
send it to
[e-mail], and
contact the freight carrier.

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1.3 –Moving the apricot S1
Keep your back straight and lift with
your legs to avoid possible injury.
The instrument is quite heavy, so
several people are required to move it.
Place the instrument on a steady, sturdy, flat and level surface.
Lift the S-Pipettor unit by the base plate of the instrument.

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1.4 –Software Specs and Requirements
System Requirements
oAndroid System
oDisplay Requirement: Change display size to 100% ratio Inspect the instrument
for any visible damage that may have occurred during shipping.

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2. Features

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2.1 –Applications
oPlate replication
oPlate reformatting
oReagent addition
oCompound addition
oSerial dilution by column
oInspect the instrument for any visible damage that may have occurred during
shipping.

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2.2 –Core, Tip & Head Compatibility
The S base unit is compatible with five different pipetting cores (96/1250, 96/1000,
96/500, 96/125, and 384/125). Each Core is designed to work optimally within its
volume range and requires a specific Head and Tip combination.
The system is also capable of Serial Dilution. Specific Heads or Inserts and Tips are
required. Tips are available in Non-Sterile (NS), Sterile (S), and Filter Sterile (FS).
Please see the matrix below for complete Core/Head/Tip compatibility. The part
numbers listed are for your convenience in ordering.
*Please contact your SPT Labtech Sales Representative or email
[e-mail] for assistance.
384/125
Volume Range
Heads
Tips
(384 channel)
Serial Dilution
Heads/Inserts
Serial Dilution Tips
(Strip Tips)
SP-C-384-125
.5-125µL
SP-384-A-01-0125
125-384-EZ-NS/S/FS
SP-384-A-01-125-SC
125-016-EZ-NS/S/FS
050-384-EZ-NS/S/FS
050-016-EZ-NS/S/FS
015-384-EZ-NS/S
96/125
Volume Range
Heads
Tips
(096/024 channel)
Serial Dilution
Heads/Inserts
Serial Dilution Tips
(Strip Tips)
SP-C-096-125
.5-125µL
SP-096-A-01-0125
125-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
SP-096-A-01-0125-SC
125-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
050-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
050-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
015-096-EZ-NS/S
96/550
Volume Range
Heads
Tips
(096/024 channel)
Serial Dilution
Heads/Inserts
Serial Dilution Tips
(Strip Tips)
SP-C-096-500
1-500µL
SP-096-A-01-0500
550-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
096-A-01-EZL-550-SC
550-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
250-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
(w/SP-096-01-0500)
250-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
550-024(OS)-EZ-NS/S/FS
1-125µL
SP-096-A-01-0125
125-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
SP-096-A-01-0125-SC
125-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
050-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
050-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
015-096-EZ-NS/S
96/1000
Volume Range
Heads
Tips
(096/024 channel)
Serial Dilution
Heads/Inserts
Serial Dilution Tips
(Strip Tips)
SP-C-096-1000
5-1000µL
SP-096-A-01-1000
1000-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
096-A-01-EZL-1000-SC
1000-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
(w/SP-096-01-1000)
5-500µL
SP-096-A-01-0500
550-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
096-A-01-EZL-0500-SC
550-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
250-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
(w/SP-096-A-01-0500)
250-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
550-024(OS)-EZ-NS/S/FS
5-125µL
SP-096-A-01-0125
125-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
SP-096-A-01-0125-SC
125-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
050-096-EZ-NS/S/FS
050-008-EZ-NS/S/FS
015-096-EZ-NS/S

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2.3 –Pipettor + Head + Tips = Repeatable
Results
The S Pipettor, pipetting head, and tips in a variety of volumes is
a triad that works together to help you get the best results.
EZ-Load = EZ-Change
The “pipette head” is separate from the pipetting mechanism, allowing easy and
economical reconfiguration in the lab.
Changing heads only takes a few seconds –easily reconfigure as needed!
For best pipetting results –consider pipette tip selection along with the “pipette
head” that will be used.
2.4 –EZ-Load Tip Technology
The S Pipettor uses the exclusive EZ-Load tips to simplify pipettor operation with
disposable tips. This patented technology from Apricot Design is the only system
using disposable tips that do not need to be “pressed on” with excessive downward
force in order to create a reliable seal. Load disposable tips into the head quickly and
easily. No tools required for a consistent seal!

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2.5 –Adjustable Plate Elevators
2, 3 or 4 Plate Elevators available for
individual sampling using multiple
plates and a variety of liquid
handling labware.
2.6 –Adjustable Split-Level Shuttles
Additional flexibility and even
greater sampling control –2, 3 or 4
Split Level Shuttles available for
individual sampling using multiple
plates and a variety of liquid
handling labware.

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2.7 –Accessing the Pipetting Core
Interchangeable Pipetting Core
The S Pipettor features an
interchangeable pipetting core.
To change the core, tap the Settings
tab then select Change Core. Selecting
Change Core moves the plunger to a
designated position for core exchange.
Accessing Core
To access the core, (1) remove the lock screws, (2) raise the hood and (3) set the hood
on the support rod.
Remove Lock Screws Raise Hood Set Hood Support
2.8 –Loading a 96 or 384 Channel Core
Determine the pipetting configuration that best matches your application. Load a 96
or 384 channel core into the apricot S1.
Release Fasteners Lift Out the Core Exchange Channel Core

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Change Max
Volume
NO
Set Operation Parameters
(volume, speed, etc.)
SaveValue
(optional)
Press Touch Screen or
Quick Keys for Operation
Wait for Software to Start
3. Operation Overview
Care should be exercised when unpacking the crate.
oInspect the instrument for any visible damage that may have occurred during
shipping.
Power on S-Pipette
S-Pipette
Initialization
YES
Settings
OK

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4. Main Screen Overview
4.1 –Pipettor Control Interfaces
Pipettor control is at your fingertips. No external computer needed.
Intuitive Touch Screen
Quick Access Keys
See more detail on page 21

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4.2 –Touch Screen (User Interface)
oS-Pipette software automatically loads when you power up the instrument.
oWait for the initialization cycle to finish (the flashing lights will stop) and then
enter the desired maximum tip volume.
oPress a function key (Aspirate, Mix, Dispense, etc.) the light will turn ON. When
the operation is completed the light will turn OFF.
oWait for the flashing lights to stop before pressing another function.
t
1
Channel
Display of the number of channels in the core.
2
Volume
Display of maximum volume per channel.
3
Tip Volume
Display of user defined tip volume per channel.
4
Remaining volume
Display of the current actual volume remaining in the tips per
channel.
5
Initialize
Moves plunger to the default position.
1
2
3
4
23
22
5
6
21
16
14
11
13
12
20
22
15
19
12

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6
Settings
New window tab. Change the values of Plunger
Calibration/Maximum Volume/Overshoot Volume/ Plunger
Pause Time/select Recorded Files (Record Action 1–5)/re-
establish Default settings/Change Plunger Block function.
7
Hood Open
Label indicates that the hood is open.
8
Clamp Open
Label indicates that the clamps for tips/head are open.
9
Stop
Stops Mix function.
10
Software Version
and Date
Current software version and the date modified.
11
Dispense
Tap to execute the dispense function.
12
Dispense Speed
Display of user selected (or default) dispense speed.
Assign/change the dispense speed value via touchscreen.
13
Dispense Volume
Display of user selected (or default) dispense volume.
Assign/change the dispense volume value via touchscreen.
14
Empty/Blowout
If the Remaining Volume is greater than zero, the empty
command is executed. If the Remaining Volume is zero, the
blowout command is executed.
15
Empty Speed
Display of user selected (or default) empty speed.
Assign/change the empty speed value via touchscreen.
16
Mix
Tap Mix button to execute the mix function.
17
Mix –Dispense Speed
Display of user selected (or default) mix dispense speed.
Assign/change the mix dispense speed value via touchscreen.
18
Mix –Aspirate Speed
Display of user selected (or default) mix aspirate speed.
Assign/change the mix aspirate speed value via touchscreen.
19
Mix Volume
Display of user selected (or default) mix volume.
Assign/change the mix volume value via touchscreen.
20
Mix Cycle
Display of user selected (or default) the number of mix cycles.
Assign/change the mix cycle value via touchscreen.
21
Aspirate
Tap Aspirate button to execute the aspirate function.
22
Aspirate Speed
Display of user selected (or default) aspirate speed.
Assign/change the aspirate speed value via touch screen.
23
Aspirate Volume
Display of user selected (or default) aspirate volume.
Assign/change the aspirate volume value via touch screen.
24
Profile (Defined Value)
Establish 14 user-defined profiles/pre-sets of functions.
25
To Assign Values
Tap once to enable loading of user defined parameters.
Assign values (via touchscreen) to Aspirate / Dispense / Mix
/Empty functions.
26
To Save Profiles
(Assigned Values)
Press and hold . . . wait for confirmation message “Profile
Saved.”

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4.3 Settings Screen
Default and user defined values. Tap/Hold to change values
Max Volume:
User defined maximum aspirate volume.
Overshoot:
Default overshoot value: 3μL; Maximum value is 48μL.
Plunger Pause:
Assign the plunger pause time (seconds) according to user requirements.
Plunger pause adjustment range: 1-5 seconds.
Liquid Class:
Compensate aliquot volume.
Change Core:
Moves plunger to a designated position for core exchange.
Self-Test:
Plunger motor tests the maximum moves up and down and at various
speeds.