tecan Te-VacS User manual

Operating Manual
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™)
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0

Title: Te-VacS Operating Manual Part number: 30010319.03
ID: 391236, en, V4.0 Translated
from:
n.a.
Version: Revision: Issue: Document History:
1 0 1999-01 New edition
1 1 1999-04 Various minor changes
1 2 1999-05 Various minor changes
1 3 1999-10 Various minor changes
2 0 2003-04-24 New design, enhanced options
3 0 2009-03-20 Changes: Updated software and hardware refer-
ences; added foamy solutions info; added spacer
guide; updated pictures; updated spare part list and
numbers; various minor changes
3 1 2010-09-23 Changes: Introducing markers for Te-VacS tubings;
various minor corrections
4 0 2017-08-30 Update: Te-VacS also an option for Fluent instru-
ment
© 2017, Tecan Trading AG, Switzerland, all rights reserved.
Information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 3 / 54
Table of Contents
1 About This Manual ..................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Scope of This Manual ...........................................................................................7
1.2 Manufacturer.........................................................................................................7
1.3 Intended Use ........................................................................................................7
1.4 Improper Use ........................................................................................................7
1.5 Warranty ...............................................................................................................8
1.6 Trademarks...........................................................................................................8
1.7 Reference Documents ..........................................................................................8
1.7.1 Instrument Manuals .................................................................................. 8
1.7.2 Application Software Manuals................................................................... 8
1.8 Compliance with Laws and Standards..................................................................8
1.9 Document Conventions ......................................................................................10
2 Safety......................................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Safety Message Conventions .............................................................................11
2.1.1 Signal Words........................................................................................... 11
2.1.2 Safety Symbols ....................................................................................... 11
2.2 General Safety Information.................................................................................12
2.3 Operating Company............................................................................................13
2.4 User Qualification ...............................................................................................13
2.4.1 Operator.................................................................................................. 13
2.4.2 Key Operator........................................................................................... 13
2.5 Decontamination Declaration..............................................................................14
3 Technical Data .......................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Type Plate...........................................................................................................15
3.2 Dimensions and Weights ....................................................................................16
3.3 Power Consumption ...........................................................................................17
3.4 Vacuum Conditions.............................................................................................17
3.5 Environmental Conditions...................................................................................17

Table of Contents
4 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0
3.6 Chemical Resistance ..........................................................................................18
3.6.1 Chemical Resistance to Liquids.............................................................. 18
3.6.2 Chemical Resistance to Vapors.............................................................. 19
3.6.3 Foam Formation...................................................................................... 19
3.7 Emissions ...........................................................................................................19
3.8 Software Requirements ......................................................................................19
4 Description of Function ........................................................................................... 20
4.1 Overview.............................................................................................................20
4.2 Te-VacS Tower...................................................................................................21
4.2.1 Control Unit ............................................................................................. 21
4.2.2 Vacuum Unit ........................................................................................... 21
4.2.3 Waste Bottle............................................................................................ 21
4.3 Base Plate Vacuum Block ..................................................................................22
4.4 Vacuum Block.....................................................................................................22
4.5 Spacers...............................................................................................................22
4.6 Optional Accessories ..........................................................................................22
4.7 Operating Elements and Displays ......................................................................22
4.8 Function ..............................................................................................................23
4.8.1 Basic Principle of an Extraction Process ................................................ 24
4.8.2 Pumping Procedures .............................................................................. 25
5 Operation................................................................................................................... 27
5.1 Process Validation ..............................................................................................27
5.2 Putting into Operation .........................................................................................27
5.2.1 Mounting the Base Plate Vacuum Block................................................. 27
5.2.2 Preparing the Waste Bottle ..................................................................... 28
5.2.3 Preparing the Tubing .............................................................................. 29
5.2.4 Connecting the Waste Bottle .................................................................. 30
5.2.5 Connecting an Additional Waste Bottle................................................... 31
5.2.6 Connecting the Base Plate ..................................................................... 32
5.2.7 Tubing Identification................................................................................ 33

Table of Contents
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 5 / 54
5.2.8 Mounting the Sound Absorber ................................................................ 34
5.2.9 Exchanging the Sheet Metal Frame of the Vacuum Block...................... 35
5.2.10 Using the Correct Spacer for a Given Application .................................. 36
5.3 Running a Method ..............................................................................................37
6 Preventive Maintenance and Repair ....................................................................... 38
6.1 Decontamination.................................................................................................38
6.2 Cleaning Agents .................................................................................................38
6.3 Maintenance Schedule .......................................................................................39
6.3.1 End of Day Maintenance Table............................................................... 39
6.3.2 Monthly Maintenance Table.................................................................... 40
6.4 Maintenance Tasks.............................................................................................41
6.4.1 Cleaning the Te-VacS............................................................................. 41
7 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 42
7.1 Troubleshooting Table ........................................................................................42
8 Packaging, Transport, Storage and Disposal ........................................................ 44
8.1 Packaging Labels ...............................................................................................44
8.2 Disposal ..............................................................................................................45
9 Spare Parts and Accessories .................................................................................. 46
9.1 Te-VacS Tower...................................................................................................46
9.2 Waste Bottle .......................................................................................................47
9.3 Tubing and Cables..............................................................................................47
9.4 Base Plate Vacuum Block ..................................................................................48
9.5 Spacers...............................................................................................................48
9.6 Vacuum Blocks ...................................................................................................49
9.7 Accessories ........................................................................................................50
10 Customer Support .................................................................................................... 51
10.1 Contacts..............................................................................................................51
Abbreviations............................................................................................................ 54

Table of Contents
6 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0

1 - About This Manual
Scope of This Manual
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 7 / 54
1 About This Manual
This Operating Manual describes the Te-VacS and provides all the information
required for operating it safely and for maintaining it in good working order. This
manual must be read carefully before performing any work on the Te-VacS and
before using it.
This chapter outlines the purpose of this manual and specifies the product referred
to. Furthermore, it explains the use of symbols and conventions as well as further
general information.
This Operating Manual contains no software description. For more information on
the software please consult the corresponding software manual. Refer to section
“Reference Documents” [ } 8].
1.1 Scope of This Manual
This manual is applies to the Te-VacS.
1.2 Manufacturer
Address of
Manufacturer Tecan Schweiz AG
Seestrasse 103
CH-8708 Männedorf
Switzerland
1.3 Intended Use
The Te-VacS is used for rapid separation or purification of biological molecules
(e.g., DNA or proteins).
The Te-VacS is an instrument component. The intended use is defined for the
instrument where it is used on. Refer to the corresponding Operating Manual of the
instrument. Refer to section “Reference Documents” [}8].
1.4 Improper Use
Improper use may prejudice the Te-VacS safety concept.
• The Te-VacS must not be used with options or components that are not
approved by Tecan.
• The Te-VacS is not explosion-proof and should not be installed in locations
where there is a hazard of explosion.
• The Te-VacS should not be used in the absence of functional safety devices.
Only liquids suitable for the Te-VacS, with respect to the chemical resistance of the
liquid system and explosion/fire hazard, may be used. Special applications
requiring the use of hazardous substances are run at the user’s own risk.

1 - About This Manual
Warranty
8 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0
1.5 Warranty
The Te-VacS must not be used with components that are not approved by Tecan.
The use of unapproved components may impair the safety concept of the Te-VacS.
The use of unapproved components would invalidate any warranty of safety and
compliance to national and international standards, as required for UL/CSA
certification, by EC directives, etc.
1.6 Trademarks
The product names, whether registered or unregistered trademarks, mentioned in
this manual are reproduced solely for identification purposes and remain the
exclusive property of their respective owners. For simplicity reasons, the trademark
symbols such as ® and ™ are not repeated in the manual.
1.7 Reference Documents
This section provides a list of the documents that are needed or may be useful
when using the Te-VacS.
The Doc IDs listed below are root numbers. Therefore, they do not contain
information about the language, document version, or the medium (data storage
medium, hard copy, downloadable file, etc.) of the document.
On the basis of your order configuration, the Operating Manuals for optional
equipment apply as well.
Check the scope of the corresponding document to ensure that you are in
possession of the correct version.
The Doc ID does not refer to ordering information. When placing orders, please
refer to the number on the binder, CD casing, etc.
1.7.1 Instrument Manuals
• Freedom EVO® Operating Manual (Doc ID 392886)
• Fluent® Operating Manual (Doc ID 396327)
• Fluent® Operating Manual (Doc ID 399706)
• Fluent® Reference Manual (Doc ID 398090)
• Fluent® Reference Manual (Doc ID 399937)
1.7.2 Application Software Manuals
• Freedom EVOware® Application Software Manual (Doc ID 393804)
• FluentControl™ Application Software Manual (Doc ID 396329)
• FluentControl™ Application Software Manual (Doc ID 399935)
1.8 Compliance with Laws and Standards
Covered by instrument conformity and certification.

1 - About This Manual
Compliance with Laws and Standards
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 9 / 54
Refer to the corresponding Operating Manual of the instrument. Refer to section
“Reference Documents” [}8].

1 - About This Manual
Document Conventions
10 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0
1.9 Document Conventions
Cross-
References
Cross-references appear as follows—e.g.:
Refer to section “Safety” [}11]
• “Safety” refers to the corresponding section header
• The page number is given in square brackets
Prerequisites Prerequisites appear as follows—e.g.:
P “General Safety Information” has been read.
Tips Additional tips appear as follows—e.g.:
For safety conventions and symbols refer to section “Safety” [ } 11].

2 - Safety
Safety Message Conventions
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 11 / 54
2 Safety
This chapter describes the safety concept of Te-VacS, provides general rules of
correct behavior, and warnings concerning hazards associated with the use of the
Te-VacS.
2.1 Safety Message Conventions
2.1.1 Signal Words
Signal Word Meaning
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates a situation that is not hazard-related but, if
not avoided, could result in damage to or malfunc-
tioning of the equipment, or incorrect process re-
sults.
Table1: Signal Words
2.1.2 Safety Symbols
General warning

2 - Safety
General Safety Information
12 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0
2.2 General Safety Information
WARNING
Te-VacS is designed and built in accordance with the present state-of-the-art tech-
nology and the recognized technical safety regulations. Nevertheless, risks to
users, property and the environment can arise if the Te-VacS is used without due
care and attention.
The safety of all users and personnel depends on the strict observation of these
safety instructions and awareness of the safety-related warnings provided in this
manual.
• Please pay great attention to the following general safety information.
• This manual must always be available to all persons performing the tasks de-
scribed herein.
• Legal regulations, such as local, state and federal laws concerning the use or
application, as well as the handling, of dangerous materials in connection with
the Te-VacS must be strictly followed.
• The operating company is responsible for defining instructions in accordance
with company procedures and local legal requirements. The instructions
provided by the operating company must be strictly observed.
• Observe the correct environmental conditions for storage and operation.
• Structural changes to the safety devices are forbidden.
• Damaged safety devices must be replaced immediately as described in this
manual.
• The Te-VacS must not be modified in any way without prior consultation and
written approval of Tecan. Authorized modifications to the system may only be
performed by an FSE certified for the repair and upgrading of the Te-VacS.
Tecan will reject any claim resulting from unauthorized modifications.
• Fire hazard caused by the improper use of the Te-VacS. The Te-VacS should
not be installed in locations where there is a hazard of explosion.
• Chemical, biological, and radioactive hazards can be associated with the
substances used or the samples and reagents processed with the Te-VacS
(e.g., during loading and unloading). The same applies to waste disposal.
– Always be aware of possible hazards associated with these substances.
– Use appropriate protective clothing, safety goggles and gloves.
– The handling of substances and the disposal of waste may be subject to lo-
cal, state, or federal law, or to regulations with regard to health, environment,
or safety. Strictly observe the corresponding provisions.
• Any contamination must be dealt with immediately as described in this manual.
• The user is responsible for ensuring that the Te-VacS is always operated under
proper conditions, and that maintenance, service, and repair tasks are
performed with care, on schedule, and only by authorized personnel.
• Risk of incorrect measuring results. After system care or maintenance has
been performed, operation must only be resumed after the correct system
operating conditions have been verified.
• Always use recommended consumables and original spare parts for
maintenance and repair to assure good system performance and reliability.

2 - Safety
Operating Company
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 13 / 54
• Observe all safety instructions of the instrument the Te-VacS is used on.
2.3 Operating Company
The operating company must ensure that the Te-VacS and in particular the safety
features, function properly and that all the personnel in contact with the instrument
are adequately trained.
Responsi-
bilities
• Method and process validation.
• Defining the processes in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensuring that installation and operational qualifications (IQ OQs) have been
completed.
• Ensuring that all personnel in contact with the Te-VacS are adequately trained.
• Ensuring the availability of appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
• Ensuring the maintenance and safe operation of the Te-VacS.
• Requiring adherence to laboratory safety regulations and directives.
2.4 User Qualification
The laboratory personnel must be fully qualified and trained to operate the
Te-VacS. The work described in this Operating Manual must only be performed by
authorized personnel with the qualifications prescribed below.
Laboratory personnel must:
• have suitable technical training,
• be familiar with the laboratory safety regulations and directives,
• be familiar with the instructions for the safety elements of the instrument,
• use protective clothing and equipment,
• be familiar with and adhere to good laboratory practices,
• and have read and understood the instructions in the Operating Manual.
Tecan recommends that the operator attends an operator training course. Please
ask the Tecan Customer Service about available courses. Refer to section
“Customer Support” [}51].
2.4.1 Operator
The operator (lab technician) works for the operating company.
Required Skills • No specific application or system knowledge
• Command of local languages
• Command of English is preferable
The operator has application software access rights allowing him to run methods
and perform system care.
2.4.2 Key Operator
The key operator (application specialist) supports the operating company or works
for the same company.
Required Skills • Extensive application knowledge

2 - Safety
Decontamination Declaration
14 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0
• Limited system knowledge
• Command of local languages
• Command of English
• In-depth knowledge of the corresponding software manual
Responsi-
bilities
• Instructing the operator
• Writing, running and validating methods
• Helping the operator to solve problems with the instrument
2.5 Decontamination Declaration
In addition to regular system care, and in accordance with standard laboratory
regulations, the Te-VacS and its parts and accessories must be thoroughly
decontaminated in the following circumstances:
• Before any maintenance or service work is performed on the Te-VacS and, in
particular, before an FSE intervention on the Te-VacS
• In the event of accidents (e.g., crash, spillage, etc.)
• Before returning the Te-VacS or its parts or accessories, to Tecan (e.g., for
repair)
• Prior to storage
• Prior to disposal
• In general, before moving the Te-VacS or its parts from its location
The owner of the instrument has full responsibility for the effective decontamination
of all the equipment.
Before any intervention on the Te-VacS by an FSE, and before returning the
Te-VacS or its parts or accessories to Tecan, the owner of the instrument must
complete and sign the Decontamination Declaration form, confirming that the
decontamination has been performed in accordance with good laboratory practice
guidelines. Contact your local service organization to obtain this form and refer to
section “Decontamination” [}38].
Tecan reserves the right to refuse to deal with any Te-VacS or its parts or
accessories that is not accompanied by the Decontamination Declaration form.

3 - Technical Data
Type Plate
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 15 / 54
3 Technical Data
3.1 Type Plate
Illustration1: Location of the type plate
The type plate is on the rear side of the Te-VacS and contains the following
information:
Identification data Model
REF: Ordering information (material number and revi-
sion level)
Date of manufacture (YYYYMMDD)
SN: Serial number
Technical data U, f: Supply voltage (Volts), frequency (Hertz)
P: Power consumption (W)
Address data Manufacturer’s name and address
Conformity data Conformity marking

3 - Technical Data
Dimensions and Weights
16 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0
3.2 Dimensions and Weights
Illustration2: Te-VacS components
ATe-VacS tower BWaste bottle
CBase plate vacuum block
Component Dimension
Length (l) x Width (w) x Height (h)
Te-VacS tower 300mm x 700mm x 340mm
(11.8in. x 27.6in. x 13.4in.)
Waste bottle 160mm x 160mm x 530mm
(6.3in. x 6.3in. x 20.9in.)
Base plate vacuum block 285mm x 155mm x 49mm
(11.2in. x 6.1in. x 1.9in.)
The base plate vacuum block extends over seven grid spaces (a) on the Freedom
EVO worktable as well as on the Fluent deck.
Component Weight
Te-VacS tower <13.0kg (<28.7lbs.)
Waste bottle 2.0kg (4.4lbs.)
Base plate vacuum block 3.3kg (7.3lbs.)

3 - Technical Data
Power Consumption
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 17 / 54
3.3 Power Consumption
Power consumption 48 W
Voltage 24 VDC
3.4 Vacuum Conditions
Max. effective flow rate 33l/min
Max. pressure difference 700mbar
3.5 Environmental Conditions
Te-VacS is intended for indoor operation and storage only. For detailed information
on operating conditions refer to the Operating Manual of the instrument the
Te-VacS is used with. Refer to section “Reference Documents” [ } 8].
Storage temperature 1–60°C (34–140°F)
Storage humidity 5–80% relative (non condensing) at
30°C (86°F) or below
Transport temperature -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F)
Transport humidity 20–80% relative (non condensing)

3 - Technical Data
Chemical Resistance
18 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0
3.6 Chemical Resistance
The following tables contain the chemical resistance of Te-VacS components to
some frequently used liquids and vapors.
The tables below have been compiled from producer information. They are not
comprehensive and are updated on the basis of new information available from the
producers. The information has been taken “as is” and has not been systematically
controlled nor retested by Tecan. Please be aware that chemical resistance varies
with temperature and solvent concentration.
3.6.1 Chemical Resistance to Liquids
(1) resistant, (2) resistant to a limited extend, (3) not resistant
Parts DMSO Acetonitrile Methanol Methylene Chloride Hexane, Chloroform DMF, Ethyl Acetate Ethanol, Isopropanol Sodium Hypochlorite, 10%
Pump head 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Pump di-
aphragm
11111111
Valve plate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sealing rings 2 1 1 1 1 3 1 1
Waste bottle 1 1 1 3 2 2 1 1
Tubing 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Screw cou-
plings Fast
Snap (PVDF)
32121311
Screw cou-
plings (PP)
11132212
Extraction
valve bodies
32121311
Extraction
valve sealings
11111111
Liquid level
float switch
11132212
Table2: Parts with contact to liquids

3 - Technical Data
Emissions
Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0 19 / 54
3.6.2 Chemical Resistance to Vapors
(1) resistant, (2) resistant to a limited extend, (3) not resistant
Parts DMSO Acetonitrile Methanol Methylene Chloride Hexane, Chloroform DMF, Ethyl Acetate Ethanol, Isopropanol Sodium Hypochlorite, 10%
Waste bottle
sealing
21133211
Vacuum con-
trol valve:
Sealing,
O‑rings
13121311
Pressure sen-
sor
33233312
Table3: Parts with contact to vapors
3.6.3 Foam Formation
Substances causing foam formation should be avoided. Please note that often
protein solutions can be a source of foam.
If foam formation cannot be avoided, it is recommended to install a second waste
bottle with sufficient tubing.
Refer to “Connecting an Additional Waste Bottle” [ } 31].
3.7 Emissions
Refer to the Operating Manual of the instrument. Refer to section “Reference
Documents” [}8].
3.8 Software Requirements
The Te-VacS may be operated by the following software packages:
• Freedom EVOware
• FluentControl
• Other Tecan software packages supporting Te-VacS
It is strongly recommended to use the latest software version. For further
information please consult the “Customer Support” [ } 51].

4 - Description of Function
Overview
20 / 54 Tecan Vacuum Separator (Te-VacS™) Operating Manual, 391236, en, V4.0
4 Description of Function
This chapter explains the basic principle of the Te-VacS, shows how it is structured
and gives a functional description of the assemblies.
4.1 Overview
The Te-VacS cannot be operated as a stand-alone system, but only as a device
integrated into a Tecan instrument.
The microplates, SPE cartridge blocks and the vacuum blocks are loaded and
unloaded by the instrument equipped with a gripping device.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Illustration3: Te-VacS components
ATe-VacS tower BControl unit
CVacuum unit DVacuum block
EBase plate vacuum block FWaste bottle
GSpacer