Thermo Scientific ALPS30 User manual

User Manual
Thermo Scientific™
ALPS30
Manual Heat Sealer
May 2015

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Copyright and Non-Disclosure
Thermo Fisher Scientific asserts ownership and copyright, under all applicable
law, over all designs, concepts, ideas, drawings, software, and any other intel-
lectual property described or referred to in this manual (except where specifically
identified otherwise). All or any part of this information may not be disclosed
under any circumstances to any other company or other party without the
express written consent of Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Table of Contents
Symbols Used in Manual 4
Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use 5
Regulatory Limitations of Use 9
Unit Description 11
Description 11
Intended Use 11
Components 12
Unit Installation 15
Unit Operation 18
Status Indicator LEDs 18
Performing a Sealing Operation 19
Maintenance and Servicing 21
Replacing the Unit Fuse 22
Over-Temperature Safety Cutout 22
Routine Cleaning and Inspection 23
Decontamination Procedure 24
Transportation and Storage 25
Product Disposal 25
Warranty and Returns 26
Technical Support 27
Technical Specications 28
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 30
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

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4 | ALPS30
Symbols Used in Manual
The following advisory symbols are used in this manual.
Table 1: Advisory Symbol Meanings
DANGER
Indicates a Risk of Electric Shock which could, if not avoided, result in
severe injury or death.
DANGER
Indicates a Burn Hazard which could, if not avoided, result in severe
injury or death.
DANGER
Indicates a Risk of Explosion which could, if not avoided, result in
severe injury or death.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which could, if not avoided, result in
severe injury or death or severely damage the unit.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which could, if not avoided, result in
minor or moderate injury or degrade or impair the functionality of the
unit.
CAUTION
Indicates a Risk of Crush hazard due to moving parts which could, if
not avoided, result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTE
Advisory note or other useful information.
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Thermo Scientific ALPS30 | 5
Safety Precautions and Limitations
of Use
It is essential that all users of this equipment fully read and understand the
following safety precautions and limitations of use before installing or operating
the ALPS30 Manual Heat Sealer.
IMPORTANT
WARNING
The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is not
used in a manner described in this manual.
WARNING
It is essential that the user of this equipment is aware of the potential
hazards associated with the unit and its accessories.
All operators should be familiar with the safety precautions and
warnings given in these instructions before attempting to operate the
unit.
Improper use of this unit or its accessories may impair their function-
ality and invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.
Unit Handling Precautions
CAUTION
Care should be taken not to drop the unit or subject it to rough
physical handling, both during normal use and during transportation
and storage.
WARNING
The unit should be held by the handle when being lifted or moved. Do
not lift the unit by any other part of the casework.
Care should be taken when lifting due to the unit’s weight.
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Unit Installation and Operating Environment
DANGER
WARNING
The ALPS30 unit is designed for indoor laboratory use only.
The acceptable operating temperature range is 65 to 85ºF (18 to
30ºC), with a relative humidity of 20 to 80% non-condensing, at a
maximum altitude of 7200 ft (2200 m) above sea level.
If the unit is stored in conditions outside of these ranges, it must
be left to stand unpowered until it has acclimatized to within these
environmental limits before being powered.
DANGER
Use only the AC mains power cord provided with the unit or as
specified in Technical Specifications
The unit must be connected to a suitably grounded mains power
supply, with appropriate ground-leakage and over-current protection.
WARNING
Always ensure that the mains power connector is securely inserted
into the rear of the unit and any excess power cord does not pose a
potential trip or pull hazard.
DANGER
Do not operate the unit in any area which is, has been, or is thought
to have been exposed to explosive or flammable gases, vapors, or
liquids.
WARNING
The unit must be installed and operated on a solid, stable, and level
working surface.
General Operating Precautions
DANGER
Ensure that the power is switched off at both the AC mains supply
outlet and at the back of the unit before inserting or removing the
mains power cord.
DANGER
The HEATER PLATE reaches a temperature of 340ºF (170ºC) and will
remain hot for a considerable time after being turned off.
Extreme care must be taken not to touch the HEATER PLATE as it will
cause a severe burn injury.
Chapter 2: Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use

Thermo Scientific ALPS30 | 7
General Operating Precautions
DANGER
The unit is intended for use with plates containing biological samples
only.
Never use the unit to seal any explosive, volatile, or highly reactive
substances or chemicals.
CAUTION
There is a possible finger crush hazard due to the moving parts of the
HANDLE and PLATE CARRIER.
Care should be taken when operating the HANDLE.
Unit Maintenance and Serviceability
DANGER
WARNING
There are no user or operator serviceable parts inside the unit.
Do not remove the unit casework.
Removal of the unit’s casework will void the manufacturer’s warranty
and may expose the user to a Risk of Electric Shock resulting in
serious injury or death.
DANGER
Once installed, the EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE UNIT FUSE will only
blow under a fault condition. This FUSE should only be changed after
the unit has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified technician. See
Replacing the Unit Fuse for details.
DANGER
Always switch off the unit and disconnect the power cord before
performing any cleaning or decontamination procedure.
If liquid is spilled into or over the unit, switch off the unit and discon-
nect the power from the AC mains outlet before attempting to deal
with the spillage.
CAUTION
Ensure that the HEATER PLATE has cooled down to room tempera-
ture before performing any cleaning operation and before moving or
storing the unit.
CAUTION
The use of harsh chemicals or cleaning agents may damage the unit
and degrade its performance.
Always follow the cleaning and decontamination procedures specified
in Routine Cleaning and Inspection and Decontamination Procedure
sections of this instruction manual.
Chapter 2: Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use

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Unit Maintenance and Serviceability
CAUTION
Do not autoclave any part of the unit or its accessories.
Chapter 2: Safety Precautions and Limitations of Use

Thermo Scientific ALPS30 | 9
Regulatory Limitations of Use
Declaration of Conformity
Thermo Fisher Scientific affirms that this product fulfills the essential
requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2006/95/EC and the
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, when installed and operated in accor-
dance with the instructions in this manual.
The ALPS30 unit has been type tested by Trac Global (UKAS approved
test facility and UK appointed Notified Body) against the EMC
Requirements listed below, and issued Certificate No 6660/10 and
6661/10.
Safety and EMC Requirements
SAFETY • EN 61010-1:2010, EN 61010-2-051:2003
• UL 61010-1:2001 2nd Edition (CAN C22.2 CSA 61010-1)
EMC • EN 61326:2006, Class B
• FCC CFR 47 Parts 15.107 and 15.109, Class B
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RoHS and WEEE Directive Compliance
WEEE
This product is compliant with the requirements of the RoHS2
Directive 2011/65/EU for Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Where applicable, the ALPS30 unit should be disposed of in accor-
dance with the European Union WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Do not dispose of this product into unsorted municipal waste or public
landfill. Please refer to Product Disposal section for details of how to
correctly dispose of this product.
The ALPS30 unit is designed and manufactured under ISO 9001 by:
Thermo Fisher Scientic
75 Panorama Creek Drive
Rochester, NY 14625
1-585-586-8800 (US Toll-free: 800-625-4327)
Chapter 3: Regulatory Limitations of Use

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Unit Description
Description
The Thermo Scientific™ ALPS30 Manual Heat Sealer is a hand-operated micro-
plate heat sealer that provides a safe and controlled method for sealing plastic
sample plates to protect the samples from evaporation and contamination during
storage.
Intended Use
The ALPS30 Manual Heat Sealer is intended to apply a consistent, secure, tight
seal around individual wells, eliminating sample loss through evaporation and
cross contamination between wells. The Heat Sealer is designed to provide sealing
consistency in low throughput labs. Heat sealing offers superior sample protection
of storage and reaction plates in applications including compound storage, sample
archiving, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
The ALPS30 Heat Sealer is compatible with virtually any height microplate or
block, including PCR plates, by using the three ADAPTER BLOCKS included with
the unit (see Table 3: Plate and Adapter Block Types). Choose from a wide range
of heat seals — including pierceable, optically clear, and permanent — for any
application (see Table 4: Recommended Film and Foil Types).
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Components
The ALPS30 Manual Heat Sealer has the following external features:
Table 2: Unit Features
1
Seal Activation Handle
2
Status Indicator LEDs See Status Indicator LEDs
3
Heater Plate (Internal)
4
Adapter Plate Carrier
5
Power Inlet, On/Off Switch, and Fuse Holder See Unit Installation
6
Mains Voltage Selector See Unit Installation
7
Product Information Label
Chapter 4: Unit Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Figure 1: Unit Components
and Features

Thermo Scientific ALPS30 | 13
The ALPS30 Manual Heat Sealer comes with three ADAPTER BLOCKS to accom-
modate a range of sample plates and consumables. The ADAPTER BLOCK types
and suitable plate types are listed in Table 3: Plate and Adapter Block Types.
Table 3: Plate and Adapter Block Types
Adapter Blocks Suitable Plate Types
96-Well Microtiter Plate
384-Well Microtiter Plate
96-Well Skirted PCR Plate
96-Well Semi-skirted PCR Plate
96-Well Unskirted PCR Plate
Deepwell Plates
Plate Material Types Polypropylene, Polyethylene, or Polystyrene
Other specialist ADAPTER BLOCKS may be available on request. Please contact
your distributor for details.
A comprehensive range of Thermo Scientific clear films and foils are available.
Please contact your distributor for details.
Chapter 4: Unit Description

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Table 4: Recommended Film and Foil Types
Description
Compatible
Plate
Material
Sealing
Conditions
Seal
Integrity
Range
Applications
Films
Clear Seal PP, PS, PE
1.5 to 2.5
seconds
at 165 to
170°C
-200 to
90°C
and up
to 120°C
with cycler
pressure
Suitable for fluorescence and
colorimetric applications;
suitable for PCR applications
with screw-down or clip-down
heated lid thermal cyclers only
Clear Seal
Diamond
PP, PS, PE,
COC
1.5 to 3.0
seconds at
170°C
-80 to
120°C
Ideal for fluorescence and
colorimetric applications;
suitable for PCR applications
with screw-down or clip-down
heated lid thermal cyclers only
Clear Seal
Strong PP
1.5 to 2.0
seconds at
170°C
-80 to
120°C
Clear for sample inspection;
due to strong, unpeelable seal
properties, it is suitable for stor-
age and disposal of hazardous
material; also suitable for PCR
applications
Foils
Thermo-Seal PP
1.5 to 2.5
seconds at
165 to
170°C
-80 to
120°C
Long term storage including
storage at low temperatures;
transportation and high
temperature applications such
as PCR, including use in water
bath thermal cyclers
Easy Pierce PP, PE
0.5 to 3.0
seconds
at 165 to
175°C
-80 to
80°C
and up to
120°C with
cycler lid
pressure
Formats where piercing is a
useful method for sample re-
trieval; second seal can be ap-
plied over existing seal; suitable
for PCR with screw-down lid
Easy Pierce
20 μm PP, PE
0.5 to 2.0
seconds
at 165 to
175°C
-80 to
80°C
and up to
120°C with
cycler lid
pressure
Well suited for 384-well
formats where piercing is a
useful method for sample
retrieval; suitable for PCR with
screw-down lid
Easy Peel PP, PE, COC
1.5 to 2.5
seconds
at 165 to
170°C
-200 to
90°C and
up to
120°C
with cycler
pressure
Ideal for long term storage at
low temperatures; seal can be
applied, removed and a new
seal applied several times; suit-
able for PCR with screw-down
heated lid thermal cyclers only
Chapter 4: Unit Description

Thermo Scientific ALPS30 | 15
Unit Installation
Before installing the ALPS30 unit, verify that the delivery is complete and that the
unit and any accessory parts are intact and free from any signs of transportation
damage. Ensure that all external and internal packaging has been removed from
the unit before installation.
NOTE
Please retain all packaging for future transportation and storage of the
unit and its accessories.
The ALPS30 unit should be installed in a location which meets the following
requirements:
• Safe and suitable operating environment (see Safety Precautions and
Limitations of Use)
• Solid, stable, and level working surface
• At least 4 in. (10 cm) clearance around the unit to adjacent objects and
walls
• Grounded AC mains power connection (see Technical Specifications)
WARNING
Please observe and abide by the Unit Installation and Operating
Environment safety precautions and preconditions listed in Safety
Precautions and Limitations of Use section.
It is important to check that the MAINS VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH on the rear
of the unit is set to the correct position for the desired operating voltage, and that
the correct fuse type is fitted in the FUSE HOLDER (see Table 5: Mains Voltage
Selection).
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Table 5: Mains Voltage Selection
Operating Voltage 110 to 120 V AC 220 to 230 V AC
Voltage Selection
See Components for
switch location (
6
)
on unit rear panel.
115 230
Fuse Rating 3.15 AH 1.6 AH
WARNING
Ensure that the correct fuse type is fitted in the MAINS INLET FUSE
HOLDER for the desired voltage selector switch value. See Table 5:
Mains Voltage Selection for details.
Verify or check the fuse using the following procedure:
Install and test the ALPS30 unit using the following procedure:
1. Place the unit on the suitably selected working surface (as specified above).
2. Connect the unit to the AC mains power outlet using the mains power cord
supplied or as specified in Technical Specifications.
3. Switch the mains power on at the supply outlet first, and then switch the
unit on using the POWER SWITCH located at the rear of the unit. (See
Components for POWER SWITCH location.)
4. Verify the unit is stable and safe by performing a trial sealing operation, as
described in Performing a Sealing Operation.
1. Remove the AC plug from the
POWER INLET MODULE.
2. Use a small, flat-bladed screw-
driver to push the two securing
tabs inwards (highlighted in red)
and pull out the FUSE HOLDER.
3. Fit the correct fuse in the lower
position only.
4. Push the FUSE HOLDER back into
the POWER INLET MODULE.
Chapter 5: Unit Installation

Thermo Scientific ALPS30 | 17
DANGER
If the unit has been stored in a cool environment, it must be left to
stand unplugged until it has acclimatized to the new room temperature
before connecting to power.
Chapter 5: Unit Installation

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18 | ALPS30
Unit Operation
WARNING
Please ensure that you have read and fully understand all of the Safety
Precautions and Limitations of Use before attempting to operate the
ALPS30 unit.
Status Indicator LEDs
The ALPS30 unit operates at a fixed sealing temperature and requires no user
set-up or controls. There are two status indicator LEDs on the front of the unit with
the functions listed in Table 6: Status Indicator LEDs.
Table 6: Status Indicator LEDs
Amber HEATER Indicator:
On – HEATER PLATE is warming up
Off – HEATER PLATE is cooling down
Flashing – HEATER PLATE at 340ºF ±5ºF (170ºC ±2ºC)
Green POWER Indicator:
On – Unit switched on
Off – Unit switched off (or no power)
When the unit is switched on, the green POWER LED will illuminate and the unit
will automatically start heating to 340ºF (170ºC). This is indicated by the amber
HEATER LED being on.
Once the HEATER PLATE has reached the correct temperature to perform sealing
(within 5ºF of the 340ºF set point) the HEATER LED will start flashing, indicating
that the ALPS30 unit is ready for use.
6

Thermo Scientific ALPS30 | 19
NOTE
If a fault condition occurs, the HEATER LED may illuminate but the
HEATER PLATE will remain cold. See Over-Temperature Safety Cutout
for details.
Performing a Sealing Operation
Various types of plastic sample plates may be loaded onto a PLATE CARRIER and
heat sealed using a suitable foil or clear film. See Table 4: Recommended Film and
Foil Types for details.
A typical operating sequence is:
1. Switch the ALPS30 sealer on at the rear of
the unit and allow sufficient time for it to
reach temperature (the HEATER LED will
start flashing).
2. Using a suitable ADAPTER BLOCK (listed
inTable 3: Plate and Adapter Block Types),
load the sample plate onto the PLATE
CARRIER and add the sealing film on top,
right side up.
DANGER
Care should be taken not to touch the
surface of the HEATER PLATE while loading
the sample plate.
3. Grasp the HANDLE with one or two hands as
needed, and pull the HANDLE forward and
down until the HEATER PLATE contacts the
sample plate.
CAUTION
Do not apply more force to the handle than
is necessary to keep the heater in contact
with the sample.
Chapter 6: Unit Operation

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20 | ALPS30
4. When the required amount of time has
passed, return the HANDLE to its upmost
position*.
CAUTION
Leaving the HANDLE down for too long
could damage the sample plate and
degrade the seal quality.
5. Using appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE), remove the sealed plate
from the unit and review the seal integrity.
WARNING
The sample plate and film/foil may remain
hot for several seconds after being
removed from the unit.
*The time taken to successfully seal a sample plate
may vary with both plate and film/foil types. For
optimum seal integrity, the sealing time may need
to be adjusted empirically to achieve the desired
seal quality.
Chapter 6: Unit Operation