Waters Otto SPEcialist PPM Operating manual

Otto SPEcialist
Positive Pressure Manifold
Overview and Maintenance Guide
715006867
Version 01
Copyright © Waters Corporation 2021
All rights reserved

General information
Copyright notice
© 2020 – 2021 WATERS CORPORATION. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AND IN IRELAND. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS DOCUMENT OR PARTS THEREOF MAY
NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE
PUBLISHER.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed
as a commitment by Waters Corporation. Waters Corporation assumes no responsibility for any
errors that may appear in this document. This document is believed to be complete and accurate
at the time of publication. In no event shall Waters Corporation be liable for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with, or arising from, its use. For the most recent revision
of this document, consult the Waters website (www.waters.com).
Trademarks
Microsoft® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the US and/or other countries.
Microsoft Surface™ is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the US and/or other countries.
Otto™ is a trademark of Waters Corporation.
THE SCIENCE OF WHAT'S POSSIBLE™ is a trademark of Waters Corporation.
Waters™ is a trademark of Waters Corporation.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Customer comments
Waters’ Customer Experience and Knowledge Management organization invites you to report
any errors that you encounter in this document or to suggest ideas for otherwise improving it.
Help us better understand what you expect from our documentation so that we can continuously
improve its accuracy and usability.
We seriously consider every customer comment we receive. You can reach us at
[email protected].
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page ii

Contacting Waters
Contact Waters with enhancement requests or technical questions regarding the use,
transportation, removal, or disposal of any Waters product. You can reach us via the Internet,
telephone, fax, or conventional mail.
Contact method Information
www.waters.com The Waters website includes contact
information for Waters locations worldwide.
iRequest Request technical support for your Waters
instruments and software. iRequest is a free
and secure Web service that allows you to
obtain quick answers from our online
Knowledge Base, request support and service
for Waters instruments and software, or
schedule a planned service activity
Telephone and fax From the USA or Canada, phone
800-252-4752 or fax [phone].
For other locations worldwide, phone and fax
numbers appear in the Waters Local Offices
information.
Conventional mail Waters Corporation
Global Support Services
34 Maple Street
Milford, MA 01757
USA
Safety considerations
Some reagents and samples used with Waters instruments and devices can pose chemical,
biological, or radiological hazards (or any combination thereof). You must know the potentially
hazardous effects of all substances you work with. Always follow Good Laboratory Practice
(GLP), and consult your organization’s standard operating procedures as well as your local
requirements for safety.
Safety hazard symbol notice
The symbol indicates a potential hazard. Consult the documentation for important
information about the hazard and the appropriate measures to prevent and control the hazard.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page iii

Specific considerations to the Otto SPEcialist Positive Pressure
Manifold
Warning: To avoid skeletal or muscle injury associated with lifting heavy objects,
enlist the appropriate number of people to lift an instrument or device. If necessary, use
lifting equipment that can raise it to the height of the laboratory bench.
Warning: To avoid or minimize exposure to harmful solvent vapors, locate the device inside a
fume hood, walk-in chamber, or other method to provide adequate ventilation.
Warning: To avoid injury, do not stack this system module or stand-alone device. Use
it only on a level bench-top surface.
Warning: To avoid electric shock, observe these precautions:
• The power cord functions as the safety disconnect device. Position the equipment
so that you can reach the power cord easily.
• Use SVT-type power cords in the United States and HAR-type power cords, or
better, in Europe. For requirements elsewhere, contact your local Waters distributor.
• Do not replace power cords with inadequately rated power cords.
• Inspect the power cords for damage and replace them if necessary.
• Connect each module of a system to a common ground.
• Power-off and unplug a system module or stand-alone device before performing
any maintenance operation on it.
Warning: To avoid coming in contact with waste liquid, damage to equipment, or both,
ensure proper positioning of waste drain tubing to prevent waste puddles from forming
on external surfaces.
Warning: To avoid severe injury, damage to equipment, or both, do not insert fingers,
hands, or other objects under the Otto SPEcialist's manifold during movement.
Warning: To avoid spreading contamination with biologically hazardous, toxic, and corrosive
materials, dispose of all waste materials according to local environmental regulations.
Warning: To avoid electric shock, do not remove protective panels from the device.
The components within are not user-serviceable.
FCC radiation emissions notice
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance, could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page iv

interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Electrical power safety notice
Do not position the device so that it is difficult to disconnect the power cord.
Equipment misuse notice
If equipment is used in a manner not specified by its manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
Safety advisories
Consult the "Safety advisories" appendix in this publication for a comprehensive list of warning
advisories and notices.
Operating the device
When operating the device, follow standard quality-control (QC) procedures and the guidelines
presented in this section.
Applicable symbols
The following symbols can be present on the device, system, or packaging.
Symbol Definition
Manufacturer
Date of manufacture
Authorized representative of the European
Community
Confirms that a manufactured product complies
with all applicable European Community
directives
Australia EMC compliant
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page v

Symbol Definition
Confirms that a manufactured product complies
with all applicable United States and Canadian
safety requirements
Environmentally friendly use period (China
RoHS): indicates the number of years from the
date of manufacture until the product, or
components within the product, are likely to be
discarded or degrade into the environment
Consult instructions for use
Alternating current
Electrical and electronic equipment with this
symbol may contain hazardous substances and
should not be disposed of as general waste
For compliance with the Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE)
2012/19/EU, contact Waters Corporation for the
correct disposal and recycling instructions
For indoor use only
No pushing
10kg
max
Indicates the maximum load you can place on
that item (for example, 10kg)
Serial number
REF
Part number, catalog number
For in vitro diagnostic use
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page vi

Audience and purpose
This guide is intended for individuals who install, operate, or maintain the Otto SPEcialist Positive
Pressure Manifold (PPM). It gives an overview of the technology and operation of this device.
Intended use of the Otto SPEcialist Positive Pressure Manifold
Waters designed the Otto SPEcialist PPM for use in solid-phase extraction (SPE) applications.
This device is not intended for use in diagnostic applications.
Calibrating
As a calibrating measure for this device, run the performance test detailed in the Otto SPEcialist
Positive Pressure Manifold Installation Guide (715007019).
Quality control
Routinely run three QC samples that represent subnormal, normal, and above-normal levels of a
compound. If sample trays are the same or very similar, vary the location of the QC samples in
the trays. Ensure that QC sample results fall within an acceptable range, and evaluate precision
from day to day and run to run. Data collected when QC samples are out of range might not be
valid. Do not report these data until you are certain that the instrument performs satisfactorily.
EMC considerations
ISM classification: ISM group 1 class A
This classification was assigned in accordance with CISPR 11 Industrial Scientific and Medical
(ISM) instruments requirements.
Group 1 products apply to intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled radio-
frequency energy that is necessary for the internal functioning of the equipment.
Class A products are suitable for use in all establishments other than residential locations and
those directly connected to a low-voltage power supply network supplying a building for domestic
purposes.
There may be potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in other environments
due to conducted and radiated disturbances.
This equipment complies with the emission and immunity requirements described in the relevant
parts of IEC/EN 61326: Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use —
EMC requirements.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page vii

Canada spectrum management emissions notice
This class A digital product apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-001.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page viii

Table of contents
General information........................................................................................................ii
Copyright notice......................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks.............................................................................................................................................ii
Customer comments...............................................................................................................................ii
Contacting Waters..................................................................................................................................iii
Safety considerations.............................................................................................................................iii
Safety hazard symbol notice........................................................................................................... iii
Specific considerations to the Otto SPEcialist Positive Pressure Manifold.....................................iv
FCC radiation emissions notice.......................................................................................................iv
Electrical power safety notice...........................................................................................................v
Equipment misuse notice.................................................................................................................v
Safety advisories..............................................................................................................................v
Operating the device.............................................................................................................................. v
Applicable symbols.......................................................................................................................... v
Audience and purpose....................................................................................................................vii
Intended use of the Otto SPEcialist Positive Pressure Manifold.................................................... vii
Calibrating...................................................................................................................................... vii
Quality control.................................................................................................................................vii
EMC considerations..............................................................................................................................vii
ISM classification: ISM group 1 class A..........................................................................................vii
Canada spectrum management emissions notice.........................................................................viii
1 Overview.....................................................................................................................12
1.1 Features......................................................................................................................................... 12
2 Preparation and setup...............................................................................................13
2.1 Safety advisories............................................................................................................................ 13
2.2 Installing the device........................................................................................................................14
2.3 Operating conditions...................................................................................................................... 15
3 Operation....................................................................................................................16
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page ix

3.1 96-port pressure manifold.............................................................................................................. 16
3.2 Manifold elevator mechanism.........................................................................................................16
3.3 Plate slider......................................................................................................................................17
3.4 Safety features............................................................................................................................... 17
3.4.1 Active safety shield............................................................................................................... 18
3.4.2 Manifold processing height................................................................................................... 18
3.4.3 Virtual safety bars................................................................................................................. 19
3.4.4 Full Open Manifold touchscreen functionality....................................................................... 19
3.4.5 Plate slider emergency stop..................................................................................................19
4 User interface and control........................................................................................ 20
4.1 Device startup................................................................................................................................ 20
4.2 Device functions............................................................................................................................. 21
4.3 Control screens.............................................................................................................................. 22
4.3.1 Main screen.......................................................................................................................... 22
4.3.2 Load/Run Method screen......................................................................................................23
4.3.3 Create Method and Edit Method screens............................................................................. 24
4.3.4 Pressure Profiles and New/Edit Profile screens................................................................... 26
4.3.5 System settings dialog box................................................................................................... 31
5 Building an SPE method........................................................................................... 33
5.1 Typical components of an SPE workflow....................................................................................... 33
5.2 Developing an SPE method........................................................................................................... 34
5.2.1 Creating a pressure profile....................................................................................................34
5.2.2 Executing the pressure profile.............................................................................................. 35
5.3 Building an SPE method................................................................................................................ 35
6 Care and maintenance.............................................................................................. 37
A Safety advisories.......................................................................................................38
A.1 Warning symbols............................................................................................................................38
A.1.1 Specific warnings..................................................................................................................39
A.2 Notices...........................................................................................................................................40
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page x

A.3 Bottles Prohibited symbol.............................................................................................................. 41
A.4 Required protection........................................................................................................................41
A.5 Warnings that apply to all Waters instruments and devices...........................................................41
A.6 Warnings that address the replacement of fuses...........................................................................45
A.7 Electrical symbols.......................................................................................................................... 47
A.8 Handling symbols...........................................................................................................................48
B Specifications............................................................................................................49
B.1 Physical specifications................................................................................................................... 49
B.2 Electrical specifications..................................................................................................................49
B.3 Environmental and performance specifications............................................................................. 50
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page xi

1 Overview
1.1 Features
The Waters Otto SPEcialist Positive Pressure Manifold (PPM) offers advanced positive-pressure
processing of 96-well solid phase extraction (SPE) plates and individual SPE columns in a small
footprint that conserves bench space and fits easily into suitably sized hoods.
Features of the Otto SPEcialist include:
• The innovation and precision ideal for processing 96-well SPE plates and individual SPE
columns up to 6 mL in size.
• The capability to accommodate most commercial supported liquid extraction (SLE) columns
and plates.
• The ability to accommodate both plates and individual columns – only one platform is
required to process either.
• Precision pressure/flow control to accommodate SPE processing needs from very low flow
rates to high flows for sorbent bed drying.
• Pressure programmability – allows for the creation of optimized flow rates across method
steps, as well as within individual steps.
• Virtually unlimited method storage – you can create, store, and retrieve multi-step,
application-specific protocols for sample processing.
• Proprietary Otto-trademarked controllability with automated flow rates, versus flow controllers
and manual regulators – ensures reproducible SPE extractions among multiple users of any
skill level.
• Automatic adjustment of the pressure manifold to the height of the SPE consumables used –
ensures maximum safety and minimum processing time.
• Stepper motor-driven manifold – quieter and more precise than pneumatic cylinder-driven
manifolds.
• Touchscreen controls with Microsoft Windows 10 or above OS – provides a user-friendly
interface that is quick to learn.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 12

2 Preparation and setup
2.1 Safety advisories
The Otto SPEcialist PPM is designed and engineered to meet or exceed all safety standards.
Careless or abusive handling of this device, however, may still lead to possible hazardous
situations.
Exercise caution and comply with the following guidelines:
Warning: To avoid or minimize exposure to harmful solvent vapors, locate the device inside a
fume hood, walk-in chamber, or other method to provide adequate ventilation.
Warning: To avoid injury, do not stack this system module or stand-alone device. Use
it only on a level bench-top surface.
Warning: To avoid electric shock, use SVT-type power cords in the United States and
HAR-type (or better) cords in Europe. The power cords must be replaced only with
ones of adequate rating. For information regarding which cord to use in other countries,
contact your local Waters distributor.
Warning: To avoid coming in contact with waste liquid, damage to equipment, or both,
ensure proper positioning of waste drain tubing to prevent waste puddles from forming
on external surfaces.
Warning: To avoid exposure to corrosive or radioactive substances, always wear appropriate
personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection and clean, chemical-resistant,
powder-free gloves.
Warning: To avoid severe injury, damage to equipment, or both, do not insert fingers,
hands, or other objects under the Otto SPEcialist's manifold during movement.
Warning: To avoid spreading contamination with biologically hazardous, toxic, and corrosive
materials, dispose of all waste materials according to local environmental regulations.
Warning: To avoid electric shock, do not remove protective panels from the device.
The components within are not user-serviceable.
• Only operate the device in an indoor environment. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and
excessive humidity. Do not operate the device with wet hands.
• The pressure manifold exerts considerable force when closed against the SPE consumables
being processed. Although the device has multiple safety features to prevent personal injury,
use caution during operation.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 13

• Do not place objects under the manifold during operation, except for approved SPE plates,
SPE columns, collection tubes, waste reservoirs, and holding racks.
• You can process most commercial SPE consumables within the size range accommodated by
the Otto SPEcialist, as described above, within the device. Before lowering the manifold or
activating air flow, ensure that all SPE plates and collection plates (or SPE tube racks and
collection racks) are properly seated in the lower inset and nested properly to each other.
• The instrument can accommodate consumable stacks, an SPE plate atop a collection plate,
or an SPE column rack atop a collection tube rack, ranging in height from 3.3 inches
(approximately 84 mm) to 6.8 inches (approximately 173 mm). You can accommodate
consumable stacks lower than 3.3 inches by adding a spacer under the consumable stack to
raise it to a height within the standard processing range of 3.3 to 6.8 inches. Contact Waters
for further information (see section Contacting Waters (Page iii)).
• Always connect the device to a power outlet with a ground connection.
• There are no user-serviceable parts inside the device, so you should not open it. If you
experience issues, contact Waters (see section Contacting Waters (Page iii)).
For full instructions regarding the handling of germs or biological material of Risk Group 2 or
higher, refer to the current edition of the Laboratory Biosafety Manual, published by the World
Health Organization.
2.2 Installing the device
Warning: Do not plug in a system module or stand-alone device if it has any visible
signs of damage. Contact Waters immediately.
After unpacking the Otto SPEcialist PPM, inspect it for any visible damage that may have
occurred during shipping, such as scratches or dents.
After confirming that there are no visible signs of damage, you can begin the installation process.
Required materials
1/4-inch FEP 6x4 tubing (available to order, PN 6060754-S5a)
To install the Otto SPEcialist:
1. Place the device on a sturdy and level surface.
2. Verify that the ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position.
3. Using the power cord provided, connect the device's entry connector, and then connect the
opposite end to a power outlet with a ground connection.
4. Connect a 1/4-inch FEP tubing line to the right-side port of the device near the back.
Requirements:
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 14

• This line must supply a minimum of 60 psi of a clean supply gas (either zero air or pure
nitrogen).
• All supply lines and the supply gas itself must be free of contaminants.
Notice: To avoid damaging the device's internal components, do not allow gas
supply line pressure to exceed 120 psi.
Result: The device is ready to be powered-on by pressing the ON/OFF switch to the ON
position.
Notes:
• Use appropriate caution when operating the device.
• The supply gas passes through the SPE or SLE extraction consumables being
processed and, if the gas is impure or contains contaminants, the active chemistry in
the extraction consumable may trap, adsorb, and concentrate these contaminants,
leading to impure sample extracts.
5. Ensure that the power cable for the control tablet is connected to the tablet.
Note: The power cable uses a magnetic connection. Ensure that it is fully seated onto the
tablet.
6. To ensure proper communication, connect the USB cable to the tablet's USB port prior to
powering-on the Otto.
Important: The USB cable provides the Comm Port communication connection from the
Otto to the tablet. This connection is required to run the Otto software.
7. Ensure that the tablet and stylus are secured properly in the front panel's holder.
2.3 Operating conditions
The Otto SPEcialist PPM is designed to perform optimally and safely under normal laboratory
settings.
Operate this device under the conditions outlined in section Environmental and performance
specifications (Page 50), on a sturdy/level surface in an area where you will not need to move or
relocate it frequently.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 15

3 Operation
The Otto SPEcialist PPM is an innovative positive-pressure processor, offering maximum
precision and flexibility for processing SPE plates and cartridges. A wide processing-pressure
range gives ultra-fine flow control at the lower end and rapid, effective sorbent bed drying at the
upper end.
You control the device via a user-friendly touchscreen tablet (Microsoft Surface Pro) interface,
running on the Windows 10 or above OS with Otto software.
The Otto SPEcialist owes its superior performance to many fit-for-purpose features, optimized for
the laboratory processing of SPE consumables.
Individual feature elements within the device are described in detail in the following subsections.
3.1 96-port pressure manifold
The pressure manifold is responsible for delivering the system gas flow, at a selected pressure,
to the individual columns or wells in a plate being processed, as a motive force to push protocol
liquids through the columns/wells. This same gas flow may be delivered at very high flow rates
(liters/minute) to affect drying of the sorbent beds within the extraction consumables when such
drying is required (for example, between steps using immiscible solvents).
The manifold incorporates sophisticated flow-restriction technology within each individual port.
This feature prevents loss of pressure on columns with liquid remaining, as liquid from other
columns is fully evacuated. The benefit of this approach is that each sample column/well is
processed with uniform pressure, resulting in the most reproducible results column-to-column
(well-to-well).
An internal electronic flow/pressure controller provides the desired processing gas pressure to
the manifold and is controlled via the system software. This controller can deliver low pressures
for rapidly-flowing columns/wells, as well as higher pressures for flow-resistant columns/wells or
viscous, difficult-to-process samples. You may also select very high pressures when you want to
dry the consumables.
3.2 Manifold elevator mechanism
Warning: To avoid severe injury, damage to equipment, or both, do not insert fingers,
hands, or other objects under the Otto SPEcialist's manifold during movement.
Notice: The elevator mechanism in the Otto SPEcialist PPM is capable of exerting
considerable force when pressing the manifold onto the consumables below.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 16

To apply pressure to the columns/wells to be processed, you must first lower the pressure
manifold onto the top of the consumables. Applying additional force to the manifold creates a
gas-tight pressure seal, pushing the gasket on the lower manifold surface onto the consumables
to be processed. After a processing step completes, you can then raise the manifold to access
the rack of columns or plates and add the next liquid in the extraction protocol. An internal
stepper motor-driven manifold elevator mechanism raises and lowers the manifold.
The manifold height is self-adjusting to accommodate SPE columns and collection racks of
varying heights. On the first processing of a new consumable stack underneath the manifold, the
manifold lowers until it detects the height of the new stack. After this first processing step
completes, the manifold retracts (raises) upward only a short distance above the consumable
stack. This distance is high enough to allow you to slide the plate or column rack out of the
processing area, but only minimally higher than the top of the consumable stack. This system
feature is for safety and is fully addressed in the section Safety features (Page 17).
3.3 Plate slider
The plate slider is a simple tray mechanism that allows you to easily move the extraction
consumables underneath and back out from beneath the pressure manifold. Typically, you load
the consumables onto the slider while in its forward position, and then slide the consumable stack
to the rear position (underneath the manifold) for processing.
Confirmation that the slider is fully rearward, in the correct position to align columns/wells with the
ports on the manifold, is provided via a magnetic micro-switch located inside the unit at the rear
of the plate slider. This micro-switch senses if the slider is not fully rearward and the manifold
does not lower until you correct this condition.
Notice: The plate slider in the Otto SPEcialist PPM has a recess in the base to aid in
locating the consumable stack correctly in the slider tray. Ensure that any consumable
stack in use is properly positioned within this recess or damage to the consumables
may result from the pressure manifold.
Requirement: Use only consumables that fit properly into the recess in the slider tray, such as
standard commercial ANSI-profile plates and Waters racks. If a consumable does not fit into the
tray recess, Waters may be able to supply you with a custom slider tray for your particular
consumables (see section Contacting Waters (Page iii)).
3.4 Safety features
Warning: Observe Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) at all times, particularly when
working with hazardous materials. Consult the Safety Data Sheets regarding the
solvents you use. Additionally, consult the safety representative for your organization
regarding its protocols for handling such materials.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 17

Warning: To avoid severe injury, damage to equipment, or both, do not insert fingers,
hands, or other objects under the Otto SPEcialist's manifold during movement.
Notice: The elevator mechanism in the Otto SPEcialist PPM is capable of exerting
considerable force when pressing the manifold onto the consumables below.
Positive pressure processing of SPE consumables using a system gas requires gas-tight sealing
of a manifold over the column/plate consumables to be processed.
This requirement necessitates a mechanism exerting substantial pressure to create the
necessary seal. Such a mechanism presents inherent physical danger due to the forces involved.
To reduce the risk of operator injury, damage to equipment, or both, the Otto SPEcialist
incorporates multiple safety features into its design.
3.4.1 Active safety shield
An active safety shield surrounds the pressure manifold and projects below its sealing surface. If
the manifold encounters an obstruction in the process of lowering onto a consumable stack, the
slightest pressure upward against the projecting shield causes an immediate upward retraction of
the manifold.
3.4.2 Manifold processing height
Warning: To avoid severe injury, damage to equipment, or both, do not insert fingers,
hands, or other objects under the Otto SPEcialist's manifold during movement.
Notice: The elevator mechanism in the Otto SPEcialist PPM is capable of exerting
considerable force when pressing the manifold onto the consumables below.
During normal usage, the pressure manifold is in one of three vertical positions:
• Fully Open – Retracted upward as far as possible into the head of the Otto SPEcialist.
• Fully Closed – Downward as far as possible, sealed tightly against the consumables
underneath.
• Current Consumable Height – Gasket sealing surface of the pressure manifold is
approximately one inch above the top of the consumable stack. The Current Consumable
Height is a position determined and automatically adjusted by the manifold’s operation.
During the first sealing step, the manifold senses the actual sealing height of the consumable
stack residing underneath by sensing resistance to further downward motion, and assigns this
height as the Fully Closed position. Current Consumable Height is then established by the
instrument as approximately one inch above the Fully Closed position. The manifold only
retracts to the Current Consumable Height between processing steps, unless you explicitly
command the unit to retract the manifold to the Fully Open position. Current Consumable
Height is sufficiently high enough above the consumables to allow you to move the plate
slider in and out, but low enough to make it difficult to insert fingers, hands, or other objects
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 18

between the safety shield and the top of the consumables. This safety feature helps prevent
accidental insertion of anything in the space below the manifold.
3.4.3 Virtual safety bars
When the manifold is in the Fully Open position and you want to close it for a processing step,
the control screen displays a warning to keep fingers, hands, and objects out from underneath
the manifold. Concurrently, two virtual safety bars (vertical, blue bars) appear on either side of the
control screen.
To activate downward motion of the manifold, you must touch both of these virtual bars
simultaneously. This interface requirement engages both of your hands as a reminder to keep
them out from underneath the moving manifold.
3.4.4 Full Open Manifold touchscreen functionality
All touchscreens within the control Otto software that allow you to activate downward movement
of the manifold provide a Full Open Manifold command option. Tapping this button overrides any
current movement of the manifold and causes it to immediately retract to the Fully Open position.
3.4.5 Plate slider emergency stop
In the event that the pressure manifold is in the Fully Closed position and you are required to
immediately open it, the plate slider mechanism, upon which the consumables sit, is equipped
with a rounded handle projecting from the front. Pulling this handle forward (toward you)
immediately opens the manifold to the Fully Open position.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 19

4 User interface and control
4.1 Device startup
The Otto SPEcialist PPM is operated via a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet (with a user-friendly
touchscreen interface), running Waters-proprietary control software (Otto-trademarked) on a
Windows 10 or above operating system (OS).
The control tablet is removable and may be coupled to the unit via a connective cable, giving you
multiple options when working with the unit situated in a safety hood.
To fully activate the Otto software:
1. Power-on the device by activating the power switch on the right side of the unit, near the
lower-rear of the chassis.
2. Supply system gas pressure via connection of a suitable supply to the bulkhead fitting near
the power switch.
Requirement: For the system to function properly, you need a minimum of 60.0-psi (4.1-
bar) clean air or nitrogen gas pressure (a notification message displays once you open the
Otto control software).
3. Important: Prior to turning on the control tablet and opening the Otto software
application, you must connect the power and USB cables (see Installing the device (Page
14)).
Turn on the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet by activating the power button along the side edge
of the tablet.
Result: The Windows opening screen displays.
4. On the control tablet's touchscreen, slide the Windows opening screen up from the bottom,
and then tap the box labeled Sign in.
Result: The Windows desktop appears.
5. To open the Otto control software, on the desktop screen, tap the Otto Software icon.
Result: The opening screen of the Otto software displays.
Figure 4–1: Otto Software icon
6. From the list of those available, select the appropriate username that will be logging in.
July 1, 2021, 715006867 Ver. 01
Page 20