Gel Dryer Models 4330100, 4330150 INSTRUCTION MANUAL Product designs are subject to change without notice © 1999 Labconco Corporation Form 0114655 REV E / ECO A214 Printed in U.S.A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Components Shipped General Description Component Identification 5 6 7 8-9 Installation Location Electrical Connection Vacuum Source and Setup 10 10 11 Safety Precautions 12 Normal Operation Gel Mounting Vacuum Formation Gel Drying 13 14 15 Routine Maintenance Schedule 16 Replacement Parts 17 Wiring Diagrams 18-19 Troubleshooting 20 Specifications Environmental Conditions 21 21 Accessories 22 Warranty 23 Shipping Claims 24 Contacting Labconco 25 Declar
INTRODUCTION The Gel Dryer enables the drying of large gels up to 33.6 cm x 42.3 cm (13.2 in. x 16.7 in.) or any combination of smaller gels for preservation or subsequent processing such as auto-radiography or densitometry. The Gel Dryer provides even controlled heating adjustable from 40° to 80°C. An external vacuum source of at least 50 liters per minute is recommended. Drying times will vary depending on the vacuum source gel concentration and gel thickness.
INTRODUCTION Components Shipped Carefully check the contents of the carton for damage that might have occurred in transit. Do not discard the carton or packing material until all components have been checked against the following component list and the equipment has been installed and tested.
INTRODUCTION General Description The Gel Dryer consists of a cast aluminum platen which is evenly heated by an 800 watt heater. A perforated sheet supports the gel during drying. A porous polyethylene sheet lays on top of the gel, and a permanently attached silicone rubber sheet provides a seal. Separate timers are provided for the heating element and the vacuum pump, which is plugged into the electrical outlet at the right side of the unit.
INTRODUCTION Component Identification (115V unit shown) 1. Gel Dryer Fuse. The Gel Dryer Fuse protects the unit from an electrical overload. The fuse is rated at 10 amps time delay (2 fuses, each 10 amps time delay for the 230 model). 2. Platen. The cast aluminum platen allows for a uniform distribution of heat during drying. The platen is Teflon® coated to minimize sticking. 3. Screen. The porous screen supports the gel during the drying process, preventing it from sticking to the platen. 4.
INTRODUCTION Component Identification Figure 2 9
INSTALLATION Location The Gel Dryer should be placed on a stable level surface, not exposed to extremes in temperature or high humidity. Electrical Connection The Gel Dryer requires a dedicated electrical outlet rated to meet the requirements of both the Gel Dryer and the vacuum pump. The Gel Dryer rated for 115 VAC operation requires a 20 amp power source, while the 230 VAC model requires 10 amp service.
INSTALLATION Vacuum Source and Setup The most effective vacuum source is obtained by using a mechanical pump with a minimum free air displacement of 50 liters/minute developing a minimum vacuum of 25 in. Hg. Since inadequate vacuum can cause problems such as gel cracking, the use of house vacuum or a water aspirator is not recommended. The vacuum pump must be protected by a cold trap and should also be protected by a vapor trap when corrosive solvents such as acetic acid or methanol are being evaporated.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Ensure that the Gel Dryer is connected to electrical service in accordance with local and national electrical codes. Failure to do so may create a fire or electrical hazard. Do not remove or service any electrical components without first disconnecting the Gel Dryer from electrical service. When drying gels that contain solvents or acids, an appropriate cold trap or soda acid trap should be used to prevent damage to the vacuum pump. See Accessories on page 22.
NORMAL OPERATION Figure 3 Figure 4 1. Place the gel to be dried on two sheets of filter paper and position it on the screen (Figure 3). 2. If the gel is to be auto-radiographed, cover the gel with Saran Wrap*. If the gel is to be dried for storage only, cover it with the thin Mylar®* (clear white) or the porous polyethylene sheet (opaque white). Note: Gels that are 3mm in thickness or greater, high concentration (7.5%) gels or gradient gels should be dried with the porous polyethylene sheet only. 3.
NORMAL OPERATION Vacuum Formation Switch on the vacuum pump and set the pump timer. The vacuum pump will start. The seal is formed between the platen and the borders of the rubber sheet. After a few seconds, the rubber sheet will form a tight seal. In general, the vacuum seal will be more difficult to establish on a larger gel. This is greatly facilitated by applying the vacuum as rapidly as possible.
NORMAL OPERATION Gel Drying 1. Turn on the heater timer and select a heater temperature. The temperature should match the gel and its intended use. For polyacrylamide gels, 80°C is used for most applications. Some scintilants for fluorography are heat sensitive and a lower temperature (60°C) should be selected. If agarose gels are to be dried, they will melt rather than dry at high temperature, so a setting of 40°C should be used.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Under normal operation, your Gel Dryer will require little routine maintenance. The following schedule is recommended: Before each use: 1. Clean the surface of the platen and the rubber sheet with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. 2. Clean the screen and Mylar or polyethylene sheet with purified water. Weekly: 1. Inspect the surface of the platen, the screen, the Mylar and polyethylene sheets, and the rubber sheet for damage. Inspect the vacuum line and its connections for damage.
REPLACEMENT PARTS PART NO.
WIRING DIAGRAM Figure 5 18
WIRING DIAGRAM Figure 6 19
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION Heater and vacuum pump controls don’t work Gel Dryer fuse blown Replace fuse with the proper replacement Circuit breaker tripped Reset circuit breaker Vacuum pump switch in “off” Turn on vacuum pump switch Vacuum pump fuse blown Replace fuse with the proper replacement Vacuum leak Check connection Insufficient vacuum pump capacity Vacuum pump should have a capacity of 50 liters/minute or more Support screen bent or damaged Ensure that screen
SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions: 47 cm w x 50 cm d x 8.9 cm h (18-1/2" w x 19-1/2" d x 3-1/2" h) Gel Size: 33.6 cm x 42.3 cm maximum (13.2 in. x 16.7 in. maximum) Temperature Range: Continuous and adjustable from 40°C –80°C Power Consumption: (without vacuum pump) 115 VAC - 16 Amps 230 VAC - 8 Amps Recommended Minimum Vacuum : 50 liters/minute free air displacement 25 in. Hg. minimum vacuum Vacuum Port: l/4 inch I.D.
ACCESSORIES Accessory Part Description 14721 Vacuum Pump 113 liters/minute pumping capacity with gas ballast. 115V, 60 Hz, single phase, 6.3 amps. 77394 Vacuum Pump 113 liters/minute pumping capacity with gas ballast, 220/208V, 50/60 Hz, single phase, 3.4 amps 77720 Soda Acid Trap Secondary trap connects in series with gel dryer and vacuum pump to prevent migration of corrosive chemicals into pump.
WARRANTY We are committed to providing our customers with quality equipment and service after the sale. Part of this objective involves keeping you informed of changes and new product additions. We therefore request that you take a moment to fill out the product registration card so we may know your location as well as some of the reasons that prompted you to purchase our products.
SHIPPING CLAIM If a shipment is received in visibly damaged condition, be certain to make a notation on the delivering carrier’s receipt and have his agent confirm the damage on your receipt. Otherwise, the damage claim may be refused. If concealed damage or pilferage is discovered, notify the carrier immediately and retain the entire shipment intact for inspection. Interstate Commerce Commission rules require that the claim be filed with the carrier within 15 days after delivery. Note: Do not return goods.
CONTACTING LABCONCO If you have any questions that are not addressed in this manual, or if you need technical assistance, please contact Labconco’s Sales Information Department at 800-821-5525, and Service Information at 800-522-7658 or 816-333-8811, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Labconco’s mailing address is: Labconco Corporation 8811 Prospect Avenue Kansas City, Missouri 64132 Visit Labconco through the Internet at: http://www.labconco.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 26
