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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Introduction 5 Components Shipped 6 General Description 7 Component Identification 8-9

Installation

Location 10 Electrical Connection 10 Vacuum Source and Setup 11

Safety Precautions 12 Normal Operation

Gel Mounting 13 Vacuum Formation 14 Gel Drying 15

Routine Maintenance Schedule 16 Replacement Parts 17 Wiring Diagrams 18-19 Troubleshooting 20 Specifications 21

Environmental Conditions 21 Accessories 22 Warranty 23 Shipping Claims 24 Contacting Labconco 25 Declaration of Conformity 26

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INTRODUCTION

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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.

Figure 1

INTRODUCTION

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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. As shipped, the carton should contain the following: Part Number Description 4330100 Gel Dryer for 115 VAC Operation, or 4330150 Gel Dryer for 230 VAC Operation 4330181 Support Screen 4330110 Mylar ® Sheet* 4330115 Porous Polyethylene Sheet 1336400 Power Cord 115V (20 Amp) 1334100 Power Cord 230V (13 Amp) 1552200 Barbed Reducer 1/2” to 1/4” 5535800 Vacuum Tubing 1/4" I.D. - 48" Long 1490000 Hose Clamp 1/4" to 5/8" Dia (2 Pcs.) 1488800 Hose Clamp 9/16" to 1-1/4" Dia. (2 Pcs.) 1338700 Plug, Male - for 230 Unit 0114655 Instruction Manual 1335200 Spare Fuses (2) for 230V 5310065 Spare Fuses (2) for 115V *Mylar ® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc.

INTRODUCTION

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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

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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. Porous Polyethylene Sheet. The porous polyethylene sheet covers the gel during the drying process, preventing the gel from sticking to the silicone rubber sheet.

5. Temperature Adjustment Knob. The drying temperature is controlled by setting the adjustment from 40° to 80°C.

6. Heater Timer. The Heater Timer sets the length of time that the heater operates. It may be adjusted from 0 to 4 hours (0 to 4 hours on the 230 volt model).

7. Heater Indicator Lamp. The Heater Indicator Lamp illuminates while the heating element is in operation. As the platen temperature reaches the selected drying tem-perature, the light will begin to blink, and then go out when the preset temperature is reached.

8. Vacuum Inlet. The l/4 inch hose barb on the rear of the platen connects the Gel Dryer to the vacuum source.

9. Vacuum Pump Timer. The Vacuum Pump Timer sets the length of time that the separate vacuum pump (not included) operates. It may be adjusted from 0 to 4 hours (0 to 4 hours on the 230 volt model).

10. Vacuum Pump Electrical Outlet. The 10 amp outlet (5 amp for the 230 volt model) is directly controlled by the Vacuum Timer.

11. Vacuum Pump Outlet Fuse (115V units). The Vacuum Pump Outlet Fuse protects the Vacuum Pump Electrical Outlet from an overload. The fuse is rated at 10 Amps time delay. 230V Units: There is no fuse specifically for this outlet on 230 volt units. The fuses in Item #1 above (2 each at 10 amps time delay) protect the units entire electrical system from overloads.

12. Silicone Rubber Sheet. The flexible rubber sheet provides a vacuum seal during the drying process.

13. Mylar Sheet. (not shown) Is used in place of the porous polyethylene sheet.

*Teflon® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. *Mylar® is a registered trademark of E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc.

INTRODUCTION

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Component Identification

Figure 2

INSTALLATION

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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

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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. See Accessories on page 22 Plug the vacuum pump into the electrical receptacle on the right side of the Gel Dryer and connect the vacuum line to the vacuum port at the rear of the Gel Dryer.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

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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. Avoid the use of flammable gases or solvents in the Gel Dryer. Care must be taken to ensure against the concentration of flammable or explosive gases or vapors.

NORMAL OPERATION

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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. Be sure the screen does not extend over the groove on the perimeter of the dryer’s edge (Figure 4).

4. Cover with the rubber sheet and apply vacuum.

* Saran Wrap is a trademark of Dow Chemical Company. * Mylar is a trademark of E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc.

NORMAL OPERATION

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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. This is best done through the use of a pump with a free air displacement of at least 50 liters/minute or by evacuating the vapor trap prior to applying vacuum to the Gel Dryer. The edge of the platen may also be moistened with water to assist in the sealing. Note: When using traps, they must be emptied after each use of the dryer or the efficiency of the vacuum is greatly reduced, which can result in gel cracking.

NORMAL OPERATION

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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. When most of the water has been removed from the gel (reduced thickness), the temperature may be safely raised to finish the drying process.

2. The time necessary for drying is a function of the gel type, thickness, solvent (e.g.,

50% methanol for fixed gels), dryer temperature and vacuum efficiency. Typically, 10% acrylamide gels in 50% methanol 10% acetic acid will dry in about 1 hour at 80°C. Generally, the gel is dry when the surface temperature over the gel is the same as the surrounding area. When dry, the contour of the gel seen through the rubber sheet will disappear.

3. If the vacuum seal is broken before the gel is dried, the gel will shatter and be lost. If

in doubt, it is best to let the gel dry for a longer period of time. Cracking of polyacrylamide gels may be reduced by soaking the gel for an hour in 5% glycerol prior to drying. This adds flexibility to the dried product as well. Gel cracking may also be avoided by allowing the gel to cool under vacuum. We recommend setting the vacuum timer for about 30 minutes longer than the heater. After drying, peel off the Mylar or polyethylene sheet (or Saran Wrap if used) and remove the gel from the dryer. The gel can now be kept as a permanent record or be auto-radiographed.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

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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

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PART NO. QUANTITY DESCRIPTION 531-0065 2 Fuse - 10 Amp Time Delay 13352-00 2 Fuse - 10 Amp Time Delay (For 230 VAC Model) 433-0181 1 Support Screen 433-0110 1 Mylar Sheet 433-0115 1 Porous Polyethylene Sheet 433-0120 1 Silicone Rubber Sheet 1336400 1 Power Cord 115V - 20 Amp 1334100 1 Power Cord 230V - 13 Amp

WIRING DIAGRAM

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Figure 5

WIRING DIAGRAM

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Figure 6

TROUBLESHOOTING

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PROBLEM CAUSES CORRECTIVE ACTION Heater and vacuum pump Gel Dryer fuse Replace fuse with the controls don’t work blown proper replacement Circuit breaker Reset circuit breaker tripped

Heater control works but Vacuum pump Turn on vacuum vacuum pump doesn’t switch in “off” pump switch Vacuum pump Replace fuse with the fuse blown proper replacement Vacuum seal doesn’t Vacuum leak Check connection form, or forms slowly Insufficient vacuum Vacuum pump should pump capacity have a capacity of 50 liters/minute or more Support screen bent Ensure that screen or damaged lays flat Silicone rubber Moisten the surface of sheet and platen dry the rubber sheet and platen with water before applying

vacuum. Rubber sheet/platen Inspect the surfaces surface damaged and replace if necessary Gel cracks/shatters Insufficient drying Increase the drying time time Insufficient vacuum The vacuum source should have a minimum free air displacement of 50 liters/minute and

develop a minimum vacuum of 25 in. Hg.

SPECIFICATIONS

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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: 115 VAC - 16 Amps (without vacuum pump) 230 VAC - 8 Amps Recommended Minimum 50 liters/minute free air displacement Vacuum : 25 in. Hg. minimum vacuum Vacuum Port: l/4 inch I.D. Vacuum Port Switch 115 VAC - 10 Amps maximum Rating: 230 VAC - 5 Amps maximum

Environmental Conditions This equipment is designed to be safe under the following conditions: • Indoor use. • Altitude up to 6562 Ft. (2000m).

• Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 88°F (31°C) decreasing

linearly to 50% relative humidity at 104° F (40°C). • Main supply voltage fluctuations not to exceed ± 10% of the nominal voltage. • Transient overvoltages according to Installation Categories II (Overvoltage

Categories per IEC 1010). • Pollution degrees 2 (Normally only non-conductive foreign matter, solid, liquid, or

gaseous (ionized gases), that may produce a reduction of dielectric strength or surface resistivity occurs. Occasionally, however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected), in accordance with IEC 664.

ACCESSORIES

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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.

77721 Replacement Soda Salt Media

For Soda Acid Trap 75382 Secondary Vacuum Trap

Well accommodates dry ice and solvent to cool to approximately –75°C (-103⋅F). 9-3/4" h x 7-7/8" diameter with l/2" vacuum port connection.

75384 Secondary Vacuum Trap

Well accommodates dry ice and solvent to cool to approximately –75°C (-103°F). 7-7/8"h x 6-5/8" diameter with l/2” vacuum port connection.

77110 CentriVapTM Cold Trap

Mechanical trap cools to -60⋅C and connects in series with gel dryer and vacuum pump to prevent migration of moisture into pump interior. 14-l/2" w x 24"d x 10-3/4"h, 115V, 60 Hz.

77110-01 CentriVapTM Cold Trap

Same as 77110 except for operation on 220V, 50 Hz.

WARRANTY

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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. Labconco Corporation warrants products of its manufacture for one year, from receipt of the equipment by the purchaser, against defects in materials and workmanship. This limited warranty covers parts and labor but not transportation and insurance charges. In the event of a warranty claim contact the dealer who sold you the product. If the cause is determined to be a manufacturing fault, the dealer or Labconco Corporation will repair or replace all defective parts to restore the unit to operation. Under no circumstance shall Labconco Corporation be liable for indirect, consequential or special damages of any kind. This statement of warranty may be altered by a specific published amendment. No individual has authorization to alter provisions of this warranty policy or its amendments. Lamps and expendable items such as filters are not covered by this warranty. Damage due to corrosion or accidental breakage are also not covered. WARNING: The disposal and/or emission of substances used in connection with this equipment may be governed by various federal, state or local regulations. All users of this equipment are urged to become familiar with any regulations that apply in the user’s area concerning the dumping of waste materials in or upon water, land or air and to comply with such regulations.

SHIPPING CLAIM

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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. Goods returned without prior authorization will not be accepted. Labconco Corporation and its dealers are not responsible for shipping damage. Claims must be filed directly with the freight carrier by the recipient. If authorization has been received to return this product, by accepting this approval, the user assumes all responsibility and liability for biological and chemical decontamination and cleansing. Labconco reserves the right to refuse delivery of any products which do not appear to have been properly cleaned/or decontaminated prior to return.

CONTACTING LABCONCO

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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.com

or

email:labconco@labconco.com

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

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