What do these products do in this instrument?
Multiport rotary valves: multiple-source selection for reagents and wash fluid
A rotary selector connects the reagent or wash source required by a metering task. Decide whether substrates, binding reagents or suspensions may share the downstream segment from the actual assay and handling procedure, rather than from the number of available ports.
MRV3 selects sources or destinations and requires a port-state diagram and shared-volume budget. Port count indicates routing options; confirm pressure in each state and independent simultaneous supply requirements separately.
Solenoid valves: supply and drain branch on/off control
An on/off valve controls an appropriate wash-supply or aspiration branch in coordination with pumps and the wash head. Define the open and closed states around capture, filling and removal; valve closure alone does not establish magnetic retention or acceptable wash residue.
Solenoid valves control branches according to actual ports, flow direction, differential pressure and power-off state. Check opening/closing order with pump commands; inspect shutoff leakage and shared residue separately.
Assign selection and shutoff to separate functions
Use the source map to identify where a rotary connection is needed, and the wash sequence to identify where a branch must open or close. For an on/off configuration, check flow direction, differential pressure and the required power-off state. These decisions solve different parts of the fluid path and should not be reduced to choosing one valve type for every operation.
Further technical reading
Make the sharing decision with the assay background
A shared reagent line retains liquid between source changes; some formulation sequences may require a dedicated route. Evaluate the proposed renewal procedure with the actual assay blank or background and first received dose. For washing, validate opening and closing in the complete capture, fill and aspiration sequence, including the effect of an interrupted cycle on the reaction vessel.
Translate actual branch conditions into configuration requirements
| Condition | To confirm |
|---|---|
| Reagent selection | List source formulations, permitted sharing, receiving vessel and metering state, including suspension or substrate handling where applicable. |
| Wash-branch control | Specify supply and aspiration destinations, actual pressure differences, flow direction and the valve state required during each wash phase. |
| Fault and service states | Define isolation after power loss or interruption, then retain the completed reaction stages before permitting another dose or wash. |
| Operation | Specific operating conditions |
|---|---|
| Isolation of reagent and wash-fluid paths | Separate reagent-selection and wash-branch state diagrams, formulation sharing, capture/fill/aspiration timing, power-off states and affected reaction-vessel records |
Compare product configurations by the roles on this page
| Product | Configuration option | Conditions to verify |
|---|---|---|
| MRV3 multiport rotary valve | Multiple-source selection | Compare 10-, 16- and 24-port options and port diagrams; verify high-pressure suitability separately |
| SV10 solenoid valve | On/off control or branch selection | Check normal state, differential pressure, flow direction and duty cycle; high-pressure tasks require a separately suitable configuration |
Explore specific operating and validation tasks
Isolation of reagent and wash-fluid paths
Whether a substrate channel can be shared with other reagents depends on assay compatibility and background results. Switching-valve channels provide routing options, not proof of contamination isolation.
Confirm product roles in actual operation
| Operation | Measurements and observations | Priority checks |
|---|---|---|
| Isolation of reagent and wash-fluid paths | Check reagent arrival and assay background after the proposed source changes; separately test wash-branch opening, shutoff leakage and complete vessel washing with the chosen valve timing. | Wrong-source connection, a leaking closed branch or delayed wash removal can have different effects. Identify the relevant state and reaction stage before adjusting a common timing parameter. |
Accept source selection against reagent identity and assay-compatible changeover, and on/off control against the complete wash sequence. Document which valve function each candidate configuration is intended to perform.
Can adding a shutoff valve make a shared substrate line acceptable?
A shutoff can control a connection state but does not remove liquid already retained downstream. Determine sharing from formulation compatibility, the renewal sequence and assay background; a separate substrate path may still be needed.
Pump flow alone does not prove adequate washing; validate magnetic capture, mixing and aspiration position across the whole station.