Locate the task in the fluid path first
Arrows indicate task relationships, not that every component is connected in series in one tube. Check valve positions, pump wetted boundaries and operating states for each branch.
Map stations and resources first, marking sample identities, liquid classes and each receiving position. Include priming, tip changes, washing and waste removal in the actual cycle before comparing single-channel, parallel-channel and shared-path architectures.
Common product roles and application guides
| Product category | Role in this instrument |
|---|---|
| Syringe pump | Fixed-path preparation and transfer |
| Air-displacement pipetting pump | Tip-based sample preparation |
| Diaphragm pump | Wash-station and shared liquid supply; gas-containing aspiration at shared wash stations |
| Multiport rotary valve | Selection of source, station and maintenance paths |
| Bubble and pressure detection | Monitor supply and transfer anomalies |
| Tubing and fittings | Connections between workstations and shared resources |
- Syringe pumps in sample preparation platforms
- Air-displacement pipetting pumps in sample preparation platforms
- Diaphragm pumps in sample preparation platforms
- Multiport rotary valves in sample preparation platforms
- Bubble and pressure detection in sample preparation platforms
- Tubing and fittings in sample preparation platforms
Operating requirements differ by step
| Stage | Task category | Operating conditions to define |
|---|---|---|
| Pipetting configuration: design motion and liquid actions together | Pipetting and receiving | Disposable-tip or fixed-probe architecture, sealing, working volume, liquid class, immersion position and dispensing action |
| Washing and recovery: make resource scheduling serve the method | Solid-phase retention, washing and recovery | Solid-phase location and retention target, wash cycles, aspiration height, residue, destination and downstream assay requirements |
| Path scheduling: manage shared flow-path occupancy | Valve-path requirements | All ports, valve states, pressures in each state, shared volume and flushing volume |
| Module connections: make post-maintenance conditions verifiable | Connection requirements | Tubing ID/OD, length, interface geometry, pressure, materials and maintenance method |
Pipetting configuration: design motion and liquid actions together
Start liquid actions only after the probe or tip reaches position. After aspiration or dispensing, check retained droplets and receiving status. Recheck these conditions when increasing workstation speed.
Washing and recovery: make resource scheduling serve the method
When several stations wash simultaneously, shared supply and waste removal can become bottlenecks. Calculate peak demand first, then assess residual liquid and recovery through the complete workflow.
Path scheduling: manage shared flow-path occupancy
Port count alone does not establish whether one pump or valve can serve simultaneous tasks. Define occupancy, release and displacement conditions for each action to prevent conflicting resource use.
Module connections: make post-maintenance conditions verifiable
Record module identity, tubing length and wetted materials. After installation, verify sealing, priming and delivery at each workstation. Confirm successful replacement under actual operating conditions.
Explore configurations through product application guides
- Syringe pumps in sample preparation platforms
- Air-displacement pipetting pumps in sample preparation platforms
- Diaphragm pumps in sample preparation platforms
- Multiport rotary valves in sample preparation platforms
- Bubble and pressure detection in sample preparation platforms
- Tubing and fittings in sample preparation platforms
Validate the complete cycle through application results
Validate working volume, timing across workstations, sample identity and the first operation after restart together.
| Step to validate | Measurements or observations | Priority troubleshooting checks |
|---|---|---|
| Pipetting configuration: design motion and liquid actions together | Measure delivered volume in the actual receiving container, including low source levels, tip changes or probe washing, and carryover between samples. | Seal leaks, air aspiration, retained droplets or incorrect immersion can alter delivery. |
| Washing and recovery: make resource scheduling serve the method | Evaluate solid-phase loss, post-wash residue and downstream assay background or nucleic-acid recovery together | Insufficient capture, incorrect aspiration height, uneven coverage or pooling may impair washing and recovery |
| Path scheduling: manage shared flow-path occupancy | Check unintended connections, leakage, backflow and post-switching residue in each state; measure flushing volume and arrival delay through the complete path | Misalignment, shared-segment residue or abnormal switching pressure may affect the next task |
| Module connections: make post-maintenance conditions verifiable | Check leaks, tube disconnection and material changes at actual pressure and temperature; evaluate residue, recovery and the first post-maintenance cycle through the complete path | Misconnections, gaps, tube deformation or leaks may alter volume and pressure |
Successful platform operation does not replace assessment of nucleic acid, cell or analytical method results.
Common selection and recovery questions
Why can workstations run individually but fail when used concurrently?
Check occupancy and peak demand for shared pumps, valves, supply and waste resources, then verify actual receipt and cleaning windows. Passing individual workstation tests does not establish adequate concurrent capacity.
What needs checking after a workstation module is replaced?
Verify module identity, fluid direction, tube length and bore, then validate sealing, priming and delivery at each station.