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.
Identify which experimental steps can share equipment and which require separate consumables or flow paths. Define programs using the liquid class, container and receiving position together. Use sample identity and experimental results to confirm that the intended operation was completed.
Common product roles and application guides
| Product category | Role in this instrument |
|---|---|
| Syringe pump | Fixed-path dispensing and reagent transfer |
| Air-displacement pipetting pump | Disposable-tip pipetting on robotic platforms |
| Diaphragm pump | Shared wash or replenishment supply; suitable air-containing wash-station drainage |
| Multiport rotary valve | Selection among stations or liquid sources |
| Bubble and pressure detection | Signals the controller can associate with sample-processing steps |
| Tubing and fittings | Connect the actual fluid paths between stations |
- Syringe Pumps for Automated Experimental Workflows
- Air-displacement pipetting pumps in experimental workflow automation
- Diaphragm pumps in experimental workflow automation
- Multiport rotary valves in laboratory workflow automation
- Bubble and pressure sensing in experimental workflow automation
- Tubing and fittings in laboratory workflow automation
Operating requirements differ by step
| Stage | Task category | Operating conditions to define |
|---|---|---|
| Pipetting actions: configure for each experimental liquid class | Pipetting and receiving | Disposable-tip or fixed-probe architecture, sealing, working volume, liquid class, immersion position and dispensing action |
| Cleaning and recovery: identify the source of contamination | Washing and waste-removal operating conditions | Wash-fluid formulation, volume/time, spray/aspiration geometry, air/foam and waste capacity |
| Connections between stations: preserve identity and define wetted contact | Connection requirements | Tubing ID/OD, length, interface geometry, pressure, materials and maintenance method |
Pipetting actions: configure for each experimental liquid class
Fixed probes and disposable tips have different washing and consumable requirements. Set actions for the actual reagent, then measure receiving volume and downstream method results separately.
Cleaning and recovery: identify the source of contamination
Nucleic-acid contamination, protein adsorption and cell residue may require different cleaning solutions. Evaluate cleaning with method-relevant blanks or subsequent samples, rather than probe appearance alone.
Connections between stations: preserve identity and define wetted contact
Identify the destination of every liquid segment between pumps, valves and stations. After replacing a module, prime the path and recheck delivered volume before resuming automated scheduling.
Explore configurations through product application guides
- Syringe Pumps for Automated Experimental Workflows
- Air-displacement pipetting pumps in experimental workflow automation
- Diaphragm pumps in experimental workflow automation
- Multiport rotary valves in laboratory workflow automation
- Bubble and pressure sensing in experimental workflow automation
- Tubing and fittings in laboratory workflow automation
Validate the complete cycle through application results
Check liquid delivery, station operations and experimental products together. Workstation throughput does not demonstrate experimental success.
| Step to validate | Measurements or observations | Priority troubleshooting checks |
|---|---|---|
| Pipetting actions: configure for each experimental liquid class | 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. |
| Cleaning and recovery: identify the source of contamination | Confirm supply and peak waste-removal capacity under installed resistance; measure residual liquid, carryover or assay-specified recovery | Insufficient supply, foam, dry aspiration and a full waste container disrupt the cleaning cycle |
| Connections between stations: preserve identity and define wetted contact | 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 |
General platform content is maintained under Laboratory Automation; life science pages retain experimental outcome and contamination requirements.
Common selection and recovery questions
Can one pipetting program cover nucleic acids, proteins and cells?
Set the program for the actual liquid, consumables, receiving location and retention target, then validate delivery and experimental outcomes separately. Define washing and contamination acceptance criteria by sample type.
How can completion of an experimental step be confirmed after workstation motion ends?
Associate sample identity, destination vessel and confirmed delivery status, while checking actual receipt and the conditions required for the next step.