Re: DNASyn: Failed valve blocks
Richard T. Pon (rtpon@acs.ucalgary.ca)
Thu, 22 Jan 1998 09:08:57 -0700 (MST)
Hi
Our lab has four ABI synthesizers (3-394's and 1-380B) which are
in daily use. These are all relatively old instruments and so I don't know
if recent models have shown any significant differences. However, valve
block repair (after the first 2-3 years of operation) seems to be a fact
of life and we average about one valve repair every 3-6 months (out of a
combined total of approx. 170 valves). Fortunately, repairing single
valves in the blocks is quite simple and spare parts are available from
Biolytic Lab Performance. Since, I found this source of valve diaphrams
and o-rings, I haven't had to purchase any new block assemblies.
I know that this advice is no consolation for owners of new
instruments or ones still covered by maintenance agreements, but if your
instrument is out of warranty, then you can save a lot of money and time
(the block repair takes about 15 minutes per valve).
Finally, all instruments should be fitted with check valves on the
vacuum lines leading into the vacuum ballast. I thought that this was
standard practise on all synthesizers since two or three years ago. The
check valves will prevent solvent from ruining the vacuum pump and
cross-contaminating other valve blocks (a major disaster if this happens).
If you don't have these, buy some from Biolytic Lab Performance and
install them right away!
We actually leave the top and side panels off of the synthesizers so the
technicians can check the clear vacuum lines for any sign of reagent
contamination on a regular basis.
It would be nice to have instrumentation which never breaks down,
but considering the use we've gotten out of our synthesizers and their
age, I'm not too concerned about our maintenance schedule.
Richard T. Pon, Director E-mail: RTPon@acs.ucalgary.ca
University Core DNA Services Phone: (403) 220-4277
University Of Calgary Fax: (403) 283-4907
Please direct DNA synthesis or sequencing orders to DNALAB@acs.ucalgary.ca