TriContinent FAQ

Can the BasePump (Cat# 802) be controlled by a PCBA (Cat# 898)?

No, it is not possible. The 898 Logic Board is designed to work with a driver board and the BasePump does not come with a driver board. This is what differentiates a BasePump from an AccuPump.

How can the BasePump be controlled?

Driver recommendations for the BasePump can be found in the BasePump Specifications section of the TriContinent website. BasePumps are designed for customers that are prepared to provide their own drive electronics. If electronics control of the BasePump is needed from TriContinent, then the AccuPump should be ordered.

What is the compatibility/precautions of the C3000 when the customer uses DMSO?

PEEK can degrade over a long period of time in DMSO so it is recommended to go with PCTFE body and PTFE or UHMWPE rotor valves when the application calls for pumping DMSO.

What is the current rating of a circuit breaker used to protect the C-Series pump?

The breaker has been tested up to 0.975 A, and the circuit breaker comes with an on-board resettable fuse in case of an over-current event.

Is the Commander Software compatible with Windows 10?

Commander Software will have to run in 32 bit mode but there is a Labview driver for either 32 bit or 64 bit machines.

What types of communication protocol are available on C series pumps?

C series pumps can use RS232, RS485 and CANBus for pump communications. TTL is also an available option for commands stored in pump memory prior to use.

For the C series pumps is it mandatory to use CTS/RTS lines for RS232 communication to the master syringe pump?

It is not necessary to use CTS/RTS lines, RX and TX are also acceptable.

Is the C3000 compatible with the Hamilton PSD4 and the Cavro XP?

Yes, the C3000 pump uses the same command set as the PSD4 and the XP.

Is the C3000 compatible with the Cavro XCalibur?

Yes, the C3000 uses the same command set as the Cavro XCalibur and is compatible with it.

Is it possible to daisy-chain multiple C3000 pumps together?

Yes, you can daisy-chain up to 15 pumps.

Can I daisy chain a C-series pump with 1 (or more) XCalibur pumps?

Yes.

How can I determine the firmware version that is loaded on the pump?

You can send the command & (or ?23 or RV). Or you can contact customer service with pump serial number and it can be looked up in S/N Database.

Do you have a list of compatible fluids that can be used with the valves and syringes for the C-Series pump?

All systems are tested with deionized water in-house. Materials used in our valves and syringes are generally selected for their inertness and high reliability. If you have a question about your particular fluid, please go to the support section of our website.

What is the Operating Temp of the C3000?

In general, we suggest 15°C to 40°C (59°F to 104°F).

What are the Shipping temperature limits for the C3000 pump?

-20°C to 65°C

What is the fluidic temperature limits of the syringe and valve?

In general, we suggest 15°C to 40°C (59°F to 104°F).

Can the Power Supply we offer in the Evaluation Kit (P/N 8152-09) run multiple pumps at once?

No, each pump would need its own power supply based on the wattage rating for our pump and the power supply.

Is there a Syringe Installation/Torque Recommendation?

Torque Spec: 16 in-oz recommended(21 in-oz max)

Technique: Install syringe until it bottoms in the valve, then tighten another 1/8 to 1/4 turn (this roughly corresponds to 16 in-oz.(Please see manual page 102-103)

Should I use Teflon tape to help seal a syringe or fitting to a valve on the C3000 pump?

Teflon tape should not be used on threads as all syringe port seals should be “face” seals (not thread sealing). Teflon tape can lead to valve damage due to over pressure on valve seat from torque applied to fitting. If the fittings are not sealing with <21 in-oz / 0.15 N-m of torque, then use different fittings, or a Teflon washer to help the face seal between the fitting and the valve. Please contact customer service for details.

What are the primary differences between PTFE and UHMWPE?

PTFE is the gold standard in inert materials. UHMWPE is not as inert as PTFE in general but has some superior wear characteristics in specific applications. Please contact support for recommendations on the best material for your application.

What is the Inner Diameter of the C3000 replacement valves?

0.059 inches (1.5 mm) in most cases; contact support for your specific valves.

Can a pump that was purchased with a 3-port valve installed be changed to a different valve in the field?

For any unique valve, configuration settings need to be changed on the pump for proper operation of that valve. Refer to the manual for more details.

What is the weight of a standard C3000 pump?

2 lbs 11.4 oz (1,230 g)

What is the internal swept volume of the C-Series rotary valves?

The answers are approximately:

Y Valve = 18.8 uL

90deg Valve = 20.6 uL

3-way Distribution Valve = 30.7 uL

6-way Distribution Valve = 16.8 uL

T Valve = 23.8 uL

10 +/- 6 in-oz for most valves but for the 6-way valve it is 14 +/- 4 in-oz.

Can our syringes be run "dry" (without a liquid)?

PTFE plunger tip syringes can run dry when run with the silicone lube that is applied during manufacturing. Care should be taken to reapply silicone lube as needed for this purpose.What is the operating torque of our rotary valves?

Can the LT pump be used for continuous dispense?

Yes, this can be achieved by using 2 LT pumps operating in parallel. One pump will aspirate while the other dispenses.

Does the LT series opto sensor provide incremental encoder signal or only end of travel indication?

The standard LT series configuration includes an opto sensor that indicates end of travel. However, a full quadrature encoder option can be made available. Please contact your TriContinent representative for additional details.

Can the LT pump be programmed for miro-stepping?

Yes, however the default is half-stepping.

Can the MiniPet be autoclaved?

No, the MiniPet cannot be autoclaved.

Is the MiniPet a positive-displacement or air-displacement pipette?

The MiniPet is an air-displacement pipette.

How many of the 10-200 uL Yellow Tips can fit into the DeTipper Bottle?

Approximately 50 tips can fit in the DeTipper bottle before it will need to be emptied or discarded.

Can the tip be ejected from the MiniPet?

No, to remove the tip it must either be pulled off with the hand or by using the DeTipper Bottle (TriContinent Cat# 824).

What is the largest volume of MiniPet that is manufactured by TriContinent?

The MiniPet is manufactured in various volumes ranging from 5 uL to 200 uL.

Can the aspiration time be adjusted?

No, it is not possible for the aspiration time to be adjusted by the user.

Can the user set the number of rinses?

Yes, this can be achieved either by filling all the wells and then aspirating and refilling the desired number of times or by filling and aspirating each well the desired number of times before moving on to the next row.

Should the filter be wet or dry?

The filter material should be dry. If it is damp or wet, then the fluid in the waste bottle is too high and the fluid may have been sucked into the instrument. The waste bottle should be emptied and the filter should be replaced.

What is the recommended replacement time for the exhaust filter material (cotton ball)?

The replacement schedule is dependent on the usage of the instrument. To replace the material, open the exhaust cap on the rear panel.

What is the difference between the Standard and the Coaxial Manifold?

The coaxial manifold has two needles, one inside the other. The standard manifold has a single needle. The needles on the coaxial manifold do not touch the side of the well, but rather the needles come down the middle of each well. While the needle of the standard manifold goes down the left side of the well.

How can I determine which manifold, Coaxial vs. Standard, is best for my application?

If your application requirements are any of the below, then Standard manifold will be your best choice:

• Plate needs to be completely dry
• Using a Flat well Plate
• Performing an aggressive wash routine

If your application requirements are any of the below, then the Coaxial manifold will be your best choice:

• Using a Round or “V” well plate
• Wells are to remain slightly wetted
• Overfilling the Wells
• The plate will be shaken upon completion of wash

Is the Statline pipette autoclavable?

No, the Statline is not autoclavable.

Is the Statline a positive-displacement or air-displacement pipette?

The Statline is an air-displacement pipette.

Can the StatMatic, StatMatic I or StatMatic II be autoclaved?

The StatMatic dispensers cannot be autoclaved. However, they can be gamma irradiated. The disposable manifolds used with the StatMatic I and StatMatic II can be autoclaved at 120C for up to 2 minutes.

Can the StatMatic dispensers be calibrated?

TriContinent calibrates StatMatics for accuracy and precision during the Manufacturing process. It is not recommended to recalibrate the StatMatic, even at the factory. If the StatMatic is properly maintained, as described in the instruction insert provided with each device, the StatMatic should perform according to its factory calibration for its warranted life.

Is it necessary to use a calibration ring for the maximum volume specified for the dispenser?

No, the only way to dispense the maximum volume from the StatMatic is to not use a calibration ring.

How can the StatMatic dispensers be cleaned?

Pump HCL or Sulfuric acid (1 to 2 normal) thru the dispenser once or twice. Let dispenser sit for 10 minutes. Pump 100 mL of distilled or deionized water thru the dispenser 1 or 2 times. Continue to pump dispenser until all water is out of the tubing.

What is the distance between the tips on the disposable manifold catalog #822

The tips are spaced 0.351 inch apart.

Can the StatPet be calibrated?

No, the StatPet is a fixed volume pipette and cannot be calibrated by the user.

How can the StatPet be cleaned if serum gets into the barrel?

The StatPet is easily disassembled by the user and once disassembled it can be evaluated for the degree of cleaning that is required. (ex. The serum may be hardened on the inside diameter of the barrel and piston) Soaking in warm, soapy water in conjunction with Q-tips or swabs is usually sufficient for either hardened or wet contamination. The soapy water then needs to be flushed several times with clean water and thoroughly dried with pressurized air and/or swabs. If silicone oil or O-Ring lubricant is available, it may be applied to help prevent the plunger from becoming sluggish.

Is the StatPet a positive-displacement or air-displacement pipette?

The StatPet is an air-displacement pipette.

Can tips be ejected from the StatPet?

No, but the TriContinent DeTipper bottle can be used.

Can the Z-Series pump use ASCII Text?

As long as the customer has a RS-232 port, yes they can use ASCII test (which is the same alpha-numeric language used for any type of programs such as vBTerminal or TCS Commander, etc).

Can the Z-Series pump be autoclaved?

No, the Z-Series pumps cannot be autoclaved.

Can the Controller run more than one pump?

The Controller board can control only one motor (i.e. one pump) and, if needed, one solenoid valve.

Can a LT-Series pump and a Z-Series Pump be run with only one Controller/Driver Assembly?

Yes, however, if RS-232 is needed then a converter kit is also needed.

What percentage of the lot do you Gravimetric test?

5% of every lot built for retail sales is Gravimetrically tested.