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DMC-B (Digital Multi-Channel) Liquid Dispenser
Operation Manual
12513 Loma Rica Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945
Phone: (530) 272-8786 / Fax: (530) 272-1638
Moduline Systems/Manuals/Model 300 DMC Digital/Revised 2-11-13
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
Introduction 1
- DMC-B Introduction
- Unpacking
- General System Information
Equipment Setup & Operation 2
- Dispenser Setup
- Dispenser Operation
- Conveyor Setup
- Conveyor Settings
- Using the System
Maintenance 5
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Syringe Service Procedure
- Syringe Replacement
- Valve Replacement
DMC-B Specifications 10
Figures
# 1 DMC-B Back Panel 11
# 2 DMC-B Display and Controls 12
# 3 Inlet Manifold Installation 13
# 4 Typical Dispenser Conveyor Configuration 14
# 5 Conveyor Off Track Installation 15
# 6 Conveyor Back Panel 15
# 7 Dispense Head Holder Installation 16
# 8 Dispense Head Holder Alignment 17
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INTRODUCTION
The DMC-B (Digital Multi-Channel) is a liquid dispenser designed for stand-alone
operation or in conjunction with Moduline Systems conveyors or vial filling platforms. It
is ideal for pre-production process validation, yet capable of performing well in a low to
medium duty production environment.
This manual contains all of the basic information a user needs to set up and operate the
DMC-B.
UNPACKING
The Moduline Systems DMC-B Dispenser is shipped in a specialized container. Open
box carefully and retain all material in the event of component reshipment. Review the
packing list and verify that all items were received.
Standard Contents:
- DMC-B Dispenser
- Power cord
- Inlet tubing – standard inlet tubing is 0.066” ID x 0.090” and is designated by
yellow strain relief on the end that screws into the dispenser’s rotary shear
valves.
- Outlet tubing – standard outlet tubing is (0.045” ID x 0.071” and is designated by
red strain relief on the end that screws into the dispenser’s rotary valve
- 8 needle dispense head
- Inlet Kit
- Inlet Manifold
Accessories and Optional Items
- Syringe (1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 mL)
- Hand or foot switch
- Dispenser interconnect cable (required for dual dispenser configuration)
- Custom dispense head and manifold configurations
- Spare chips – Processor, Eprom
- Conveyor communication/power cable
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GENERAL SYSTEM INFORMATION
1. Power must be off when changing syringes or valves to prevent possible injury in the
advent of accidental triggering.
2. When positioning the inlet and outlet fluid lines avoid any sharp bending that may
cause kinking.
3. Take care when installing the threaded line retainer fittings to the valve ports to
prevent cross threading and possible damage to the valve. Fittings should be firmly
finger tightened only.
4. Do not attempt to internally service the rotary shear valves. Any indication of
disassembly will void the warranty.
5. Handle syringes with care. Do not run syringes dry for more than a couple of cycles.
Doing so can cause accelerated wear of plungers.
6. Use the inlet filter system at all times. Clean at regular intervals.
7. For best results clean and rinse the entire system after each use as described in the
maintenance section.
8. The program memory is nonvolatile and will retain data in power off or power failure
conditions.
DISPENSER SETUP
Refer to figures 1 – 3 for visual assistance with the following instructions.
1. Connect power cord to rear of dispenser
2. Power up dispenser. The On switch is located in the rear of the dispenser on the
lower right.
3. Park the dispenser’s drive arm by pressing the [Mode] key once to access
dispenser’s Prime function. Then press [+ / Start] key. Turn off the power when the
dispenser’s drive arm is at or near the bottom of its stroke.
4. Install the syringe – See steps 4-6 of “Syringe Replacement” on page 8
5. Install inlet manifold – Remove the bottom screws from valves 4 & 6 and replace
with standoffs. Remove the thumbscrews from the ends of the standoffs and mount
the inlet manifold. Replace the thumbscrews – finger tight.
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6. Connect inlet tubing to inlet port located in the face of the rotary shear valves. The
default inlet tubing has an ID of 0.066” and is indicated by yellow strain relief.
7. Connect outlet tubing to the ports located on top of the of rotary shear valves.
Connect other end to the dispense head, if not already done. The default outlet
tubing has an ID of 0.045” and is indicated by red strain relief.
8. Connect the inlet kit to the bottom of the inlet manifold.
DISPENSER OPERATION
Refer to figure 1-2 for visual assistance with the following instructions.
1. Turn on the dispenser
2. Set Syringe Size – Press the [Select] key until the arrow on the left side of the
display points to Syringe. Press the [Stop / -] or [+ / Start] key until the desired size
is displayed (standard sizes – 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 mL).
3. Set Dispense Volume – Press the [Select] key until the arrow in the display points to
Volume (default position). Press the [Stop / -] or [+ / Start] key until the desired
volume is displayed. See specification section for available range for each syringe
size.
4. Set Dispense Speed – Press the Select key until the arrow on the left side of the
display points to Disp SPD. Press the [Stop / -] or [+ / Start] key until the desired
speed is displayed (range is 1 – 10).
5. Set Fill Speed – Press the [Select] key until the arrow in the display points to the Fill
SPD. Press the [Stop / -] or [+ / Start] key until the desired speed is displayed
(range is 1 – 10).
6. Insert the inlet side of inlet tube into fluid reservoir and the dispense head of the
outlet tube into an appropriate catch container.
7. Prime syringe - Press the [Mode] key once to access dispenser’s Prime function.
Press [+ / Start] key. When you are satisfied that the syringe is sufficiently primed
(minimal bubbles in the syringe and tubing), press the [- / Stop] key.
8. System shutdown - Press the [Mode] key two times to select the Empty function.
Press [+ / Start] key to activate the return of system fluid to the reservoir. The
dispenser will cycle through the emptying process twice then stop automatically.
Repeat the process until the syringe and tubing are sufficiently empty of fluid.
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CONVEYOR SETUP
Refer to Figures 1, 4 - 7 for visual assistance with the following instructions.
1. Set the conveyor and DMC-B on a suitable table or workbench arranged with the
DMC-B behind the conveyor. See Figure 4.
2. Join the off track to the handle grip on the left hand side of the conveyor using the
screws provided in the handle. See Figure 5.
3. Connect the gray phone type communication cable by inserting the ends into the
rear mounted communication receptacles on the conveyor and the dispenser. See
Figures 1 & 6. NOTE: The plug’s release key tab must be properly mated with the
socket’s key slot for proper seating. A fully engaged plug is locked into the socket
and can be removed only by depressing its key tab.
4. Install the dispense head holder onto the conveyor noting the alignment with the
positioning arrow. See Figure 7.
5. Mount the dispense head onto the holder’s cross piece by guiding the two mounting
thumbscrews into the slot and pushing fully inward until contact is made with the
holders upright. Tighten screws. Thumbscrew heads must be on the right side of
the cross piece.
CONVEYOR SETTINGS
1. Column Format Switch is located on the back of the conveyor to the right of the
communication cord socket. This control sets the number of times the conveyor will
stop per plate. Set the switch to 12 for typical DMC-B operations.
Column Format Selector Switch - sets the plate advancement steps.
Set to 3 when using 4 x 8 port manifold (3 dispensing stops per plate)
Set to 6 when utilizing 2 x 8 port manifold (6 dispensing stops per plate)
Set to 12 when utilizing 1 x 8 port manifold or dispense head (12 dispensing stops per plate)
2. Conveyor Belt Speed Dial is located to the right of column format switch on the back
of the conveyor. This control regulates the speed of the plate moving belt.
3. Conveyor Start / Stop Button is located on the front of the conveyor under the red
power indicator. This control starts and stops all dispensing programs.
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Dispensing Recommendations
1. Following a period of nonuse dispense several times into a trial plate to avoid
evaporative losses from the outlet needles.
2. If the inlet Cannula is removed from the reservoir it is recommended the system be
re-primed to prevent a possible dispensing error caused by an introduced air bubble.
USING THE SYSTEM
Important: This dispensing is supplied with an inlet filter assembly. Failure to
use this filter can allow harmful debris to enter and possibly damage the
precision valves. Not using the filter may void the warranty coverage of the
valves. Periodic system cleaning is strongly recommended as described in the
cleaning and maintenance section.
The following instructions assume that:
1. The initial setup is complete.
2. The dispense head holder has its edge aligned with the positioning arrow and the
dispense head needles are centered in the plate wells.
3. The reservoir is in place and filled with the selected reagent.
4. The dispense program has been set.
5. The COLUMN FORMAT SWITCH is in the proper position.
Priming the System
1. Loosen the dispense head holder cross piece by loosening its thumb screw and
raise the dispense head until an appropriate catch vessel will fit underneath, or
remove the dispense head and hold over a catch vessel.
2. Press the [MODE] key once to select PRIME.
3. Press the [+ / START] key. This will initiate a prime cycle. [– / STOP] will stop
the priming.
4. While fluid is flowing tap lines to encourage small bubble removal.
5. Repeat the cycle until bubble free reagent is observed. Reinstall dispense head
and adjust height of holder to approximately 1/4” above top of microplate.
6. Place a trial plate on the conveyor and press the conveyor front mounted START
/ STOP button. Dispense into 3 or 4 columns then press the START / STOP
button again.
7. Press the [MODE] key 3 times to select HOME.
8. Press the [+ / START] key. This process is used to encourage the removal of
any residual bubbles that may not have been purged by priming.
9. Again press the conveyor START / STOP button and dispense material into the
balance of trial plate.
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CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
To obtain optimum performance and maximum life from the Moduline Systems’ DMC-B
Dispenser it is important that the recommended cleaning and maintenance instructions are
followed.
Routine Maintenance
1. Daily Maintenance
a. Flush the syringes out thoroughly with distilled or deionized water after each use.
b. The syringes should be primed with distilled or deionized water when not in use.
c. Do not allow the syringes to run dry for more than a few cycles.
d. Inspect the syringes for leaks, and correct any problems immediately.
e. Wipe up all spills on and around the conveyor and dispenser immediately.
2. Weekly Maintenance
Thoroughly clean the fluid path using one of the procedures outlined below.
a. Weak acid and Base in Sequence:
i. Prime the syringes with 0.1 N NaOH, and allow the solution to sit in the
syringes for 10 minutes with the syringes fully lowered.
ii. Flush the syringes with distilled or deionized water.
iii. Prime the syringes with 0.1 N HC1 and allow the solution to sit in the unit for
10 minutes with the syringes fully lowered.
iv. After a 10 minute period, remove the reagent tubing from 0.1 N HC1 solution
and cycle all the fluid from the syringes and tubing into a waste container.
v. Prime the syringes for several cycles with distilled or deionized water. Leave
system wet.
b. 10% Bleach:
i. Make a solution of 10% bleach, by adding 1 part of commercial bleach to 9
parts of water.
ii. Prime the syringes with the 10% bleach, and allow the solution to sit in the
syringes with the syringes fully lowered for 30 minutes.
iii. After the 30 minute period, remove the reagent tubing from 10% beach
solution and cycle all the fluid from the syringes and tubing into a waste
container.
iv. Prime the syringes for several cycles with distilled or deionized water. Leave
system wet.
3. Cleaning the Filter
On a bi-weekly basis thoroughly clean or replace the inlet filter. Instructions and
replacement filters have been included with the supplied DMC inlet assembly.
4. Tubing
It is important that all tubing be kept clean and free of crimps. Tubing that has become
dirty, blocked or crimped can result in poor accuracy and precision or possible syringe
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stalling. Replace the tubing if necessary. Frequency of replacement will be dependent
on duty cycle, reagents and maintenance.
RECOMMENDED DMC-B SYRINGE SERVICE PROCEDURE
Reagent to use: Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) 70%
Weekly
Empty the reagent being used. Put inlet Cannula(s) into IPA. Prime for 10 cycles.
Ideally the power to the dispenser can be turned off at the bottom of the fill stroke. This
will give the syringe full contact with the IPA. Leave overnight. Next day, using the
empty command, return the IPA to its container for reuse.
Monthly
After the weekly IPA rinse empty the system. Initiate the empty command again and
turn power off at the bottom of the fill stroke. Undo the syringe plunger thumbscrew and
remove the plunger.
Note: This does not require the glass barrel to be removed.
Dip the white plunger tip into IPA and reinsert the plunger into the barrel. By hand move
the plunger up and down within the bottom 1 inch of the barrel several times. Reinstall
the plunger onto its mounting and replace the retaining thumbscrew. Repeat on all
syringes sets.
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SYRINGE REPLACEMENT
To replace the syringe, empty all fluid from the syringe, remove inlet lines from
fluid reservoir, then follow the steps below:
1. To replace the syringe, turn the power on and initiate the prime cycle. When the
syringe activator arm is at the bottom of its stroke, turn the power off.
2. Turn the plunger lock screw counterclockwise 3 turns.
3. Turn the syringe counterclockwise and remove from the valve.
To install the syringe follow the steps below:
4. Screw the threaded portion of the syringe clockwise into the valve.
5. Fully seat the plunger into the syringe activator arm.
6. Securely tighten (clockwise) the plunger lock screw.
Syringe
Plunger
Lock Screw
Syringe
Plunger Holder
Valve
4
5
6
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VALVE REPLACEMENT
1. Remove syringe as described in steps 1 - 3 on page 8.
2. Disconnect the tubing from the valve.
3. Remove the two valve screws used to secure the valve to the panel.
4. Remove the valve from the pump.
To install the valve follow the below steps:
5. Align internal valve “D” slot with the flat on the motor shaft.
6. Gently push and rotate the valve into the correct position to align the pins with the
holes in the panel.
7. Securely tighten (clockwise) the plunger lock screws.
Alignment
Pin Holes
Internal Valve
“D SLOT”
Align With Flat
On Motor Shaft
Alignment
Pins
Flat On Motor Shaft
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Specifications
Pump Type Positive displacement multi-channel syringe pump
Accuracy within ±1.0% with 1 mL syringes (full stroke)
Precision within 0.05% CV with 1 mL syringes (full stroke)
Valve Design 3-Way rotary shear valve with:
High flow (0.060 in. diameter flow paths)
No “pumping” when switched
Chemically inert flow path
Power Requirement 24 VDC ±10%
Power Rating ≤2.5 Amp (peak)
Fluid Contact Materials Syringe – Borosilicate glass and PTFE or UHMWPE (seal)
Valve – PEEK (body) and UHMWPE (rotary plug)
Dimensions
Height 13 3/16 in. (344.4 mm)
Width 7 7/8 in. (200.0 mm) – 10 ½ (266 mm) including handles
Depth 6 in. (152.4 mm)
Weight 13 Lb (5.9 kg)
Environmental (Operating)
Temperature 15°C to 40°C (59°F to 104°F)
Humidity 20% to 95% RH at 40°C (104°F)
Syringe Design 30 mm stroke glass syringe with ¼ - 28 fittings
PTFE seals (long-life UHMWPE seals available upon request)
Standard Syringe sizes 1.0 mL 2.5 mL 5.0 mL
Resolution 1.0 µL 10.0 µL 50.0 µL
Range 5.0 µL to 1,000 µL 10.0 µL to 2,500 µL 50.0 µL to 5,000 µL
0.50 mL syringe available as a special order option
Fill speed for standard 96 well micro-plate – w/5 mL syringe & Moduline dispensing conveyor
µL / well 50 100 200 300
Time (sec) 5.2 5.9 6.5 7.5
Regulatory Compliance: The DMC-B is a general laboratory device not subject to FDA
regulatory approval. UL / CE approved components are used wherever possible.
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REMOTE TRIGGER
RECEPTACLE
Figure 1
DMC-B Back Panel
MODEL TYPE &
SERIAL NUMBER
POWER CORD
RECEPTACLE
COM. CORD
RECEPTACLE
MASTER POWER SWITCH
SLAVE DISPENSER
COM. CORD
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Figure 2
DMC-B Display and Controls
1. INDICATOR ARROW FOR SELECTED DISPLAY
2. DISPLAYS DISPENSED VOLUME IN uL or mL
3. DISPLAYS SYRINGE SIZE (1.0 mL, 2.50 mL, or 5.0 mL)
4. DISPLAYS DISPENSING SPEED (0-10)
5. DISPLAYS REFILLING SPEED (0-10)
6. CUSTOM PROGRAM
7. SELECT SCROLL KEY
8. INDICATOR ARROW FOR SELECTED MODE
9. DISPENSE MODE
10. PRIME MODE
11. EMPTY MODE
12. HOME MODE
13. CUSTOM PROGRAM
14. LCD DISPLAY SCREEN
15. MODE SCROLL KEY
16. START (INCREASE) KEY
17. STOP (DECREASE) KEY
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
7
17
19
18
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Figure 3
Inlet Manifold Installation
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Figure 4
Typical Dispenser Conveyor Configuration
8”
7”
Conveyor
23”
34”
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Figure 5
Conveyor Off Track Installation
Figure 6
Conveyor Back Panel
12 6 3
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Figure 7
Dispense Head Holder Installation
NEEDLE CENTERING
ADJUSTMENT SCREW
DISPENSE HEAD
MOUNTING SCREWS
REAR TRACK
PLATE POSITION
ADJUSTMENT
SCREWS
DISPENSE HEAD
POSITIONING STOP SCREW
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Figure 8
Dispense Head Holder Alignment
DISPENSE HEAD
HOLDER
ALIGN END OF BASE WITH
ARROW AS SHOWN
ALIGNMENT
ARROW
/
