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Introduction
Steadily increasing libraries of compounds and biological samples are being stored for life science applications. Microtubes in a 96-tube rack (SBS format) are one of the most commonly used solutions for the huge number of test candidates. The tubes can be closed either with septa seals or with screw caps.
Screw caps seal tubes effectively at very low temperatures (-80°C or lower) and have been developed by various labware producers.
In order to open and close these screw cap tubes quickly and efficiently, Hamilton developed an automated DeCapper.
Technical Design
General Description
The Hamilton DeCapper is a robust, compact, and high-speed device for screw cap tubes. Decapping of a complete rack of 96 tubes takes less than one minute. It can work independently with different labware by simply changing an adapter type. The DeCapper is compatible with various sizes of labware, including most size froms 0.5 mL to 1.4 mL tubes.
Hamilton’s DeCapper is designed as a stand-alone instrument, but also has the ability to be integrated to other devices without modifications.
Processing a Complete Rack of 96 Tubes
Twelve independent motors in the Hamilton DeCapper rotate in parallel to open the tubes of a landscape-orientated rack. The decapping and recapping of each single tube is monitored by torque control on each individual motor guaranteeing a fully-controlled process. After decapping, the caps are placed on a disposable cap holder rack. In order to avoid cross contamination, no cap passes over an open tube.
Once a complete rack of tubes has been decapped, both the open tube rack and the cap holder rack can be removed to allow a second decapping cycle. Therefore, instead of processing only one rack at a time, batch processing of multiple plates is possible.
Finally, the DeCapper can recap the tubes. The screw caps are picked up from the cap holder rack, transported to the open tubes and rotated to recap the tubes. This process is controlled by a predefined labware-specific torque of each single motor to ensure an optimal sealing.
Selective Opening of Tubes
A complete 96-tube rack as well as individual rows can be decapped. The touch screen panel allows single rows to be chosen prior to the decapping process. The DeCapper will open only the selected rows. The same procedure can be used for tube recapping.
Active Monitoring
In order to increase process safety, sensors continuously monitor the presence of the screw caps. The sensors have two functions: detect the presence or absence of caps on the top of closed or opened tubes, and monitor the presence of the caps during movement between the tubes and the cap holder rack.
By actively monitoring the presence of the screw caps and the torque of each motor, the decapping and recapping process remains stable. The monitoring guarantees optimized recapping for each individual tube and therefore protects the valuable contents.
Figure 1: The Hamilton DeCapper for Screw Cap Tubes
Automated Decapping of Screw Cap Tubes
Hamilton DeCapper
Instrument Dimensions
Width (X):
Height (Z):
Depth (Y):
With Touch Screen Panel
306 mm 363 mm 687 mm
Without Touch Screen Panel
306 mm 363 mm 546 mm
Weight 20 kg
Throughput Decaps in 60 sec/Caps in 90 sec per 96-tube rack
LabwareCompatible with Matrix, Micronic, Nunc and Corning*
Operating Data
Maximum Power Consumption
140 VA
Voltage
100 V~/240 V~ (Tolerance: 88 VAC to 264 VAC)
Frequency 47 – 63 Hz
Temperature Range
15°C – 35°C
Relative Humidity
30% – 85% (Non-condensing, Indoors)
Noise Level < 63 dBA (Regarding EN27779)
Communication Ethernet and RS232 for integration
Conformity
Low Voltage Directive
73/22/EEC
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
*Others available upon request.
Technical Specifications
Easy-to-Use Touch Screen Panel
Hamilton’s DeCapper is operated by an easy-to-use touch screen panel. All DeCapper operations can be simply entered and viewed on the touch screen.
For stand-alone units, the touch screen is attached to the front of the DeCapper. In the case where an integration restricts the space at the front of the DeCapper, the screen can be placed beside the unit. In this situation, the integrated unit can still be used as a stand-alone DeCapper, controlled either by the automation system software or by the touch screen, unifying the advantages of a stand-alone and an integrated system.
Transparent Safety Cover
Hamilton’s DeCapper is completely housed within a manually moveable transparent safety cover. This housing fulfills two requirements: First, the user is unable to reach into the instrument where the parts are moving during the run. Second, the valuable contents of the opened tubes are protected from the environment.
Simple Integration by RS232 or Ethernet
Hamilton’s DeCapper can be easily integrated to a complete automation system. The integration into a Hamilton Microlab® STAR Line robotic workstation is available. If a software driver for other robotic systems is required, Hamilton will provide a description of the interface and commands via RS232 or Ethernet on request.
Features and Benefits
XX Selected rows or full-rack decapping and recapping is possible
XX Torque controlling and security mode ensures optimal sealing quality
XX Active monitoring for enhanced process safety
XX Removable cap holder rack (available as disposable) for
batch processing
XX No cap moves over opened tubes to eliminate cross contamination
XX Easy-to-use graphical touch screen
XX Plug & Play stand-alone or integrated unit fits in environment-
controlled cabinets
The Hamilton DeCapper saves time and makes your life easier.
Hamilton Storage Americas & Pacific RimHamilton Storage Technologies, Inc.3 Forge ParkwayFranklin, MA 02038 USATel: +1-508-544-7000Fax: [email protected]
Hamilton Storage Europe, Asia, & AfricaHamilton Bonaduz A.G.Via Crusch 8CH-7402 Bonaduz, SwitzerlandTel: +41-81-660-60-60Fax: [email protected]
To find a representative in your area, please visit hamilton-storage.com/contacts.
Web: www.hamilton-storage.comUSA: 800-310-5866Europe: +41-81-660-60-60
© 2013 Hamilton Storage Technologies. All rights reserved. All trademarks are owned and/or registered by Hamilton Company in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Lit. No. HST-TN0004
