Environmental Express AutoBlock Plus - Manual (Page 16)

AutoBlock Plus Operation Manual and Instructions
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4.0 CREATING A METHOD
From the Main Screen, click on the Method Creation button. The AutoBlock will come with several pre-programmed
EPA methods, however the software allows for users to create their own methods or modify existing ones.
1.5 Creating a Method
4.1.1 To create a method, press the “Delete All” button to clear the method template.
4.1.1.1 A prompt will appear asking the user if they want to delete all steps. Click “Delete
All” to proceed.
4.1.2 Choose the actions from the “Method Steps” box on the left side of the screen. Each action
will prompt the user for more information based on the action chosen.
4.1.2.1 INJECT: Select the desired reagent from the available list and specify the volume to
be injected.
NOTE: The reagent must be assigned to a port to be available for selection. See Section 3.1
for assigning reagents to ports.
4.1.2.2 HEAT TEMP / HEAT TIME: Enter the desired graphite block temperature. The
software will then prompt the user to enter the length of time the AutoBlock should heat.
NOTE: The heat temp is for the graphite block temperature only, not the sample
temperature. The user should expect a 10 – 15 degree drop in sample temperature from the
graphite block temperature and should verify this prior to running a digestion method.
4.1.2.3 COOL TIME: Enter the amount of time to cool samples.
NOTE: When injecting reagents after a heat step it is important to cool the samples prior to
doing so. A minimum of 20 minutes of cool time is required before injecting a reagent after
heating.
4.1.2.4 PAUSE: Method execution will stop until the user recognizes a prompt to continue.
A comments area (limited to 50 characters) is available to provide information on the
pause step.