Bio-Rad PDS-1000 / He™ and Hepta™ Systems - Manual (Page 46)

Section 8
Appendices
8.1 Cleaning the PDS-1000/He Device
1. Chamber
Clean the chamber with 70% ethanol. Allow time for drying.
2. Gas Acceleration tube
A. Unscrew the rupture disk retaining cap from the gas acceleration tube
Do not autoclave or flame sterilize the PDS-1000/He. Autoclaving will wet electrical
components, thus creating a potential electrical shock hazard.
B. Disconnect the tubing assembly from the gas inlet on the rear of the acceleration
tube (See Figure 1.2). Remove the screws from the hold-down brackets on the top
of the PDS-1000/He. Two sets are located on either side of the acceleration tube,
and CAREFULLY remove the tube from the top of the sample chamber.
3. The acceleration tube can be sterilized by partially immersing in 70% ethanol followed
by drying in a sterile environment. Do not autoclave the gas acceleration tube. Do not
immerse the pressure gauge in the sterilizing solution.
8.2 Metal Case Version
The metal chamber design has been offered by Bio-Rad Laboratories since the product
line was acquired from E.I du Pont de Nemours in 1991. The original metal case design is
capable of operating either the gunpowder acceleration mechanism or the helium acceleration
mechanism (Figure 8.1). The gunpowder acceleration delivery system has been discontinued.
The current plastic case version of the PDS-1000/He unit was introduced in March 1995 and
only operates with helium. The target distances and internal dimensions of the plastic case are
equivalent to those found in the metal case when used with helium acceleration mechanism.
Fig. 8.1. Front view of Metal Case version of PDS-1000/He instrument.
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