multichannel systems PAL24 Pipettor Atmosphere Lid
GENERAL INFORMATION
Safety – for Use with Multiwell-MEA-System and MEA Xpress
Important Safety Advice
Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to installation or use of the device and the software. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or breakage of connected hard ware, or even fatal injuries.
Warning: Always obey the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should be allowed to perform laboratory work. Work according to good laboratory practice to obtain best results and to minimize risks.
The product has been built to the state of the art and in accordance with recognized safety engineering rules.
The device may only be used when in perfect condition. Improper use could lead to serious, even fatal injuries to the user or third parties and damage to the device itself or other material damage.
Warning: The device and the software are not intended for medical uses and must not be used on humans. Warner Instruments assumes no responsibility in any case of contravention.
Malfunctions that could impair safety should be rectified immediately.
Grounding
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor on the power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must be connected to earth.
Orient the Equipment Properly
Do not orient the equipment so that it is difficult to manage the disconnection device.
High Voltage
Electrical cords must be properly laid and installed. The length and quality of the cords must be in accordance with local provisions. Only qualified technicians may work on the electrical system. It is essential that the accident prevention regulations and those of the employers’ liability associations are observed.
- Each time before starting up, make sure that the power supply agrees with the specifications of the product.
- Check the power cord for damage each time the site is changed. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately and may never be reused.
- Check the leads for damage. Damaged leads should be replaced immediately and may never be reused.
- Do not try to insert anything sharp or metallic into the vents or the case.
- Liquids may cause short circuits or other damage. Always keep the device and the power cords dry. Do not handle it with wet hands.
Requirements for the Installation
Make sure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Do not place anything on top of the device, and do not place it on top of another heat-producing device, so that the air can circulate freely.
INTRODUCTION
PAL24 or PAL96
The PAL “Pipettor Atmosphere Lid” is a help full tool to maintain physiological conditions in a 24- or 96-well plate. It helps to keep humidity in each well constant, and allows to supervise pre-mixed, tempered, and moistened gas across the multiwell plate. With that, salinity and pH value are kept constant at physiological conditions for longer experimental runs.
A star-slitted foil is penetrated by the pipette tip during compound application into the wells, and fully reseals after the retraction of the pipette tip to maintain humidity and salinity in each well. With this helpful accessory, long-term recordings are doable within the pipettor — under perfect physiological conditions.
The “Pipettor Atmosphere Lid” converts the 24- or 96-well plate in a kind of climate chamber for Multiwell-MEA-Systems handled together with the MEA Xpress robot. Via a 6-channel gas outlet, you can create, for example, carbogen or if mixed before a 5 % CO2 atmosphere (humid or non-humid) around the biological probe in each well.
Featuring 24- and 96-well plates with up to 288 electrodes, the Multiwell-MEA-System in combination with the MEA-Xpress robot is the perfect tool for medium and high throughput electrophysiology. Integrated heating, as well as a connection to CO2 supply, enable full climate control of the recording chamber. Please see the Multiwell-MEA-System manual.
HARDWARE COMPONENTS
Top view of the lid 
Lid
Multiwell plates are not symmetrically, so the shape of the PAL 24/96 cover lid is built in the exact same manner as the respective well plate, to guarantee a close contact between plate and lid. To prevent confusion regarding the orientation of the lid, please look out for the triangular edges of the plate and the lid.
The brackets of the Multiwell-MEA headstage keep the lid in place together with the respective multiwell plate. 
Gas Manifold
Additionally, a gas manifold at the bottom of the lid is included. Please see the arrows on the picture. To apply for example, carbogen, connect a tube via injection needle to the inflow. 
The air manifold for the well plates has been specially designed for use with CO2 gases, which must be mixed before application. Medical grade gases are recommended. Other than to replace the CO2 line, do not open the manifold by removing fittings as this may introduce contaminants into the CO2 cleaned environment.
Foil 
The foil is made of Polyurethan. The self-adhesive foil is glued to the bottom of the lid and fits perfectly. 
Precisely above the openings of the wells, you find small crosswise cuts in the foil to allow pipette penetration.
The foil is replaceable by the customer.
Note: Foils must be ordered separately!
Cleaning Instructions
Important: Do not use an autoclave! PAL24/96 is not heat stable and cannot be autoclaved. Please do not use an ultrasonic bath for cleaning. Do not soak the PAL lid in water longer than necessary.
Please clean the PAL24/96 carefully manual with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse the lid with distilled water and dry it with a clean lintless cloth or let it airdry.
Wipe the PAL24/96 lid with alcohol and rinse thoroughly with distilled water.
Use UV light for sterilization.
Replacement of the Foil of the PAL24/96 
Important: Please follow the mounting instructions for the replacement of a foil with great care!
- Remove the old Polyurethan foil from the PAL24/96 lid.
- Clean the PAL24/96 lid with warm water and a mild detergent. Dry the lid completely.
- Provide the new foil for the respective lid, PAL24 or PAL96. The foil has to be fixed at the bottom of the lid.
- Subtract the protective sheet for 2 cm from the foil. Crimp the protective sheet as shown on the picture above.
- Locate the foil precisely that the slots of the foil meet the noses of the lid. Please see the picture below.
- Subtract the complete protective sheet. All slots of the foil have to meet the noses of the lid. Fix the foil carefully with a weak shim.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
| General Characteristic: | |
| Operating temperature | 4 °C to 40 °C , (40 °F to 104 °F) |
| Storage temperature | 0 °C to 40 °C, (0 °F to 104 °F) |
| Shipping temperature | 0 °C to 40 °C, (0 °F to 104 °F) |
| Operating humidity | 20 % to 80 % RH, non-condensing |
| Storage humidity | 20 % to 80 % RH, non-condensing |
| Shipping humidity | 20 % to 80 % RH, non-condensing |
| Altitude | 2000 m |
| For indoor use only! | |
| Dimensions of the Pipettor Atmosphere Lid (W x D x H) | PAL24: 84.0 mm x 126.2 mm x 13.4 mm PAL96: 84.2 mm x 126.5 mm x 9.3 mm |
| Weight of the Pipettor Atmosphere Lid | PAL24: 20 g PAL96: 19 g |
| Number of covered wells | PAL24 = 24 wells, PAL96 = 96 wells |
| Inlet connection for CO2 tube | 0.9 mm luer connector (Braun sterican cannula) |
| PAL Foil | |
| Dimension (W x D x H) | 85.48 x 127.76 x ? mm |
| Foil element | Polyurethan |
| Number of cross cuts for the pipettor | 24 or 96 |
| Number of holes for the spacers | 14 |
| Glue for fixing the foil | 20040 KIWOPRINT D 142 (Manufacturer: Kiessel + Wolf) |
CONTACT INFORMATION
Local retailer
Please see the list of official MCS distributors on the MCS website.
Mailing list
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Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH
Aspenhaustrasse 21, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany, +49-7121-909 25- 0 www.multichannelsystems.com
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