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General
· Keep the instrument as clean and dry as possible.
· Store objectives and collimators either installed or in case/boxes provided.
o If there is no objective or collimator installed use removable tape or similar to cover the
holes, thereby keeping dust and other miscellaneous particles out of the optics system.
· Never attempt to clean the mirrors located inside the FlowCAM.
· Only clean objectives and collimators with an appropriate lens cloth or lens paper.
· Never blow canned or compressed air into a FlowCAM.
· Shut down the instrument when not in use.
· Use caution with the fine focus knob to avoid over tightening or loosening.
· Periodically check for inconsistent illumination in the viewing window.
o Use included hex key to adjust LED as necessary.
· Do not unscrew the fine focus knob by traveling too far in either direction.
o Set to the center position periodically.
· When required, a mixture of calibrated microspheres can be used to verify calibration (See
Appendix V).
Pumps
Peristaltic (C50/51)
· When the pump is not in use unclip the occlusion tubing. This will extend the life of the tubing
and provide the most consistent results.
o At the minimum, change the occlusion tubing every month.
o If tubing looses elasticity (or displays indents) replace immediately.
· Perform a monthly check of pump performance by measuring the time needed to run 1 mL of
water through an appropriate flow cell.
o Compare results to the flow ranges indicated on Page 27.
· Never leave the pump running when away from the instrument.
· Be aware of potential chemical reactions between the sample and the pump and flow cell tubing.
Note: Standard tubing is silicon based.
Syringe (C70/71)
· Check to make sure the syringe and bulkhead fittings are completely seated and there are no
vacuum leaks at these junctions.
· Remove the bulkhead fittings on a regular basis and clean out any debris that may have
accumulated. If any damage is incurred while the bulkhead fittings are being reseated,
replacement parts are available from Fluid Imaging Technologies.
· Flush the pump with de-ionized water or appropriate cleaning solution daily.
o Main window > Setup > Pump > Flush System
· Routinely take the syringe apart and clean the components.
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