Brushless DC (BLDC) Pipettors

Abbreviations:
Brushed Motor Air Pipettor Pump (APP)
Brushless DC Pipettors (BLDC)

The new BLDC Pipettors have been developed to improve Pipettor reliability.

For Panther Systems, the Sample and Reagent Pipettors MUST be of the same type.
For Fusions Systems, the Panther side (Sample and Reagent Pipettors) MUST be of the same type.
The Fusion Pipettor can be either an APP or BLDC Pipettor.

The BLDC pipettors were cut in on production Panther Systems (classic) P03499, 03510, 03511, P03542 and above.

Note—
BLDC Pipettors can ONLY be installed with System Software v7.1 or higher.

The table below represents the only viable pipettor configurations for standalone Panther or Panther Fusion systems:

SYSTEM Sample Pipettor Reagent Pipettor Fusion Pipettor
Panther APP APP APP or BLDC
Panther Fusion BLDC BLDC APP or BLDC

Procedure

  1. Remove the existing Pipettor(s)
  2. Install the existing Pipettor(s)
  3. Verify the DIP switch setting is correct for the side of arm intended to be installed.
    REAGENT configuration is shown on LEFT below (DIP Switch 1 value is “OFF”).
    SAMPLE/FUSION is shown on RIGHT below (DIP switch 1 value is “ON”).

  4. Cable Retention Bracket Placement
    Note— The cable retention bracket placement is critical in ensuring that the cable does not engage with the teeth of the shaft.
    1. Verify that the cable rests entirely within the shaft .

    2. Verify that the cable is NOT over the edges. Loosen the retention bracket to adjust placement as needed.

  5. Run Instrument Setup (Firmware). Remember to click on the radio buttons next to BLDC for the Pipettor(s) installed.

Verification

As per DHM-07074, PQs are NO longer required after Pipettor Replacement

  1. Run the Pipettor Pressure Integrity Test and attach the report to the UCR.
    Remember that any value above 0.33 is now accepted as a passing test for the Pipettor Pressure Integrity.
  2. Perform both a cLLD AND bLLD test. Attach the passing cLLDClosedCapacitive liquid level detection AND bLLD tests to the Case in CRM.
    First complete the cLLD test, then repeat the procedure selecting bLLD.
    cLLD tests the capacitive circuit. bLLD will show wear in the piston drive.