Use of clamp systems
Mounting clamps onto an orbital shaker
The hole patterns of the groundplates for the deepwell clamps
CR1700 and the universal clamps CR1800 are identical (see figure
at the right). The colored dots on the drawing below indicate the
holes to be used for the various trademarks of orbital shakers. If
you have a shaker from a different trademark, there is a reasonable
chance that it has a screw hole pattern identical to the pattern of
one of the major shaker producers given below.
Many platforms can fit four clamps in a row (see photo below). Be
sure to leave sufficient space between the rows to allow sliding in
the deepwell MTPs + covers (not necessary for the universal
clamps). The maximum total weight (partially determined by the
number of clamps) that can be loaded onto an orbital shaking
without causing excessive wear to the shaker (or
movement/trembling of the whole shaking cabinet) is dependent on
the shaking frequency, shaking amplitude and the quality (flatness,
stability) of the floor.
The clamps are supplied with ten 8 mm long screws (+ ten plastic
blue rings) for attachment on Kuhner and Infors shakers. Put the
blue rings between the groundplate and the shaker platform to
thermally insulate the groundplate from the shaker to some extent
(the shaker platform may be slightly warmer than the air in the
shaker cabinet).
Note: For attachment on New Brunswick shakers (now: Eppendorf) use the 12
mm long screws.
Use of clamps for deepwell MTPs + covers only (CR1700,
CR1702)
1.
Slide the sandwich cover + MTP into the clamp (attached onto
an orbital shaking platform), and turn the handle from the
"OPEN" position to the "CLOSED" position.
2.
Shake under appropriate conditions (depending on filling volume
and desired OTRs, see hydrodynamics and oxygen-transfer
rates).
Use of universal clamps (CR1600, CR1800, CR1801,
CR1802, CR1803)
1.
Place one deepwell MTP + sandwich cover, or a pile of
maximally 3-4 MTPs + sandwich covers into the clamp (which
has been screwed onto the shaking platform of an appropriate
orbital shaker)
2.
Screw down the (pile of) MTPs + sandwich covers down using
the clamp system with the cross-nut (see photo and drawing).
Stop turning the cross-nut when friction is felt (the clamp
systems with a cross-nut, as supplied from March 2013
onwards, has a protection system against overtightening). The
force exerted is then approx 400 N, which is a suitable force for
sandwich covers with a solid silicone layer inside. For sandwich
covers with spongy silicone (less force required), turn back
(release) the cross-nut a half or full turn (180-360 degrees).
3.
Shake under appropriate conditions (depending on filling
volume and desired OTRs).