FiltaFlex
WIPERATOR User Manual
User Manual
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WIPERATOR - User Manual FILTAFLEX Ltd , Almonte, Ontario, Canada
www.filtaflex.ca
Wiperator loaded with Wipe and Sample Carrier - note the inclined Ramp and recessed Dock -
By controlling the applied weight, speed and duration of wiping, the Wiperator permits consistent comparison of the performance of prewetted towelettes when decontaminating surfaces. The action is like a miniature human hand wiping a larger surface - a Wipe makes 10-mm dia orbits at 1 orbit/s, with its orientation changing by about 6o during an orbit. Wipe runs are multiples of 5s, up to 45s. Default weight is 150g; an accessory 150g weight is included. Sample Carriers hold two 10-mm dia disks, to permit immediate testing for cross-contamination. Carriers for fingers are also available. The Wiperator is supplied as a basic instrument, or with optional USB/RS232 interface connectivity to permit custom programming. The system also requires Teflon Wipe Bosses (and O-rings), Sample Carriers (for disks or fingers), and a supply of 10-mm dia disks (usually stainless steel). An optional Wipe Loader facilitates loading Wipes onto Bosses. Page 1 of 4
Wipes and the Wipe Loader
O-ring on Plinth
Wipe and Boss
Press into O-ring
Loaded Boss
To test a Wipe in the Wiperator, first stretch it over the end of a Teflon Wipe Boss and secure it with a rubber O-ring. The Wipe Loader shown here helps you do this quickly to minimize loss of any volatile compounds. The two sizes of O-ring supplied with the Wiperator should accommodate most towelette thicknesses. You may want to wipe the Loader's receiver with 70% alcohol between uses. Sample Carriers A Sample Carrier has two circular recesses that hold 10-mm disks like the stainless steel ones shown. Slots on either side of each recess allow you to use forceps to remove disks for analysis. Sample Carriers for fingers are also available. Hint: if towelettes pull disks out of their recesses at the end of runs, tape magnets under Carriers as shown in Appendix A. Wipe runs with the Wiperator Powering up Plug the 12V DC adapter into the jack behind the Wiperator. Press the ON button and the LCD screen will immediately display "INTRODUCE SAMPLE". There is no OFF button - the Wiperator will switch itself off after 10 min of inactivity. Note 1: except during a run the Wiperator tries to keep the brass Wipe Spindle in its most forward position, for easy access. If you displace it (e.g., introducing a Boss) it will either jerk to oppose the displacement or make a full revolution, depending which way it is displaced. The movement cannot hurt, but may surprise you. Introducing the loaded Wipe Boss Slip the Boss up the brass Wipe Spindle and rotate it gently to ensure its grooves engage the Restrainer Rod. - it will be held there magnetically. Do not rotate a Boss once it has engaged or the Wiperator may make a revolution (see Note 1). Page 2 of 4
Note 2: when sliding a Boss up the Spindle always press the Spindle down with your other hand to prevent it rising up - otherwise the Wiperator may think a sample has been introduced and start up - again, this cannot hurt you but it will waste time until the Wiperator realises its mistake... Introducing the Sample Carrier - doing a wipe run In its "ready" state the Wiperator's LCD displays "INTRODUCE SAMPLE". A Wipe orbits the outermost Sample Disk. Hold the Sample Carrier by its edge and slide it up the Ramp as far as it will go. Quickly raise the Carrier up to the Wipe and the run will begin - it will last 5 sec. Time-remaining is displayed on the LCD but you will most likely simply count 5 rotations to yourself. At the end of 5 sec wiping pauses for 0.5 sec, the Wiperator will chirp and the LCD display "RUN 1 TERMINATED". Quickly lower the Sample Carrier unless you want a longer wipe. The Wiperator will then return to its "INTRODUCE SAMPLE" state. Doing longer wiping runs If you keep the Sample Carrier raised the wiping motion will start up again for another 5 sec then again pause for 0.5 sec. The LCD now displays "RUN 2 TERMINATED". You can do up to 9 runs this way - after that the Wiperator will tell you "NO MORE...". "Sample moved" error During any 5 sec run the Wiperator will detect if you inadvertently lower the Sample Carrier and possibly compromise the test. If you reposition the Carrier in less than 0.5 sec the Wiperator will continue. Otherwise it will stop for 15 sec, make annoying long beeps and give a "RUN ABORTED " message. Note 3: when finishing a run, always lower the Sample Carrier quickly or you may get the "RUN ABORTED " alarm message. This will not compromise your test because you have already finished it, but you will hear those very annoying beeps.
Specifications Wiperator: Length 235-mm, width 150-mm, height 210-mm, weight 3.0 kg. 12V DC, 2.1-mm centre-positive jack. Orbit speed 1 rps ± 1%. Default mechanism weight 149 ± 1g (actual weight during wipe will be dependent on weight of added Wipe). Extra 150g weight supplied. Disks: Are typical "catering" ferritic stainless steel, type AISI 430 (ASTM A240, EN 10088-2 1J/2J), 10-mm (0.394") dia, 0.7-mm (0.27") thick, No. 4 Finish (unidirectional 150 grit abrasive), 0.45g. Page 3 of 4
Appendix A Disks pull out of Carriers at end of run The 10-mm stainless steel disks are very light (0.45g). Depending on their "wetness" or "stickiness" Wipes will sometimes pull disks out of Carrier recesses at the end of a run. If you find having to detach disks from used towelettes annoying or problematic, a suggested solution is to tape small magnets underneath Carriers as shown. Tape the magnets centrally, not directly underneath recesses. And do not use strong magnets or you will have trouble placing disks - the small magnets sold in craft stores are strong enough. Use electrical tape or similar for easy removal in case you need to sterilize Carriers.
FILTAFLEX Ltd (613) 256 3066
Almonte
Ontario
Canada www.filtaflex.ca Page 4 of 4
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