Commands and Tips for Third-Party Devices
Shimadzu LC-20A/LC-30A HPLC System: Rack Changer

For the Shimadzu SIL-20A, SIL-20AC, SIL-20AXR, SIL-20ACXR and SIL-30AC samplers, Chromeleon supports a rack changer module. The module can be used to change microplates in the rack of the autosampler. The rack changer consists of 4 stacks (A, B, C, D) which together can hold up to 12 racks.

The following rack types can be used: 96-well and 384-well microtiter plates, 96 deep well plates, 384 deep well plates or 54x1.5mL vials. Per stack, only a single rack type can be used. Using the key panel of the autosampler, users have to configure manually which rack type is used in each stack.

 

The table below lists the Rack Changer properties that are provided in the Commands dialog box (F8 box) for the Sampler device.

For additional autosampler commands, also refer to Shimadzu LC-10A/LC-20A/LC-30A and LC-2010 HPLC Systems: Autosampler.

 

Chromeleon

Values

Description

LocationNaming

Alphanumerical,

Numerical

Determines whether rack positions are labeled using an alphanumeric or numerical format. When using the Fill Column function (F9 key) in the Browser or Sequence Wizard, position names are automatically generated according to the currently selected setting.

As the Rack Changer can hold up to 12 racks, a number from 1_ to 12_ is additionally placed in front of the position name to indicate the rack on which the sample is located. For example:

Numerical: 4_1...4_384 for samples located on plate no. 4.

Alphanumerical:  1_A1...1_P24 for samples on plate no. 1.

Control vials are labeled C1...C10.

Note:

The Alphanumeric format is suitable for MTP and DWP rack types only.

When using 1.5mL vial racks, set LocationNaming to Numerical. Vials are then labeled from n_1 to n_54 with n being the number of the rack, and numbers 1...54 indicating the position of the vial on the rack.

MeanderingScheme

A1A2

1A1B

Defines how samples are approached on the rack.

Note:

The figures below depict the orientation of the rack when inserted in the rack changer.

A1A2 (default):

Samples are approached row-wise (A1, A2, A3....) on a saw-shaped path.

 

1A1B:

Samples are approached column-wise (A1, B1, C1...) on a saw-shaped path.

NeedleStroke_A/B/C/D

-50–50 mm

Default: 0 mm

Sets an offset value that is used to modify the needle stroke set on the autosampler or rack changer. The needle stroke value determines the distance, the needle moves down to draw or dispense liquid (also see: NeedleStroke).

 

 

Depending on the installed rack type, the allowed ranges for NeedleStroke_A/B/C/D are as follows:

 

 

Rack type:

Range:

 

 

MTP 96 and MTP 384:

-30–7 mm

 

 

DWP 96 and DWP 384:

-30–7 mm

 

 

1.5mL vial racks:

-30–2 mm

 

 

 

 

 

 

If NeedleStroke_A/B/C/D is set to 0 mm (default setting), the following default stroke values are used:

 

 

Rack type:

Default stroke value:

 

 

MTP 96 and MTP 384:

45 mm

 

 

DWP 96 and DWP 384:

45 mm

 

 

1.5mL vial racks:

44 mm

NeedleStroke_CV

 

Sets the absolute distance that the needle moves down when drawing sample from a control vial.

Position

 

Sets the position of the sample in the rack.

RackChangerRack(1...12)

 

Reports the rack types that are installed in the rack changer module.

RackChangerTemperature

4–40 °C

Reports the temperature inside the rack changer.

RemoveRack

 

Moves the sample rack from the autosampler to the rack changer.

Note:

At the end of the sequence, the last used rack remains in the autosampler. To move the rack into the rack changer you may either use the RemoveRack command in Chromeleon or the REMOVE RACK command provided on the keypad of the autosampler.

 

 

Control of the Rack Changer in Chromeleon

Before you can control the rack changer, set the following parameters on the autosampler:

For details, refer to the operating manual of the autosampler.