Bio-Rad S3™ Cell Sorter - Manual (Page 18)

Hardware Description
8 | S3 and S3e Cell Sorters
2.2.3 Nozzle
The nozzle controls many crucial aspects associated with sorting such as:
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Creating a stable vibration to generate droplets
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Hydrodynamically focusing the sample
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Removing air from the nozzle (debubbling)
The nozzle compartment (Figure 8) can be accessed through the top, front sliding door. The
nozzle tip is a 100 µm orifice for centering the sheath stream to the laser interrogation point. The
tip may be removed for cleaning or to remove a clog from the nozzle stage.
Note: If the nozzle door is opened, lasers will be shuttered, sample will be stopped, and the
stream will be disabled.
IMPORTANT! Refer to Chapter 10, Maintenance, for a detailed procedure on
removal, cleaning, and replacement of the nozzle assembly and nozzle tip. This is
performed using the Swap Nozzle Tip wizard.
CAUTION! Shock hazard! The nozzle door is interlocked and will disable stream
charge when opened. Only qualified and trained personnel can override this interlock.
2.2.4 Sort Collection Chamber
The deflection plates are located in the sort collection chamber (Figure 9). When these plates
are electrostatically charged they direct the sorted droplets into the appropriate tubes. These
plates should remain clean and dry for optimal deflection.
IMPORTANT! Both plates should be cleaned on a regular basis. If a significant
amount of sheath fluid builds up on the plates due to a clog or misalignment, arcing
between the plates can occur. When arcing is sensed by the system’s electronics, the
plates will be disabled and a message will appear in the software. Using a cotton
swab, clean the plates and remove any stray fluid before attempting to sort.
Sorted samples can be collected into three collection vessels listed below.
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1.5 ml tubes
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8-well strips
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5 ml tubes, 12 x 75 mm
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Microscope glass slides
Fig. 8. Nozzle compartment containing the nozzle stage. A, Agilis System; B, AutoGimbal System.
A B