Leica Biosystems PELORIS_PELORIS II - Manual (Page 26)

Hardware
Leica PELORIS™ User Manual Rev K © Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd 2011 26
Some instruments have retort latch locks to disallow opening retorts when a protocol is running or
the retort temperature is high. See your service representative if you have latch locks on your
instrument.
Venting a Retort
You must ensure there is no pressure or vacuum inside a retort before you open the lid. The retorts
automatically vent at the start and end of a protocol, and also during a pause in a protocol.
However, you may need to manually vent a retort if an automatic vent fails or if you wish to access
a pressurized or evacuated retort at other times.
Use the Manual operations screen to manually vent the retorts. Set the Pressure button to
Ambient for the retort that you want to open. You may need to wait up to one and a half minutes
for the pressure to equalize. If your instrument has retort latch locks, use the Lock/Unlock retort
button; it may take several cycles to successfully vent a retort.
If you leave a hot retort closed for an extended time, the air in the retort will cool and create a
vacuum. You must then vent the retort before attempting to open the lid.
2.2.2 Fill Levels
Retorts can be filled with enough reagent for two or three cassette baskets. Supervisors set the
required fill level on the Instrument settings screen (see Reagent Fill Levels in 6.2.1 Instrument
Settings).
The two basket fill volume is 3.8 liters (1 gallon US) and the three basket fill volume is 5 liters (1.32
gallon US).
Use markings on the reagent bottles (Figure 3) and wax chambers (Figure 4) to ensure you have
enough reagent to fill the retorts to the required level. Always keep the reagent or wax volumes
WARNING
Retorts may contain very hot fluid that could cause severe burns. Wear suitable protective
clothing and eyewear when opening a retort.
WARNING
Retorts may contain hazardous reagents and vapors. Wear suitable protective clothing and
eyewear and ensure adequate ventilation when opening a retort.
WARNING
Take care not to knock retort lids when they are open. They could crush fingers or hands.