Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN® 3 Dodeca™ Cell - Manual (Page 3)

Section 1
General Information
1.1 Introduction
The Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca Cell is a multi-cell for mini-vertical gel electrophoresis.
It can run four to twelve identical polyacrylamide gels simultaneously. The Dodeca cell
includes clamping frames, buffer dams, a drain line, and gel releasers. Ready Gel precast gels
are compatible with the Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca Cell. Handcasting electrophoresis gels is
also an option; see Section 5 for recommended handcast accessories.
Specifications
Tank and lid Acrylic
Clamping frame Polycarbonate and liquid crystal polymer
Upper electrode holder Polycarbonate with 109 mm (43”) platinum wire
Lower electrode assembly Polycarbonate with 89 cm (35”) platinum wire
Drain line Tygon tubing
Drain line connectors Delrin
Cooling coil Acrylic
Cooling coil connector tubing Tygon
Maximum buffer volume 4.4 liters
Minimum buffer volume 3.4 liters
Overall size 41.5 x 15 x 16.2 cm (L x W x H)
Precast gel compatibility Ready Gel precast gels
Handcast gel compatibility Mini-PROTEAN 3 glass plates and spacers
Safety limits 500V, 500W
Weight 5 kg (11 lb)
Note: Dodeca cell components are not compatible with acetone or ethanol. Use of organic
solvents voids all warranties. The Dodeca cell is compatible only with aqueous reagents.
1.2 Safety
Power to the Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca cell is supplied by an external DC voltage power
supply (not included). The output of the power supply must be isolated from external ground
to insure that the DC voltage output floats with respect to ground. All Bio-Rad power supplies
meet this important safety requirement. Regardless of the power supply used, the maximum
specified operating parameters for the Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca cell are as follows:
500 VDC maximum voltage limit
500 W maximum power limit
40 °C maximum ambient temperature limit
The current to the cell enters the unit through the lid assembly and provides a safety
interlock to the user. The circuit between the cell and the lid’s upper electrodes is broken
when the lid is removed. Always turn off the power supply before removing the lid. Do not
attempt to use the cell without the safety lid.
1