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Shasta - Monthly Maintenance Procedure

Regular monthly maintenance ensures your Shasta synthesizer performs reliably and extends the life of critical components. Follow the steps below to maintain optimal operation.

Required Tools & Materials

  • Krytox GPL205 grease

  • Graduated collection vial (for calibration)

  • Anhydrous Acetonitrile or Acetone

  • Lint-free cloth

⚠️ Safety Precautions

  • Always wear PPE: nitrile gloves, safety glasses, lab coat

  • Ensure proper ventilation is active

  • Never clean electrical components without approval from Sierra Biosystems

  • Stop and contact support if resistance or damage is observed

🔧 Step-by-Step Maintenance Instructions

1. Inspect Chamber Lid O-Ring

  • Check for cracks or compression

  • Close lid and pressurize via Manual Control > Chamber

  • Monitor pressure: ≤1 psi drop in 1 minute is acceptable

  • Apply Krytox if leaking; replace O-ring if needed

2. Clean Amidite Positions

  • Empty amidite bottles, refill with 10–20 mL fresh ACN

  • Pressurize chamber and use the Priming function

  • Prime all bottles into waste tray 3 times

  • Clean or replace bottles with dyes/modifications

  • Clear clogged nozzles with lint-free cloth or wire

  • Inspect O-rings/gaskets and replace if worn

3. Pressure Verification – Reagents & Amidites

  • Let pressures equalize for 15–30 min

  • Close reagent breaker; observe ≤0.5 psi drop in 1 min

    • If pressure drops: check caps and fittings

  • Repeat for amidites; confirm bottles are properly filled and attached

4. Valve Actuation Test

  • From Priming screen, click each valve

    • Listen for a click and confirm liquid is flowing

  • Prime tray drain should only be used when full

  • Replace or inspect valves if liquid is not flowing

5. Valve Calibration Verification

  • Lower reagent/amidite pressure by 3 psi

  • Prime all positions

  • Go to Calibration > Dispense

  • Use a tared vial to measure volume output

  • If >±10% deviation: recalibrate the valve

  • Repeat for all valves, then return pressure to normal

6. Inspect for Liquid Leaks

  • Inspect:

    • Dispense array (lid top)

    • Reagent manifold (lid back)

    • Waste drainage (inside rear)

  • Replace damaged fittings and clean any spills

7. Instrument Cleaning

❗ Never use acetone/ACN on Plexiglass

  • Clean dispense nozzles, chamber bottom, and actuator tops with dampened lint-free cloth

  • Wipe chassis, avoiding electrical connectors and Plexiglass

  • Dry all cleaned areas with a clean lint-free cloth