Hi all,
Looking for hands-on experience with the Hamilton gravity waste module, or any similar off-the-shelf (non-DIY) module that drains liquid waste directly off the deck instead of using waste troughs.
A few questions if you’ve used one:
Which setup did you go with?
How reliable has it been (clogs, leaks, maintenance)?
Anything worth flagging before we go down this path?
Appreciate any pointers or vendors to talk to.
Thanks! Keltoum
Hi @Keltoum,
A few years ago Hamilton had to rapidly build and ship out MagEx STARs and STARlets. Because of the bead washing steps (40mLs or more per 96 well plate to process) the gravity waste was a low cost, simple, and very effective addition to the platform for handling liquid waste.
Clogs were not an issue as the gauge of the waste tube is quite significant. Leaks also weren’t an issue due to the simplicity of it - it’s just a handful of parts that can be assembled with ease: the module itself, the tube, a clamp, and an elbow joint.
The most important thing I can say about it though is to try and keep it towards the far left or far right of the system. You will be relying on gravity to pull the liquid from the deck and In the event that the gravity waste or similar module is in the middle of the deck the tube and liquid will have a longer horizontal path until it is off the deck. This can lead to liquid traps like those under most if not all sinks.
Matt
Very helpful, thank you @MatthewSmith_Hamilton!
Do you have the part number for the whole kit, or the part numbers for the individual pieces if they have to be bought separately? Additionally, do you know of a way to use regular plate carriers instead of the MFX ones with this module? I see on the Hamilton website that the module is meant to sit on one MFX spot.
The gravity waste module part number is 92581-01. It’s a multiflex module, so it will only work on a multiflex base carrier and not a standard carrier.
We’ve also developed some custom solutions for the gravity waste including one where it is attached to the MPH96 waste chute. Long-term, we are looking to make that a standard part. I don’t have an ETA, but I wanted to give you another possible option in case you don’t have the space on deck. Please reach out to your local Hamilton sales representative if you’re interested in learning more!
We have seen dozens in use, maybe > a hundred. Not many problems.
Suggestion would be to pour a volume of etOH, water or somthing to flush out a bit of the reagent out. Over time, they can get salty.
We also have a solution for a similar unit to mount onto the 96 head waste chute if you need one.
No issue unless the user forgets to empty it. One of our Hamiltons caught on fire when the EtOH waste overflowed short circuited the board.