MoFlo® Accessories

MoFlo SortMaster™

SortMaster determines the initial droplet delay for each sort, and then controls the droplet break-off during the run, ready to interrupt the sort and correct the droplet delay if it changes.

Simple Sort Setup
SortMaster is an innovative system that automates the precise measurement of the droplet break-off point and controls it during the sort. The accurate determination of this measurement, which up until now has had to be manually measured, is essential to high sort recovery and purity results. Only with SortMaster can outstanding sort performance be achieved every time.

Continuous Sort Monitoring
Many factors can change the droplet break-off, including room temperature, sheath fluid temperature and pressure. Until now, the operator was required to continuously monitor the droplet break-off and adjust the instrument to compensate for changes in the break-off point. With SortMaster, no monitoring is necessary because SortMaster controls the droplet break-off. Every 30 milliseconds, a continuous closed loop feedback system monitors an image of the stream at the position of the last attached drop and compares the new image to the previous image. If SortMaster detects stream instability during a sort of less than ± 0.25 drop, it applies the Rayleigh Control Function¹ and adjusts the Drop Drive Amplitude. If SortMaster detects stream instability greater than ± 0.25 drop, it momentarily halts the sort, modifies the Cytomation Sort Unit (CSU) parameters to return the stream to the correct drop delay, and resumes the sort, all without operator intervention. If SortMaster cannot regain a stable droplet break-off point, it halts the sort, turns off the stream deflection and alerts the operator by audible alarm, page or E-mail.

Innovative Design
The SortMaster Embedded Processor uses sophisticated image acquisition via a frame grabber and sort control electronics to provide adaptive stabilizing control for sorting. Using a high quality CCD camera, special optics and newly developed imaging algorithms, SortMaster finds a stable droplet break-off and communicates its value to the control electronics.

Operator Productivity
Using SortMaster, the operator can initiate a sort quickly and walk away, secure in the knowledge that SortMaster is controlling the droplet break-off point. Because sorts for rare events can take hours, this new-found freedom for the operator can translate into far greater productivity than ever before possible. With SortMaster, operators are in total control of their sorts no matter where they are located. In fact, if the MoFlo is connected to a network, the sort-stream image and sort status (Figure 1) can be viewed from any computer on that network.

Future Automation
The SortMaster is another module in Cytomation’s continuing plan to automate MoFlo’s sort process. Cytomation is unique in employing microprocessor-control for these modules. These modules are programmable and will be able to communicate with each other to coordinate the sort process, reducing operator exposure to hazardous samples. Cytomation is designing in the power and flexibility necessary for a fully integrated, automated and safe sort.

SORTMASTER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
SortMaster includes:	SortMaster Electronics Unit User Guide
Minimum Reaction Time for Correction of Changes:	30 msec
Minimum Reaction Time to Shut Down:	<10 msec
Maximum Correction Allowed:	3 corrections/minute of > 0.25 µm
Maximum Break-off Deviation Permitted:	0.25 drop
Range of Nozzle Sizes Supported:	50, 70, 100, 150 µm
Range of Operating Frequencies:	0 - 200 Kh
Frame Grabber Specs:	512 x 512 pixels
Camera Resolution:	40 frames/second NTSC
Indicator Accuracy:	1.0 µms (accuracy of vertical movement of camera)

For more information about our products, please contact Cytomation at information@cytomation.com.

Print our Specification Sheet on SortMaster