Gilson PIPETMAN F Series User manual

PIPETMAN®F
ENGLISH
Other languages available on
our website: www.gilson.com.

2
PIPETMAN®F
1 - INTRODUCTION
Pipetman®F fixed volume
pipettes are available in 14
different models. Together,
they cover a range of vol-
umes from 2 to 5000 µL.
The pipetting mechanism
incorporates a highly pol-
ished stainless steel piston,
a seal, and an O-ring. The
mechanism requires no
routine lubrication.
Tip-ejector and disposable
tips mean no need to handle
tips, protectingtheuserfrom
contamination.
The tip-holder, the connect-
ing nut and the tip-ejector
are autoclavable for 20
minutes at 121°C and 0.1
MPa pressure.
CONTENTS page
1 - INTRODUCTION 2
2 - SPECIFICATIONS 3
3 - OPERATION 4
4 - USER ADJUSTMENT 5
5 - PRE-RINSING 6
6 - GILSON DIAMOND®TIPS 7
7 - RECOMMENDATIONS 9
8 - TROUBLESHOOTING 10
9 - SPARE PARTS 11
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 13
Push button Tip-ejector
button
Body
or
handle
Connecting
nut
Diamond tip
Tip-ejector
Tip-holder
Figure 1

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ENGLISH
The Pipetman F can be easily re-adjusted in the
laboratory, with compensation for variations in
fluid viscosity and density. A special calibration
key is provided.
The nominal volume of each model
is shown on the small label on the
push-button.
Pipetman F is in accordance with ISO 8655
Standard.
2 - SPECIFICATIONS
Pipetman F is a high quality pipette that offers
excellent accuracy and precision. The figures
given in the‘Gilson Maximum Permissible Errors’
table were obtained using ‘Gilson Diamond Tips’.
These figures are only guaranteed using genuine
Gilson Diamond Tips.
The data given in the table conform to the ISO
8655-2 Standard.
Maximum Permissible Errors
Model Volume Gilson ISO 8655
(Reference) (µL) Systematic Random Systematic Random
error (µL) error (µL) error (µL) error (µL)
F2 (F123770) 2 ± 0.08 0.03 ± 0.08 0.04
F5 (F123771) 5 ± 0.10 0.04 ± 0.125 0.075
F10 (F123772) 10 ± 0.10 0.05 ± 0.12 0.08
F20 (F123604) 20 ± 0.20 0.06 ± 0.20 0.10
F25 (F123775) 25 ± 0.25 0.07 ± 0.50 0.20
F50 (F123778) 50 ± 0.40 0.15 ± 0.50 0.20
F100 (F123784) 100 ± 0.80 0.25 ± 0.80 0.30
F200 (F123605) 200 ± 1.60 0.30 ± 1.60 0.60
F250 (F123787) 250 ± 3.00 0.75 ± 4.00 1.50
F300 (F123788) 300 ± 3.50 0.75 ± 4.00 1.50
F400 (F123789) 400 ± 3.60 0.80 ± 4.00 1.50
F500 (F123790) 500 ± 4.00 1.00 ± 4.00 1.50
F1000 (F123606) 1000 ± 8.00 1.30 ± 8.00 3.00
F5000 (F123607) 5000 ± 30.00 8.00 ± 40.00 15.00

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PIPETMAN®F
Eachpipetteis inspectedandvalidatedby qualified
techniciansaccordingtotheGilsonQualitySystem.
Gilson declares that its manufactured pipettes
comply with the requirements of the ISO 8655
Standard, by type testing. The adjustement is
carried out under strictly defined and monitored
conditions (ISO 8655-6):
• Basis of adjustment, Ex.
• Reference temperature, 20 °C
• Relative humidity, 50 %
• Barometric pressure, 101 kPa
• Use of distilled water grade 3 (ISO 3696)
• Ten measurements for each test volume.
3 - OPERATION
Place a tip on the tip-holder.Press
thetipon firmly usingaslighttwist-
ing motion to ensure a positive,
airtight seal. (See Chapter 6 for
the appropriate tip.)
Always fit a tip to your Pipetman
before aspirating any liquid.
Aspirating
• Press the push-button to the
first positive stop (Fig. 2A).
• Hold the pipette vertically and
immerse the tip into the liquid
(depth immersion 2-4 mm).
• Releasethepush-buttonslowly
and smoothly to aspirate the
liquid (Fig. 2B).
• Wait one second and then withdraw the tip
from the liquid. Wipe any droplets away from
the outside of the tip using a medical wipe.
Avoid touching the orifice of the tip.
Figure 2

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ENGLISH
Dispensing
• Place the end of the tip against the inside wall
of the vessel at an angle of 10 to 40 degrees.
Press the push-button smoothly to the first
stop (Fig. 2C). Wait one second. Press the
push-button to the second stop to expel any
residual liquid from the tip (Fig. 2D).
• Keep the push-button pressed fully down and
(while removing the pipette) draw the tip along
the inside surface of the vessel.
• Release the push-button smoothly.
• Eject the tip by pressing the tip-ejector button.
4 - USER ADJUSTMENTS
Pipetman F is factory calibrated using distilled
water and very high precision balances. The
nominal value of the Pipetman F may be slightly
adjusted to compensate for liquids of different
density or viscosity.
Adjustment of the factory calibration
must only be performed using a special
calibration key (Figures 3 and 5G).
This adjustment to accomodate for density or
viscosity is limited to one full turn of the calibration
key in either direction, which equals:
± 1.0 µL (models F2 to F20)
± 4.0 µL (models F25 to F100)
± 10.0 µL (models F120 to F200)
± 40.0 µL (models F250 to F1000)
± 200.0 µL (model F5000).
The display is graduated in tenths of the key
revolution (letters A, B,... J) and is read from left
to right. Each small graduation mark represents
0.2 of the distance between each letter.
To adjust the volume setting to compensate for
a specific density or viscosity, slide the key over

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PIPETMAN®F
the push-button until notches fit into
the grooves in the calibration sleeve
(Figure 3), then turn the key:
• clockwise to decrease the volume;
• counterclockwise to increase the
volume; go above the desired
value, then decrease the volume
to reach the required setting.
Example: When using a Pipetman F100 to aspirate a
particularly viscous solution, you may determine gravi-
metrically that the volume delivered is 98.8 µL, and the
display reads‘E 0.2’.Therefore, you wish to increase the
volume dispensed by 1.2 µL. As the interval between
each letter on the calibration display represents 0.4 µL
for the F100 (1/10 of 4 µL), the calibration tool must be
turned 3 units until the display reads ‘B 0.2’.
It is possible to alter the volume by more than
one full turn in the counterclockwise direction.
In this case, remember to readjust the same
number of turns when it is necessary to return to
the original setting.
Check the new volume gravimetrically. If the vol-
umes delivered are still not sufficiently close to
thedesired value,makeanother slightadjustment
in the relevant direction. Be sure to change tips
between volume setting adjustments and to
pre-rinse each new tip.
When the Pipetman F is readjusted
to compensate for a particular solu-
tion, the original setting (ex. 0.2) can
be noted on the self-adhesive labels
supplied (Figure 4).
Liquidsofhighdensity,vaporpressure,orviscosity
arebestpipetted bytheGilsonMicroman
®
positive
displacement pipette.
Figure 3
Figure 4

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ENGLISH
5 - PRE-RINSING
Some liquids (e.g. protein-containing solutions
and organic solvents) can leave a film of liquid
on the inside the wall of the tip; pre-rinse the tip
to minimize any errors that may be related to this
phenomenon.
Pre-rinsing consists of aspirating the first volume
of liquid and then dispensing it back into the same
vessel(orto waste).Subsequentvolumesthatyou
pipette will have levels of accuracy and precision
within specifications.
This pre-rinsing operation should be repeated
when a new tip is used.
6 - GILSON DIAMOND®TIPS
Gilson Diamond Tips are made to the highest
specifications, strict quality control is maintained
throughout the manufacturing process.
Diamond Tips are used to calibrate Pipetman F,
therefore for optimum performance, you are
stronglyadvisedtouseGilson'sDiamondTipswith
your Pipetman F. Diamond Tips have the Gilson
logo engraved on their collar, ensuring that you
have a genuine Gilson product.
To ensure accuracy and precision, Gilson's Qual-
ity Assurance System focuses on the following
critical parameters.
• Diamond Tips are made from pure polypropyl-
ene(virgin, metal-free,toavoid thepossibilityof
contamination). They are available sterilized.
• Optimized shape (revised collar for optimum
sealing, thin walls, and fine point), making
them easier to mount, more flexible, with no
vortexing, and improved precision.
• Diamond Tips are free from even microscopic
defects,especially attheorifice.All surfacesare

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PIPETMAN®F
smooth and hydrophobic, thereby avoiding the
excessive retention of liquids that causes poor
accuracy and a lack of precision.
• Mold and cavity references
are marked on the collar,
ensuring the traceability for
quality assurance purposes,
batch numbers appear on
all packages (bags and
boxes).
• They form an air-tight seal with the tip-holder,
preventing the leaks that cause poor accuracy
and a lack of precision.
• Theymaybeautoclavedat121°Cfor20minutes
at 0.1 MPa.
Diamond Filter Tips
Filter tips are used when sample-to-sample,
sample-to-pipette, or sample-to-operator con-
tamination must be avoided.
Gilson'ssterilizedDiamondFilterTipsarecertified
free of detect-able RNase, DNase, DNA, RNA,
and protease.
Pipette Diamond Filter Tips Type
F2 to F25 DF30ST Sterilized
F50 to F100 DF100ST Sterilized
F200 DF200ST/DF300ST Sterilized
F250 to F1000 DF1000ST Sterilized
Gilson
Logo ID Number
Pipette Diamond Tips Type
F2 to F100 D200 Regular
F200 D200/D300 Regular
F250 to F1000 D1000 Regular
F5000 D5000 Regular

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ENGLISH
7 - RECOMMENDATIONS
Therecommendationsbelowwillensuremaximum
performance from your Pipetman F.
• Make sure to operate the Pipetman F slowly
and smoothly.
• When aspirating, keep the tip at a constant
depth below the surface of the liquid.
• The Pipetman F should be held in the vertical
position.
• Change the tip before aspirating a different
liquid, sample or reagent.
• Change the tip if a droplet remains on the end of
the tip from the previous pipetting operation.
• Each new tip should be pre-rinsed with the
liquid to be pipetted.
• Liquid should never enter the Pipetman F tip-
holder. To prevent this:
- Press and release the push-button slowly
and smoothly.
- Never turn the pipette upside down.
- Never lay the pipette on its side when there
is liquid in the tip. Use a dedicated stand or
hanger:GilsonCarrousel™,Trio™,orSingle™.
• Never grease pistons or seals.
The pipette can be used between + 4 °C
and+40°Cbutthespecificationsmayvary
accordingthetemperature(seeChapter2
for controlled conditions of use).
• When pipetting liquids with temperatures
different from the ambient temperature, it is
recommended to pre-rinse the tip several times
before use.
• Do not pipette liquids with temperatures above
70 °C or below 4 °C.
• After pipetting acids or corrosive liquids which
emit vapors, it is recommended to disassemble
the tip-holder and to rinse the piston, the O-ring
and seal with distilled water.

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PIPETMAN®F
8 - TROUBLESHOOTING
If there is a leak or the pipette is not accurate,
check for the following:
• The connecting nut is loose.
Tighten the connecting nut.
• The tip-holder is cracked or scored.
Remove the tip ejector and inspect the tip-
holder. For F2 to F20 models, if the tip-holder
is damaged, the piston may also be damaged.
Replace the damaged parts (see Chapter 9).
Whenre-assemblingthepipette,theconnecting
nut should be hand tightened.
• Chemical damage to the piston and seals.
Replace the piston and seals (see Chapter 9).
Wash the inside of the tip-holder using distilled
water.
• Improper reassembly.
Disassemble the pipette and reassemble the
pipette correctly.
If there is liquid in the tip-holder, clean the
pipette as follows:
• Removethetip ejector.Unscrew theconnecting
nut and rinse the tip-holder, piston, seal and
O-ring with distilled water. Dry these parts and
reassemble the pipette.
If necessary, the tip-holder, connecting nut and
the tip ejector can be autoclaved for 20 minutes
at121°Candat0.1MPapressure.The seal and
the O-ring should not be autoclaved.
If there is an air bubble when the sample is
aspirated:
• Dispense the sample into its original vessel.
• Ensure that the tip is properly immersed in the
sample liquid.
• Aspirate the sample more slowly.
If the bubble appears a second time, replace
the tip.

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The outside of the Pipetman F can be cleaned
using a cloth dampened with isopropanol.
Ifa problemcontinuesaftercarrying outthe above
steps, contact your Gilson representative.
Before returning a pipette, please en-
sure that it is completely free of any
chemical, biological, or radioactive
contamination.
9 - SPARE PARTS
ContactyourGilsonrepresentative
to order spare parts.
Replacing the piston will
require re-calibration of the
Pipetman F. We recommend
thatthisworkiscarriedoutby
your Gilson representative.
Reference Number
Item F2 to
F20 F25 to F100 F200 F250 to F1000 F5000
- Piston assembly F123845 F144611 F123846 F123847 F123848
- Seal & O-ring (5 sets) F144863 F144864 F144865 F144866 F144867
- Connecting Nut F144723 F144723 F144723 F144723 *
- Tip ejector F144766 F144767 F144768 F144769 *
- Service kit 1st level
(1 tip holder, 3 piston
seals and 3 O-rings)
F144495 F144496 F144497 F144498 F144499
- Adjustment key F123674 F123674 F123674 F123674 F123674
Bags of 10 filters * * * * F161280
Bags of 100 filters * * * * F161241

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PIPETMAN®F

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ENGLISH
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Pipetman® F
F2, F5, F10, F20, F25, F50, F100,
F200, F250, F300, F400, F500, F1000, F5000
98/79/EC*
on In Vitro Diagnostic
Medical Devices
comply with the requirements
of the following European
Directives:
Villiers-le-Bel, September 14th, 2005
A. El Sayed H. Ledorze
General Manager Quality Manager
GILSON S.A.S.
19, avenue des Entrepreneurs
BP. 145 - 95400 Villiers-le-Bel (France)
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.gilson.com
* Annex III, self-declared
The company,
Hereby certies on its sole responsibility that the products
listed below:

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PIPETMAN®F
NOTES

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ENGLISH

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Gilson, Inc.
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Telephone: [phone] or (1) 608-836-1551 Fax: [phone]
Gilson SAS
19 avenue des Entrepreneurs, B. P. 145, 95400 Villiers-le-Bel, France
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
LT801118/L - ©2007 Gilson SAS All right reserved July 2007
English Printed in France