Gilson PIPETMAN L User manual

USER’S GUIDE
pipetman L
sinGLe, muLtichanneL & Fixed modeLs
Comfortable and Secure by Nature!

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1  INTRODUCTION
PIPETMAN L is an air displacement pipette and is used with
disposable tips. To answer the current needs of intensive use
of pipettes, and still being conform to Gilson brand qualities,
improvementshavebeenimplementedtoourmechanicalseries:
 Light and comfortable body, both for right and left handed.
Allforcesnecessary topipetting taskdramaticallydecreased*.
Lockable volume, except for the Fixed models.
2D code for traceability.
Name tag.
For the single variable volume models, you have the choice
for an ejector plastic or a stainless steel ejector.
* Implementation of new features to improve dramatically pipetting
comfort has no impact on the legendary robustness, accuracy and
precision of PIPETMAN.
Eight single channel models cover a volume range from 0.2 µL
to 10 mL.
Fixed models cover a volume range from 1 µL to 5000 µL with
15 models.
Eight multichannel models cover a volume range from 0.5 µL
to 300 µL.
2  PARTS CHECK LIST
Justtakeamomenttoverifythatthefollowingitemsarepresent:
Contents Page
1  INTRODUCTION 2
2  PARTS CHECK LIST 2
3  DESCRIPTION 3
4  SETTINGTHEVOLUME  Only for Single & Multichannel models 4
5  USER ADJUSTMENTS  Only for Fixed models 4
6  PIPETTING 5
7  GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PIPETTING 7
8  ACCESSORIES 8
9  GLP FEATURES 8
10  TROUBLESHOOTING 8
11  LEAKTEST 9
12  MAINTENANCE 9
13  CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION 11
14  SPECIFICATIONS 11
15  SPARE PARTS 14
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 15
WARRANTY 15
Decreased pipetting forces are due to the new
designed piston assembly including the use of a
very high quality of lubricant. The use of other
lubricant cancels the warranty of your pipette.
This lubricant is available under the reference:
5440011070.PleasecontactyourGilsondistributor.
Single models
PIPETMAN L,
User’s Guide,
 Safety bag,
 Certificate of conformity (including
bar-code sticker).
Fixed models
PIPETMAN L Fixed,
User’s Guide,
 Safety bag,
 Adjustment key,
 Certificate of conformity (including
bar-code sticker).
Multi channel models
PIPETMAN L,
User’s Guide,
 Safety bag,
 Ejector spacer for D10 tips,
 Certificate of conformity (including
bar-code sticker).

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3  DESCRIPTION
PIPETMAN DIAMOND® tip(s)
Ejector spacer
Ejector clip
Handle
Tip-ejector button
Color-coded push-button
Thumbwheel
Connecting nut
Tip-ejector
Cover
Ejector support
Tip-holders
Ejector lock
Pleaserefertothefollowingchaptersfor afulldescriptionofthedifferentpartsandfunctionsofthepipette.
PIPETMAN DIAMOND® tip
Tip-ejector
Tip-holder
Handle
Tip-ejector button
Color-coded push-button
Thumbwheel
Connecting nut
Single models Multichannel models Fixed models
Tip-ejector
Graduated cover
Tip-holder
Personal label
You can identify your pipette with a name tag:
Pry out the window by inserting a small
screwdriver in the access slot.
Position the name tag in the slot.
Clip the window back into place.
Single &
Multichannel
models
Fixed
models

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4  SETTING THE VOLUME  Only for Single and Multi-
channel models
The volume of liquid to be aspirated is set using the volumeter.The
dials are colored either black or red to indicate the position of the
decimal point, depending on the model (see examples).
Lock System
For additional safety, the volume selected is lockable.
With the left or right thumb, unlock the thumbwheel by push-
ing it up.
The volume is set by turning the thumbwheel.
The thumbwheel may be turned using only one hand to slowly
reach the required setting.
Pushdown the thumbwheel;thenew volumeselectedislocked.
To obtain maximum accuracy when setting the volume, proceed
as follows:
when decreasing the volume setting, slowly reach the required
setting, making sure not to overshoot the mark.
when increasing the volume setting, pass the required value by
1/3 of a turn and then slowly decrease to reach the volume, mak-
ing sure not to overshoot the mark.
5  USER ADJUSTMENTS  Only for Fixed models
PIPETMAN L Fixed is factory calibrated using distilled water and
very high precision balances.The nominal value of the PIPETMAN L
Fixed may be slightly adjusted to compensate for liquids of dierent
density or viscosity.
To accomodate for density or viscosity, an adjustment with one full
turn of the calibration key in either direction equals:
± 0.05 µL (models F1L to F2L)
± 0.2 µL (models F5L to F10L)
± 0.5 µL (models F20L to F25L)
± 2.0 µL (models F50L to F100L)
± 5.1 µL (models F200L to F250L)
± 20 µL (models F300L to F1000L)
102 µL (model F5000L).
Thecoveris graduatedin tenths of the keyrevolution (letters A, B,...J)and is read
from left to right. Each small graduation mark represents 0.25 of the distance
between each letter.
To adjust the volume setting to compensate for a specic density or
viscosity, engage the two hooks of the spanner tool inside the two
small holes on the top of the body, then turn the key slowly:
Clockwise todecreasethevolume ;making surenotto overshoot
the mark.
Counterclockwise to increase the volume; pass the required
value by 1/4 turn, then slowly decrease the volume to reach the
required setting.
Model Color of volumeter numbers
Black Red Increment
P2L µL 0.01 µL 0.002 µL
P10L to P20L - Lx10 µL 0.1 µL 0.02 µL
P100L - P200L - Lx200 - Lx300 µL - 0.2 µL
P1000L 0.01 mL mL 0.002 mL
P5000L 0.01 mL mL 0.002 mL
P10mlL mL 0.1 mL 0.02 mL
Protection of your pipette and your work:
If step is forgotten, the volume selected will
be automatically locked during the next purge.
Adjustmentof thefactorycalibrationmustonly
be performed using a special calibration key.
1
5
P2L
1.25 µL
2
0
7
5
P10L
7.5 µL
1
2
5
P20L
12.5 µL
P100L
0
7
5
75 µL
P200L
1
2
5
125 µL
P1000L
0
7
5
0.75 mL
P5000L
1
2
5
1.25 mL
P10mlL
0
7
5
7.5 mL
0
7
5
Lx10
7.5 µL
1
2
5
Lx20
12.5 µL
Lx200
1
2
5
125 µL
Lx300
1
2
5
125 µL
Single models
Multichannel
models
Graduations
Please hold the key in the highest position to
avoid banging it into the hook.
Counterclockwise
Clockwise

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Example: When using a PIPETMAN L Fixed100 to aspirate a particularly viscous solu-
tion, you may determine gravimetrically that the volume delivered is 98.8 µL, and the
displayreads“H”.Therefore,youwishtoincreasethevolumedispensedby1.2µL.Asthe
interval between each letter on the calibration display represents 0.2 µL for the F100L
(1/10 of 2 µL), the calibration tool must be turned 3 units until the display reads “B”.
Itispossibletoalterthevolumebymorethanonefullturninthecounter-
clockwise 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 volumes delivered are still
not suciently close to the desired value, make another slight adjust-
mentin therelevantdirection. Be sure to change tips between volume
setting adjustments and to pre-rinse each new tip.
When the PIPETMAN Fixed is readjusted to compensate for a particular
solution, the nature of the liquid can be noted on the labels inserted in
the slot under the counter.
Liquids of high density, vapor pressure,
or viscosity are best pipetted by the
MICROMANpositivedisplacementpipette.
Gilson Logo ID Number
Short tips Long tips
To t To remove
PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tip compatibility
for Fixed models
F1L, F2L, F5L, F10L D10, DL10, DF10, DFL10
F20L, F25L D200, DF30
F50L, F100L D200, DF100
F200L D200, DF200
F250L D300, DF300
F300L, F400L, F500L, F1000L D1000, DF1000
F5000 D5000
6  PIPETTING
For optimum performance, use of PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tips with your PIPETMAN L is strongly
recommended.These tips, made from pure polypropylenehavethe Gilsonlogo engravedon their
collar, ensuring that you have a genuine Gilson product. Plastic tips are for a single application –
they must not be cleaned for reuse.
PIPETMAN L can also be used with the main tip brands.
Fitting the tips - only for Single and Fixed models
To t a new PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tip, push the tip-holder into the tip using a slight twisting mo-
tion to ensure a firm, airtight seal.
PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tip compatibility
for Single models
P2L, P10L D10, DL10, DF10, DFL10
P20L D200, DF30
P100L D200, DF100
P200L D200, DF200, D300, DF300
P1000L D1000, D1200, DF1000, DF1200
P5000L D5000
P10mlL D10mL
For the P2L and P10L models equipped with stainless steel tip-ejector,
A dual-position adapter (plastic) is required to t DL10 tips (long tips) or D10 tips (short tips).
P2L and P10L models are delivered with the adapter in place, ready to use DL10 tips. If D10 tips
are used, the adapter must be repositioned in the shorter slot as follows:
Pull the adapter down from the metallic rod.
Turn the adapter through 180°.
Refit the adapter so that the end of the metallic rod engages the shorter slot of the adapter.
For the F1L, F2L, F5L, F10L, P2L and P10L models equipped with plastic tip-ejector,
A tip-ejector extension is supplied to t with D10 tips (short tips).
To t a tip-ejector extension:
Slide the extension over the tip-holder.
Push the extension rmly onto the end of the tip-ejector until it clicks into place.
To remove a tip-ejector extension:
Gently twist and pull the extension.
Pull it away from the pipette.
Both dual-position adapter and tip-ejector extension are autoclavable .

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Fitting the tips - only for Multichannel models
PIPETMANDIAMONDTip:TIPACK™andTOWERPACK™
– ROCKY RACK™
PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tips are best fitted from the
patented ROCKY RACK available only in our TIPACKS
and TOWERPACKS.
ROCKY RACK is the dome-shaped part of the pack
that contains the tips. ROCKY RACK makes it easy to
securelyfitthe tipstoa multichannelpipette,ensuring
anairtight seal on all channels without the needto use
undue pressure or to touch the tips.
Ejector spacer for PIPETMAN L Multichannel 10 µL
According to the tip used, D10 or DL10, you might have to
exchange the ejector spacer; the broad one is dedicated to
D10, and the small one is dedicated to DL10:
• Removethetip-ejector,keepbothejectorlocksdepressed;
pull the tip-ejector down.
• Gentlypressthetabsfromtheejectorspacer,andremove
it from the tip-ejector.
• Insertthealternativeejectorspacerandclickittothetip-
ejector.
• Toretthetip-ejector,gentlyre-insertthetip-ejectorverti-
cally into the rails of the ejector support.
Pre-rinse the tips
Some liquids (e.g. protein-containing solutions and organic
solvents) can leave a lm of liquid on the inside 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 rst volume of liquid and
then dispensing it to waste. Tips will not fall o nor will they
have to be manually positioned.
Subsequent volumes that you pipette will have levels of ac-
curacy and precision within specications.
Aspirate
Press the push-button to the first stop (this corresponds
to the set volume of liquid).
Holdthepipetteverticallyandimmersethetipintheliquid
(see immersion depth table, page 7). Release the push-
button slowly and smoothly (to top position) to aspirate
the set volume of liquid. Wait one second (time depends
onmodel,seetablepage7);then withdrawthepipette-tip
from the liquid.You may wipe any droplets away from the
outside of the tip using a medical wipe, however if you do
so take care to avoid touching the tip’s orifice.
For the Multichannel models, use a Gilson reagent reservoir.
Dispense
Placetheendofthetipagainsttheinsidewalloftherecipient
vessel (at an angle of 10° to 40°).
Pressthepush-buttonslowlyandsmoothlytotherststop.
Wait for at least a second, then press the push-button to
the second stop to expel any residual liquid from the tip.
* Thanks to the new ejector spacer, you can adapt a D10
tip (see below).
Short tips
Ejector spacer D10
Long tips
Ejector spacer
PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tip compatibility
for Multi channel models
L8x10, L12x10 D10*, DL10, DF10, DFL10
L8x20, L12x20 DL10, DFL10, DF30, D200
L8x200, L12x200 D200, D300, DF200, DF300
L8x300, L12x300 D200, D300, DF200, DF300
The patented ROCKYRACK
system available on TOWER-
PACK and TIPACK makes it
extremely easy to t tips on a
multichannel pipette.
First stop
Second stop
Keep the push-button pressed fully down and (while
removing the pipette) draw the tip along the inside
surface of the vessel.
Releasethepush-button,smoothly.Ejectthe tip bypress-
ing rmly on the tip-ejector button.
For the Multichannel models, use a Gilson reagent reservoir.

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Ejecting the tip
Beforeyou start topipette,you canadjust thetip-ejectorbutton
according to your preferences.
Positionthe tip-ejectorbutton. Simplyrotatethe tip-ejector
buttontothemostcomfortableposition:left,rightormiddle.
Activate the tip-ejector. You can either push the tip-ejector
button with the tip of the thumb as usual, or with the base
ofyourthumbformorecomfort.PleasenotetheP5000Land
P10mlL are not equipped with a tip-ejector.
Left
Middle
Right
Single & Multichannel models
Fixed models
The PIPETMAN L should be held in
the vertical position.
Table - Immersion Depth and Wait Time
Model Immersion Wait Time
Depth (mm) (seconds)
P2L 1 1
P10L 1 1
P20L 2-3 1
P100L 2-4 1
P200L 2-4 1
P1000L 2-4 2-3
P5000L 3-6 4-5
P10mlL 5-7 4-5
L8x10, L12x10 1 1
L8x20, L12x20 2-3 1
L8x200, L12x200 2-3 1
L8x300, L12x300 2-4 1
F1L, F2L, F5L, F10L 1 1
F20L, F25L 2-3 1
F50L, F100L, F200L, F250L 2-4 1
F300L, F400L, F500L, F1000L 2-4 2-3
F5000L 3-6 1
SingleMultichannelFixed
7  GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PIPETTING
Make sure that you operate the push-button slowly and smoothly.
When aspirating, keep the tip at a constant depth below the surface of the
liquid (refer to the table).
Change the tip before aspirating a dierent liquid, sample, or reagent.
Change the tip if a droplet remains at 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 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.
If you use the same tip with a higher volume, pre-rinse the tip.
For volatile solvents you should saturate the air-cushion of your pipette
by aspirating and dispensing the solvent repeatedly before aspirating the
sample.
When the pipetted liquid is not at room temperature, pre-rinse the tip
several times before use.
You may remove the tip-ejector (see Chapter 12 - Maintenance) to aspirate
from very narrow tubes.
After pipetting acids or other corrosive liquids that emit vapors, remove
the tip-ejector, the tip-holder, rinse, dry and lubricate the piston ( see
Chapter 12 - Maintenance ). For the model P1000L, by using a specic tip
holder equipped with a lter, you can increase the lifetime of the piston
(see Chapter 8 - Accessories).
Do not pipette liquids having temperatures above 70 °C or below 4 °C.
The pipette can be used between + 4 °C and + 40 °C but the specifications
may vary according to the temperature (refer to the ISO 8655-2 standard for
conditions of use).

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8  ACCESSORIES
To make pipetting more comfortable and more secure, Gilson has developed
several accessories:
To avoid the possibility of
liquid running back into the
pipette, store the pipette
vertically.
Universal Multichannel Stand
is for Multichannel only.
Toidentifyorpersonalizeyour
pipette, COLORIS™ clips are
available.
To protect the piston when
pipetting corrosive liquids,
you can use a specific tip
holderandlterforthemodel
P1000L.
9  GLP FEATURES
The Serial Number is engraved on the body of the pipette. It provides unique
identicationof yourpipetteand the date ofmanufacture.Example: GB58672
The Bar Code on the box and the certificate of conformity provide traceability
of your pipette.
Inadditiona2D codeisengravednexttheSerialnumber:thiscodeincludesthe
ordering reference, the end date, the serial number and the nominal volume.
Example: FA10006 201103 GB58672 1000
If you are equipped of a reader, you can integrate this information in your own
traceability system.
Orderingreference:7characters-Blank-Manufacturingdate(yearandmonth):
6 characters - Blank - Serial number: 7 characters - Blank - Nominal volume in
µL: up to 5 characters
CARROUSEL™ Pipette stand (7 pipettes) F161401
TRIO™ stand (3 pipettes) F161405
Universal Multichannel Stand F161417
SINGLE™ pipette holder F161406
Corrosion protection kit
(tip holder + a bag of 10 lters) F144570
SINGLE™CARROUSEL™
TRIO™
COLORIS™
Universal Multichannel Stand™
Corrosion protection kit
COLORIS™ clips (mixed colors set of 10) F161301
COLORIS™ clips (red, set of 10) F161302
COLORIS™ clips (yellow, set of 10) F161303
COLORIS™ clips (green, set of 10) F161304
COLORIS™ clips (blue, set of 10) F161305
COLORIS™ clips (white, set of 10) F161306
Symptom Possible Cause Action
Pipette is leaking sample Damaged tip-holder Replace the tip-holder
Worn O-ring or seal Replace both parts and lubricate
Pipette won’t aspirate Worn O-ring Replace both parts and lubricate
Damaged tip-holder Replace the tip-holder
Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Damaged or corroded piston Return pipette to supplier
Improper repair or assembly See Chapter 12 - Maintenance
Pipette is inaccurate Improper repair or assembly See Chapter 12 - Maintenance
Unscrewed tip-holder Tighten connecting nut
Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Pipette is not precise Tip-holder is loose Tighten connecting nut
Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Incorrect operator technique Operator training
Damaged or corroded piston(s) Return pipette to supplier
Damaged tip-holder(s) Replace the tip-holder
Worn O-ring or seal Replace both parts and lubricate
Tips fall o or Low quality tips Use PIPETMAN DIAMOND tips
do not t correctly Dirty tip-holder Clean the tip-holder with isopropanol or ethanol
Damaged tip-holder(s) Replace the tip-holder
Damaged tip-ejector Replace tip-ejector
The tip-ejector is loose Assemble the tip-ejector properly
The ejector lock is misaligned Align the ejector lock
Pipetting seize up Piston need lubricant Lubricate piston assembly
For Single and Fixed models
10  TROUBLESHOOTING
A quick inspection of the pipette may help
you to detect a problem.
You may download from the Gilson website
(www.gilson.com) the “2 minute inspection”,
whichshowshowtoperformaquickdiagnosis
of your pipette.
The following tables may help you to
identifyandcorrecttheproblemyoumight
encounter.
Foranyother symptomor ifyou can’tsolve
the problem, please contact your Gilson
distributor.
Before returning any pipette to
your local Gilson Service Center,
ensure that it is completely free of
chemical,biological,orradioactive
contamination. Refer to Chapter
13-CleaningandDecontamination.
Please use the included safety bag
to return the pipette to your local
Gilson Service Center.

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11  LEAK TEST
This test may be performed at any time to check that the pipette does not leak,
especially after performing a maintenance or decontamination procedure. If a pi-
pette fails this test, replace the O-ring and seal. After making sure that the pipette
is correctly reassembled, repeat this test.
Symptom Possible Cause Action
Tips fall o or Low quality tips Use PIPETMAN DIAMOND tips
do not t correctly Tip-ejector damaged Replace tip-ejector
Ejector spacer damaged Replace ejector spacer
Dirty tip-holder Clean them with ethanol or isopropanol
Damaged tip-holder Contact your local Gilson authorized service center
Pipette won’t aspirate Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Pipette is inaccurate Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Pipette is not precise Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Incorrect operator technique Operator training
For Multichannel models
no leak
For the P2L to P200L Single models,
and the F1L to F250L Fixed models:
Fit a PIPETMAN DIAMOND Tip.
For the variable volume,set thepi-
pettetothemaximumvolumegiven
in the specifications, and pre-rinse.
Aspiratethesetvolumefromabeaker
of distilled water.
Maintain the pipette in the vertical
position and wait for 20 seconds.
If awater droplet appears atthe end
of the tip there is a leak.
If you see no droplet, re-immerse
the tip below the surface of water.
Thewater levelinside the tip should
remain constant; if the level goes
down there is a leak.
For the P1000L, P5000L and P10mlL
Singlemodels,fortheF300LtoF5000L
Fixed models:
Fit a PIPETMAN DIAMOND tip.
For the variable volume, set the
pipette to the maximum volume
given in the specifications.
Aspirate the set volume from a
beaker of distilled water.
Maintain the pipette in the vertical
position and wait for 20 seconds.
If awater droplet appears atthe end
of the tip, there is a leak.
FortheMultichannel models (8x-12x):
Fit the PIPETMAN DIAMOND tip.
Set the pipette to the maximum
volume given in the specifications,
and pre-rinse.
Aspirate the set volume from a
reagent reservoir of distilled water.
Maintain the pipette in the vertical
position and wait for 20 seconds;
uid level in tips shoulds remain
constant.
If awater droplet appears atthe end
of the tip, there is a leak.
If you see no droplet, for volumes
below 200 µL, re-immerse the tip
below the surface of water.
Thewater levelinside the tip should
remain constant; if the level goes
down there is a leak.
12A  MAINTENANCE FOR THE SINGLE AND FIXED MODELS ONLY
Routine maintenance will help keep your pipette in good condition, ensuring a
continued high level of performance.
Maintenance is limited to:
Cleaning or decontamination (see Chapter 13 - Cleaning and Decontamination)
 Replacing spare parts
 Greasing the piston assembly.
PIPETMAN P2L and P10L, F1L, F2L, F5L and F10L should not be disassembled,
so you may only replace the push-button, tip-ejector, dual position tip-ejector and
its adapter. With these pipettes if the tip-holder is damaged, the piston may also
be damaged.
After replacing any parts you
should verify the performance
of your pipette following the
verification procedure available
on the Gilson website (www.
gilson.com). If the pipette needs
to be readjusted, please contact
your local Gilson authorized
Service Center.

- 10 -
Changing the Tip-ejector
To remove
Push the ejection button.
Push laterally the tip-
ejector.
Slide and remove the tip-
ejector.
Single models Fixed models
P10L, P20L
P100L, P200L
P5000L
P10mlL
P1000L
Tip-holder
Tip-ejector
stainless steelplastic
Connecting nut
Color coded push-button
Piston
assembly
Thumbwheel
Single models Fixed models
F10L, F20L
F100L, F200L
F5000L
F1000L
Tip-holder
Tip-ejector
Piston
assembly
Connecting nut
To ret
Push the ejection button.
Slide the tip-ejector along
the tip-holder.
Clip the tip-ejector on the
body of the pipette.
Changing the Tip-holder – no tools required
Remove the tip-ejector (see above).
Unscrew the connecting nut by turning it clockwise.
Carefully separate the lower and upper parts.
Remove the piston assembly and the seals.
Clean, autoclave, or replace the tip-holder.
Ifnecessary,lubricatelightlythepistonanditsseals(seebelow).
Reassemble the pipette (refer to the figure, page 10).
Tighten the connecting nut (turn counterclockwise).
Refit the tip-ejector (see above).