Rainin Instrument P-10 User manual

Pipetman®
continuously adjustable
digital microliter pipettes
8 pipettes for volume
ranges from
0.1 µL to 10 mL
P-2
P-10
P-20
P-100
P-200
P-1000
P-5000
P-10ML
Pipetman P-200 shown

PIPETMAN®
continuously adjustable digital pipettes
CONTENTS
Description........................................................................1
Autoclaving .......................................................................2
Volume Indicator................................................................2
Safety Filter, P-5000, P-10ML .............................................2
Operation ..........................................................................3
Tip Selection......................................................................4
Tip Immersion Depth ..........................................................5
Pipetting Guidelines & Precautions.......................................5
Pre-Rinsing Recommended .................................................6
Reverse Mode Pipetting.......................................................6
Pipetting Liquids of Varying Density......................................6
Temperature Considerations ................................................7
Acids and Corrosives..........................................................7
Pipetman Storage...............................................................7
Troubleshooting and Repairs ...............................................8
Sample Splash ..................................................................8
Leaks, Inaccurate Sampling ................................................8
Removing/Replacing Ejector Arm .........................................9
Service, Calibration and Repair ..........................................10
Contacting RAININ............................................................10
Performance Specifications ...............................................11
Replacement Parts ...............................................Back Cover
FIGURES
Figure 1 Pipetman P-200............................................1
Figure 2 Operating Pipetman .......................................4
Figure 3 Removing Tip Ejector Arm...............................9
DIAGRAMS FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS
Models P-2, P-10, P-20, P-100 ..............................12
Models P-200, P-1000, P-5000, P-10ML ................13
TABLES
Specifications ..................................................................11
Technical Assistance: 800-543-4030
Call this toll free number for technical consultation and product
information for Pipetman, RAININ pipettes, and disposable tips.
Or use e-mail: [email protected]
Pipetman is a registered trademark of Gilson Inc.
U.S. and international patents pending.
Copyright 1982-2005, Rainin Instrument, LLC.
Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

1
Description
Eight models of Pipetman continuously adjustable digital pipette
cover the entire volume range from 0.1 µL to
10 mL. The P-200-M8 eight-channel Pipetman is also available,
with a volume range of 20–200 µL, for convenience when using
96-well plates.
Pipetman pipettes are not limited to fixed volume increments — 5
µL or 10 µL. They can be set to any volume, e.g. 6.6, 133.3,
377, 2228 µL.
Piston stroke is set by adjusting a micrometer coupled directly to
a digital volume indicator, which reads in microliters. The digital
volume indicator simplifies volume setting and virtually elimi-
nates calculation errors.
All Pipetman models have a highly polished stainless steel piston,
patented polyethylene seal, and neoprene compression o-ring.
Pipetman models require no routine lubrication for long, trouble-
free service.
Plunger button with vol-
ume adjustment
Tip ejector
button
(Not present on
P-5000, P-10ML)
Stainless steel ejec-
tor arm, removable.
(Not present on
P-5000, P-10ML)
Ejector arm
release
collar
Volume adjustment
knob
Stainless steel
micrometer
Digital volume
indicator High-impact,
low thermal
conductivity
plastic body
Plastic shaft
Polypropylene dis-
posable tip

2
A stainless steel tip ejector is provided with all models except P-
5000 and P-10ML, for safe disposal of used tips. The ejector can
be removed by pulling on the plastic collar on the ejector arm.
Reattachment is quick and easy.
Autoclaving
The shaft and tip ejector are autoclavable: 121°C, 1 bar, 15–20
minutes. (P-5000, P-10ML do not use tip ejectors.)
Volume Indicator
The digital volume indicator is read from top to bottom. For P-2,
P-10, P-20, P-100, and P-200, black digits indicate microliters
and red digits tenths and hundredths of microliters. For P-1000
and P-5000, red digits indicate milliliters and black digits micro-
liters. For P-10ML, black digits indicate milliliters and red digit
tenths of a milliliter.
Sample values, volume ranges, and smallest increments for each
Pipetman model are shown below:
Pipetman Range (µL) Smallest
Model Adjustable Recommended Increment µL
P-2 0 to 2 0.1 to 2 0.002
P-10 0 to 10 0.5 to 10 0.02
P-20 0 to 20 2 to 20 0.02
P-100 0 to 100 10 to 100 0.2
P-200 0 to 200 50 to 200 0.2
P-1000 0 to 1,000 100 to 1,000 2.0
P-5000 0 to 5,000 500 to 5,000 2.0
P-10ML 0 to 10,000 1 mL to 10 mL 20.0
Safety Filter, P-5000 and P-10ML
Models P-5000 and P-10ML use a safety filter in the end of the
shaft to help prevent liquid entering the shaft and contacting the
piston, should the plunger be allowed to snap up during aspira-
tion. This is particularly important using large volumes. If the filter
gets wet, replace it.
For P-5000 insert the small diameter into the shaft; for
P-10ML insert the large diameter into the shaft.
P-20
12.5µL
1
2
5
P-100
75µL
0
7
5
P-200
125µL
1
2
5
0
7
5
P-1000
0.75mL 7.5mL
1
2
5
P-5000
1.25mL
P-10ML
P-10
7.5µL
0
7
5
P-2
1.25µL
1
2
5
0
7
5
Red Digits

Black Digits

Part numbers are 6190-164 (pack of 100) and 6190-165
(pack of 1000).
Operation
There are two ways of setting volume on Pipetman pipettes: with
the volume adjustment knob, or by turning the plunger button.
Both give exactly the same results.
Volume Setting using Plunger Button
1a. Hold Pipetman in one hand. With thumb and forefinger, turn
the plunger button counterclockwise until the volume indica-
tor is 1⁄3revolution above the desired setting, then turn slowly
clockwise until the desired volume shows on the indicator.
Volume Setting using Volume Adjustment Knob
1b. Hold Pipetman in one hand. With the other hand, turn the vol-
ume adjustment knob counterclockwise so the volume indi-
cator is 1⁄3revolution above the desired setting, then turn
slowly clockwise until the indicator shows the desired vol-
ume.
2. ALWAYS dial down to the desired volume. This prevents
mechanical backlash from affecting accuracy. If you pass the
desired setting, turn the dial 1⁄3revolution higher than desired
and reset the volume. The friction ring prevents unintentional
volume changes.
3. Attach a new disposable tip to the pipette shaft. Press only
enough to make a positive airtight seal.
4. Press the plunger to the FIRST STOP. This part of the stroke is the
volume displayed on the indicator.
5. Holding Pipetman vertically, immerse the tip into the sample
to the proper depth; see page 5.
6. Allow the pushbutton to return slowly to the UP position. Never
let it snap up!
7. Pause briefly to ensure that the full volume of sample is
drawn into the tip.
8. Withdraw the tip from the sample liquid. If any liquid remains
on the outside of the tip, wipe it carefully with a lint-free tissue,
avoiding the tip orifice.
9. To dispense sample, touch the tip end against the side wall of
the receiving vessel and depress the plunger slowly to the first
stop.
Wait: 1 second* (P-2, P-10, P-20, P-100, P-200)
1-2 seconds* (P-1000)
2-3 seconds* (P-5000, P-10ML)
* Longer for viscous solutions.
Then press the plunger to the SECOND STOP (bottom of stroke),
expelling any residual liquid in the tip.
3

4
10. With the plunger fully pressed, withdraw Pipetman from the
vessel carefully, tip against the vessel wall.
11. Allow the plunger to return to the up position.
12. Discard the tip by depressing the tip ejector button. A fresh tip
should be used for each sample to prevent sample carryover.
Tip Selection
ITips must seal properly on the shaft to assure an air-tight seal
and avoid leaks or poor accuracy.
ITips must be soft and flexible so that the shaft is not scratched
or worn prematurely.
ITips must be free from microscopic flash and particulates.
Flash gives poor precision and accuracy.
IThe tip orifice must be the correct size, and orifice size and
geometry must be consistent from tip to tip. Otherwise, accura-
cy and precision will be affected.
Figure 2 Operating Pipetman

5
IInterior and exterior surfaces must be clear, smooth, and
hydrophobic to avoid retention of liquid. Too much retention
results in poor accuracy and reproducibility.
Specified performance is guaranteed only when RAININ dispos-
able tips are used as recommended. RAININ cannot accept
responsibility for poor performance resulting from the use of tips
by other manufacturers.
RAININ tips are molded from premium-grade virgin polypropylene
plastic. Samples from each lot of tips are inspected micro-
scopically to ensure that every lot meets RAININ’s high standards.
Tip Immersion Depth
The recommended depth for tip insertion into the sample for each
Pipetman model is shown in the table below.
Pipetman Model Volume Range Immersion Depth
P-2 0.1 - 2 µL 1 - 2 mm
P-10 0.5 - 10 µL 1 - 2 mm
P-20 2 - 20 µL 2 - 3 mm
P-100 10 - 100 µL 2 - 3 mm
P-200 50 - 200 µL 3 - 6 mm
P-1000 1000 - 1000 µL 3 - 6 mm
P-5000 500 - 5000 µL 6 -10 mm
P-10ML 1 mL - 10 mL 6 -10 mm
Tip immersion depth is important. If exceeded, the
volume measured will be inaccurate, possibly out of specification.
Tip angle is also important. Hold the pipette vertically, or within
20 degrees of vertical.
Pipetting Guidelines & Precautions
Consistency in all aspects of pipetting procedure will significantly
contribute to optimum reproducibility. Use a:
1. Consistent pickup/dispense rhythm while pipetting.
2. Consistent speed and smoothness when you press and
release the pushbutton.
3. Consistent pushbutton pressure at the first stop.
4. Consistent immersion depth.
5. Minimal angle (< 20° from vertical).
Prevent liquids from being drawn into the Pipetman shaft by tak-
ing the following precautions:
1. Use RAININ aerosol-resistant tips, with an internal filter which
acts as a barrier to aerosols and liquids.
2. Never invert or lay Pipetman down if liquid is in the tip.
3. Pipette slowly, holding Pipetman < 20° from vertical.

6
4. For Models P-5000 and P-10ML Pipetman, use the special
safety filters supplied.
Pre-Rinsing Recommended
Some solutions (e.g. serum, protein-containing solutions, and
organic solvents) can leave a film on the inside tip wall, resulting
in an error larger than the tolerance specified. Since this film
remains relatively constant in successive pipettings with the same
tip, excellent precision may be obtained by refilling the tip and
using the refilled volume as the sample. Successive samples from
this same tip will exhibit good reproducibility (low variance).
Reverse Mode Pipetting
Another way of reducing error due to film retention is reverse mode
pipetting; the operating sequence is reversed:
1. Mount a disposable tip on the pipette shaft.
2. Press the pushbutton fully to the second stop.
3. Immerse the tip in liquid and return the plunger slowly to the
full up position. Wait a moment for the liquid column to reach
equilibrium in the tip.
4. Wipe any excess liquid from the outside of the tip without
touching the orifice.
5. To dispense, rest the end of the tip against the vessel wall and
press the plunger to the first stop. Hold this position a few
seconds, or long enough for the liquid column to reach equi-
librium again.
6. Remove the tip from the receiving vessel without blowing out
the remaining liquid.
7. Return excess sample in the tip to the original sample con-
tainer, if desired. Discard the used tip.
Pipetting Liquids of Varying Density
Pipetman lets you compensate for solutions of density much dif-
ferent from water, by setting the volume slightly higher or lower
than that required. The compensation amount must be determined
empirically.
E.g., if pipetting 10 µL of CsCl solution, you determine that the
volume delivered is actually 8.5 µL (≥5 samples). Try changing
the volume setting to 11.8 µL and repeat the measurements. If the
volumes delivered are still not close enough to 10 µL, make
another slight volume adjustment until the measurements are as
desired.
Very dense liquids may not be suitable for air displacement pipet-
ting. Use positive displacement pipettes for these liquids.

Temperature Considerations
Warm or cold liquids can be measured with good precision by
using a consistent pipetting rhythm. This will help minimize any
differences in heating or cooling effects within the pipette. Use a
new tip each time for best accuracy and precision when measur-
ing samples with temperatures greatly different from ambient, and
do not pre-rinse. You will get best results if there is no delay
between picking up the sample and dispensing it.
Acids and Corrosives
After pipetting concentrated acids or highly corrosive solutions you
should disassemble Pipetman and inspect and clean (if neces-
sary) the piston, shaft, and seal assemblies.
Extensive contact with corrosive fumes may corrode the piston.
This will result in premature seal wear and may require refinishing
or replacement of the piston. Exposure of internal Pipetman com-
ponents to corrosive fumes can be reduced by using aerosol-
resistant tips. These tips have an internal filter which acts as an
aerosol barrier.
Pipetman Storage
After use, store Pipetman in a clean, safe place. Pipetman is a
precision instrument and should be treated with the level of care
appropriate for laboratory instrumentation. Three types of pipet
hanger are available to hold your Pipetman conveniently when
not in use.
CR-7: Free-standing carousel holds 7 Pipet-
man pipettes.
HU-M3: Set of three magnetic Hang-Ups™
for mounting on ferrous surfaces. Package
includes adhesive disks for non-ferrous sur-
face mounting.
HU-S3: Three Hang-Ups
attached to a clamp which
fits onto a shelf.
7

8
Troubleshooting and Repairs
Pipetman pipettes give excellent performance and long-term ser-
vice. Use these procedures in the case of physical or chemical
damage. P-2 and P-10 models have small, fragile components
that can be broken or mislaid.
Sample Splash (liquid inside the mechanism)
1. Remove the tip ejector, if fitted (see page 9).
2. Unscrew the shaft coupling nut holding the shaft to the pipette
body.
3. Holding Pipetman upside down, remove the shaft and
inspect the seal assembly and piston for contamination. The
piston should be shiny and free of corrosion. Clean with dis-
tilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Dry with a lint-free tissue
and reassemble after inspecting the interior of the shaft for
contaminants.
4. If staining and/or corrosion of the piston is evident (due to
previously dried sample material), do not use the pipette.
Return to RAININ for service (see p. 10).
Never grease any Pipetman components, except for
P-10ML pre- S/N N05803D, which use a grease seal.
Leaks, Inaccurate Sampling
1. Loosened shaft. Tighten coupling by hand.
2. Split or cracked shaft. Remove the tip ejector and inspect the
shaft for fracture or split end. Replace if necessary. If the shaft
was dropped, remove it and the seal assembly to see if the
piston is bent. If so, return the instrument: call Service, 800-
662-7027.
3. Worn seal and / or o-ring. Dismantle Pipetman as described
in “Sample Splash”. Replace the seal and o-ring, referring to
the drawing on page 12 or 13. All models (except older P-
10ML) use a polyethylene seal and o-ring. Pull off the old
seal and o-ring, position the new seal and o-ring on the pis-
ton as shown in the drawing, and reassemble Pipetman.
4. Bent plunger. Call Service, 800-662-7027.
5. Damaged friction ring. Call Service, 800-662-7027.
6. Improper reassembly. Remove the tip ejector and shaft.
Check the position of the internal assemblies, especially the
seal, against the illustrations.
Consult the publication “Pipetman Care and Maintenance” (AB-
14) for more information. Get this free publication by calling 800-
543-4030 or download from the RAININ website:
http://www.rainin.com/pdf/ab14.pdf