Rainin Pipetman Ultra U-2 User manual

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

Contents
Description........................................................................1
Autoclaving ......................................................................2
Operating Ranges ..............................................................2
Switching On ....................................................................2
Volume indicator - LCD window ..........................................2
Setting the Volume ............................................................3
Tip Selection......................................................................4
Pipetting ..........................................................................4
Tip Immersion Depth ..........................................................5
Pipetting Guidelines & Precautions ......................................6
Reverse Mode Pipetting ......................................................6
Pipetting Liquids of Varying Density......................................7
Temperature Considerations ................................................7
Acids and Corrosives..........................................................7
Personalizing your Pipette ..................................................8
Name Tag Label ................................................................8
TIp-Ejector Extension ..........................................................9
Troubleshooting ..............................................................10
Error Messages................................................................11
Maintenance ..................................................................11
Cleaning and Decontamination..........................................16
Leak Test ........................................................................18
Recalibration ..................................................................18
Service, Calibration and Repair..........................................20
GLP Features ..................................................................20
Specifications ..................................................................21
Replacement Parts ..........................................................22
Pipetman Ultra Features
Parallax-free electronic display for easy volume setting
Flashing indicators if volume set is out of range
Ergonomic design, maximum comfort for left or right-handed use
Light, balanced, low ejection force
Simple to maintain and calibrate
GLP cycle counters
Parts Check List
The following items should be included.
Pipetman Ultra User's Guide
Calibration Tool Tube of lubricant (except U-2 & U-10)
Name-tags (5 different colors)
Certificate of conformity (including bar-code sticker).
If any item is missing, call 800-543-4030
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 and Microman are trademarks of Gilson Inc. U.S. and national patents pending.
Rainin is the U.S. distributor of Pipetman products.
Copyright 2003, Rainin Instrument, LLC.
Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

1
Description
APush-button for switching on, setting the volume, aspirat-
ing, and dispensing. (Button is color coded with the vol-
ume range printed on the top.)
BThumbwheel, to set and lock the volume.
CTip-ejector button, can be positioned for left or right-handed
operation.
DLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) window for volume-setting
and status indicators.
EIdentity-tag window (see GLP features).
FShaft Coupling for upper part of removable shaft (contains
piston) .
GTip-ejector stroke adjustment-wheel.
H,J Upper (H) and lower (J) parts of shaft, both removable for
cleaning and/or autoclaving.
KTip ejector.
A
H
J
B
D
E
F
G
K
C

2
Autoclaving
The upper and lower parts of the shaft, and the tip ejector (also
the tip ejector extensions for Pipetman Ultra models U-2 & U-10),
are autoclavable: 121°C, 1 bar, 15–20 minutes.
Operating Ranges
Model Range Color Code
U-2 0.1 - 2 µL Orange
U-10 0.5 - 10 µL Red
U-20 2 - 20 µL Clear yellow
U-100 10 - 100 µL Peach
U-200 20 - 200 µL Yellow
U-1000 100 - 1000 µL Blue
U-5000 500 - 5000 µL Purple
U-10ML 1 - 10 mL Clear blue
Switching On
Press the push-button to the first stop to switch on the pipette. The
information displayed in the LCD window depends on the status
of the pipette and the volume currently set (see below).
Pipetman Ultra turns itself off after 3 min of inactivity - just
press the push-button (or unlock) to reactivate the pipette.
Volume Indicator - LCD Window
What you normally see ...
1) Volume setting.
2) Units (mL or µL).
3) Volume status (LOCKED or UNLOCKED).
What could appear ...
4) Calibration status: ‘RECAL’ this means that your pipette has
been recalibrated.
5) Battery status: failing - ‘LOW BATT’ here, or failed - ‘BATT’ in
place of volume setting. (The battery is factory installed. It
has a lifetime of four years under normal use.)
☛
534
12

6) Cycle counters: You will see the counters at the right-hand
side of an otherwise blank screen.
a) Since the last volume setting - holding down the push-
button for 7 seconds displays
this information (maximum
199); for example 126 cycles.
b) Since the pipette was made - holding down the push-
button for 10 seconds displays
this information (maximum
999999); in this example
285396 cycles.
7) Refer to "Troubleshooting" for possible error messages.
Setting the Volume
1) Switch on: press the push-button to the first stop. LCD shows
the volume currently set.
2) Unlock: push the thumbwheel upwards. LCD shows
UNLOCKED (also visible on the thumbwheel).
3) Rotate the thumbwheel or the push-button to set volume
(clockwise to decrease, counterclockwise to increase).
-when decreasing the volume, reach the required setting
slowly, making sure not to overshoot the mark.
- when increasing the volume, pass the required value by
1/3 of a turn, then decrease the volume slowly, making
sure not to overshoot the mark.
4) Lock the volume: push the thumbwheel downwards. LCD
shows LOCKED.
You are strongly advised to lock the volume,to avoid
accidentally changing the setting when pipetting.
3
1
2
3
4
☛

4
■To reduce battery consumption, lock the volume before storing
Pipetman Ultra.
■The units indicator flashes if you set a volume below 90% of
the minimum recommended range of the pipette. You can dis-
pense an aspirated volume below the minimum recommend-
ed, but the specifications cannot be guaranteed.
■The volume indicator flashes if you try to set a volume above
the maximum permitted range; you cannot pipette a volume
that is greater than the maximum permitted range.
Tip Selection
■Tips must seal properly on the shaft to assure an air-tight seal
and avoid leaks or poor accuracy.
■Tips must be soft and flexible so that the shaft is not scratched
or worn prematurely.
■Tips must be free from microscopic flash and particulates.
Flash gives poor precision and accuracy.
■The 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.
■Interior 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. Tips are intended for single use only.
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.
Use RAININ aerosol-resistant tips to avoid any sample-to-sam-
ple, sample-to-pipette, or sample-to-operator contamination.
Pipetting
1) Mount a tip: Push the shaft into a new RAININ tip using a
slight twisting motion to ensure a firm and airtight seal.
2) Pre-rinse the tip: Some liquids (e.g. protein-containing
solutions and organic solvents) can leave a film 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 first volume of liquid and then dis-
pensing it back into the same vessel (or to waste).
Subsequent pipetted volumes will have levels of accuracy
and precision within specifications.

5
3) Aspirate. Press the push-button to the first stop (this corre-
sponds to the set volume of liquid).
Hold the pipette vertically and immerse the tip in the liquid
(see table for immersion depth).
Release the push-button slowly and
smoothly (to top position) to aspirate the
set volume of liquid.
Wait at least one second (time depends
on model, see table), then withdraw the
pipette-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.
4) Dispense. Place the end of the tip against the inside wall of
the recipient vessel, at an angle no more than 20°.
Press the push-button slowly and
smoothly to the first stop.
Wait for at least one second then press
the push-button to the second stop to
expel any residual liquid from the tip.
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.
5) Eject the tip. Press firmly on the tip ejec-
tor button.
Tip Immersion Depth
The recommended tip insertion depth and wait time for each
Pipetman Ultra model is shown in the table below.
Model Volume Range Immersion Depth Wait Time
U-2 0.1 - 2 µL 1 - 2 mm 1 sec
U-10 0.5 - 10 µL 1 - 2 mm 1 sec
U-20 2 - 20 µL 2 - 3 mm 1 sec
U-100 10 - 100 µL 2 - 3 mm 1 sec
U-200 20 - 200 µL 2 - 4 mm 1 sec
U-1000 100 - 1000 µL 2 - 4 mm 2 - 3 sec
U-5000 500 - 5000 µL 3 - 6 mm 4 - 5 sec
U-10ML 1 mL - 10 mL 6 -10 mm 4 - 5 sec
Tip immersion depth is important. If exceeded, the
volume measured will be inaccurate, possibly out of specifica-
tion. Tip angle is also important. Hold the pipette vertically, or
within 20 degrees of vertical.
TOP POSITION
FIRST STOP
SECOND STOP

6
Pipetting Guidelines & Precautions
Consistency in all aspects of pipetting procedure will significantly
contribute to optimum reproducibility. Use a:
- Smooth, slow and consistent pickup / dispense.
- Consistent speed and smoothness when you press and release
the pushbutton.
- Consistent pushbutton pressure at the first stop.
- Consistent immersion depth (see table on previous page).
- Minimal angle (< 20° from vertical).
Prevent liquids from being drawn into the Pipetman Ultra shaft by
taking the following precautions:
- Use RAININ aerosol-resistant tips, with an internal filter which
acts as a barrier to aerosols and liquids.
- Never invert or lay Pipetman Ultra down if liquid is in the tip.
- Pipette slowly, holding Pipetman Ultra < 20° from vertical.
General guidelines:
- Use a new RAININ disposable tip for each sample.
- Pre-rinse each new tip with the sample to be pipetted.
- Do not pipette samples with temperatures above 70°C or below
4°C. Extreme temperatures can affect accuracy and precision.
Pipetman Ultra is a precision instrument and should be treated
with the level of care appropriate for laboratory instrumentation.
After use, store Pipetman Ultra in a clean, safe place: it is recom-
mended to use pipette stands, Cat. Nos. GR-2 or GR-3.
Reverse Mode Pipetting
In 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
equilibrium 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 Ultra lets you compensate for solutions of density much
different from water, by setting the volume slightly higher or lower
than that required. The compensation amount must be deter-
mined 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 Microman® positive displacement pipettes instead.
For volatile solvents you should saturate the air-cushion of your
pipette by aspirating and dispensing the solvent repeatedly
before aspirating the sample.
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 Ultra and inspect and clean (if
necessary) the piston, shaft, seals and o-rings.
Be sure to read “Removing the Piston” on page 13 before disas-
sembling the Pipetman Ultra.
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 components to
corrosive fumes can be reduced by using aerosol-resistant tips.
These tips have an internal filter which acts as an aerosol barrier.
7

8
Personalizing your Pipette
Tip ejector
Before you start to pipette you can adjust the tip-ejector button
according to your preferences.
1) Position the tip-ejector button. Simply rotate the tip-ejector
button to the most comfortable position: left, right, or middle.
The tip ejector is adjustable in height to
allow for different types of tip, where (for
example) the length of the collar is differ-
ent.
2) Set the stroke by rotating the adjust-
ment wheel until you find the position
where it is most easy to activate the tip
ejector.
You may want to reset the stroke after fitting a different type of tip.
Name Tag Label
You can identify your pipette with a color-coded name-tag:
1) Pry out the window by inserting a small screwdriver in the
access slot.
2) Position the name tag next to the LCD.
3) Clip the window back into place.
TIP EJECTOR BUTTON TIP EJECTOR BUTTON
(set for right-handed user)
STROKE ADJUST-
MENT WHEEL
PLASTIC WINDOW
ACCESS SLOT:
INSERT SCREW-
DRIVER BLADE
PLACE NAME TAG HERE