Sartorius Proline Plus User manual

User Manual
Proline® Plus
Mechanical
Pipette

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Table of Contents
1. Intended use ..................................................................................................................... 3
2. Product description....................................................................................................... 3
3. Sartorius pipette tips..................................................................................................... 4
4. Unpacking .......................................................................................................................... 4
5. Pipette holder and carousel stand......................................................................... 5
6. Calibration Tool................................................................................................................ 5
7. Operating the pipette .................................................................................................. 6
7.1. Setting the volume.......................................................................................... 6
7.2. Sealing and ejecting tips .............................................................................. 6
7.3. Protective tip cone filters............................................................................. 6
8. Pipetting Techniques.....................................................................................................7
8.1. Forward pipetting ............................................................................................7
8.2. Reverse pipetting..............................................................................................7
8.3. Repetitive reverse technique .....................................................................7
9. Recommendations for Good Pipetting ..............................................................8
10. Maintenance .....................................................................................................................8
10.1. Daily Cleaning of The Outer Surface of The Pipette...................... 8
10.2. Cleaning The Lower Part of The Pipette .............................................. 9
10.3. Sterilization of The Pipette........................................................................10
11. Testing the Performance and Recalibration...................................................10
11.1. Testing the Performance............................................................................10
11.2. Recalibration ......................................................................................................11
12. Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................12
13. Warranty information...................................................................................................12
14. Pipette Parts and Materials.......................................................................................13
15. Performance Specifications and Order Information...................................14

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1. Intended use
The Sartorius Proline®Plus pipette is intended, designed and
manufactured for dispensing liquids in a variety of applications, and to
be used in combination with Sartorius Optifit Tips or Safetyspace® Filter
Tips.
The Sartorius Proline®Plus product range covers a volume range of
0.1 μl to 10,000 μl. It is recommended that Sartorius Optifit Tips or
Safetyspace®Filter Tips are used with Sartorius pipettes to ensure
optimum compatibility and performance.
The Sartorius Proline®Plus pipette is a general purpose laboratory
device that is developed and manufactured according to ISO 9001 and
ISO 13485 standards.
Read this user manual carefully before using the pipette for the first
time. Additional copies can be downloaded from www.sartorius.com or
hardcopies ordered by email from [email protected].
Note: Prolonged pipetting can cause Work Related Upper Limb
Disorder (WRULD). The manufacturer is not responsible for WRULD or
any related injuries caused by using a pipette.
2. Product description
Your new Proline®Plus is an autoclavable air displacement pipette. The
attractive and ergonomical design of the Proline®Plus pipette together
with its low pipetting forces reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries
(RSI). The pipette is designed for both right- and left-handed use.
Note: It is known that prolonged pipetting can cause RSI. The
manufacturer is not responsible for RSI or any related diseases caused by
prolonged pipetting.
The special tip cone design of the pipette offers the possibility to use
replaceable Safe-Cone Filters to help prevent the contamination and
damage of the pipette. The pipette uses disposable tips.
See order information at the end of the manual.

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3. Sartorius pipette tips
We recommend only using Sartorius pipette tips with the Proline®
Plus pipette. Using fully compatible tips guarantees the pipette’s
performance specifications and ensures pipetting accuracy and
precision.
Sartorius tips are made of pure virgin polypropylene and manufactured
in protected cleanroom conditions.
Sartorius non-filter tips are available in trays, bulk packages, and space-
saving refill systems. Both non-filter tips and trays are autoclavable at
121°C (252°F), 20 min, 1 bar (15 psi). All Single Tray racks and clean Refill
Packs are certified RNase, DNase, and endotoxin-free.
To avoid aerosol contamination, use Safetyspace®Filter Tips and discard
them after each pipetting. These can also be used to avoid sample loss
caused by the sample coming into contact with the filter. The extra
space between the sample and the filter (see picture) ensures that even
foaming or viscous liquids do not come into contact with the filter in
reverse pipetting or repetitive|multiple dispensing modes.
For more information, please visit www.sartorius.com or contact your
local Sartorius representative.
4. Unpacking
The Proline®Plus pipette package contains the following items:
1. Pipette
2. Calibration tool (also tube opener)
3. Safe-Cone filters (pipettes >10 µl) and forceps
4. Grease
5. Instruction manual
6. Performance certification in accordance with ISO 8655-6
Please check that all items are included and that no damage has
occurred during shipment.
Safetyspace®
air gap

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5. Pipette holder and carousel
stand
For convenience and safety, always keep the pipette vertically on its own
holder, carousel or linear stand when not in use.
Cat.No. Product
LH-725630 Carousel Stand for 6 pipettes
LH-727640 Pipette Holder for 1 pipette
725620 Linear Stand
6. Calibration Tool
(also tube opener)
The calibration tool is designed for the following purposes:
1. Tool for recalibration.
2. Opening tool for the lid of the calibration nut.
3. Opening tool for the tubes.
2
3
1

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7. Operating the pipette
7.1. Setting the volume
The volume of the pipette is clearly shown through the display. The
volume setting is carried out with the following steps:
1. Set the volume by rotating the operating button (clockwise to
decrease the volume and counterclockwise to increase).
Note: Do not rotate the operating button outside the volume range of
the pipette.
7.2. Sealing and ejecting tips
To ensure the maximum accuracy and precision, Sartorius tips are
recommended to be used with Proline® Plus pipettes. Before fitting a tip
ensure that the pipette tip cone is clean. Press the tip on the tip cone of
the pipette.
Eject the tip by pressing the tip ejector with your thumb. Make sure that
the tip is disposed into a suitable waste container.
7.3. Protective tip cone filters
The tip cone design of the Sartorius pipettes (>10 µl) allows the use
of Safe-Cone Filters in the tip cones. These removable filters prevent
liquids and aerosols from entering the pipette and thus, protects the
pipette from contamination and damage.
The Safe-Cone Filters are available as Standard or Plus versions. It is
recommended to use the Standard filter for general applications and
the Plus filter for more demanding applications such as cell culture,
bacterial and virological work and molecular biology. Filters need to
be exchanged regularly. The interval for filter exchanging is application
dependant but the recommendation is to change the filter daily (after
50 - 250 pipetting cycles) and always in case of over-aspiration. (See
www.sartorius.com for ordering information.) The Filter Foreceps should
be used to avoid touching the soiled filters by hand. Make sure that the
filter is disposed into a suitable waste container. Clean the tip cone if
needed and put the new filter in place.

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8. Pipetting Techniques
Two basic pipetting techniques, forward and reverse pipetting, are
associated with Proline® Plus pipettes. Forward pipetting is the most
common used pipetting technique. The technique employs the blow-
out function ensuring complete delivery of the liquid. Reverse pipetting
is recommended for highly viscous, biological or foaming liquids, or very
small volumes of liquid. A selected volume plus an excess is aspirated
into the tip. The delivery is done without blow-out, and, thus, the excess
volume remains in the tip. The reverse technique also facilitates the
repeated delivery of the same volume. If reverse pipetting technique is
used the pipette might need recalibration.
8.1. Forward pipetting
1. Fit the tip onto the pipette tip cone.
2. Press the operating button to the first stop.
3. Place the tip just under the surface of the liquid (2-3 mm) and
smoothly release the operating button up to the starting position.
Wait one second. Carefully withdraw the tip from the liquid, touching
against the edge of the container to remove excess from the outside
of the tip.
4. Dispense the liquid by pressing the operating button to the first stop.
After a short delay press the operating button to the second stop.
This action will empty the tip.
8.2. Reverse pipetting
1. Fit the tip onto the pipette tip cone.
2. Press the operating button all the way to the second stop.
3. Place the tip just under the surface of the liquid (2-3 mm) and
smoothly release the operating button up to the starting position.
4. Withdraw the tip from the liquid touching against the edge of the
container to remove excess.
5. Press the operating button smoothly to the first stop to deliver the
desired volume. Hold the operating button at the first stop. The
liquid that remains in the tip should not be included in the delivery.
6. Discard the remaining liquid by pressing the operating button to the
second stop.
8.3. Repetitive reverse technique
1. Follow the reverse technique steps 1 to 5.
2. Continue pipetting by repeating steps 3 to 5 as long as needed.
3. Finally discard the remaining liquid by pressing the operating button
to the second stop.
0
1
2
0
1
2

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9. Recommendations for Good
Pipetting
Make sure that the tip is firmly attached to the tip cone.
Hold the pipette vertically when aspirating the liquid and place the tip
only a few millimeters into the liquid.
Always control the operating button slowly and smoothly.
Pre-rinse the tip before aspirating the liquid by filling and emptying the
tip for three to five times. This is important especially when pipetting
liquids with a viscosity and density greater than water or liquids with
high vapor pressure (e.g. ethanol).
Check that the pipette, tip and liquid are at the same temperature.
When pipetting liquids with temperatures different to the ambient
temperature change the tip after each pipetting. Do not pre-rinse the tip.
To avoid contamination, do not rest the pipette on its side especially
with the tip attached.
Change the tip cone filter regularly (recommendation after 50 - 250
pipetting cycles).
Never strike the tip cone against the tip tray when mounting the tip as
this can damage the pipette.
Avoid rough handling and do not drop the pipette.
Avoid exposing the unit to extreme temperature changes, humidity
and dust (operating temperature from 15°C to 40°C).
10. Maintenance
Proline® Plus pipettes have been designed for easy in-house service.
If the pipette is used daily it is recommended to clean|decontaminate
and check the performance of the pipette every three months. Sartorius
also provides complete repair and recalibration service for your pipette
including a service report and performance certificate.
Note: Please make sure that the pipette has been decontaminated
before you send it to us or your local representative. Please advise if any
hazardous material has been used with your pipette.
Note: The use of the tip cone filters may prolong the service interval.
Change the filters regularly.
Note: It is recommended to always use gloves when cleaning the
pipette.
10.1.Daily Cleaning of The Outer Surface of
The Pipette
Your Proline® Plus pipette should be checked every day for cleanliness.
To clean and decontaminate the outer surface of your pipette use
ethanol (70%), isopropanol (60%) or a mild detergent and a soft lint-free
cloth.
Gently clean the surface of the pipette with moistened cloth and wipe
dry. Pay special attention to the tip cone. Change the tip cone filter if
needed (Chapter 7.3.)

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10.2. Cleaning The Lower Part of The
Pipette
If your pipette is in daily use it is recommended to clean|decontaminate
and grease the pipette every three months. It is recommended to send
the multichannel pipettes to your local Sartorius service representative
for cleaning and greasing. To clean and decontaminate the lower parts of
the single channel pipette, follow these steps:
Disassembling and cleaning
(diagrams at the end of the manual)
1. Eject the tip cone filter (if fitted, Chapter 7.3.)
2. Unscrew the tip ejector collar (1) counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Pipettes < 2,000 µl:
Unscrew the tip cone holder (2) counterclockwise and carefully
remove it with the tip cone (3).
Pipettes 2,000 µl, 5,000 µl:
Unscrew the tip cone cylinder (3) counterclockwise and remove it.
Pipette 10,000 µl:
Hold the tip cone cylinder firmly and turn the tip cone holder
clockwise with your fingers.
4. Clean the tip ejector collar, the tip cone holder, the tip cone
(cylinder) and the piston (4) with ethanol (70%), isopropanol (60%) or
mild detergent and soft lint-free cloth.
5. Clean the interior of the tip ejector collar and the tip cone (cylinder)
with a cotton swab. Be careful with the pipettes so that the seal
inside the tip cone will not damage.
6. Rinse the parts with distilled water if needed and let the parts dry.
7. Pipettes ≤ 100 µl:
Put a thin layer of grease on the piston (4).
Pipettes 250, 500 and 1,000 µl:
Put a thin layer of grease around the piston seal (4).
Pipettes 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 µl:
Put a thin layer of grease on the piston seal (4) and the interior of the tip
cone cylinder (3).
Note: Avoid excess grease. Use only the grease provided with the
pipette.
Note: Before reassembling check that no lint or particles are on the
surface of the piston.
Reassembling:
1. Pipettes:
Carefully place the tip cone (3) on the piston and attach it by
screwing the tip cone holder (2) clockwise.
Pipettes 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 µl:
Carefully place the tip cone cylinder (3) on the piston and screw
clockwise. Make sure that the tip cone (cylinder) is properly
tightened. Avoid over-tightening.
2. Attach the tip ejector collar (1) by screwing it clockwise.
3. Place the new tip cone filter on its place.
4. Press the operating button several times to ensure that the grease
has spread evenly.
5. Check the performance of the pipette.
Note: It is always necessary to check the performance of the pipette
after in-house service or maintenance.

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10.3. Sterilization of The Pipette
The entire Proline® Plus pipette can be sterilized by steam autoclaving at
121°C, (252°F), 1 bar overpressure for 20 minutes. Remove the tip cone
filter (if fitted, Chapter 7.3). The single channel pipettes can be autoclaved
without special preparations. Unscrew the lower part of the multichannel
pipettes by holding the connecting collar and turning the lower part 360°
counterclockwise. Put the pipette into the sterilization bag and place it into
the autoclave. After autoclaving, the pipette must be cooled down and
left to dry overnight before use. Screw the lower part of the multichannel
pipettes by holding the connecting collar and turning the lower part
360° clockwise. Make sure that the lower part is properly tightened. It
is recommended to check the performance of the pipette after every
autoclaving. It is also recommended to grease the piston|seal of the pipette
after every 10 autoclaving.
11. Testing the Performance and
Recalibration
It is recommended to check the performance of your Proline®Plus pipettes
regularly (e.g. every 3 months) and always after in-house maintenance.
However, the user should establish a regular testing routine for their pipettes
with regard to accuracy requirements of the application, frequency of use,
number of operators using the pipette, nature of the liquid dispensed and the
acceptable maximum permissible errors established by the user. (ISO 8655-1.)
11.1. Testing the Performance
Performance testing should take place in a draught-free room at 15 - 30°C,
constant to +/- 0.5°C and humidity above 50%. The pipette, tips and the
test water should have stood in the test room a sufficient time (at least
2 hours) to reach equilibrium with the room conditions. Use distilled or
deionised water (grade 3, ISO 3696). Use an analytical balance with a
readability of 0.01 mgs. (ISO 8655-6.)
Weighing
1. Adjust the desired test volume Vs.
2. Carefully fit the tip onto the tip cone.
3. Fill the tip with test water and expel to waste five times to reach a
humidity equilibrium in the dead air volume.
4. Replace the tip. Pre-wet the tip by filling it once with test water and
expel to waste.
5. Aspirate the test water, immersing the tip only 2-3 mm below the
surface of the water. Keep the pipette vertical.
6. Withdraw the pipette vertically and touch the tip against the inside wall
of the test water container.
7. Pipette the water into the weighing vessel, touching the tip against the
inside wall of the vessel just above the liquid surface at an angle of 30°
to 45°. Withdraw the pipette by drawing the tip 8-10 mm along the inner
wall of the weighing vessel.
8. Read the weight in mgs (mi).
9. Repeat the test cycle until 10 measurements have been recorded.
10. Convert the recorded masses (mi) to volumes (Vi)
Vi= mi Z Z = correction factor (Table 1)
11. Calculate the mean volume (V) delivered: V=(Vi)/10
12. For conformity evaluation, calculate the systematic error (es) of the
measurement:
in μl: eS = V- VSVS= selected test volume
Connecting collar