socorex Acura electro 925 User manual

Operating instructions
Models 925, 935 and 955
your electronic choice
Acura electro
®

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1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword 3
Safety precautions and application limits 4
Pipette handling
Maintenance and sterilization
Charging stand, power handle and fast charger
Instrument description 5
View
Keys and functions
Start button
LCD display
Power handle
Optional charging stands
Fast charger (AC adapter)
Use of the instrument 6
Supply contents
Inserting power handle
Replacing power handle
Charging power handle
Programming 7-16
Holding the electronic pipette 7
Left or right display reading 7
Forward mode, programming and pipetting 8
Reverse mode, programming and pipetting 9
Stepper mode, programming and pipetting 10-11
Stepper mode, excess volume control 11
Stepper mode, interruption of pipetting sequence 12
Dilution mode, programming and pipetting 13-14
Dilution mode, interruption of pipetting sequence 15
Mixing 16
Operation 17-21
Selection of pipetting speed 17
Charge level of power handle 17
Changing volumetric module 18-19
Programming for volumetric module 20
Correction of volumetric module selection 20-21
Use of Pasteur pipette 21
Adjustment of tip ejector 21
Maintenance and sterilisation 22-23
Cleaning 22
Replacement of tightness parts 22-23
Sterilisation 23
Instrument calibration 24-25
Calibration units 24
New calibration 24-25
Trouble shooting 26-27
Error messages 26
Instrument reset 26-27
Other failures 27
Performance 28
Warranty 29
Ordering information 30-31
Instruments, accessories and tips
Exploded drawings IV-VI

3
Congratulation for choosing a Socorex instrument. You purchased a superior quality product built
to last, and to satisfy you for a long time.
The Acura®electro pipette allows precision liquid handling without hand fatigue. The microproces-
sor-controlled instrument includes an extended life NiMH battery pack for high performance.
Main user benefits
jErgonomic, optimized weight and hand balance for perfect working comfort
jUser-friendly through intuitive software programme, easy to use
jDisplay selection for left or right-handed user
jInstant exchange of battery pack eliminates interruption of work
jAutoclavable volumetric modules are interchangeable on single control unit
jInstrument software covers all volume modules
jJustipejector facilitates fitting and ejection of tips
Before using the instrument for the first time, read instructions carefully. Special attention should be
paid to the safety precautions and application limits. Keep this booklet for future reference.
Foreword
Manufectured under U.S. Patent No. 5, 187, 990; EP 152120 and EP 428500.
Socorex®, Acura®and Qualitips®are trade marks owned by Socorex Isba SA, Switzerland.

4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND APPLICATION LIMITS
Before using the instrument for the first time, read the safety precautions and application limits
carefully. Socorex will not assume any responsibility for problems related to erroneous use of
the instrument.
jRefer to and follow regulations about handling
of potentially hazardous reagents
jBefore use, check tip/nozzle tightness and
working condition of the instrument
jEmergency stop: press the “set/stop” key to
interrupt immediately any plunger movement
in stepper and dilution modes
jDo not use the Acura®electro in areas where
there is explosion or flame hazard
jDo not place the Acura®electro on charging
stand with a filled tip
jDo not let liquid penetrate the pipette casing
jChange volumetric module only with charged
power handle in place
jDo not use any volumetric module (lower
assembly) not specifically intended for your
instrument
jInstrument should not be used at tempera-
tures below 5°C and over 40°C
jThis product should be used only for its
intended purpose
jMind possible hand-fatigue during serial pipet-
ting and its potential medical consequences
(such as repetitive strain injuries, RSI)
Pipette handling
jDo not use aggressive solutions (such as
acetone) to clean volumetric modules. Use
water or alcohol (ethanol) instead
jThe volumetric module (lower assembly) only
is autoclavable at 121°C. The control unit (up-
per assembly) is not autoclavable
jNo liquid must penetrate inside the pipette
control unit (upper assembly)
jRefer to instructions for any operation (main-
tenance, change of volumetric modules)
carried out on the instrument
jServicing of control unit must be done by
authorised, trained personnel only
jUse only Socorex original parts and accesso-
ries (power handle, pipette tips, spare parts)
Maintenance and sterilisation
jPower handle (battery) must be completely
charged before first use
jPower handle can be charged either sepa-
rately, or when placed on the instrument
jIn any case, do not re-charge instrument
before “low bat” signal appears on pipette
display
jDo not use any fast charger other than the
original one supplied by manufacturer
jDo not damage electrical cord or plug of
charger with heavy or sharp items
jDo not expose pipette, power handle, charg-
ing stand or fast charger to heat or liquid
spillage
jRemove power handle from the instrument
if it is stored for a long period of time; this
prevents discharge of the batteries
jRecycle used or damaged power handle ac-
cording to applicable local laws
jThe power handle will have longer life span if
the above instructions are followed carefully
Charging stand, power handle and fast charger

5
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
The Acura®electro is a motorized, microprocessor controlled air displacement pipette. Energy
is provided by a long life NiMH battery pack located in the pipette handle. This power handle
can be replaced with a fully charged one within seconds, thus ensuring continuous work-flow
without loss of set parameters. Acura®925 models allows precise and reproducible pipetting
within 0.25 µL to 1000 µL. 935 macromodels cover volumes from 0.25 to 10 mL. Multichannel
Acura®955 with 8 and 12 channel range between 0.5 µL and 350 µL. All volumetric modules
(lower assemblies) are interchangeable on the same control unit (pipette body). The Justip™
ejection system provides height adjustment of the single and multichannel tip ejector.
View (see p. I)
A) Acura®electro pipettes
B) Charging stand for electronic pipette
and power handle
C) Fast charger with AC adapter and cord
D) Power handle
E) Charging stand for power handle only
Keys and functions (fig. 1)
1) 2 positions start button
2) 3 positions speed selector
3) Programming key (mode) for choosing:
jPipetting modes
jSide of display reading
jInstalled volumetric module
4) Set key for entering selection or emergency
stop
5) Selection keys (+/-) for choosing:
jVolumes
jCalibration settings
jVolume ranges
jLeft/right display reading
jMixing
6) LCD display (see fig. 3 for details)
7) Tip ejector button
8) Power handle
9) Control unit
10) Interchangeable volumetric module
11) Justip™ ejection system
12) Clips
13) Interchangeable multichannel module
14) Pipette nozzle
Start button (fig. 2A)
The start button has two contact positions:
jPress till first stop (1) to work at the slow
pipetting speed
jPress till second stop (2) to work at the
selected pipetting speed
LCD display (fig. 3)
1) Forward pipetting mode
2) Reverse pipetting mode
3) Dilution mode, volume sequence (vol. 1, 2 or 3)
4) Stepper mode
5) Low battery indicator
6) Pipetting steps: aspirating or dispensing
7) Digits for volume display or messages
8) Current volume units (µL or mL)
9) Sign requiring user input (selection or
validation)
Power handle (fig. 4)
The re-chargeable power handle contains
NiMH batteries of 140 mAh/6V. Charge a fully
discharged power handle in less than 3 hours.
Optional charging stands
jCharging stand for Acura®electro and
power handles (fig. 6): 1, 2 or 3 charging
positions, depending on the number of con-
nected chargers
j Compact charging stand for power handles
only (fig. 5): allows the simultaneous charging
of 2 battery packs
Fast charger (AC adapter) (fig. 7-8)
jInput: 110-120 or 220 V, 50/60 Hz
jOutput: 85 mA ± 8 mA/7 V
jOn stand-by: 15 mA ± 0.8 mA/7 V
jSupplied with electrical cord and plug

6
USE OF THE INSTRUMENT
Accessories supplied with the Acura®electro may vary, depending on country. Check exact contents
on packaging label. All elements also available separately. Refer to chapter “Ordering information”
for more details.
Note: Keep original packaging for adequate instrument protection during future transport or shipment.
Supply contents
The power handle fits at the back of the pipette control unit. Insert and click in as shown. The ini-
tialisation starts automatically, followed by a self-calibration test. The display shows “RE-CAL”.
Note: Charge power handle completely before first use.
Inserting power handle (fig. 4A)
To remove the handle from control unit, press lock trigger located at the bottom of the handle and
lift gently.
Note: Pipetting data are kept in memory even during battery change. They will show again automatically upon
re-inserting power handle.
Replacing power handle (fig. 4B)
The power handle can be charged in three dif-
ferent ways:
1) Attached to the instrument and placed
on the electro pipette charging stand
2) Alone, placed on the charging stand of
the electro pipette
3) Alone, placed on the compact battery
charging stand (to be ordered sepa-
rately)
Note: In all cases, check for correct plugging position
of fast charger according to symbols “
●▲ ■
” on
charging stand (see fig. 7 and 8).
The red light goes on when charger operates
The green light indicates that charging is com-
pleted and put on stand by with minimal energy
consumption.
Maximal battery capacity is obtained after a few
full charging/discharging cycles.
At maximum capacity, power handles allow for
over 1800 forward pipetting movements (full
plunger stroke on a single channel micropipette)
without recharging.
Note: If unused for 10 minutes, the Acura®electro switches automatically to an energy saving stand-by position
(display switches off) to provide the longest wireless pipetting time. Simply press start button to re-activate
instrument.
Charging power handle (fig. 5 and 6)

7
PROGRAMMING
The ergonomic shape of the Acura®electro allows long pipetting series without hand fatigue.
Place finger rest on the phalanx of forefinger. The thumb reaches naturally start button (1) and
ejector button (7), both easily activated. Multichannel casing (13) revolves to allow the selection
of the best working position.
Holding the electronic pipette (fig. 1)
Note: After selection of left or right display reading, the last pipetting mode used, will show again.
Left or right display reading
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Configuration Press (> 0.5 sec.)
for left or right handed
operation
Validate function
Select
Validate side
Press (> 0.5 sec.)
Back to current
pipetting mode

8
PROGRAMMING
In forward mode, the exact volume desired is aspirated. Liquid dispensing is automatically fol-
lowed by a short excess plunger movement (blow out). Plunger returns back to its initial position
one second later.
Note: Plunger stays down when start button is kept pressed, and returns to initial position when released.
Press start button gently until first stop to work at the slow pipetting speed. Press fully (second stop)
to work at the selected pipetting speed (fig. 2A).
Pipetting in forward mode
Forward mode, programming and pipetting
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Forward pipetting Select mode
Validate mode
Last settings appear by default
Choice of volume Ex: select 400 µL
Validate volume
Aspiration Press
Dispensing Press

9
PROGRAMMING
Note: Skip “purge” by holding start button down after dosing is completed. The next sample is aspirated directly
after release of the start button.
Reverse mode, programming and pipetting
In reverse mode, the liquid is aspirated in excess of the selected volume. However, the set volume
only will be delivered. The excess volume remains in the tip and can be kept or discarded. The
reverse pipetting mode is recommended for viscous, volatile or foaming liquids.
Press start button gently until first stop to work at the slow pipetting speed. Press fully (second stop)
to work at the selected pipetting speed (fig. 2A).
Pipetting in reverse mode
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Choice of reverse pipetting Select
mode
Validate mode
Last settings appear by default
Choice of volume Ex: select 150 µL
Validate volume
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Aspiration Press
Dispensing Press
Excess volume Double click

10
PROGRAMMING
In stepper mode, the volume aspirated is in small excess of the sum of every single aliquot. It is
distributed step by step according to volume and number of aliquots programmed by the user.
Press start button gently until first stop to work at the slow pipetting speed. Press fully (second stop)
to work at selected pipetting speed (fig. 2A).
Pipetting in stepper mode
Choice of stepper pipetting Select
mode
Validate mode
Last settings appear by default
Stepper mode, programming and pipetting
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Choice of volume Ex : select 50 µL
Validate volume
Display show maximal number of aliquots
possible for the selected volume
Choice: number of aliquots Ex: select 15 x
Validate aliquots
Dispensing Press
Aspiration Press
(Ex: 15 x 50 µL)
Ready

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PROGRAMMING
Pipetting in stepper mode (continued)
Stepper mode, excess volume control
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Dispensing (continued)
Number of aliquots decrease after each
dispensing
Dispensing Press
Excess volume see below
Blow out excess volume Double click
Keep excess volume, Press
ex. aspiration of same liquid
Current display
or
Ready for aspiration
of new liquid

12
PROGRAMMING
Stepper mode, interruption of pipetting sequence
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Current display
End of pipetting Press
Residual volume Double click
Ready for new filling

13
PROGRAMMING
In dilution mode, up to 3 volumes of different liquids – each separated in the tip by an air bubble
– will be aspirated. The total resulting volume is then dispensed in a single dose.
Dilution mode, programming and pipetting
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Choice of dilution pipetting Select
mode
Validate mode
Last settings appear by default
Choice of 1st volume Ex: select 250 µL
Validate volume 1
Display shows volume capacity
left to reach nominal volume
Choice of 2nd volume Ex: select 100 µL
Validate volume 2
Choice of 3rd volume Ex : select 50 µL
No 3rd volume? Select 0 µL
Validate volume 3
Note 1: When 3rd liquid aspirated (V3), air bubble prohibits reaching cumulated volume equal to maximum pipette
capacity. Thus avoiding risk of nozzle contamination.
Note 2: Air bubbles in macrotips (Acura®935 models) only serve the puropse of separating liquid at the lower tip
area.

14
PROGRAMMING
Press start button gently until first stop to work at the slow pipetting speed. Press fully (second stop)
to work at the selected pipetting speed (fig. 2A).
Pipetting in dilution mode
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Aspiration 1st volume Press
Dispensing V1+V2+V3 Press
Aspiration air bubble Lift tip out of the
liquid,
Press
Aspiration 3rd volume Press
(if programmed)
Aspiration 2nd volume Press
Aspiration air bubble Lift tip out of the
liquid,
Press
Ready for new filling

15
PROGRAMMING
Dilution mode, interruption of pipetting sequence
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Current display
End of pipetting Press
Blow out residual volume Double click
Ready for new filling

16
PROGRAMMING
Available in all pipetting modes, the mixing performs consecutive back and forth aspiration/dis-
pensing of the set volume. It is only possible after pipetting or purge steps are over.
Mixing
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Mixing with 3 cycles of Press 1 x
aspiration/dispensing
Continuous mixing Keep key pressed
Back to the pipetting Press

17
OPERATION
Three pipetting speeds are available. Simply move the selector from left to right (slow/fast)
to adapt working speed to the type of liquid or to a specific application. Independently from
the speed selection, it is always possible to aspirate or distribute at the slow speed by gently
pressing start button half way (feel first stop).
Selection of pipetting speed (fig. 2B)
Pay attention to charge indicator on LCD to avoid unexpected power cut-off. For appropriate bat-
tery handling, refer to chapters on “Replacing power handle” (fig. 4B) and “Charging power handle”
(fig. 5 and 6) for more details.
Note: Always keep one or more spare power handle(s) available on a charging stand.
Charge level of power handle (fig. 3)
LCD DISPLAY SIGNIFICATION/CAUSE SOLUTION
Charged battery Work without trouble
Low battery It is recommended to charge
battery after pipetting work is
finished or to replace power handle
Battery almost Energy level insufficient
empty Instrument will switch off
Replace or charge power handle
immediately