socorex Acura Electro 926 User manual

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1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword 3
Safety precautions and application limits 4
Pipette handling
Maintenance and sterilisation
Charging stand, power handle and power supply
Instrument description 5
View
Keys and functions
Start button
LCD display
Power handle
Optional charging stands
Power supply
Use of the instrument 6
Supply contents
Inserting power handle
Replacing power handle
Charging power handle
Parameter setting 7-19
Holding the electronic pipette 7
Left or right display reading 7
Beeping sound 8
Forward mode, programming and pipetting 9
Reverse mode, programming and pipetting 10
Stepper mode, programming and pipetting 11-12
Stepper mode, excess volume control 13
Stepper mode, interruption of pipetting sequence 13
Dilution mode, programming and pipetting 14-15
Dilution mode, interruption of pipetting sequence 16
Tactile mode, programming and pipetting 17-18
Tactile mode, interruption of pipetting sequence 18
Mixing 19
Pipetting cycle counter 19
Operation 20-24
Selection of pipetting speed 20
Charge level of power handle 20
Changing volumetric module 21-22
Programming of volumetric module 23
Correction of volumetric module selection 23-24
Use of Pasteur pipette 24
Adjustment of tip ejector 24
Maintenance and sterilisation 26-27
Cleaning 26
Replacement of tightness parts 26-27
Sterilisation 27
Instrument calibration 28-29
Calibration increments 28
Calibration procedure 28-29
Trouble shooting 30-31
Error messages 30
Instrument reset 30-31
Other failures 31
Performance 32-33
Warranty 34
Ordering information 36-38
Instruments, accessories and tips
Exploded drawings IV-VII

2

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
UÊ Ergonomic, optimized weight and hand balance for perfect working comfort
UÊ User-friendly through intuitive software programme, easy to use
UÊ Display selection for left or right-handed user
UÊ Extended pipetting autonomy, instant exchange of battery pack eliminates interruption of work
UÊ Autoclavable volumetric modules are interchangeable on single control unit
UÊ Instrument software covers all volume modules
UÊ Justip™adjustable ejector facilitates fitting and ejection of tips
Before using the instrument for the first time, instructions must be read carefully. Special atten-
tion should be paid to the safety precautions and application limits. Keep this booklet for future
reference.
Foreword
Manufactured under U.S. Patent No. 5, 187, 990.
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.
UÊ Refer to and follow regulations about handling
of potentially hazardous reagents
UÊ Before use, check tip/nozzle tightness and
working condition of the instrument
UÊ Emergency stop: press the “set/stop” key to
interrupt immediately any plunger movement
in stepper, dilution and tactile modes
UÊ Do not use the Acura®electro in areas where
there is explosion or flame hazard
UÊ Do not place the Acura®electro on charging
stand with a filled tip
UÊ Do not let liquid penetrate inside the pipette
housing (upper assembly)
UÊ Change volumetric module only with charged
power handle in place
UÊ Instrument should not be used at tempera-
tures below 5°C and over 40°C
UThis product should be used only for its
intended purpose
UMind possible hand-fatigue during serial pipet-
ting and its potential medical consequences
(such as repetitive strain injuries, RSI)
Pipette handling
UÊ Do not use aggressive solutions (such as
acetone) to clean volumetric modules. Use
water or alcohol (ethanol) instead
UÊ Only the volumetric module (lower assembly)
is autoclavable at 121°C. The control unit
(upper assembly) is not autoclavable
UÊ No liquid must penetrate inside the pipette
control unit (upper assembly) nor the chang-
ing stand
UÊ Refer to instructions for any operation (main-
tenance, change of volumetric modules)
carried out on the instrument
UÊ Servicing of control unit must be done by
authorised, trained personnel only
UÊ Use only Socorex original parts and accesso-
ries (power handle, pipette tips, spare parts)
Maintenance and sterilisation
UÊ Power handle (battery) must be completely
charged before first use
UÊ Power handle can be charged either sepa-
rately, or when placed on the instrument
UÊ For best power handle durability, avoid re-
charging when "low bat" is not lit
UÊ Do not use any power supply other than the
original one supplied by manufacturer
UÊ Do not damage electrical cord or plug of
charger with heavy or sharp items
UÊ Do not expose pipette, power handle, charg-
ing stand or power supply to heat or liquid
spillage
UÊ Remove power handle from the instrument
if it is stored for a long period of time; this
prevents discharge of the batteries
URecycle used or damaged power handle ac-
cording to applicable local laws
UThe power handle will have longer life span if
the above instructions are followed carefully
Charging stand, power handle and power supply

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®electro 926 XS models allows precise and reproducible pipetting within
0.1 μL to 1000 μL. Acura®electro 936 macromodels cover volumes from 0.1 to 10 mL. Multichannel
Acura®electro 956 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 (upper assembly). 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) Power supply with cord
D) Power handle
E) Charging LED
F) Battery charging stand
Keys and functions (fig. 1)
1) 2 positions start button
2) 3 positions speed selector
3) Programming key (mode) for choosing:
ÊU Pipetting modes
UAspiration in tactile mode
ÊU Side of display reading
ÊU Installed volumetric module
4)
Set key for entering selection or emergency
stop
5)
Selection keys (+/-) for choosing:
UVolumes
ÊU Calibration settings
ÊU Volume ranges
ÊU Left/right display reading
UCycle counter
ÊU Mixing
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) Pipette nozzle
Start button (fig. 2A)
The start button has two working positions:
UÊ Press until first stop (1) to work at the slow
pipetting speed
UÊ Press until second stop (2) to work at the
selected pipetting speed
LCD display (fig. 3)
1) Forward pipetting mode
2) Tactile pipetting mode
3) Reverse pipetting mode
4)
Dilution mode, volume sequence (vol. 1, 2 or 3)
5) Stepper mode
6) Battery level indicator
7) Pipetting: aspirating or dispensing
8) Digits for volume display or messages
9) Current volume units (μL or mL)
10)Sign requiring user input (selection or
validation)
Power handle (fig. 4)
The rechargeable power handle contains NiMH
batteries of 300 mAh/4.8V. Charge a fully dis-
charged power handle in less than 1.5 hours.
Optional charging stands (fig. 5 and 6)
UCharging stand for 4.8V Acura®electro and
power handles (fig. 6) with 3 charging posi-
tions
U Compact battery charging stand (fig. 5): al-
lows to simultaneously charge up to 3 power
handles
Power supply (fig. 7 and 8)
UInput: 100-240, 50/60 Hz
UOut put: 7.5 VDC
USupplied with electrical cord and plug
UVarious plug styles available depending on
user location. See ordering information

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 electro pipette and
placed on the charging stand
2) Alone, placed on charging stand
3) Alone, placed on the compact battery
charging stand (to be ordered sepa-
rately)
The red LED goes on when charging a power
handle.
The green LED indicates that charging is com-
pleted and goes 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 3000 forward pipetting movements (full
plunger stroke on a single channel micropipette)
without recharging.
Notes: If unused for 10 minutes, the Acura®electro switches automatically to an energy saving stand-by mode
(display switches off) to guarantee a longer operation. Simply press start button to re-activate instru-
ment.
Charging power handle (fig. 5 and 6)

7
PARAMETER SETTING
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 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 be displayed.
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
PARAMETER SETTING
Beep sound on keys can be turned on/off anytime.
Beeping sound
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Beeping sound Press (> 0.5 sec.)
configuration
Press
Press
Validate function
Select
Validate
Press (> 0.5 sec.)
Back to current
pipetting mode
Note: Selecting the "off" mode will disable all warning sounds.

9
PARAMETER SETTING
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.
Notes: Plunger stays down when start button is kept pressed, and returns to initial position when released.
Slightly touch reservoir wall when dispensing.
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

10
PARAMETER SETTING
Notes: Skip “purge” by holding start button down after dosing is completed. The next sample is aspirated directly
after release of the start button.
Slightly touch reservoir wall when dispensing.
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

11
PARAMETER SETTING
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.
Choice of stepper pipetting Select
mode
Validate mode
Last settings appear by default
Stepper mode, programming and pipetting
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
Volume range Maximum numbers
mL of aliquots
0.1 – 2 20 x 0.1 mL
0.25 – 5 20 x 0.25 mL
0.5 – 10 20 x 0.5 mL
Maximum number of aliquots
Volume range Maximum numbers
μL of aliquots
0.1 – 2 20 x 0.1 μL
0.5 – 10 or 10Y 20 x 0.5 μL
1 – 20 20 x 1 μL
2.5 – 50 20 x 2.5 μL
5 –100 20 x 5 μL
10 – 200 20 x 10 μL
50 – 1000 20 x 50 μL
Acura®electro 926 XS
Volume range Maxumim numbers
μL of aliquots
0.5 – 10 20 x 0.5 μL
2.5 – 50 20 x 2.5 μL
10 – 200 20 x 10 μL
20 – 350 18 x 20 μL
Acura®electro 956 (8 - 12 channels)
Acura®electro 936

12
PARAMETER SETTING
Number of aliquots decrease
after each dispensing
Dispensing Press
Excess volume see next page
Note: Slightly touch reservoir wall when dispensing.
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
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Dispensing Press
Aspiration Press
(Ex: 15 x 50 μL)
Ready

13
Stepper mode, excess volume control
OPERATION ACTION KEY/BUTTON LCD DISPLAY
Blow out excess volume Double click
Keep excess volume, Press
ex. aspiration of same liquid
Current display
or
Ready for aspiration
of new liquid
PARAMETER SETTING
Stepper 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

14
PARAMETER SETTING
In dilution mode, up to 3 volumes of different liquids (each separated 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
Choice of 1st volume Ex: select 250 μL
Validate volume 1
Choice of 2nd volume Ex: select 100 μL
Validate volume 2
Choice of 3rd volume Ex : select 50 μL
(optional)
No 3rd volume? Select 0 μL
Validate volume 3
Note: Air bubbles in macrotips (Acura®electro 936 models) only serve the purpose of separating liquid at the lower
tip area.

15
PARAMETER SETTING
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
Note: Slightly touch reservoir wall when dispensing.

16
PARAMETER SETTING
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