VWR HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR User manual

VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
USER GUIDE
Light-Weight Ergonomics
Precise & Reliable
Secure Results
EN

2
VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
Contents Page
1- INTRODUCTION 3
2- PARTS CHECK LIST 3
3- DESCRIPTION 4
4- SETTING THE VOLUME 6
5- USER ADJUSTMENT 8
6- PIPETTING 10
7- GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PIPETTING 12
8- ACCESSORIES AND STAND 13
9- GLP FEATURES 13
10- TROUBLESHOOTING 14
11- LEAK TEST 15
12- MAINTENANCE 15
13- CLEANING AND STERILIZATION 21
14- SPECIFICATIONS 25
15- SPARE PARTS 26
16- MAINTENANCE & CALIBRATION 27
17- TECHNICAL SERVICES 27
18- WARRANTY 27
19- COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL LAWS AND 28
REGULATIONS
20- EQUIPMENT DISPOSAL 28

3
USER’S GUIDE
The VWR High Performance Pipettor is an air displacement mechanism and is used
with disposable pipette tips.
This pipettor line provides:
• Light and comfortable body
• Low pipetting forces ensuring ergonomics and users’ well-being
• Unique patented Volume locking mecanism for results you can trust
Eight single channel models cover a volume range from 0.2 µL to 10 mL.
Eight multichannel models (4 x 8-ch and 4 x 12-ch) cover a volume range from
0.5 µL to 300 µL.
Just take a moment to verify that the following items are present:
Single models
• VWR High Performance Pipettor,
• User’s Guide,
• Certificate of conformity,
• Calibration Key,
• Tip-ejector extention for 2µL and 10µL models.
Multichannel models
• VWR High Performance Pipettor,
• User’s Guide,
• Ejector spacer for short collar tips (only for multichannels models 10 µL),
• Certificate of conformity,
• Calibration key.
1 - INTRODUCTION
2 - PARTS CHECK LIST

4
VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
3 - DESCRIPTION
For 2µL and 10µL Single channel models, a tip-ejector
extention is supplied to fit with short tips models.
To fit a tip-ejector extention:
Slide the extention over the tip-holder
Push the extention firmly onto the end of the tip-ejector
until it clicks into place (see figure 2)
FIGURE 2
Single channel models Multichannel models
Color-coded
push-button
Lock/Unlock
mechanism & Tip-
ejector button
Handle
Connecting nut
Tip-holder
Ejector clip
Ejector support
Ejector lock
Cover
Tip-ejector
Tip-holders
FIGURE 1
Counter
3 - DESCRIPTION

5
USER’S GUIDE
To remove a tip-ejector extention:
Gently twist the extention
Pull it away from the pipettor
Ejector spacer for Multichannel models (X10µL only)
Multichannel models fit with long collar tips. If you use short collar tips, you might
have to insert the ejector spacer especially indicated for that:
• Remove the tip-ejector, keep both ejector locks depressed; pull the tip-ejector
down.
• Insert the broad ejector spacer and click it to the tip-ejector.
• To refit the tip-ejector, gently re-insert the tip-ejector vertically into the rails of
the ejector support.
FIGURE 3 Long collar tips Short collar tips
Ejector spacer

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VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
The volume of liquid to be aspirated is set using the volumeter. The digits are colored
either black or red to indicate the position of the decimal point, depending on the
model (see examples below).
4 - SETTING THE VOLUME
MODEL Color of volumeter digits
Black Red Increment
2µl µL 0.01 µL 0.002 µL
10µl to 20µl µL 0.1 µL 0.02 µL
8X-10µl, 8X-20µl
12X-10µl, 12X-20µl µL 0.1 µL 0.02 µL
100µl, 200µl, 8X-200µl, 12X-200µl µL - 0.2 µL
8X-300µl, 12X-300µl µL - 0.2 µL
1000µl 0.01 mL mL 0.002 mL
5000µl 0.01 mL mL 0.002 mL
10 mL mL 0.1 mL 0.02 mL
0
7
5
X10µl
7.5 µL
1
2
5
X20µl
12.5 µL
X200µl
1
2
5
125 µL
X300µl
1
2
5
125 µL
Single models Multichannel models
1
5
2µl
1.25 µL
2
0
7
5
10µl
7.5 µL
1
2
5
20µl
12.5 µL
100µl
0
7
5
75 µL
200µl
1
2
5
125 µL
1000µl
0
7
5
0.75 mL
5000µl
1
2
5
1.25 mL
10mL
0
7
5
7.5 mL

7
USER’S GUIDE
Lock system:
For trusted results, the volume selection is lockable.
To obtain maximum accuracy when setting the volume, proceed as follows:
> when decreasing the volume setting, slowly reach the required setting, making
sure not to overshoot the mark.
> when increasing the volume setting, pass the required value by 1/3 of a turn and
then slowly decrease to reach the volume, making sure not to overshoot the mark.
> To adjust perfectly the last digit, it is even more precise to do so on the Lock
position.
 First step, with the thumb, unlock the
tip-ejector button by pushing it up
 Second step, the volume is set by turning
the push button
3 Third step, push down the tip-ejector
button.
The selected volume is locked.
Unlocked
Position

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VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
The calibration of the VWR High Performance Pipettor has been performed with
distilled water and very high precision volumetric instruments. Adjusting the pipettor
can be necessary for different solutions due to their density, viscosity, surface
tension and/or vapor pressure etc. Calibration is sometimes recommended when it
is used in high altitudes or with special tips. It can also be recalibrated when long
pipette tips are used. Performance testing should take place in a draught-free room
at 15-30°C, constant to ± 0.5°C and humidity above 50%.
To adjust the volume setting:
Remove the push button.
Use the calibration key to take off the block cover.
a. Insert the metal rod into the calibration tool on the hexagonal
side.
b. Engage the two rectangular hooks of part 2 into the two
holes of the block cover. You should feel them clipped on firmly
in the hidden part of the pipettor (see figure 5).
c. Make sure to hold the part 1 at the top cap, along the part 2.
d. Turn the part 2 counterclockwise slowly to remove the block
cover (see figure 6).
Put the block cover apart.
Part 1
Part 2
5 - USER ADJUSTMENT
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 5
Part 1
Part 2

9
USER’S GUIDE
Use the calibration key to adjust the pipettor
a. Insert the metal rod into the calibration key on the
circle tip side (see figure 7).
Lock it into place. You should feel the
internal part of the calibration key clamped and clipped
on firmly. If it is not the case, turn it counterclockwise
slowly. Then, turn the plastic connecting nut of the part
1 slowly until it’s locked in place (see figure 8).
b. Hold the connecting nut of the part 1 with
one hand and turn the part 2 with the other one
according to the correction needed (see figure 9).
 Once the desired volume is set, remove the
calibration key and put back the block cover
using the hexagonal side. Turn it clockwise to
lock the block cover. Put back the push button.
With reference water, one revolution
(1/8 turn of the calibration tool) of the
volume setting corresponds to:
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 8
FIGURE 7
Volume range Vol. per 1/8 turn
(equivalence in µL)
2µl 0.012
i.e: 1 full turn is 0.096
10µl 0.047
20µl 0.120
100µl 0.48
200µl 1.20
1000µl 4.75
5000µl 23.8
10ML 48
8X-10µl
12X-10µl 0.058
8X-20µl
12X-20µl 0.120
8X-200µl
12X-200µl 1.20
8X-300µl
12X-300µl 1.90
Part 1
Part 2

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VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
6 - PIPETTING
Fitting the tips
VWR High Performance Pipettor have been designed to fit VWR tips.
Pre-rinse the tips
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 dispensing it to
waste. Tips will not fall off nor will they have to be manually positioned.
Make sure first that the pipettor is calibrated with the tips that you are using. Then,
subsequent volumes that you pipettor will have levels of accuracy and precision
within specifications. Using other tips may require a validation of the pipetting
system.
1st stop
2nd stop
1st stop
FIGURE 10

11
USER’S GUIDE
Aspirate
 Press the push-button to the first stop (this corresponds to the set volume of
liquid).
 Hold the pipettor vertically and immerse the tip in the liquid.
Release the push-button slowly and smoothly (to top position) to aspirate the set
volume of liquid. Wait one second; then withdraw the pipette tip from the liquid.
You may wipe any drop lets 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.
/ For the multichannel models, use a reagent reservoir.
Dispense
 Place the end of the tip against the inside wall of the recipient vessel (at an
angle of 10° to 40°).
 Press the push-button slowly and smoothly to the first stop.
 Wait for at least a 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 pipettor) draw
the tip along the inside surface of the vessel.
Release the push-button, smoothly. Eject the tip by pressing firmly on the tip-
ejector button.
/ For the multichannel models, use a reagent reservoir.

12
VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
 Make sure that you operate the push-button
slowly and smoothly.
 When aspirating, keep the tip at a constant
depth below the surface of the liquid (refer to
the table).
Change the tip before aspirating a different
liquid, sample, or reagent.
Change the tip if a droplet remains at the end of
the tip from the previous pipetting operation.
Each new tip should be pre-rinsed with the
liquid to be pipetted.
Liquid should never enter the tip-holder; to
prevent this:
• press and release the push-button slowly
and smoothly,
• never turn the pipettor upside down,
• never lay the pipettor on its side when there
is liquid in the tip.
If you use the same tip with a higher volume, pre-rinse the tip.
 For volatile solvents you should saturate the air-cushion of your pipettor by
aspirating and dispensing the solvent repeatedly before aspirating the sample.
When the pipetted liquid is not at room temperature, pre-rinse the tip
several times before use.
You may remove the tip-ejector (see chapter 12 - Maintenance) to aspirate
from very narrow tubes.
After pipetting acids or other corrosive liquids that emit vapors, remove the
tip-ejector, the tip-holder, rinse, dry and lubricate the piston (see chapter 12 -
Maintenance).
Do not pipette liquids having temperatures above 70°C or below 4°C.
The pipettor can be used between +4°C and +40°C but the specifications may
vary according to the temperature (refer to the ISO8655-2 standard for
conditions of use).
/ Pipettors should be held in the vertical position.
7 - GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR GOOD PIPETTING
Model Immersion Wait Time
Depth (mm) (seconds)
2µl 1 1
10µl 1 1
20µl 2-3 1
100µl 2-4 1
200µl 2-4 1
1000µl 2-4 2-3
5000µl 3-6 4-5
10mL 5-7 4-5
8X-10µl, 12X-10µl 1 1
8X-20µl, 12X-20µl 2-3 1
8X-200µl, 12X-200µl 2-3 1
8X-300µl, 12X-300µl 2-4 1
Table Immersion Depth and Wait Time

13
USER’S GUIDE
To store your pipettors, several stands are available. To avoid the possibility of liquid
running back into the pipettor, store the pipettor vertically.
VWR High Performance Pipettor is sold with the plastic tip ejector but it is available
in stainless steel as a spare part.
To identify or personalize your pipettor, identification clips are available (Figure 12):
8 - ACCESSORIES AND STAND
9 - GLP FEATURES
Identification clips (mixed colors set of 10) FE07060
Identification clips (red, set of 10) FE07061
Identification clips (yellow, set of 10) FE07062
Identification clips (green, set of 10) FE07063
Identification clips (blue, set of 10) FE07064
Identification clips (white, set of 10) FE07065
FIGURE 12
The Serial Number is engraved on the body of the
pipettor. It provides a unique identification of the
pipettor and the manufacturing date.
Example: 15A1425
To know the specific details about your pipettor, see
thetable.
The Bar Code on the box and the certificate of
conformity provide traceability of your pipettor.
Year /CODE Month/CODE NUMBER
(example)
2015/15 January/A 0001
2016/16 February/B 0325
2017/17 March/C 0500
2018/18 April/D 0750
2019/19 May/E 1000
2020/20 June/G 1300
2021/21 July/H 1600
2022/22 August/J 2000
2023/23 September/K 2400
2024/24 October/L 2600
2025/25 November/M 2800
2026/26 December/N 3000

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VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
10 - TROUBLESHOOTING
A quick inspection of the pipettor may help you to detect a problem.
The following tables may help you to identify and correct the problem you might
encounter.
For any other symptom or if you can’t solve the problem, please contact your supplier.
For Single channel models
Symptom Possible Cause Action
Pipettor is leaking sample Damaged tip-holder Replace the tip-holder
Worn O-ring or seal Replace both parts and lubricate
Pipettor won’t aspirate
Worn O-ring or seal Replace both parts and lubricate
Damaged tip-holder Replace the tip-holder
Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Damaged or corroded piston Return pipettor to supplier
Improper repair or assembly See Chapter 12 - Maintenance
Pipettor is inaccurate
Improper repair or assembly See Chapter 12 - Maintenance
Unscrewed tip-holder Tighten connecting nut
Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Pipettor is not precise
Tip-holder is loose Tighten connecting nut
Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Incorrect operator technique Operator training
Damaged or corroded piston(s) Return pipettor to supplier
Damaged tip-holder(s) Replace the tip-holder
Worn O-ring or seal Replace both parts and lubricate
Tips fall off or do not fit
correctly
Low quality tips Use VWR tips to have optimum fit correctly results of the
pipetting system
Dirty tip-holder Clean the tip-holder with isopropanol or ethanol
Damaged tip-holder(s) Replace the tip-holder
The tip-ejector is loose Assemble the tip-ejector properly
The ejector lock is misaligned Align the ejector lock
Pipetting seize up Piston need lubricant Lubricate piston assembly

15
USER’S GUIDE
11 - LEAK TEST
This test may be performed at any time to check that the pipettor
does not leak, especially after performing a maintenance or
sterilization procedure. If a pipettor fails this test, replace the
O-ring and seal. After making sure that the pipettor is correctly
reassembled, repeat this test.
For the 2µL to 200µL Single channel models:
 Fit with VWR Pipette Tips.
 Set the pipettor to the maximum volume given in the specifications, and
pre-rinse.
 Aspirate the set volume from a beaker of distilled water.
Maintain the pipettor in the vertical position and wait for 20 seconds.
 If a water droplet appears at the end of the tip there is a leak.
 If you see no droplet, re-immerse the tip below the surface of water.
 The water level inside the tip should remain constant; if the level goes down
there is a leak.
For Multichannel models
Symptom Possible Cause Action
Tips fall off or do not fit
correctly
Low quality tips Use VWR tips to have optimum results of the pipetting
system
Tip-ejector damaged Replace tip-ejector
Ejector spacer damaged Replace ejector spacer
Dirty tip-holder Clean them with ethanol or isopropanol
Damaged tip-holder Contact your local supplier
Pipettor won’t aspirate Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Pipettor is inaccurate Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Pipettor is not precise Connecting nut is loose Tighten connecting nut
Incorrect operator technique Operator training
no leak
FIGURE 14

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VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
For the 1000µL, 5000µL and 10mL Single channel models:
Fit with VWR Pipette Tips.
Set the pipettor to the maximum volume given in the specifications.
Aspirate the set volume from a beaker of distilled water.
Maintain the pipettor in the vertical position and wait for 20 seconds.
If a water droplet appears at the end of the tip, there is a leak.
For the Multichannel models (8X - 12X):
Fit with VWR Pipette tips.
Set the pipettor to the maximum volume given in the specifications, and pre-
rinse.
Aspirate the set volume from a reagent reservoir of distilled water.
Maintain the pipettor in the vertical position and wait for 20 seconds; fluid
level in tips should remain constant.
 If a water droplet appears at the end of the tip, there is a leak.
 If you see no droplet, for volumes below 200 µL, re-immerse the tip below
the surface of water.
 The water level inside the tip should remain constant; if the level goes down
there is a leak.
Routine maintenance will help to keep your pipettor in good condition, ensuring a
continued high level of performance.
Maintenance is limited to:
• Cleaning or sterilization (see Chapter 13 - Cleaning and Sterilization).
• Replacing spare parts.
• Greasing the piston assembly.
Lubricant tube 1g is available under (check the spare parts list on VWR.com)
2µL and 10µL Single channel models should not be disassembled, so you
may only replace the push-button, tip-ejector, and its adapter.
With these pipettors if the tip-holder is damaged, the piston may also be
damaged.
12A - MAINTENANCE FOR THE SINGLE CHANNEL MODELS ONLY

17
USER’S GUIDE
Changing the tip-ejector
To remove
 Push the ejection button.
 Push laterally (to the left) the tip-ejector.
 Slide and remove the tip-ejector.
To refit
 Push the ejection button.
 Slide the tip-ejector along the tip-holder.
 Clip and push laterally (to the right) the tip-ejector on
the body of the pipettor.
Changing the tip-holder – no tools required
 Remove the tip-ejector (see above).
 Unscrew the connecting nut by turning it clockwise.
 Carefully separate the lower and upper parts.
 Remove the piston assembly and the seals.
 Clean, sterilize, or replace the tip-holder.
 If necessary, lubricate lightly the piston and its seals (see below).
 Reassemble the pipettor (refer to the figure 16).
 Tighten the connecting nut (turn counterclockwise).
 Refit the tip-ejector (see above).
Servicing the piston assembly
You may remove the piston assembly for cleaning purposes only. If the piston assembly
is changed, the pipettor must be adjusted and calibrated in the Supplier Service
Center. As the models 2µL and 10µL single channel models contain miniaturized
parts, it is best not to disassemble these pipettors yourself.
 Remove the tip-ejector (see above).
 Unscrew the connecting nut by turning it clockwise.
 Carefully separate the lower and upper parts.
 Remove the piston assembly, O-ring and seal.


FIGURE 15

18
VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
 Leave exposed the piston, clean it with isopropanol or ethanol and lubricate
lightly.
For 20µL, 100µL, 200µL Single channel models: lubricate only the useful part of
the piston (20 ±5 mm length) and the O-ring.
For 1000µL single channel model: lubricate the piston.
For 5000µL, 10mL single channel model: disassemble the seals, lubricate their
internal part and lubricate the piston. Do not lubricate the O-ring.
 Reassemble the pipettor (refer to the figure 16).
 Tighten the connecting nut (turn counterclockwise).
 Refit the tip-ejector (see above).
Changing the seals
The O-ring and seal are on the piston; if worn or damaged in any way (chemical or
mechanical), they must be replaced. As the models 2µL and 10µL single channel
models contain miniaturized parts, it is best not to disassemble these pipettors
yourself, please contact your Supplier Service Center.
The dimensions of the O-ring vary depending on the model of pipettor.
 Remove the tip-ejector (see above).
 Unscrew the connecting nut by turning it clockwise.
 Carefully separate the lower and upper parts.
 Remove the piston assembly, O-ring and seal.
 If necessary clean the piston and replace the seal ; lubricate them lightly.
Please place them in the correct order.
 Reassemble the pipettor (refer to the figure 16).
 Tighten the connecting nut (turn counter clockwise).
 Refit the tip-ejector (see above).

19
USER’S GUIDE
FIGURE 16
Tip-ejector Tip-holder
Connecting nut
Color-coded push-button
(volume setting)
20µL
100µL
200µL
Piston assembly
1000µL
10mL

20
VWR®HIGH PERFORMANCE PIPETTOR
12B - MAINTENANCE FOR THE MULTICHANNEL MODELS ONLY
Routine maintenance will help keep your pipettor in good condition, ensuring a
continued high level of performance.
Maintenance is limited to:
•Cleaning or sterilization (see Chapter 13 - Cleaning and Sterilization)
•Replacing spare parts
•Greasing the piston assembly.
FIGURE 17