VWR VE2 User manual

ENGLISH 1 – 22
DEUTSCH 23 – 44
FRANÇAIS 45 – 66
ESPAπOL 67 – 88
ITALIANO 89 –110
VWR UHP 01.09.2010 5j 240.9001.0.09 1-09-10 16:01 Page 1

Pipettors are equipped with a four-digit counter display-
ing the set volume, and the aspirated volume is set by
means of the adjustment knob (fig. 1B). The pipettor
design allows the user to lock the volume setting.
1.1. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
A. Pipetting pushbutton
B. Volume adjustment knob
Apart from adjusting the volume,
the volume adjustment knob
is also designed to lock the
volume setting.
C. Ejector button
D. Cap
It is used to cover the calibra-
tion adjustement mechanism
and it can be used for pipettor
identification.
E. Calibration switch
It is used to switch the pipettor
from operation mode to calibra-
tion mode.
F. Volume counter
The four-digit volume counter
displays the volume setting.
G. Counter cap
The cap has a printed range of
aspirated volume, appropriate
for the given pipettor model.
H. Tip ejector
I. Shaft
Made of high quality material
it provides high chemical and
mechanical strength.
Pipettor volume is identified by the color of counter cap
inscription depending on the tip type. (fig.1G).
The applied colors:
2 μl and 10 μl pipettors – red,
20 μl, 100 μl and 200 μl pipettors – yellow
1000 μl pipettors – blue
A
B
D
C
E
F
G
H
I
Fig. 1
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1.2 WORK SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1.3 TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
2. OPERATION
2.1 SETTING THE VOLUME
2.2 PREPARATION FOR OPERATION
3. PIPETTING RECOMMENDATIONS
4. ASPIRATING AND DISPENSING LIQUIDS
4.1 ASPIRATING LIQUIDS
4.2 DISPENSING LIQUIDS
4.3 PRE-RINSING
4.4 ASPIRATING HIGH DENSITY LIQUIDS
5. RECALIBRATION
6. MAINTENANCE
6.1 CLEANING
6.2 STERILIZATION
7. TROUBLESHOOTING
8. SPARE PARTS
9. ACCESSORIES AND TIPS
10. WARRANTY
1. INTRODUCTION
VWR UHP (Ultra High-Performance) pipettors are
designed for general laboratory use. Pipettors can be
used for measurement and transfer of aqueous solution,
acids, bases and enzyme assay applications.
These variable volume pipettors cover the range from
0.1 μl to 1000 μl in 6 models.
VWR UHP (Ultra High-Performance) pipettors operate
utilizing the air cushion principle, i.e. the aspirated liquid
has no contact with the shaft or plunger of the pipettor.
Liquid is aspirated into disposable tips put on the pipet tor.
1 2
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Model Volume
[μl]
Accuracy
[%]
Precision
[%]
Increment
[μl]
Fits to tips
[μl]
VWR VE2
Min 0.2
1.0
Max 2.0
± 12.0
± 2.7
± 1.5
≤6.0
≤1.3
≤0.7
0.002
10
VWR VE10
Min 0.5
5.0
Max 10.0
± 4.0
± 1.0
± 0.5
≤2.8
≤0.6
≤0.4
0.01
VWR VE20
Min 2
10
Max 20
± 3.0
± 1.0
± 0.8
≤1.5
≤0.5
≤0.3
0.02
200 VWR VE100
Min 10
50
Max 100
± 1.6
± 0.8
± 0.8
≤0.80
≤0.24
≤0.20
0.1
VWR VE200
Min 20
100
Max 200
± 1.2
± 0.8
± 0.6
≤0.60
≤0.25
≤0.20
0.2
VWR VE1000
Min 100
500
Max 1000
± 0.9
± 0.7
± 0.6
≤0.40
≤0.20
≤0.15
11000
Table 1
4
1.3. TECHNICAL PARAMETERS
VWR UHP (Ultra High-Performance) pipettors are high
quality laboratory instruments, which provide the highest
measurement accuracy and precision.
Accuracy errors and repeatability of liquid volume mea-
surements depend on quality of the applied tips. The
errors provided in the table have been obtained using
VWR tips.
CAUTION: Only those tips guarantee correct compatibil-
ity with the pipettors and ensure accurate and repeatable
liquid aspiration.
Accuracy errors and repeatability have been determined
with VWR tips, using a gravimetric method, performing at
least 10 measurements of distilled water at the tempera-
ture 20°±1°C, according to EN ISO 8655 standard.
The pipettor design enables the user to perform calibra-
tion process according to the rules presented in section 5.
2. OPERATION
2.1. SETTING THE VOLUME
Setting the volume is performed by the volume adjust-
ment knob. (fig. 1B).
3
1.2. WORK SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Used symbols:
WARNING!: Risk of injury
CAUTION: Potential damage to the device or pipet-
ting errors
Long-lasting and faultless working of the pipettor
depends to a large extent on its operation. Read the
pipettor operating instructions carefully and comply with
the principles included.
CAUTION:
•Pipettor is designed to work with the tips only. Do not
aspirate liquids without tips attached.
Aspirated liquid should not get into the pipettor
because this may damage it.
•Use only the pipettor with the tips attached.
•One time use of a tip guarantees safety and eliminates
possible contamination of the aspirated liquid.
•Keep the pipettor clean; do not cleanse it with chemi-
cally aggressive substances (e.g. acetone).
•Do not hold the pipettor horizontally if there is liquid in
the tip.
•Only use pipettes in accordance with the manufacturer
instruction to ensure the proper parameters of pipettes.
•The pipettor should be calibrated after replacing the
plunger.
• In case of improper operation of the pipettor, clean the
pipettor carefully following the instructions given or
send it to the service representative.
WARNING!
•Follow the laboratory work safety regulations.
•Exercise extreme caution while pipetting chemically
aggressive substances. Use the protective equipment,
glasses and gloves.
•Never direct the pipette with the tip attached towards
yourself or anyone else when there is the liquid in it.
•Use only the spare parts and accessories recommend-
ed by the manufacturer.
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6
Example of correct volume setting:
•If the required volume is lower than
the volume set on the counter it is
necessary to reduce indications of
the counter to the required value.
Before achieving the required value it
is necessary to reduce the speed
with which you rotate the adjustment
knob (fig.1B), so as not to exceed the
value (fig.3).
•If the required volume is higher than the volume set on
the counter it is necessary to increase indications of the
counter to the value which exceeds the required vol-
ume by rotating the bottom drum by about 1/3 of its cir-
cumference. Then, by slowly rotating the adjustment
knob (fig. 1B), reduce the setting to the required value
(fig. 3).
After setting the required volume, the knob (fig. 1B) should
be moved downward to lock the set volume (fig. 2C).
2.2. PREPARATION FOR OPERATION
P
lace a tip on the shaft of the pipettor. See Table 1 for
the appropriate tip designed for the given pipettor
model. Firmly press the tip on the shaft using twisting
motion to ensure airtight seal.
CAUTION:
•It is recommended to use the tips recommended by
the manufacturer, as only those tips will ensure accu-
rate and repeatable liquid measurements.
•Do not place tips by applying swinging motion, as this
can damage the shaft and the plunger. It is particularly
applied to small-volume pipettors.
•Never aspirate liquid into a pipettor without a tip
attached.
3. PIPETTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Observing the following recommendations will ensure
accuracy and repeatability of liquid sampling.
•While operating VWR UHP pipettor the volume setting
should be locked - the adjustment knob in its lower
position (fig. 2C).
Fig. 3
5
The range of aspirated volume is displayed on the
counter cap (fig.1G). The volume is displayed by the
counter and consists of four digits, which should be read
from top to bottom. The digits on the lower drum consti-
tute minimum graduation for the particular model. Value
of the minimum graduation (increment) is presented in
Table 1.
Volume may be changed after setting the knob in its top
position (fig.2B).
After setting the desired volume, the knob (fig.1B) should
be locked by pushing into the lower position (fig. 2C).
Examples of counter indications:
Counter indications above the horizontal indicators
shown volume in [μl].
To achieve maximum accuracy, the required volume
should be set from higher volume by reducing indica-
tions of the counter.
0.1 μl 2 μl 100 μl 1000 μl2 μl 20 μl
0.1-2 μl 100-1000 μl2-20 μl
ABC
Fig. 2
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Table 2
Volume 2,10 μl 20, 100 μl 200, 1000 μl
Depth <1mm 2-3mm 2-4mm
8
4. ASPIRATING AND DISPENSING LIQUIDS
4.1 ASPIRATING LIQUIDS
•The pipetting pushbutton (fig. 1A) should be pressed to
the first stop (fig. 4A),
•While holding the pipettor in a vertical position,
immerse the tip into the aspired liquid. Depth of the tip
immersion depends on the pipettor model. The recom-
mended values are shown in Table 2. The tip may
aspire air if immersed to a depth lower than recom-
mended or if the pipetting pushbutton is released
quickly,
•To aspire liquid release the pipetting pushbutton
smoothly (fig. 4B),
•Wait for about 1 second before withdrawing the tip
from the aspired sample, fig. 4.
WARNING! Do not touch the used tip.
4.2 DISPENSING LIQUIDS
•While holding the pipettor slightly inclined from 10 to
40° off the vertical, place the tip orifice against the
inside wall of the receiving vessel.
•Then, press the pipetting pushbutton smoothly to the
first stop, dispensing the liquid (fig. 4C).
ABCDEF
Fig. 4
7
•Operate the pipettor pushbutton slowly and smoothly
when liquid aspiring and dispensing.
•The depth of tip immersion in the aspired liquid should
be kept at necessary minimum, and should remain
constant during aspiration (Table 2.)
•
While operating, the pipettor should be held in a vertical
position.
• Each new tip should be pre-rinsed.
• The tip should be replaced with a new one if:
- a different type of liquid is handled;
- a different liquid volume is dispensed;
- visible droplets of liquid remain in it.
•Pipetted liquid should not enter the pipettor shaft. To
ensure this:
- press and release the pipetting pushbutton slowly
and smoothly;
- do not put the pipettor away if there is any liquid in
the tip;
- do not invert the pipettor;
- do not set and aspire volumes exceeding nominal
values.
•Before aspiring liquid of temperature that differs from
ambient temperature, it is recommended to rinse the
tip several times with the aspired liquid.
CAUTION: After pipetting acids and aggressive solu-
tions, it is recommended to unscrew the pipettor and
rinse the pipettor plunger, seal and shaft with distilled
water.
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Temperature [°C] Pressure [kPa]
95 101.3 105
20 1.0028 1.0029 1.0029
21 1.0030 1.0031 1.0031
22 1.0032 1.0033 1.0033
23 1.0034 1.0035 1.0036
24 1.0037 1.0038 1.0038
25 1.0039 1.0040 1.0040
Table 4
Table 3
Volume [μl] 0.1 - 10 10 - 100 > 100
Balance sensitivity [mg]
≤ 0.001 ≤ 0.01 ≤ 0.1
10
5. RECALIBRATION
VWR UHP pipettors are calibrated by gravimetric
method, using VWR tips and distilled water, at the tem-
perature 20°±1°C, according to EN ISO 8655 standard.
It is recommended to conduct periodic inspection of the
pipettor operation, with the interval between inspections
being dependent on the type of load (aspirated liquids)
and other conditions (load intensity and autoclave steril-
ization, replacement of subassemblies) in which the
pipettor is used.
The pipettor recalibration procedure should be carried
out if during the pipettor operation you find that the accu-
racy error (the difference between the real aspirated vol-
ume and the preset volume) exceeds the permissible
value given in Table 1.
Checking the pipettor parameters
To determine accuracy error of the pipettor, the following
requirements must be fulfilled:
•The ambient temperature of the pipettor, tip and the
test liquid (typically distilled water) should be within the
range of 20-25°C and stabilized during weighing within
the range ±0.5°C,
•The density of the liquid used should be close to that of
distilled water,
•The balance sensitivity should be appropriate to the
tested volume (Table 3),
•
The mg/μl conversion factor, dependent on temperature
and pressure, should be taken into account (Table 4).
9
•After about one second press the pipetting pushbutton
to the final stop, blowing out the remaining liquid from
the tip (fig. 4D).
•
Holding the pushbutton depressed remove the pipettor,
drawing it against the vessel inner wall.
•Release the pipetting pushbutton to its starting position
(fig. 4E) and eject the tip by pressing the tip ejector
button (fig. 4F).
CAUTION: Replace the tip with a new one whenever a
different liquid is to be pipetted.
4.3 PRE-RINSING
When pipetting liquids of viscosity higher or surface
tension lower than those of water (e.g. serum or organic
solvents) a film of liquid is formed on the inside wall
of the pipetting tip. The film can create an error. Since
the film remains relatively constant in successive pipetting
operations with the same tip, this error can be avoided
by forming the film before the first pipetting. This is done
by performing a full pipetting cycle of a liquid into the
same vessel. After such a procedure, the film of liquid is
already formed in the tips and ensures better accuracy
and repeatability of successive pipetting operations.
4.4 ASPIRATING HIGH DENSITY LIQUIDS
The accuracy errors provided in Table 1 have been
determined using distilled water. When pipetting liquids
whose properties (density, viscosity, surface tension)
differ from the properties of water, it may be necessary to
compensate for volume settings.
CAUTION: Aspiration differences can be avoided if the
pipetting operation is conducted slowly, so that the liquid
can slowly adjust to the changing pressure. Wait for
about 2 seconds after each aspirating and dispensing,
without changing the position of the pipettor.
If the above procedure does not provide accurate
results, pipettor recalibration is required according to
section 5.
After calibration, it is recommended to record recalibration
and the adjustment value, which will facilitate return cali-
bration to the standard liquid.
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Table 5
Model
Range of the
pipettors
volumes [μl]
Preset
volume
[μl]
Permissible
volumes
[μl]
VWR VE2 0.1 - 2 0.2 0.176 - 0.224
VWR VE10 0.5 - 10 0.5 0.48 - 0.52
VWR VE20 2 - 20 21.92 - 2.08
VWR VE100 10 - 100 10 9.84 - 10.16
VWR VE200 20 - 200 20 19.76 - 20.24
VWR VE1000 100 - 1000 100 99.1-100.9
12
•Set the adjustment knob (fig. 1B) in its lower position,
•Remove the cap (fig. 1D) using the calibration key
(fig. 5A),
•Set the calibration switch (fig. 1E) in its upper position
(fig. 5A),
•Insert the calibration key into the ejector orifice (fig. 1C)
and place it in the calibration screw of the counter
(fig. 5B),
•Turn the key so as the volume indicated by the counter
is equal to the average calculated volume.
•
Remove the calibration key and set the calibration switch
in its lower position (fig. 5C), thus going to the pipetting
mode,
•Place the cap of the ejector pushbutton (fig. 5C).
After conducted the calibration procedure it is recom-
mended to record recalibration.
CAUTION: Do not rotate the volume adjustment knob
during calibration (fig. 1B).
6. MAINTENANCE
The pipettor requires periodic maintenance, depending
on the applications performed and intensity of use. The
subassemblies subject to action of aggressive solution
vapors, such as shaft elements, should be regularly
inspected and cleaned.
To conduct correct maintenance procedure, familiarize
with the structure of the shaft set described in section 8
and observe the instructions given in this section.
WARNING!
Do not use sharp tools during the maintenance. It may
damage the device and impair your safety.
6.1. CLEANING
External surfaces of the handgrip, knob and pushbuttons
may be cleaned with a tissue dipped in isopropyl alco-
hol. The remaining elements removed from the pipettor
during disassembly can be washed with distilled water or
isopropyl alcohol.
CAUTION:
Use of cleaning solutions not recommended by the manu -
facturer may impair the safety of the user and damage
the device.
11
CAUTION: The pipetting procedure should be conduct-
ed in accordance with the rules described in sections 3
and 4.
Recalibration procedure:
•
Set the dose volume depending on the pipetted volume
according to Table 5.
•Perform 5 aspirations, weigh each one and calculate
the average value of the aspirations.
•
Calculate average aspirated volume in [μl] by multiplying
the average aspiration amount [mg] by the distilled
water density coefficient [μl/mg], which depends on
temperature and pressure (Table 4).
• If the average aspirated volume exceeds the permissi-
ble values, pipettor recalibration should be conducted.
Pipettor recalibration consists in setting the real value
obtained during weighing on the counter. To do so, the
following should be conducted:
•Set the lower range of the preset volume according to
table 5,
ABC
Fig. 5
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14
CAUTION: Recalibrate the pipettor after replacing the
plunger. If the pipettor does not work properly, check
whether it has been reassembled correctly.
6.2 STERILIZATION
The pipettor can be sterilized in the autoclave at the tem-
perature of 121°C for 20 minutes. After sterilization, the
pipettor should be dried and cooled down to room tem-
perature. It is recommended to sterilize the pipettors in
autoclave with initial vacuum and drying cycle.
CAUTION:
- Sterilization in other conditions may cause the damage
of the pipettor,
- Set the volume adjustment knob in its upper (unlocked)
position before sterilization.
Repeatability of obtained results does not change if the
pipettor is operated properly and the autoclaving proce-
dure is conducted appropriately. As there can be a slight
change in the dosing accuracy it is recommended:
- To check calibration of the pipettor after 1st, 3rd and
5th autoclaving procedures, and every 10 autoclaving
cycles during further operation of the pipettor.
7. TROUBLESHOOTING
If you notice an improper pipettor operation, identify the
cause and eliminate the fault. To do this, follow the
instruction in the sequence provided. Replacement of
parts should be required only occasionally, and should
not occur under normal pipettor use.
13
Descriptions of the parts are given in fig. 1, 6, 7 and 8.
Fig. 6, 7 and 8 can be found in section 8.
•While holding the Ejector unscrew the Shaft from the
handle (fig. 1.8),
•While holding the Ejector bush N, unscrew Ejector K
Then proceed depending in the pipettor type:
2-100 μl pipettors (fig.6)
It is not necessary to disassemble the entire set to
inspect and clean the shaft. Unscrew the Shaft Bfrom
the Shaft holder set C, remove the Seal Dand the O-ring E.
To clean other elements:
• Unscrew the Shaft cap J,
•Remove from the Shaft the Plunger A, the Pipetting
spring I, the Blocking bush H, the Compression spring
Gand the Compression bush F,
•Inspect the elements and proceed according to the
recommendations;
•Replace elements if they are damaged.
CAUTION: While disassembling, behave caution to pre-
vent the plunger from coming off due to the pipetting
spring.
200 μl pipettors (fig. 7)
• Unscrew the Shaft cap J,
•
Remove from the Shaft the Plunger A, the Pipetting
spring I, the Blocking bush H, the Compression spring
G, the Compression bush F, the Seal Dand the O-ring E,
•Inspect the elements and clean them according to the
recommendations,
• Replace elements if they are damaged.
CAUTION: While disassembling, behave caution to pre-
vent the plunger from coming off due to the pipetting
spring.
1000 μl pipettors (fig. 8)
• Unscrew the Shaft cap J,
•Remove from the shaft the Plunger A, the Compression
spring G, the Compression washer M, the Seal Dand
the O-ring E.
Reassemble the elements in the reverse order. After
cleaning the plunger, apply a thin film of lubricant on its
surface. The lubricant is delivered with every pipettors.
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If the problem continues after carrying out the above
steps, contact your pipettor supplier to conduct repairs.
CAUTION: Before returning the pipettor, please ensure
that
the pipettor is completely free of any aggressive
chemical,
radioactive, microbiological contamination
which could pose a threat during transport and repair.
Clean the pipettor as far as it is possible.
8. SPARE PARTS
While ordering spare parts for the pipettor please specify
the pipettor type, the serial numbers located on the
handgrip, and specify the name of the part ordered.
CAUTION: Replacement of the plunger set requires
recalibration of the pipettor according to section 5.
Problem Cause Instructions
Uneven work
of the pipetting set,
the pipetting
pushbutton
gets blocked
The inside of the
pipettor is contami-
nated due to aspira-
tion of aggressive
substances
Unscrew the shaft
set, wash the parts.
Replace the
elements with new
ones if necessary.
Apply a small
amount of lubricant
on the plunger and
reassemble the set
in the correct order.
The inside
of the pipettor
is contaminated
due to the liquid
entering the pipettor
No lubrication
on the sealing
elements, e.g. after
repeated autoclaving
procedures
The pipettor incor-
rectly aspirates
the liquid or the
liquid drops out
from the tip
The plunger or the
seal is damaged
due to prolonged
aspiration of
aggressive liquids
Disassemble the
shaft set; wash the
shaft, the plunger
and the seal
according to point
6.1. Replace the
elements with new
ones if necessary.
Apply a small
amount of lubricant
onto the plunger
and reassemble the
set in the correct
order.
The inside
of the pipettor
is contaminated
No lubrication
on the sealing
elements
15 16
Problem Cause Instructions
Droplets of liquid
remain
in the pipettor tip
The liquid is
dispensed too fast
Decrease the
dispensing speed
The tip wettability
has increased due
to extensive use
Replace the tip
with a new one
Air bubbles appear
in the liquid
aspirated into
the tip
The pipettor tip
immersion is too
shallow
Immerse the tip
deeper according to
the instruction
(Table 2)
The pipettor tip
is incorrectly
pressed onto
the pipettor shaft
Press the tip firmly
The tip is damaged
or worn out due to
extensive use
Replace the tip with
a new one
The pipettor
incorrectly aspirates
the liquid or the
liquid drops out
from the tip
The pipettor tip
is incorrectly
pressed onto the
pipettor shaft
Press the tip firmly
The shaft surface
is damaged
or contaminated
at the sealing site
Clean the shaft or
replace it with a new
one
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Fig. 6
2 - 100 μl pipettors
17 18
Spare parts are shown on fig. 1:
A: Pipetting pushbutton
D: Cap
and on fig. 6, 7, 8:
A: Plunger
B: Shaft
C: Shaft holder set
D: Seal
E: O-ring
F: Compression bush
G: Compression spring
H: Blocking bush
I: Pipetting spring
J: Shaft cap
K: Ejector
M: Compression washer
N: Ejector bush
WARNING!
Use only accessories recommended by VWR and original
spare parts.
Technical service
Web Resources
Visit the VWR’s website at www.vwr.com for:
• Complete technical service contact information
• Access to VWR’s Online Catalogue, and information
about accessories and related products
• Additional product information and special offers
Contact us For information or technical assistance con-
tact your local VWR representative or visit: www.vwr.com.
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