Gilson DISTRIMAN User Manual

User’s Guide

EN

DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

TABLES OF CONTENTS

DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS | DISTRIMAN®

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION | 3

OPERATION | 4

Description | 4

Select the DISTRITIP® | 5

Fit the DISTRITIP® | 6

Select the Volume Range | 7

Set the Aliquot Volume | 8

Set the Volume | 8

Lock the Selected Volume | 9

Fill the Syringe | 9

Dispense the Aliquots | 10

RECOMMENDATIONS | 11

SPECIFICATIONS | 12

MAINTENANCE | 14

Replace the Push Button Assembly | 14

Replace the DISTRITIP® retaining spring | 15

Replace the Piston Retaining Assembly | 16

Replace the Red Flag | 16

Replace the COLORISTM | 17

DECONTAMINATION | 17

SPARE PARTS | 18

WARRANTY | 19

DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

INTRODUCTION

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

DISTRIMAN® is a continuously adjustable repeater
pipette designed to dispense precise aliquots of
liquid safely. The DISTRIMAN can quickly transfer
volumes from 1 µL to 1.25 mL, depending on the
capacity of the DISTRITIP® (positive displacement
syringe) fitted to it. The number of aliquots that
can be dispensed depends on the volume of liquid
aspirated (up to the maximum for a given size of
syringe) and the aliquot volume selected.

This ergonomically designed product is suitable for
transferring most kinds of liquids (aqueous, volatile,
viscous, or dense) into many kinds of vials (tubes,
microplates, etc.). DISTRIMAN ensures reliable
results in any domain and in all kinds of laboratory,
for a wide variety of applications.

The positive displacement mechanism permits
precise pipetting of viscous materials (e.g.
blood, plasma, oils, etc.), including those used
in molecular biology (glycerol, enzymes, and
amplified DNA), without contaminating the pipette.

DISTRIMAN is fitted with a COLORIS™ tag,
which can identify the user or application. You
may replace the one fitted with a COLORIS of a
dierent color (as supplied, refer to Chapter 5

Maintenance on page 14).

DISTRIMAN is equipped with a direct reading
volumeter that allows precise and continuous
volume setting. The aliquots are dispensed by
pressing the push button the required number
of times (the volume between aliquots can also
be changed). A small red flag (refer to Figure 1
on page 4) indicates that the final aliquot will be
dispensed.

Because DISTRIMAN is permanently calibrated
when manufactured, there is no need for
readjustment. It is virtually maintenance free.
However, a few spare parts have been made
available in case they are damaged as the result of
extensive use.

OPERATION

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

OPERATION | DISTRIMAN®

Push Button Unit Indicator

Adjustment Ring Selector Switch

Parallax-limiting

Red Flag

Digital Volumeter

Filling Knob DISTRITIPS

Chapter 2

OPERATION

Description

Figure 1

DISTRIMAN Description

A

B

C

D

E

A

B

C

D

E

F

H

G

F

H

G

OPERATION

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

For example, the DISTRITIP Micro is ideal for filling
a 96-well microplate. The syringe capacity is
125 µL, so the DISTRIMAN can dispense at least

96 aliquots of 1 µL.

Number of aliquots** =

Volume in Syringe

Volume of Aliquot

MODEL VOLUME

DISTRITIP Micro

125 µL

1 µL to 12.5 µL

DISTRITIP Mini

1250 µL

10 µL to 125 µL

DISTRITIP Maxi

12.5 mL

100 µL to 1250 µL

Table 1

DISTRTIPS Model

Perform the following sequence of steps in order
to operate the DISTRIMAN®.

1. Select a DISTRITIP of suitable capacity.

2. Fit the DISTRITIP to the DISTRIMAN.

3. Select the volume range on the DISTRIMAN.

4. Set the aliquot volume.

5. Lock in the selected volume.

6. Fill the DISTRITIP.

7. Dispense the aliquots.

8. Eject the DISTRITIP.

Select the DISTRITIP

Three standard DISTRITIPS are provided with
DISTRIMAN (refer to Table 1 below). Individually
wrapped sterilized versions are available.

Select the capacity* of the DISTRITIP according to
the volume and number of aliquots that you want
to dispense.

Because DISTRIMAN is continuously adjustable
you can also select any aliquot volume within the
range for the size of DISTRITIP fitted.

OPERATION

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

OPERATION | DISTRIMAN®

Fit the DISTRITIP

Take the following steps to ensure the DISTRITIP is
correctly fitted.

1. Push the filling knob downwards to its lowest
possible position, using your thumb . Hold
the filling knob firmly in place with your
thumb.

2. Hold the DISTRITIP in your other hand, place
the end of the piston into the body of the
DISTRIMAN at a right-angles to the main
axis .

3. Gently rotate the DISTRITIP downwards with
the other hand , and then snap the syringe
into place with your thumb, using moderate
pressure .

4. Finally, check that the piston of the syringe
is correctly fitted by pushing the filling knob

upwards.

A

A

B

C

Figure 2

Fit the DISTRITIP

A

C

B

NOTE

Before using DISTRIMAN, check the
selected volume range matches the

volume of the DISTRITIP.

NOTE

*Capacity refers to the maximum usable
volume of a DISTRITIP; the range refers
to the maximum and minimum aliquot
volumes that may be dispensed.

**Taking into account the systematic error,
the maximum number of aliquots varies
from 118 to 121, according to the type of
DISTRITIP used.

OPERATION

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

Select the Volume Range

Each volume range corresponds to the capacity of
a specific size of DISTRITIP. The selected volume
range is shown clearly on an indicator , located
between the volumeter and the selector
switch . You select the volume range using the
selector switch.

1. Check that the selected volume range
corresponds to the capacity of DISTRITIP
fitted. The capacity of a DISTRITIP is
marked on its barrel.

2. Set the volume range, by sliding the selector
switch with your thumb, to match the
capacity of DISTRITIP fitted. The volume
range indicator, volume units (µL are in
black and mL are in red), and decimal point
indicator of the volumeter, are all switched
by this action.

Figure 3

Set the Volume Range

A

B

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H

J

H

G

J

J

OPERATION

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

OPERATION | DISTRIMAN®

Set the Aliquot Volume

Volumeter

Set the volume of liquid to be dispensed in each
aliquot using the black adjustment ring and the
parallax-limiting digital volumeter (refer to Figure 3
on page 7). The volume is continuously adjustable
in all ranges.

The volumeter consists of three numbered dials, a
parallax-limiting marker, and a range and decimal
point indicator. The three numbered dials, used to
set the aliquot volume, are read from top (most
significant digit) to bottom (least significant digit).

The marker is used to set exact or intermediate
volumes using the scale on the bottom dial. The
volume units (mL or µL) and position of the decimal
point change automatically when you change the
volume range using the selector switch.

The volumeter makes it easy to set and read
any volume from 1 µL to 1.25 mL with accurate
incremental settings, as shown below.

DISTRITIP Maxi DISTRITIP Mini DISTRITIP Micro
Increment: 2 µL Increment: 0.2 µL Increment: 0.02 µL
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

0.682 mL 68.2 µL 6.82 µL

Figure 4

Set the Volume Range

8

125 µL

0

8

6

mL

12.5 mL

0

6

8

1250

0

6

µL

µL

µL

Set the Volume

1. Pull up the black adjustment ring , refer to

Figure 3 on page 7.

2. With your DISTRIMAN in one hand, turn the
adjustment ring with the other hand until the
volumeter shows the required value, taking
care that the marker is correctly aligned with
the scale on the bottom dial.

B

OPERATION

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

Take the following precautions in order to obtain
maximum accuracy when changing the volumeter

setting.

● When decreasing the volume setting, turn
clockwise the adjustment ring slowly to
reach the required setting, taking care not
to overshoot the mark.

● When increasing the volume setting, turn
the adjustment ring counter clockwise
past the mark to 1/3 of a turn above the
required setting. Then turn the adjustment
ring slowly to decrease the volume setting
to the required value, taking care not to
overshoot the mark.

Lock the Selected Volume

So that the volume cannot be changed
accidentally, push the black adjustment ring down
firmly to lock the selected volume. You hear a click
when you lock the volume.

To change the volume, unlock the adjustment ring
by pulling it upwards.

Fill the Syringe

Only one hand is needed to fill the DISTRITIP.
Push the filling knob down with your thumb, to
completely or partially fill the DISTRITIP, which is
clearly marked with graduations according to its
size.

1. Push the filling knob down to the lowest
possible position, using your thumb.

2. Immerse the end of the DISTRITIP into the
liquid to be aspirated. Ensure that the tip
remains about 2 mm below the surface of
the liquid.

NOTE

Even if the volume is locked, the action of
turning the adjustment ring will not harm
the mechanism.

OPERATION

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

OPERATION | DISTRIMAN®

3. Move the filling knob
slowly up to its highest
position to completely fill the
syringe, or with reference
to the graduations on the
DISTRITIP to an intermediate
position.

4. Withdraw the DISTRITIP
from the liquid and carefully
wipe any excess liquid from
the outside, using a medical
wipe, taking care not to
touch the orifice of the
syringe.

C

NOTE

After fitting a new DISTRITIP, you are
advised to “wet” the interior with the
liquid to be aspirated. Then purge and
refill the syringe.

Figure 5

Fill the Syringe

Dispense the Aliquots

1. Put the end of the DISTRITIP
into a suitable recipient
vessel (according to the
nature and volume of liquid
to be dispensed).

2. Press the push button all
the way down to dispense
the first aliquot. This action
also locks the adjustment
ring , if it was left unlocked
after setting the volume.

3. Release the push button.

B

A

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for all but the last
aliquot, which normally would not contain
a complete aliquot. The red plastic flag
refer to Chapter 5 Maintenance on
page 14, when completely visible, warns
that it is time to purge and eject the
syringe (or refill it).

5. You may purge the syringe at any time
by placing the tip into a suitable recipient
vessel and then pushing filling knob
downwards to its lowest possible position.

Figure 6

Dispense the
Aliquots

C

A

B

E

RECOMMENDATIONS

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

NOTE

Operator error is minimized by applying
axial pressure on the dampened push
button, ensuring that each aliquot is
completely dispensed, and that the
repeatability is maximized, refer to
Chapter 3 Recommendations on page 11.

Chapter 3

RECOMMENDATIONS

When the red flag appears, be prepared to refill
the DISTRITIP before you reach the last aliquot.

For the complete distribution of an aliquot, you
must press the push button until it reaches the
adjustment ring. If after distributing an aliquot, a
drop of liquids forms on the end of the DISTRITIP,
do not discard this drop, which is part of the next
aliquot.

Accuracy could be aected by capillary action;
when dispensing, do not “wipe” the DISTRITIP
against the side of the recipient vessel. After
changing the DISTRITIP or resetting the volume,
discard the first aliquot.

Never try to force the volumeter beyond the
recommended volume ranges.

NOTICE

The pipette can be used between +4°C
and +40°C but the specifications may
vary according to the temperature
(refer to Chapter 4 Specifications on
page 12, for controlled conditions of
use).

SPECIFICATIONS

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

SPECIFICATIONS | DISTRIMAN®

Chapter 4

SPECIFICATIONS

DISTRITIPS MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE ERRORS

MODEL VOL

GILSON ISO 8655

SYSTEMATIC
ERROR

RANDOM
ERROR

SYSTEMATIC
ERROR

RANDOM
ERROR

125 µL

Micro
(F164100)
Micro ST*
(F164130)

Min. 2
5
Max. 10

± 0.100
± 0.125
± 0.200

≤ 0.080
≤ 0.075
≤ 0.100

± 0.2
± 0.2
± 0.2

≤ 0.1
≤ 0.1
≤ 0.1

1250 µL

Mini
(F164110)
Mini ST*
(F164140)

Min. 20
50
Max. 100

± 0.80
± 1.00
± 1.00

≤ 0.20
≤ 0.40
≤ 0.60

± 1.5
± 1.5
± 1.5

≤ 0.6
≤ 0.6
≤ 0.6

12.5 mL

Maxi
(F164120)
Maxi ST*
(F164150)

Min. 200
500
Max. 1000

± 6.0
± 7.5
± 10.0

≤ 1.0
≤ 1.5
≤ 2.5

± 12.0
± 12.0
± 12.0

≤ 4.0
≤ 4.0
≤ 4.0

NOTE

The data given in the table conforms to
the ISO 8655-2 Standard.

The accuracy and precision figures,
given in the table, are only guaranteed
when you fit your DISTRIMAN with
genuine Gilson DISTRITIPS, of which
the fine points results from high quality
molding.

Each DISTRIMAN is engraved with a unique serial
number, allowing you to keep track of individual
pipettes, in accordance with GLP. The serial
number is also printed on the warranty card.

Each pipette is inspected and validated by
qualified technicians according to the Gilson
Quality System.

*ST means Sterilized.

SPECIFICATIONS

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

Gilson certifies that its manufactured pipettes
comply with the requirements of the ISO 8655
Standard, by type testing. The adjustment is
carried out under strictly defined and monitored
conditions (ISO 8655-6):

● Basis of adjustment, (Ex.)

● Reference temperature, 20°C

● Relative humidity, 50%

● Barometric pressure, 101 kPa

● Use of distilled water grade 3 (ISO 3696)

● Ten measurements for each test volume,
which are Nominal Volume, 50% of Nominal
Volume, and the minimum or 10% of
Nominal Volume.

MAINTENANCE

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

MAINTENANCE | DISTRIMAN®

Chapter 5

MAINTENANCE

Neither DISTRIMAN nor DISTRITIPS
may be autoclaved.

NOTICE

K

From time to time it may be
necessary to replace one of the
following parts:

● push button assembly,

● DISTRITIP retaining
spring ,

● piston retaining
assembly ,

● the red flag .

Should a persistent problem
arise, send the DISTRIMAN to
your Gilson representative.

D

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L

E

Figure 7

DISTRIMAN
Maintenance

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K

Before returning a pipette, please
ensure that it is completely free of any
chemical, biological, or radioactive
contamination.

WARNING

Replace the Push Button Assembly

Perform the following steps to replace the push
button assembly.

1. Hold the DISTRIMAN in one hand and pull
the push button assembly gently in the axial
direction to remove it.

2. Fit the new push button assembly by placing
the core of the push button into the hollow
shaft and then pressing on the push button
with your thumb until it clicks back into
place.

MAINTENANCE

15

DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

Replace the DISTRITIP Retaining
Spring

To replace the retaining spring, perform the
following steps.

1. Remove the DISTRITIP.

2. Pull the filling knob fully up.

3. Make a note of the position and orientation
of the spring (refer to Figure 7 on page 14).

4. Pull on the retaining spring at a 90° to the
body of the DISTRIMAN. Insert a small
screwdriver under the spring or by pulling on
it with a small pair of pliers.

5. Fit the new spring by pushing it back into the
slot from which it came. However, make sure
that spring goes all the way back into the
body of the DISTRIMAN. It may be necessary
to apply moderate lateral force to the ends of
the spring to make sure that they are located
in their retaining slots.

K

MAINTENANCE

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

MAINTENANCE | DISTRIMAN®

Replace the Red Flag

You cannot remove the red flag (refer to

Figure 7 on page 14) until you have separated the

filling knob from the piston retaining assembly. In
fact, The act of separating these two components
will free the flag.

To replace the red flag, the piston
retaining assembly and filling
knob should be reconnected first.
Then, with reference to the Figure 7
on page 14, hold the flag with
end between the thumb and
index finger of one hand. With
end pointing downwards,
insert it into the access slot.
Next, push end as far as it
will go into the slot using a small

screwdriver.

F

E

Figure 8

Red Flag

A

B

A

B

A

Replace the Piston Retaining
Assembly

The DISTRITIP retaining collar is fixed to a steel
shaft to form the piston retaining assembly.
The piston retaining assembly, which connects
to the filling knob, must be replaced as a unit. To
replace the retaining collar (refer to Figure 7 on

page page 14), perform the following steps.

D

1. Hold your DISTRIMAN in the horizontal
position with the red flag visible.

2. Hold the filling knob at its lower position
using the thumb of one hand.

3. Press lightly on the white locking tab
(refer to Figure 7 on page 14) with a
screwdriver.

4. Move the filling knob towards the upper
position to separate it from the assembly.

5. Pull the assembly out of the neck of the
DISTRIMAN, taking care not to lose the
small red flag.

6. Return the filling knob to the upper position.

7. Push the new piston retaining assembly into
the body of the DISTRIMAN while pushing
the filling knob in the opposite direction
until they click together.

DECONTAMINATION

17

DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

Replace the COLORIS

TM

1. Push the filler-knob to the top (closest to the
push button).

2. Use your thumb to push the COLORIS to the
top. Moderate pressure may be required.

3. Remove the old COLORIS and insert the new
one into the filler knob slot.

4. Push the COLORIS all the way down into
position.

Chapter 6

DECONTAMINATION

You are advised to take the following steps to
decontaminate DISTRIMAN. You can use the
following disinfectants:

● A solution of 10% sodium hypochloride

● CIDEX (Johnson & Johnson).

1. Disassemble the piston retaining assembly.

2. Put all the parts into an ultrasonic bath for
15 minutes.

3. Rinse the parts thoroughly with clean tap
water.

4. Immerse all of the parts in a disinfectant bath
for 15 minutes.

5. Rinse the parts thoroughly with clean tap
water.

6. Dry the parts using hot air (40°C to 60°C max.).

Do not try to pry the Coloris away
from the DISTRIMAN's body.

NOTICE

SPARE PARTS

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

SPARE PARTS | DISTRIMAN®

Chapter 7

SPARE PARTS

NOTE

Contact your Gilson representative to
order spare parts.

MODEL

DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER

Push button assembly page 7 F164040

Piston retaining
assembly page 14 F164070

Red flag (pack of 5) page 14 F164042

Retaining spring page 14 F1864052

A

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WARRANTY

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DISTRIMAN® | USER’S GUIDE

Chapter 8

WARRANTY

Gilson warrants this pipette against defects
in material under normal use and service
for a period of 12 months from the date of
purchase.

This warranty shall not apply to pipettes
which are subject to abnormal use and/
or improper or inadequate maintenance
(contrary to the recommendations given in
the user’s guide), including, but not limited
to pipettes which have been subjected
to physical damage, improper handling,
or spillage or exposure to any corrosive
environment. This warranty shall also be
void in the event pipettes are altered or
modified by any party other than Gilson or its
designates. Gilson’s sole liability under this
warranty shall be limited to, at Gilson’s sole
option, repair or replacement of any defective
components of pipettes or refund of the
purchase price paid for such pipettes.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE
AND GILSON HEREBY DISCLAIMS
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND ANY WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL GILSON BE LIABLE
FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE,
INDIRECT OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF ANY
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY.

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