Gilson Pipetman Ultra U200, Pipetman Ultra U10, Pipetman Ultra U100, Pipetman Ultra U1000, Pipetman Ultra U20 User Manual

EN ENGLISH

User's Guide

PIPETMAN

®

ultra

2

PIPETMAN

®

ultra

1  INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on acquiring your new Pipetman
Ultra. It is a quality product from Gilson, which is
fully ISO8655 compliant, CE labeled (conforms to the
EC directives on in vitro diagnostic medical devices,
electromagnetic compatibility and safety). Enjoy the
following features.

Easy of use:

- Continuously-adjustable parallax-free electronic
display for easy volume setting,

Contents Page

1  INTRODUCTION 2

2  PARTS CHECK LIST 3

3  DESCRIPTION 4

4  SWITCHING ON 5

5  VOLUME INDICATOR  LCD WINDOW 6

6  SETTING THE VOLUME 7

7  GILSON DIAMOND

®

TIPS 8

8  PIPETTING 10

9  PERSONALIZING YOUR PIPETTE 12

10  GLP FEATURES 14

11  TROUBLESHOOTING 15

12  MAINTENANCE 16

13  CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION 26

14  LEAK TEST 28

15  USER ADJUSTMENT 29

16  SPECIFICATIONS 31

17  EQUIPMENT DISPOSAL 33

18  SPARE PARTS 34

APPENDIX  RESET PROCEDURE 40

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 41

3

- Flashing indicators if volume set is out of range,

- Ergonomic design, maximum comfort for left or
right-hand users,

- Low tip-ejection force, light, balanced,

- Simple to maintain and adjust,

- Other GLP features.

Performance:

- Accurate and precise,

- Unbeatable results with Gilson Diamond Tips,

- Easy and secure tip loading from Gilson Tipacks,

- New auto-shut off system to maximize battery
life.

Applications:

- For any type of lab.

- Suitable for most liquids.

- Molecular studies, kinetic studies, DNA sequenc­ing, enzyme-assays, and the measurement
and transfer of general aqueous solutions.

2  PARTS CHECK LIST

Just take a moment to verify that the following items
are present:

- Pipetman Ultra pipette,

- Certificate of conformity (including bar-code
sticker),

- User's Guide,

- Identity tags (5 diff erent colors),

- Safety bag,

- Recalibration (user adjustment) tool,

-

Tip-holder reassembly tool (Multichannel models

only),

- Lubricant tube (except for U2 and U10),

- Tip ejector extension (U2 and U10 only),

- Sample pack of tips.

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PIPETMAN

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3  DESCRIPTION

See below the legends to the opposite fi gure.

Push-button for switching on, setting the volume,

aspirating, and dispensing (button is color coded
with the volume range printed on the top).

Ergonomic stabilizer, to make the pipette more

comfortable to use, and to reduce fatigue.

Thumbwheel, to set and lock the volume.

Tip-ejector button, can be positioned for left or

right-handed operation.

a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) window for volume-

setting and status indicators.

b Identity-tag window (see “GLP features”).

Connecting nut.

Tip-ejector stroke adjustment-wheel.

Tip-holders – removable for cleaning and servicing

.

Ejector: removable to access piston assemblies
and tip-holders.

Table - Operating Ranges

Model Reference Range Color code

U2 F21021 0.2 - 2 μL Orange

U10 F21022 1 - 10 μL Red

U20 F21023 2 - 20 μL Pale yellow

U100 F21024 20 - 100 μL Peach

U200 F21025 20 - 200 μL Yellow

U1000 F21026 200 - 1000 μL Blue

U5000 F21027 1 - 5 mL Purple

U10ml F21028 1 - 10 mL Clear blue

8x20 F21040 1 μL to 20 μL Pale yellow

12x20 F21041 1 μL to 20 μL Pale yellow

8x300 F21042 20 μL to 300 μL Green

12x300 F21043 20 μL to 300 μL Green

Pipetman Ultra specifi cations are only valid with the use
of Diamond tips.

5

Body

(Handle)

Volumetric

module

(lower part)

4  SWITCHING ON

Press the push-button to the second stop (purge)
to switch on the pipette. The information displayed
in the LCD window depends on the status of the
pipette and the volume currently set (see below).

When the volume is

locked

, Pipetman Ultra turns itself
off after 3 min of inactivity – just press the push-button to
the second stop (or unlock the thumbwheel) to reactivate
the pipette.

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PIPETMAN

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If the volume is unlocked for 15 sec, you will see
LOCKED/UNLOCKED fl ashing
during 10 min to warn you to
lock the thumbwheel.

If you have not locked the pipette, Pipetman
Ultra turns itself off after 10 min of inactivity.
Just lock the thumbwheel (volume setting) and
“Init 1” will appear.
Follow the instruc­tions of Appendix to
reset the pipette.

5  VOLUME INDICATOR  LCD WINDOW

What you normally see...

Volume setting

Units (μL or mL)

Volume status (locked or

unlocked)

What may appear...

Calibration status: “RECAL” this means that your

pipette has been readjusted.

Battery status: failing – “LOW BATT ” here, or failed

– “BATT” in place of volume setting.

Electronic counters:

Holding down the push button to the second stop
for 5 seconds, successively displays counters at the
right-hand side of an otherwise blank screen. Are
displayed in order:

a) Cycle counter since the last volume setting

– the counter indicates the
number of pipetting cycles
(max. 199); for example 126
cycles.

b) Cycle counter since the pipette was made – the

counter indicates the number of pipetting cycles

|

0

0

LOW BAT

UNLOCKED

RECAL

μl



7

(maximum 999,999); for
example 285,396 cycles.

c) Readjustment counter since

the pipette was made – the
counter indicates the num­ber of times the pipette has
been readjusted (maximum

99); for example 03 readjustment operations.

Refer to “Troubleshooting” for possible error messages.

6  SETTING THE VOLUME

You must perform the following steps:

Switch on: press the push-button to the second

stop. LCD shows the volume currently set.

Unlock: push the thumbwheel upwards. LCD
shows UNLOCKED (also visible on the thumb­wheel).

Set the volume: rotate the thumbwheel or the

push-button (clockwise to decrease the volume,
counterclockwise to increase):

- when decreasing the volume, reach the
required setting slowly, making sure not to
overshoot the mark.

- when increasing the volume, pass the required
value by 1/3 of a turn, then decrease the vol­ume slowly, making sure not to overshoot the
mark.

Lock the volume: push the thumbwheel down-

wards. LCD shows LOCKED.

03

RECAL

To unlock

To lock

Thumbwheel

LCD

|

0

0

UNLOCKED

μl



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To reduce battery consumption, lock the volume
before storing Pipetman Ultra.

• You are strongly advised to lock the volume, to avoid ac­cidentally changing the setting when pipetting.

• The units indicator fl ashes, if you set a volume below 90 % of
the minimum recommended; you can dispense an aspirated
volume below the minimum recommended. However, in
this case, the specifi cations cannot be guaranteed.

• The volume indicator fl ashes, if you try to set a volume
above the maximum permitted; you must not try to pipette

a volume that is greater than the maximum permitted.

7  GILSON DIAMOND TIPS

Gilson Diamond Tips are made to the highest specifi ca­tions; strict quality control is maintained throughout
the manufacturing process.

Diamond Tips are used to calibrate
Pipetman Ultra, therefore for opti­mum performance, you are strongly
advised to use Gilson’s Diamond
Tips with your pipette. Diamond
Tips have the Gilson logo engraved
on their collar, ensuring that you
have a genuine Gilson product.

To ensure accuracy and precision, Gilson’s Quality
Assurance System focuses on the following critical
parameters.

• Diamond Tips are made from pure polypropylene
(virgin, metal-free, to avoid the possibility of con­tamination). They are available sterilized and with
fi lters.

• They may be autoclaved at 121 °C for 20 minutes
at 0.1 MPa.

• Gilson's sterilized Diamond Tips are certifi ed free of
detectable RNases, DNases, DNA, RNA, pyrogens,
and trace metal.

• Optimized shape (revised collar for optimum seal­ing, thin walls, and fi ne point), making them easier

9

to mount, more fl exible, with no vortexing, and
improved precision.

• Mold and cavity references are marked on the col­lar, ensuring the traceability for quality assurance
purposes, batch numbers appear on all packages
(bags and boxes).

• They form an air-tight seal with the tip-holder,
preventing the leaks that cause poor accuracy and
a lack of precision.

Tipack - Rocky Rack

Diamond Tips are best
fi tted from a Rocky Rack
(patented). Rocky Rack is
the dome-shaped part of
the pack that contains the
tips. Rocky Rack makes it
easy to securely fi t the tips
to a multichannel pipette,
ensuring an airtight seal
on all channels without the
need to use undue pres­sure or to touch the tips.

Table - Tips to use for best results

Pipette Diamond Tips Volume (Range)

U2 D10, DL10 0.2 μL to 2 μL

U10 D10, DL10 1 μL to 10 μL

U20 D200 2 μL to 20 μL

8X20 DL10, D200 1 μL to 20 μL

12X20 DL10, D200 1 μL to 20 μL

U100 D200 20 μL to 100 μL

U200 D200 20 μL to 200 μL

8X300 D200, D300 20 μL to 300 μL

12X300 D200, D300 20 μL to 300 μL

U1000 D1000 200 μL to 1 mL

U5000 D5000 1 mL to 5 mL

U10 ml D10 ml 1 mL to 10 mL

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8  PIPETTING

Operating procedure

1) Optionally, for Ultra Multichannel set the head to
any position that is comfortable and practicable
for your application. To do this, simply turn the
head to the desired position.

2) Fit new Diamond Tips.

You must fi t tips to your pipette before aspirating and
dispensing any liquid. Plastic tips are for a single ap­plication – they must not be cleaned for reuse.

3) Pre-rinse the tips.

Some liquids (e.g. protein-containing solutions

and organic solvents) can leave a fi lm of liquid on
the inside the 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 fi rst volume of liquid and then dispensing it
back into the same vessels (or to waste). Subse­quent volumes that you pipette will have levels
of accuracy and precision within specifi cations.

4) Aspirate.

Press the push-

button to the
first stop (this
corresponds to
the set volume of
liquid).

Hold the pipette

vertically (± 20°)
and immerse the
tip in the liquid (see
table for immersion
depth).

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.

Model Immersion Wait Time
Depth (mm) (seconds)

U2 1 1
U10 1 1
U20 2-3 1
8x20, 12x20 2-3 1
U100 2-4 1
U200 2-4 1
8x300, 12x300 2-3 1
U1000 2-4 2-3
U5000 3-6 4-5
U10 ml 5-7 4-5

Table - Immersion Depth

and Wait Time

11

You may wipe any droplets away from the outside

of the tip using a medical wipe, however if you
do so take care to avoid touching the tip’s
orifi ce.

5) Dispense.
Place the ends of the tips against the inside

walls of the recipient vessels (at an angle of 10°
to 40°).

Press the push-button slowly and smoothly to

the fi rst stop.

Wait for at least a second, then press the push-but-

ton to the second stop to expel any residual liquid
from the tips. Keep the push-button pressed fully
down and (while removing the pipette) draw the
tips along the inside surface of the vessel.

Release the push-button, smoothly.

6) Eject the tips by pressing fi rmly on the tip ejector
button.

The tip ejector stroke can be set to allow for diff erent
types of tip, where (for example) the length of the collar
is diff erent (refer to “Personalizing Your Pipette”).

General Guidelines for Good Pipetting

1) Make sure that you operate the push-button
slowly and smoothly.

2) When aspirating, keep the tips at a constant
depth below the surface of the liquid (refer to
the table “Immersion Depth and Wait Time”).

3) Change the tips before aspirating a diff erent
liquid, sample, or reagent.

4) Change the tips if droplets remain at the end of
the tip from the previous pipetting operation.

Top First Stop Second Stop

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5) The tips should be pre-rinsed with the liquid to

be pipetted.

6) Liquid should never enter the tip-holders; to

prevent this:

- press and release the push-button slowly and
smoothly,

- never turn the pipette upside down,

- never lay the pipette on its side when there is
liquid in the tip.

The use of a Gilson “Carrousel™”, “Trio™” or “Single™”
holder is recommended to store pipettes in the
upright position.

7) When pipetting liquids with temperatures dif­ferent to the ambient temperature, pre-rinse the
tips several times before use.

8) For volatile solvents you should saturate the
air-cushion of your pipette by aspirating and
dispensing the solvent repeatedly before aspirat­ing the sample.

9) Avoid pipetting acids or other corrosive liquids
that emit vapors. Extensive contact with corrosive
fumes may corrode the pistons or damage the
seal and tip-holders.

10)

The pipette can be used between +4 °C and
+40 °C, but the specifi cations may vary (see
Chapter 16 for controlled conditions of use).

11) Do not pipette liquids having temperatures
above 70 °C or below 4 °C.

Extreme temperatures can aff ect accuracy and
precision.

9  PERSONALIZING YOUR PIPETTE

Comfort of Tip-ejector

Before you start to pipette you can adjust the tip­ejector button according to your preferences.

1) Position the tip-ejector button. Simply rotate

13

the tip ejector button to the most comfortable
position: left, right, or middle.

2) Set the stroke by rotating the adjustment wheel
until you fi nd the position where it is most easy to
activate the tip ejector. You may want to reset the
stroke after fi tting a diff erent type or size of tip.

Tip-ejector Extension for Use with Ultra U2 and U10

In order to eject D10 tips, tip ejector
extensions are supplied with U2 and
U10 pipettes.

The tip-ejector extension which is made
of PVDF (polyvinylidene Fluoride), is
autoclavable.

To fi t a tip-ejector extension:

- hold the pipette with the LCD window uppermost,

- hold the extension with the slot

uppermost,

- slide the extension over the tip-

holder,

- push the extension fi rmly onto the

end of the tip-ejector until it clicks
into place (see opposite).

To remove a tip-ejector extension (see
opposite):

- hold the pipette in one hand and

grip the extension with the other,

- gently twist the extension (either

direction) and pull it away from

the

pipette.

Slot

Tip-ejector Button

(set for right handed user)

Stroke Adjustment Wheel

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PIPETMAN

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Head Position for Multichannel only

You can adjust the position of the head to suit your
needs. Simply rotate the head relative to the body of
the pipette. Normally, you would set the head either
parallel to or at 90° to the body, but you can choose
any position between the two. Remember to check
that the connecting nut is tight after adjusting the
head position.

Personal Label - Name Tag

You can identify your pipette with a name tag:

1) Pry out the window by inserting a small screw-

driver in the access slot.

2) Position the name tag next to the LCD.

3) Clip the window back into place.

Plastic window

Access slot

(insert screwdriver here)

Stick Name Tag here (or bar code sticker)

10  GLP FEATURES

There are as follows:

• Locked volume.

• Serial Number: engraved on body of the pipette

and is encoded in the bar-code.

• Bar Code: on the box and with the certifi cate (can

be transferred).

• Name Tag (Application or User).

• Cycle counters:

- from last volume setting (to count the number
of cycles in the current “run”),

- from manufacture (to count the number of
cycles for servicing purposes).

15

Symptom Possible Cause Refer to page

Pipette is leaking sample Damaged tip-holder(s) 17-19
(one or more channels) Worn O-ring. 17-19

Pipette won’t aspirate Worn O-ring. 17-19
Damaged tip-holder(s). 17-19
Connecting nut is loose. 18
Damaged or corroded piston. 17-19
Improper repair or assembly. 16-19

Noisy operation Piston(s) needs lubricating. 20

Pipette is inaccurate Improper repair or assembly. 16-19
Pipette is out of adjustment. 29-31
Connecting nut is loose. 18

Pipette is not precise

Connecting nut is loose. 18
Volume setting not locked. 7
Incorrect operator technique. 9-12
Damaged or corroded piston(s). 17-19
Damaged tip-holder(s). 17-19
Worn O-ring. 17-19

Tips fall off Low quality tips. 8-9
or Damaged tip-holder(s). 17-19
don't fi t Adjustment of tip-ejector stroke 12-13

No LCD display Pipette is not swiched on. 5
Battery has failed. 24-25

• Flashing display when volume set is out of

specifi cations.

• Cycle counter when pipette has been readjusted

(see Chapter 15).

• Channel number embossed on the head of each

pipette for Multichannel.

• Useful volume-range is printed on the push-button

and the cover-ejector.

11  TROUBLESHOOTING

Before returning any pipette, ensure that it
is completely free of chemical, biological, or
radioactive contamination. Use the safety
bag provided by Gilson.

You may be able to identify and to correct the problem
by reference to the following table.

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12  MAINTENANCE

You may perform the following:

-

clean or autoclave the parts specifi ed under

“Cleaning and Decontamination”,

-

replace the parts specifi ed under “Spare Parts”,

- lubricate the pistons,

- change the battery,

- calibrate and readjust the pipette.

쎱

Operation for Single-channel models

Tip-holder and Tip-ejector

These parts must be changed, if they are accidentally
damaged or attacked chemically. You should also re­move these parts for cleaning or decontamination
purposes.

Changing the Tip-ejector

1)

Keep the tip­ejector

button
depressed and
grip the top of the
tip-ejector with
the other hand.

Symptom Possible Cause Refer to page

“INIT1” on display The pipette has not been locked after 6
10 minutes of inactivity.
Volume has not been set to the correct 29-31
calibration volume when the calibration
tool was plugged in.
“INIT 2” on display Setting problems. 29-31
“INIT 3” on display Battery was changed. 24-25

Other Error Message

If the following occur, contact your Gilson distributor.

Message Cause

ERR4 Electronic problems (microchip).

Tip-ejector

17

2)

Gently rotate the
tip-ejector counter­clockwise and sep­arate its connector
from the activating
rod.

3) Pull the tip-ejector away from the body of the
pipette.

4) Clean or autoclave the tip-ejector and refi t it (or a
new one) by reversing the procedure.

Changing the Tip-holder (lower part)

After removing the tip-ejector, you may remove

the lower part of the tip-holder, which is more likely
to become contaminated or damaged than the upper
part. Removal of the lower part is shown below; for the
upper part see “Removing the Piston” (special precau­tions are necessary).

1) Gently rotate the
lower part of the tip­holder counterclock­wise to unscrew it
from the upper part.

2) Separate the parts and remove the O-ring (see
“Changing the O-ring”).

3) Clean and if required autoclave the lower part of
the tip-holder.

4) If required lubricate
the piston (see “How to
Lubricate the Piston”)
and fi t a new O-ring.

5) Screw the two parts together, making sure that the
two parts are fully tightened, by hand.

6) Refi t the tip-ejector.

Changing the seal and/or O-ring (see Chapter 18)

The O-ring is contained by the two halves
of the tip-holder; it must not be autoclaved,
if worn or damaged in any way, it must
be replaced.

Tip-holder (upper)

Tip-holder (lower)

Piston

O-ring

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To access the O-ring, remove the tip-ejector and un­screw the lower part of the tip-holder - if the O-ring is
not immediately visible on the piston, set the pipette
to its maximum volume, then press the push-button
to the second stop. You should now be able to remove
the O-ring from the piston. Sometimes, the O-ring may
be found in the recess at the top-end of the lower part
of the tip-holder.

If required lubricate the piston (see “How to Lubricate
the Piston”) then fi t a new O-ring by sliding it onto the
piston. Reassemble the pipette.

The dimensions of the O-ring vary according to the
pipette model - refer to “Spare Parts” for details.

Servicing the Piston

You may remove the piston-assembly to clean, lubri­cate, or change the piston.

The specifi cations of the pipette must be checked
after changing the piston (see Chapter 16).

Removing the Piston

1) Set the volume to zero and lock the pipette. Do not

unlock the pipette or try to reset the volume while
changing the piston assembly.

2) Remove the tip-ejector and (optionally) the lower

part of the tip-holder.

If you remove the lower part, take care to remove the
O-ring as described in “Changing the O-ring”.

3) Unscrew the connecting-

nut (turn by hand, counter­clockwise).

4)

Pull on the spring guide to remove the piston
assembly

from the body of the pipette - separate

the parts (see below).

For U5000 and U10 ml, the connecting nut is com­bined with the upper part of the tip-holder (see “Spare
Parts”).

5) Clean and autoclave (if required) the piston and

holder, together with any other parts that may

19

need to be treated in the same way (see “Cleaning
and Decontamination”).

6) Lubricate the piston, see next page.

7 ) Reassemble the piston, spring and spring guide;

then carefully insert the assembly into the body
of the pipette. The spring guide should hold the
piston assembly inside the body of the pipette.

Take care to position the small-diameter
end of the spring as shown (innermost),
and that the fl anged end of the spring
guide is outermost.

8) Reassemble the upper part of the tip-holder and
the connecting nut, then refi t to the body of the
pipette by rotating the connecting nut clockwise
until it is fi nger tight. Fit the O-ring (or for U2 and
U10, the seal) and reassemble the lower part of the
tip-holder. Refi t the tip ejector.

The seals for U2 and U10 are fragile and can only be
used once. So, after unscrewing the lower part of the
tip-holder you must fi t a new seal.

Spring (Tapered)Piston holder Piston Spring Guide

Tip-holder
(Upper)

Tip-holder
(Lower)

Connecting Nut

Spring guide­fl anged end

Spring-small diameter end

Connecting Nut

Spring guide-

fl anged end

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How to Lubricate the Piston (except U2 and U10)

Use only Gilson lubricant (ref: F2070902, as sup­plied). Squeeze a small quantity from the tube onto

a clean, nonabrasive cloth. Use the cloth to transfer
the lubricant to the piston. Ensure that the piston is
evenly lubricated, and that you wipe away any excess

- remember only a fi ne fi lm of lubricant is required (over
the entire piston).

쎱

Operation for Multichannel models

The two main parts of the pipette are the body
(handle) and the volumetric module (lower part).

The body contains electrical and mechanical compo­nents that must not be in contact with liquids.

The volumetric module of the pipette contains the tip­holders

and the piston assemblies, components that
could be in contact with liquids. To service these items
you must fi rst remove the plastic ejector-cover, which
also may be cleaned or replaced.

Removing the Volumetric module

The connecting nut joins the head to the body. Unless
you need to separate the volumetric module from the
body, you should not fully undo the connecting nut. If
the connecting nut becomes loose in normal use, turn
it clockwise until fully tight. This action may be neces­sary after adjusting the position of the head. When
you need to separate the two halves of the pipette,
proceed as follows.

1)

Set the volume to zero and lock the pipette.

2) Keep the tip-ejector button depressed and grip

the ejector-clip.

3)

Unlock the ejector­clip and separate it
from the activat­ing rod.

4) Unscrew the connecting nut.

5) Press push-button to extract the head.

21

Removing the Plastic Cover, Piston Assemblies

and

Tip-holders

1) First set the pipette to its minimum volume.

2a)

Remove the two screws, which
are located at either side of
the head, using a miniature
screwdriver.

2b) Gently pull the

ejector-cover away
from the head.

3) Remove the wire
clips and the wire
guides for 12
channels from the
piston tray-cover.

4)

Lay the pipette fl at
and push awards
(with your thumbs)
on the catches
at either side of
the piston-tray
cover. The cover
will flip upwards
to reveal piston
and tip-holder
assemblies.

5) Lift the tip-holder upwards, away from the lower
rake, then push the tip-holder back along the axis
of the piston. Now, pull the piston away from the
upper rake and lift it and the tip holder out of the
tray, taking care not to lose or damage the piston
spring.

6) Gently pull the piston assembly out of the tip­holder.

Servicing the Ejector-cover, Piston Assemblies and
Tip-holders

The tip-holders and piston assemblies must be
changed, if they are accidentally damaged or attacked
chemically.

Piston-tray Cover

Rake

(upper)

Rake

(lower)

Piston-tray Cover

Wire Clips

Tip-holders

Piston

Wire

Guides

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You should also remove them for cleaning or decon­tamination purposes, and to lubricate the pistons.

1) Examine the ejector-cover, if it is cracked or badly

corroded it should be replaced with a new part.
Otherwise, it should be cleaned and if necessary
autoclaved.

2) Check the piston for damage or corrosion. Lubricate

and replace as necessary.

3) After removing the locking clip, gently pry out

each tip-holder’s internal components: locking­clip, spring, O-ring and seal-holder – this can be
done using the reassembly tool. Replace or clean
and decontaminate these components. Replace or

clean and decontaminate the tip-holder.

The O-ring can get trapped in tip-holder. Use a fi ne plastic
probe to extract the O-ring.

Tip-holder
8/12x20

Piston

Piston spring

O-ring

Seal-holder Tip-holder spring Locking-clip

Piston

Piston spring

O-ring

Seal-holder Tip-holder spring

Locking-clip

Tip-holder
8/12x300

23

How to Lubricate Pistons

Only use Gilson lubricant (ref: F2070902, as
supplied). For more details, please refer to page 20.

Reassembling the Piston Assemblies, Tip-holders,
and Plastic Ejector-cover

A) Tip-holders

1) Use a lubricated piston to transfer a small quantity
of lubricant to the O-ring.

2)

With reference to the photo’s above, place the
components on the reassembly tool in the following
order: locking-clip, tip-holder spring, seal-holder,
O-ring – take care that the spring is the correct way
up and that the fl at
surface of seals, rings
and washers faced the
spring.

3) Inser t the components into the tip-holder with the
aid of the reassembly tool.

4) Push on the locking-clip until it snaps
into place.

B) Piston Assemblies

1

) Lubricate the piston, as described in

the section above.

2) Gently, slip a lubricated piston into
the tip-holder, with a slight twisting
motion. Avoid using

too much force

as this could dislodge the O-ring.

Reassembly

Tools

x300 x20

x300 x20

Seal (O-ring)

Seal-holder

Spring

Locking-clip

24

PIPETMAN

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C) Closing-up

1)

Refi t each tip-holder/piston assembly so that the
top of the piston and the tip-holder snap into the
upper and lower rakes, respectively. To facilitate
fi tting a piston assembly to the upper rake, you
should incline the piston assembly and compress
the piston-spring against the upper rake, before
pushing the assembly into place.

2) Close the piston tray-cover, after checking that

all assemblies are correctly installed.

3) Refi t the wire-clips and the wire guides for 12

channels.

4) Slide the cover-ejector back over the piston-tray

and reattach using the two screws.

쎱

Changing the Battery

To ensure better performance and maximize battery
life, a new battery block for Pipetman Ultra has been
designed. The battery pack includes two silve-oxyde
plated 1.55V generic code 391 (size 11.6 x 2.1 mm).

Although changing the battery block does not aff ect the
calibration, you may wish to take this opportunity to carry
out performance check of the pipette (see chapter 15).

If you need to change the battery block, proceed
as follows:

1) Ensure the pipette is in the locked position,

remove the tip-ejector,

2) Remove the battery

compartment cover

(the calibration key is
equipped with a tool
for opening the battery
compartment cover) by

carrying out the follow­ing steps, with reference
to the photographs:

Tool

25

- maintain the tip-ejector
holder in the fully
extended position by
holding down the tip­ejector button,

- insert the tool (side
marked “UP” facing you)
into the space between
the cover and the tip­ejector holder,

- push fi rmly in the direction
shown by the arrow, then
gently lever the cover up­wards from the pipette.

3) Pull out the battery block (yellow plastic) and
put in a secure bin for recycling.

4) Insert the new battery block into the battery
compartment.

5) Refi t the battery compartment cover.

6)

The pipette displays “Init 3”. See the Appendix for
resetting the pipette.

Cover
(Battery compartment)

Battery holder

26

PIPETMAN

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13  CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION

Pipetman Ultra is designed so that the parts normally in
contact with liquid contaminants, can easily be cleaned
and decontaminated.

Liquid must not enter the body (handle) of the
pipette.

If you use chemical solutions for decontamination or
detergents for cleaning, other than specifi ed below,
you should check with your supplier that the solution
or detergent used does not attack any of the follow­ing materials: PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), PC
(Polycarbonate), POM (Polyoxymethylene), PVDF
(Polyvinylidene Fluoride), or stainless steel.

Cleaning

The pipette must be cleaned, as described below, before
it is decontaminated. Soap solution is recommended for
cleaning Pipetman Ultra.

External

1)

Wipe the entire pipette with a soft-cloth or lint

­free tissue impregnated with soap solution, to
remove all dirty marks. If the pipette is very dirty,
a brush with soft plastic bristles may be used.

2) Wipe the entire pipette with a soft-cloth or lint-free
tissue impregnated with distilled water.

3) For Pipetman Ultra single channel, you can remove
the tip-ejector for cleaning.

Internal

The following components only can be immersed in a
cleaning solution: ejector-cover, tip-holder, connecting
nut, piston and springs.

1) Disassemble the pipette as described in “Mainte­nance”.

2) Set aside the body (handle) in a dry and secure
location.

3) Clean the individual components from the
pipette head using an ultrasonic bath (20 min­utes at 50 °C) or with a soft-cloth and brushes.

4) Rinse the individual components with distilled
water.

27

5) Leave the parts to dry by evaporation or wipe
them with a clean soft-cloth or lint-free tissue.

6) Lubricate the piston and reassemble the pipette
according to the instructions given earlier in this
chapter.

Decontamination

Autoclaving

The body (handle) of the pipette is not autoclavable.
However, after separation from the body, any of the
internal components of the volumetric module may
be

autoclaved individually: ejector-cover, ejector, con-

necting nut, tip-holders,

pistons, springs and washers

(except O-rings).

1) Clean the parts to be autoclaved, especially the
tip-holders.

2) Put the parts in an autoclaving sack.

3) Autoclave for 20 minutes at 121 °C and 0.1 MPa.

4) Check that the parts are dry before reassembling
the pipette.

5)

Set the pipette aside to stabilize at room tem­perature.

Chemical Decontamination

You may choose to decontaminate your pipette
chemically, in accordance with your own procedures.
Whatever decontaminant you use, check that it is
compatible with the plastics used in the construction
of the pipette (see page 26).

Body (Handle)

1) Wipe the body (upper part) of the pipette with a
soft-cloth or lint-free tissue impregnated with the
chosen decontaminant.

2) Wipe the upper part of the pipette with a soft-cloth
or lint-free tissue impregnated with distilled water
or sterile water.

Volumetric module (lower part)

The following components only can be immersed in
a decontaminant solution: ejector-cover or tip ejector,
connecting nut, tip-holder, piston, and springs. The O­ring, washer and washer clip should be replaced.

28

PIPETMAN

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1) Disassemble the pipette as described in “Main-

tenance”.

2) Immerse the components in the decontaminant

solution or wipe them according the instructions
given by the manufacturer or supplier of the
decontaminant.

3) Rinse the individual components with distilled

or sterile water.

4) Leave the parts to dry by evaporation or wipe

them with a clean lint-free tissue or soft-cloth.

5) Lubricate the piston and reassemble the pipette

according to the instructions given earlier in this
chapter.

14  LEAK TEST

This test may be performed at any time to check that
the pipette does not leak, especially after performing
a maintenance or decontamination procedure. If a
pipette channel fails this test you should replace the
faulty part (e.g. O-ring, tip-holder...) and repeat this
test, after making sure that the pipette is correctly
reassembled.

U2 to U200 and Multichannels

- Fit a Gilson Diamond Tip,

- set the pipette to the nominal volume,

- pre-rinse the tips as you would in normal use (see

“Pipetting”),

- aspirate the nominal volume of distilled water,

- hold the pipette in the vertical position and wait

for 20 seconds,

- if a water droplet appears at the end of the tip

there is a leak (see Troubleshooting),

- 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
(see Troubleshooting).

29

U1000 to U10ml

- Fit a Gilson Diamond Tip,

- set the pipette to the nominal volume given in the

specifi cations,

- aspirate the set volume from a beaker of water,

- maintain the pipette in the vertical position and

wait for 20 seconds,

- if a water droplet appears at the end of the tip

there is a leak (see Troubleshooting).

15  USER ADJUSTMENT

The following procedure is primarily used to check the
accuracy of a pipette following servicing (for example,
after replacing the piston assembly). Recalibration
must be carried out by trained people, under the cor­rect conditions and using the equipment described
in “Procedure for Evaluating Accuracy and Precision
of Gilson Pipettes”. For more details contact your
Gilson distributor, who can help you to implement
these pipette checking procedures or to build up
your own procedures.

Users should establish a routine for testing their
pipettes at regular intervals, taking into account the
following factors: frequency of use (see cycle coun­ters), the nature and accuracy requirements of the
liquids being pipetted, the number of operators using
the pipette, and the number of cycles performed
each time the pipette is used. Because Pipetman
Ultra Multichannel is designed with GLP in mind,
you may read the cycle counters after switching on
the pipette.

Procedure (Gravimetric Test)

Use a balance to measure the mass of the specifi ed
volume of water. The balance (which

must be more

accurate than the pipette) must be

at the sensitivity

specifi ed in the following table:

30

PIPETMAN

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For Single-channel

Take 10 measurements using distilled water at the
specifi ed readjustment volume.

For Multichannel

Take 10 measurements from the fi rst channel (1) and
10 from the last channel (8 or 12). Calculate the mean
volume from the 20 measurements.

For example, for an Ultra 8x300 the recalibration
volume is 60 μL. You set the LCD to show 60 μL, but
you calculate a mean volume of 58 μL; a mean error
of -2 μL. Reset the pipette to show:

Recalibration Volume minus Mean Error,

in this example 60 - (-2) = 62 μL.

Open the battery compartment, and plug in the
user-calibration tool (as shown) to reset the displayed
volume to 60 μL.

The LCD will show RECAL in the volume setting window. This
indicates that the factory calibration has been modifi ed. To
remove the RECAL sign and obtain a “factory” calibration, send
the pipette back to your Gilson distributor.

Remove the user-calibration
tool, close the battery com­partment, and calculate the
accuracy as described in
“Procedure for Evaluating
Accuracy and Precision of
Gilson Pipettes”, which is

Readjustment Balance Diamond

Model Volume (μL) Sensitivity (g) Tips

U2 0.5 10

-6

DL10

U10 1 10-6 DL10

U20 2 10-6 D200

U100 20 10-5 D200

U200 50 10-5 D200

U1000 200 10-4 D1000

U5000 1000 10-4 D5000

U10 ml 1000 10-4 D10ml

8x20 and 12x20 2 10 -6 DL10

8x300 and 12x300 60 10 -5 D300

User-calibration tool

31

a more exhaustive gravimet

ric test for determining

accuracy and precision.

16  SPECIFICATIONS

Pipetman Ultra is a high quality pipette that off ers
excellent accuracy and precision.

The fi gures given in the “Gilson Maximum Permissible
Errors” table were obtained using “Gilson Diamond
Tips”. These fi gures are only guaranteed using Genuine
Gilson Diamond Tips.

Gilson Maximum Permissible Errors

Maximum Permissible Errors
Model Volume Gilson ISO 8655

(Reference) (μL) Systematic Random Systematic Random
error (μL) error (μL) error (μL) error (μL)

Min 0.2 ± 0.024 압 0.012 ± 0.08 압 0.04
U2 0.5 ± 0.025 압 0.012 ± 0.08 압 0.04
(F21021) Max. 2 ± 0.030 압 0.014 ± 0.08 압 0.04

Min. 1 ± 0.025 압 0.012 ± 0.12 압 0.08
U10 5 ± 0.075 압 0.030 ± 0.12 압 0.08
(F21022) Max 10 ± 0.100 압 0.040 ± 0.12 압 0.08

Min. 2 ± 0.10 압 0.03 ± 0.20 압 0.10
U20 5 ± 0.10 압 0.04 ± 0.20 압 0.10
(F21023) 10 ± 0.10 압 0.05 ± 0.20 압 0.10
Max. 20 ± 0.20 압 0.06 ± 0.20 압 0.10

Min. 20 ± 0.35 압 0.10 ± 0.80 압 0.30
U100 50 ± 0.40 압 0.12 ± 0.80 압 0.30
(F21024) Max. 100 ± 0.80 압 0.15 ± 0.80 압 0.30

Min. 20 ± 0.50 압 0.20 ± 1.60 압 0.60
U200 50 ± 0.50 압 0.20 ± 1.60 압 0.60
(F21025) 100 ± 0.80 압 0.25 ± 1.60 압 0.60
Max. 200 ± 1.60 압 0.30 ± 1.60 압 0.60

Min. 200 ± 3 압 0.6 ± 8 압 3.0

U1000 500 ± 4 압 1.0 ± 8

압 3.0

(F21026) Max. 1000 ± 8 압 1.5 ± 8 압 3.0

Min. 1000 ± 12 압 3 ± 40 압 15
U5000 2000 ± 12 압 5 ± 40 압 15
(F21027) Max. 5000 ± 30 압 8 ± 40 압 15

Min. 1 mL ± 30 압 6 ± 60 압 30
U10ml 2 mL ± 30 압 6 ± 60 압 30
(F21028) 5 mL ± 40 압 10 ± 60 압 30
Max. 10 mL ± 60 압 16 ± 60 압 30

32

PIPETMAN

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

Gilson declares that its manufactured pipettes comply
with the requirements of the ISO 8655 Standard, by
type testing.

The adjustement is carried out under strictly defi ned
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.

Maximum Permissible Errors

Model Volume Gilson ISO 8655

(Reference) (μL) Systematic Random Systematic Random
Diamond Tip error (μL) error (μL) error (μL) error (μL)

8x20 (F21040) Min. 1 ± 0.10 압 0.08 ± 0.40 압 0.20
and 2 ± 0.10 압 0.08 ± 0.40 압 0.20
12x20 (F21041) 10 ± 0.20 압 0.10 ± 0.40 압 0.20
DL10 Max 20 ± 0.40 압 0.20 ± 0.40 압 0.20

8x300 (F21042) Min. 20 ± 1.00 압 0.35 ± 8.00 압 3.00
and 30 ± 1.00 압 0.35 ± 8.00 압 3.00
12x300 (F21043) 150 ± 1.50 압 0.60 ± 8.00 압 3.00
D300 Max. 300 ± 3.00 압 1.00 ± 8.00 압 3.00

The data given in the tables conform to the ISO 8655-2
Standard.

33

17  EQUIPMENT DISPOSAL

This equipment must not be disposed of
with unsorted municipal waste. Instead, it
is your responsibility to correctly dispose of
your waste equipment by handing it over to
an authorised facility for separate collection
and recycling. It is also your responsibility
to decontaminate the equipment in case
of biological, chemical, and/or radiological
contamination so as to protect from health
hazards the persons involved in the disposal
and recycling of equipment.

For more information about where you can drop off
your waste equipment for recycling, please contact
your local dealer from whom you originally purchased
the product or your local council.

By doing so, you will help conserve natural resources
and you will ensure that your waste equipment is
recycled in a manner that protects human health and
the environment. Thank you!

34

PIPETMAN

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A

C

B

F

J

G

H

I

K

M

L

D

18  SPARE PARTS

* New battery characteristics; not suitable on previous models
of Pipetman Ultra (red battery holder).

U2 (F21021) and U10 (F21022)

Description U2 U10

A Push-button F2070152 F2070252
B Plastic Window F2072102 F2072102
C Recalibration Tool F20751 F20751
D Battery block, 3.1 V* F2070172 F2070172
F Cover

(battery compartment) F2072107 F2072107

G Connecting nut F2072111 F2072111
H Piston assembly F2070160 F2070260
I Spring and guide F2070161 F2070161
J Tip ejector F2070159 F2070159
K Tip holder (upper) F2070117 F2070117
L Seal (x 5) F161901 F161902
M Tip holder (lower) F2070118 F2070218

- Tip-ejector extension F2070903 F2070903

35

A

C

B

F

J

G

H

I

K

M

L

D

U20 (F21023) and U100 (F21024)

Description U20 U100

A Push-button F2070352 F2070452
B Plastic Window F2072102 F2072102
C Recalibration Tool F20751 F20751
D Battery block, 3.1 V* F2070172 F2070172
F1 Cover (battery compartment) F2072107 F2072107
G Connecting nut F2072111 F2072111
H Piston assembly F2070360 F2070460
I Spring and guide F2070161 F2070161
J Tip ejector F2070359 F2070459
K Tip holder (upper) F2070117 F2070417
L Seal and O-ring (x5) F144863 ­ O-ring (x 5) - F2070401
M Tip holder (lower) F2070320 F2070418
Lubricant F2070902 F2070902

* New battery characteristics; not suitable on previous models
of Pipetman Ultra (red battery holder).

36

PIPETMAN

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U200 (F21025) and U1000 (F21026)

Description U200 U1000

A Push-button F2070552 F2070652
B Plastic Window F2072102 F2072102
C Recalibration Tool F20751 F20751
D Battery block, 3.1 V* F2070172 F2070172
F Cover (battery compartment) F2072107 F2072107
G Connecting nut F2072111 F2072111
H Piston assembly F2070560 F2070664**
I Spring and guide F2070161 **
J Tip ejector F2070559 F2070659
K Tip holder (upper) F2070517 F2070617
L O-ring (x 5) F2070501 F2070601
M Tip holder (lower) F2070518 F2070618
Lubricant F2070902 F2070902

* New battery characteristics; not suitable on previous models of
Pipetman Ultra (red battery holder).

** For U1000, the piston assembly is an assembly part composed
of spring guide, return spring and piston assembly.

A

C

B

F

J

G

H**

I

K

M

L

D

37

U5000 (F21027) and U10ml (F21028)

Description U5000 U10ml

A Push-button F2070752 F2070852
B Plastic Window F2072102 F2072102
C Recalibration Tool F20751 F20751
D Battery block, 3.1 V* F2070172 F2070172
F Cover (battery compartment) F2072107 F2072107
H Piston assembly F2070760 F2070861
J Tip ejector F2070759 F2070859
L O-ring (x 5) F2070701 F2070801
M Tip holder G-F.I.T. F2070719 F2070819
Lubricant F2070902 F2070902

* New battery characteristics; not suitable on previous models
of Pipetman Ultra (red battery holder).

A

C

B

F

J

H

M

L

D

38

PIPETMAN

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Description 8x20 12x20

A Push-button F2073052 F2073152
B Personalization window F2072102
C Recalibration (User Adjustment) tool F20751
D Battery block, 3.1 V F2070172
F Cover (battery compartment) F2072107
N Piston assembly F2073060
O Air tightness Kit F2073065
P Tip-holder assembly, G-F.I.T. system F207306306
R Ejector-cover F2073059 F2073159
* Screws and wire clips kit F2073261 F2073361
* Reassembly tool F2073001
* Lubricant F2070902

8x20 (F21040) and 12x20 (F21041)

* Not shown.

Description 8x300 12x300

A Push-button F2073252 F2073352
B Personalization window F2072102
C Recalibration (User Adjustment) tool F20751
D Battery block, 3.1 V F2070172
F Cover (battery compartment) F2072107
N Piston assembly F2073260
O Air tightness Kit F2073265
P Tip-holder assembly, G-F.I.T. system F207326306
R Ejector-cover F2073259 F2073359
* Screws and wire clips kit F2073261 F2073361
* Reassembly tool F2073201
* Lubricant F2070902
* Safety bags, batch of 100 F2073270

* Not shown.

8x300 (F21042) and 12x300 (F21043)

39

A

B

O

P

N

R

F

D

C

1) The airtightness kit (O) include the following items:

- Locking-clip,

- Spring,

- Seal-holder,

- Seal (O-ring).

2) The tip-holder assembly (P) includes the above items fi tted

into the tip-holder.

40

PIPETMAN

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APPENDIX  RESET PROCEDURE

When “Init 1”, “Init 2” or “Init 3” appears on display
please follow this procedure to reset the pipette to
the factory calibration settings.

1) Unlock or Lock/Unlock

(if the init message
appears in unlock
position) the volume
(push the thumbwheel
upwards), the pipette
displays “turn –”.

2) Rotate the thumbwheel clockwise to decrease

the volume to the mechanical stop ( the thumb­wheel will continue to turn but the display will
not change).

3) Lock the volume (push

the thumbwheel down­wards), the pipette dis­plays “turn +”.

4) Unlock the volume.

5) Rotate the thumbwheel

counterclockwise to
increase the volume
until “good” appears on
display.

6) Lock the volume.

7) The pipette is ready to operate (operating volume

on display).

After resetting, the pipette is correctly adjusted to the factory
calibration settings.

41

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Pipetman Ultra®

U2, U10, U20, U100, U200, U1000,
U5000, U10ml

Pipetman Ultra® Multichannel

8x20, 12x20, 8x300, 12x300

98/79/EC*

on In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices

comply with the requirements of the following European Directives:

Villiers-le-Bel, September 14th, 2005

A. El Sayed H. Ledorze

General Manager Quality Manager

GILSON S.A.S.

19, avenue des Entrepreneurs
BP. 145 - 95400 Villiers-le-Bel (France)
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.gilson.com

* Annex III, self-declared

The company,

Hereby certifi es on its sole responsibility that the products listed
below:

89/336/EEC

Electromagnetic Compatibility, EMC

42

PIPETMAN

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NOTES

LT801513/B - ©2008 Gilson SAS All rights reserved January 2008
English Printed in France

Specifications subject to change without notifications - errors omitted.

Gilson, Inc. World Headquarters

3000 Parmenter Street

I

P.O. Box 620027

I

Middleton, WI 53562-0027, USA

Tel: [phone] or (1) 608-836-1551

I

Fax: [phone]

Gilson S.A.S.

19, avenue des Entrepreneurs

I

BP 145, F-95400 Villiers-le-Bel, France

Tel: [phone]

I

Fax: [phone]

www.gilson.com