Pipetman
®
continuously adjustable
digital microliter pipettes
8 pipettes for volume
ranges from
0.1 µL to 10 mL
P-2
P-10
P-20
P-100
P-200
P-1000
P-5000
P-10ML
Pipetman P-200 shown
PIPETMAN
®
continuously adjustable digital pipettes
CONTENTS
Description........................................................................1
Autoclaving .......................................................................2
Volume Indicator................................................................2
Safety Filter, P-5000, P-10ML .............................................2
Operation ..........................................................................3
Tip Selection......................................................................4
Tip Immersion Depth ..........................................................5
Pipetting Guidelines & Precautions.......................................5
Pre-Rinsing Recommended .................................................6
Reverse Mode Pipetting.......................................................6
Pipetting Liquids of Varying Density......................................6
Temperature Considerations ................................................7
Acids and Corrosives..........................................................7
Pipetman Storage...............................................................7
Troubleshooting and Repairs ...............................................8
Sample Splash ..................................................................8
Leaks, Inaccurate Sampling ................................................8
Removing/Replacing Ejector Arm .........................................9
Service, Calibration and Repair ..........................................10
Contacting RAININ............................................................10
Performance Specifications ...............................................11
Replacement Parts ...............................................Back Cover
FIGURES
Figure 1 Pipetman P-200............................................1
Figure 2 Operating Pipetman .......................................4
Figure 3 Removing Tip Ejector Arm...............................9
DIAGRAMS FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS
Models P-2, P-10, P-20, P-100 ..............................12
Models P-200, P-1000, P-5000, P-10ML ................13
TABLES
Specifications ..................................................................11
Technical Assistance: 800-543-4030
Call this toll free number for technical consultation and product
information for Pipetman, RAININ pipettes, and disposable tips.
Or use e-mail: tech.service@rainin.com
Pipetman is a registered trademark of Gilson Inc.
U.S. and international patents pending.
Copyright 1982-2005, Rainin Instrument, LLC.
Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.
1
Description
Eight models of Pipetman continuously adjustable digital pipette
cover the entire volume range from 0.1 µL to
10 mL. The P-200-M8 eight-channel Pipetman is also available,
with a volume range of 20–200 µL, for convenience when using
96-well plates.
Pipetman pipettes are not limited to fixed volume increments — 5
µL or 10 µL. They can be set to any volume, e.g. 6.6, 133.3,
377, 2228 µL.
Piston stroke is set by adjusting a micrometer coupled directly to
a digital volume indicator, which reads in microliters. The digital
volume indicator simplifies volume setting and virtually eliminates calculation errors.
All Pipetman models have a highly polished stainless steel piston,
patented polyethylene seal, and neoprene compression o-ring.
Pipetman models require no routine lubrication for long, troublefree service.
Plunger button with vol-
ume adjustment
Tip ejector
button
(Not present on
P-5000, P-10ML)
Stainless steel ejector arm, removable.
(Not present on
P-5000, P-10ML)
Ejector arm
release
collar
Volume adjustment
knob
Stainless steel
micrometer
Digital volume
indicator
High-impact,
low thermal
conductivity
plastic body
Plastic shaft
Polypropylene dis-
posable tip
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A stainless steel tip ejector is provided with all models except P5000 and P-10ML, for safe disposal of used tips. The ejector can
be removed by pulling on the plastic collar on the ejector arm.
Reattachment is quick and easy.
Autoclaving
The shaft and tip ejector are autoclavable: 121°C, 1 bar, 15–20
minutes. (P-5000, P-10ML do not use tip ejectors.)
Volume Indicator
The digital volume indicator is read from top to bottom. For P-2,
P-10, P-20, P-100, and P-200, black digits indicate microliters
and red digits tenths and hundredths of microliters. For P-1000
and P-5000, red digits indicate milliliters and black digits microliters. For P-10ML, black digits indicate milliliters and red digit
tenths of a milliliter.
Sample values, volume ranges, and smallest increments for each
Pipetman model are shown below:
Pipetman Range (µL) Smallest
Model Adjustable Recommended Increment µL
P-2 0 to 2 0.1 to 2 0.002
P-10 0 to 10 0.5 to 10 0.02
P-20 0 to 20 2 to 20 0.02
P-100 0 to 100 10 to 100 0.2
P-200 0 to 200 50 to 200 0.2
P-1000 0 to 1,000 100 to 1,000 2.0
P-5000 0 to 5,000 500 to 5,000 2.0
P-10ML 0 to 10,000 1 mL to 10 mL 20.0
Safety Filter, P-5000 and P-10ML
Models P-5000 and P-10ML use a safety filter in the end of the
shaft to help prevent liquid entering the shaft and contacting the
piston, should the plunger be allowed to snap up during aspiration. This is particularly important using large volumes. If the filter
gets wet, replace it.
For P-5000 insert the small diameter into the shaft; for
P-10ML insert the large diameter into the shaft.
P-20
12.5µL
1
2
5
P-100
75µL
0
7
5
P-200
125µL
1
2
5
0
7
5
P-1000
0.75mL 7.5mL
1
2
5
P-5000
1.25mL
P-10ML
P-10
7.5µL
0
7
5
P-2
1.25µL
1
2
5
0
7
5
Red Digits
Black Digits
Part numbers are 6190-164 (pack of 100) and 6190-165
(pack of 1000).
Operation
There are two ways of setting volume on Pipetman pipettes: with
the volume adjustment knob, or by turning the plunger button.
Both give exactly the same results.
Volume Setting using Plunger Button
1a. Hold Pipetman in one hand. With thumb and forefinger, turn
the plunger button counterclockwise until the volume indicator is
1
⁄3 revolution above the desired setting, then turn slowly
clockwise until the desired volume shows on the indicator.
Volume Setting using Volume Adjustment Knob
1b. Hold Pipetman in one hand. With the other hand, turn the vol-
ume adjustment knob counterclockwise so the volume indicator is
1
⁄3 revolution above the desired setting, then turn
slowly clockwise until the indicator shows the desired volume.
2. ALWAYS dial down to the desired volume. This prevents
mechanical backlash from affecting accuracy. If you pass the
desired setting, turn the dial
1
⁄3 revolution higher than desired
and reset the volume. The friction ring prevents unintentional
volume changes.
3. Attach a new disposable tip to the pipette shaft. Press only
enough to make a positive airtight seal.
4. Press the plunger to the
FIRST STOP. This part of the stroke is the
volume displayed on the indicator.
5. Holding Pipetman vertically, immerse the tip into the sample
to the proper depth; see page 5.
6. Allow the pushbutton to return slowly to the
UP position. Never
let it snap up!
7. Pause briefly to ensure that the full volume of sample is
drawn into the tip.
8. Withdraw the tip from the sample liquid. If any liquid remains
on the outside of the tip, wipe it carefully with a lint-free tissue,
avoiding the tip orifice.
9. To dispense sample, touch the tip end against the side wall of
the receiving vessel and depress the plunger slowly to the first
stop.
Wait: 1 second* (P-2, P-10, P-20, P-100, P-200)
1-2 seconds* (P-1000)
2-3 seconds* (P-5000, P-10ML)
* Longer for viscous solutions.
Then press the plunger to the
SECOND STOP (bottom of stroke),
expelling any residual liquid in the tip.
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4
10. With the plunger fully pressed, withdraw Pipetman from the
vessel carefully, tip against the vessel wall.
11. Allow the plunger to return to the up position.
12. Discard the tip by depressing the tip ejector button. A fresh tip
should be used for each sample to prevent sample carryover.
Tip Selection
I Tips must seal properly on the shaft to assure an air-tight seal
and avoid leaks or poor accuracy.
I Tips must be soft and flexible so that the shaft is not scratched
or worn prematurely.
I Tips must be free from microscopic flash and particulates.
Flash gives poor precision and accuracy.
I The tip orifice must be the correct size, and orifice size and
geometry must be consistent from tip to tip. Otherwise, accuracy and precision will be affected.
Figure 2 Operating Pipetman
5
I Interior and exterior surfaces must be clear, smooth, and
hydrophobic to avoid retention of liquid. Too much retention
results in poor accuracy and reproducibility.
Specified performance is guaranteed only when RAININ disposable tips are used as recommended. RAININ cannot accept
responsibility for poor performance resulting from the use of tips
by other manufacturers.
RAININ tips are molded from premium-grade virgin polypropylene
plastic. Samples from each lot of tips are inspected microscopically to ensure that every lot meets RAININ’s high standards.
Tip Immersion Depth
The recommended depth for tip insertion into the sample for each
Pipetman model is shown in the table below.
Pipetman Model
Volume Range Immersion Depth
P-2 0.1 - 2 µL 1 - 2 mm
P-10 0.5 - 10 µL 1 - 2 mm
P-20 2 - 20 µL 2 - 3 mm
P-100 10 - 100 µL 2 - 3 mm
P-200 50 - 200 µL 3 - 6 mm
P-1000 1000 - 1000 µL 3 - 6 mm
P-5000 500 - 5000 µL 6 -10 mm
P-10ML 1 mL - 10 mL 6 -10 mm
Tip immersion depth is important. If exceeded, the
volume measured will be inaccurate, possibly out of specification.
Tip angle is also important. Hold the pipette vertically, or within
20 degrees of vertical.
Pipetting Guidelines & Precautions
Consistency in all aspects of pipetting procedure will significantly
contribute to optimum reproducibility. Use a:
1. Consistent pickup/dispense rhythm while pipetting.
2. Consistent speed and smoothness when you press and
release the pushbutton.
3. Consistent pushbutton pressure at the first stop.
4. Consistent immersion depth.
5. Minimal angle (< 20° from vertical).
Prevent liquids from being drawn into the Pipetman shaft by taking the following precautions:
1. Use RAININ aerosol-resistant tips, with an internal filter which
acts as a barrier to aerosols and liquids.
2. Never invert or lay Pipetman down if liquid is in the tip.
3. Pipette slowly, holding Pipetman < 20° from vertical.
6
4. For Models P-5000 and P-10ML Pipetman, use the special
safety filters supplied.
Pre-Rinsing Recommended
Some solutions (e.g. serum, protein-containing solutions, and
organic solvents) can leave a film on the inside tip wall, resulting
in an error larger than the tolerance specified. Since this film
remains relatively constant in successive pipettings with the same
tip, excellent precision may be obtained by refilling the tip and
using the refilled volume as the sample. Successive samples from
this same tip will exhibit good reproducibility (low variance).
Reverse Mode Pipetting
Another way of reducing error due to film retention is reverse mode
pipetting; the operating sequence is reversed:
1. Mount a disposable tip on the pipette shaft.
2. Press the pushbutton fully to the second stop.
3. Immerse the tip in liquid and return the plunger slowly to the
full up position. Wait a moment for the liquid column to reach
equilibrium in the tip.
4. Wipe any excess liquid from the outside of the tip without
touching the orifice.
5. To dispense, rest the end of the tip against the vessel wall and
press the plunger to the first stop. Hold this position a few
seconds, or long enough for the liquid column to reach equilibrium again.
6. Remove the tip from the receiving vessel without blowing out
the remaining liquid.
7. Return excess sample in the tip to the original sample container, if desired. Discard the used tip.
Pipetting Liquids of Varying Density
Pipetman lets you compensate for solutions of density much different from water, by setting the volume slightly higher or lower
than that required. The compensation amount must be determined
empirically.
E.g., if pipetting 10 µL of CsCl solution, you determine that the
volume delivered is actually 8.5 µL (≥5 samples). Try changing
the volume setting to 11.8 µL and repeat the measurements. If the
volumes delivered are still not close enough to 10 µL, make
another slight volume adjustment until the measurements are as
desired.
Very dense liquids may not be suitable for air displacement pipetting. Use positive displacement pipettes for these liquids.
Temperature Considerations
Warm or cold liquids can be measured with good precision by
using a consistent pipetting rhythm. This will help minimize any
differences in heating or cooling effects within the pipette. Use a
new tip each time for best accuracy and precision when measuring samples with temperatures greatly different from ambient, and
do not pre-rinse. You will get best results if there is no delay
between picking up the sample and dispensing it.
Acids and Corrosives
After pipetting concentrated acids or highly corrosive solutions you
should disassemble Pipetman and inspect and clean (if necessary) the piston, shaft, and seal assemblies.
Extensive contact with corrosive fumes may corrode the piston.
This will result in premature seal wear and may require refinishing
or replacement of the piston. Exposure of internal Pipetman components to corrosive fumes can be reduced by using aerosolresistant tips. These tips have an internal filter which acts as an
aerosol barrier.
Pipetman Storage
After use, store Pipetman in a clean, safe place. Pipetman is a
precision instrument and should be treated with the level of care
appropriate for laboratory instrumentation. Three types of pipet
hanger are available to hold your Pipetman conveniently when
not in use.
CR-7: Free-standing carousel holds 7 Pipetman pipettes.
HU-M3: Set of three magnetic Hang-Ups™
for mounting on ferrous surfaces. Package
includes adhesive disks for non-ferrous surface mounting.
HU-S3: Three Hang-Ups
attached to a clamp which
fits onto a shelf.
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Troubleshooting and Repairs
Pipetman pipettes give excellent performance and long-term service. Use these procedures in the case of physical or chemical
damage. P-2 and P-10 models have small, fragile components
that can be broken or mislaid.
Sample Splash (liquid inside the mechanism)
1. Remove the tip ejector, if fitted (see page 9).
2. Unscrew the shaft coupling nut holding the shaft to the pipette
body.
3. Holding Pipetman upside down, remove the shaft and
inspect the seal assembly and piston for contamination.
The
piston should be shiny and free of corrosion. Clean with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. Dry with a lint-free tissue
and reassemble after inspecting the interior of the shaft for
contaminants.
4. If staining and/or corrosion of the piston is evident (due to
previously dried sample material), do not use the pipette.
Return to RAININ for service (see p. 10).
Never grease any Pipetman components, except for
P-10ML pre- S/N N05803D, which use a grease seal.
Leaks, Inaccurate Sampling
1. Loosened shaft. Tighten coupling by hand.
2. Split or cracked shaft. Remove the tip ejector and inspect the
shaft for fracture or split end. Replace if necessary. If the shaft
was dropped, remove it and the seal assembly to see if the
piston is bent. If so, return the instrument: call Service, 800662-7027.
3. Worn seal and / or o-ring. Dismantle Pipetman as described
in “Sample Splash”. Replace the seal and o-ring, referring to
the drawing on page 12 or 13. All models (except older P10ML) use a polyethylene seal and o-ring. Pull off the old
seal and o-ring, position the new seal and o-ring on the piston as shown in the drawing, and reassemble Pipetman.
4. Bent plunger. Call Service, 800-662-7027.
5. Damaged friction ring. Call Service, 800-662-7027.
6. Improper reassembly. Remove the tip ejector and shaft.
Check the position of the internal assemblies, especially the
seal, against the illustrations.
Consult the publication “Pipetman Care and Maintenance” (AB-
14) for more information. Get this free publication by calling 800-
543-4030 or download from the RAININ website:
http://www.rainin.com/pdf/ab14.pdf
9
Removing/Replacing Tip Ejector Arm
Removing the Tip Ejector Arm:
1. Press and hold the tip ejector button fully down.
2. With the other hand, pull the ejector arm out of
the Pipetman using the plastic ejector arm release collar.
Replacing the Tip Ejector Arm:
1. Press and hold the tip ejector button fully down.
2. Hold Pipetman in one hand and the tip ejector arm in
the other hand.
3. Align the plastic collar at the end of the tip ejector with
the rod inside the handle.
4. At the same time place the tip ejector opening over the
end of the Pipetman shaft.
5. Push the plastic collar into the handle until the tip ejector is securely in place. Make sure that tips will fit properly on the shaft.
Figure 3 Tip Ejector Arm
2. Pull arm from handle using
ejector arm release collar.
1. Press tip ejector button.
Tip Ejector Arm Removal
1. Press tip ejector button.
2. Hold Pipetman in one hand and
the tip ejector arm in the other
hand.
3. Align the plastic shaft at the end
of the tip ejector with the rod
inside the handle.
4. At the same time place the tip
ejector opening over the end of
the Pipetman shaft.
5. Push the plastic collar into the
handle until the tip ejector is
securely in place.
Tip Ejector Arm Replacement
10
Service, Calibration and Repair
RAININ maintains its own Pipette Repair and Calibration facilities
in the following locations:
RAININ Service Center
Rainin Road, Woburn, MA 01801, USA
Tel: 800-662-7027 Fax: 781-935-7631
RAININ Service Center
7500 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621
Tel: 800-662-7027
RAININ Service Center
5955 Mira Mesa Blvd., Ste B, San Diego, CA 92121
Tel: 858-320-0446
It is NOT necessary to recalibrate the pipette after changing the
seal or shaft.
Recalibration of the pipette is only necessary when the piston is
replaced, and should only be done by qualified factory-trained
personnel in the appropriate facility.
Contacting RAININ
Technical Information:
Phone: 800-543-4030
Fax: 781-938-1152
Email: tech.service@rainin.com
Pipette Service:
Phone: 800-662-7027
Fax: 781-935-7631
Email: service@rainin.com
Direct Order Line:
Phone: 800-4-RAININ (800-472-4646)
Fax: 781-938-1152
Email: pipets@rainin.com
Web: http://www.rainin.com
11
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Performance Specifications
Each Pipetman is factory calibrated and carefully checked gravimetrically before shipment using distilled water and an analytical
balance. Water temperature and ambient conditions are stabilized
at 21.5°C ± 1°C. Volumetric corrections are made for both the
density of water and evaporation where applicable. Consult the
Rainin publication “Procedure for Evaluating Pipette Accuracy and
Precision” (AB-15) for further information, or download a copy
from the RAININ website:
http://www.rainin.com/pdf/ab15.pdf
When used in accordance with the pipetting procedures in this
manual and with RAININ tips, Pipetman pipettes will perform to
the following specifications.
These manufacturer’s specifications should be used as guidelines when establishing your own performance specification.
Part numbers are listed on the back page. The plunger and plunger button in these diagrams are
for dual-adjustment Pipetman, and cannot be used on older Pipetman models. For convenience,
old-style part numbers are also listed on the back page.
12
P-2 P-10
P-20 P-100
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P-200 P-1000
P-5000 P-10ML
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7500 EDGEWATER DRIVE, OAKLAND, CA 94621
800-472-4646 E-MAIL: pipets@rainin.com WEB: www.rainin.com
9920-025 Rev L
Replacement Parts
Part Model
P-2 P-10 P-20 P-100 P-200 P-1000 P-5000 P-10ML
*
Plunger 844781 844782 844783 844784 844785 844786 844787 861281
button
Plunger 44761 44761 44761 44761 44761 44761 44761 44761
rod**
Shaft 23654 23654 23654 23654 23654 23654 n.a. n.a.
coupling
Shaft 44816 44819 23353 44602 23305 23371 23608 61263
Tip ejector 44829 44829 23657 44605 23658 23659 n.a. n.a.
O-ring 400071 400071 400013 400067 400001 400003 400006 400025
Seal 44815 44818 23359 44604 23350 23374 23118 61828
Seal assy 44817 44817 23354 44603 23306 † † †
holder
Small spring 300066 300066 300047 300047 300047 † † †
Small spring 23871 23871 23871 23871 23871 † † †
positioner
Large spring 44214 44214 44214 44214 44214 † † †
positioner
Large spring 300042 300042 300042 300004 300004 † † †
Filters (100) n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 6190
-
164 6190-164
Filters (1000) n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 6190
-
165 6190-165
* This column is for P-10ML after S/N N05806D.
For P-10ML pre-S/N N05803D — same as listed above except:
Plunger rod: 23861, Shaft: 6192-016, O-ring: 6192-015, Seal: n.a.
**
Replacing the plunger rod will require recalibration of the instrument.
Please call 800-662-7027 for information.
† Part of one-piece piston assembly.
For Old-Style Pipetman Models (not plunger-button-adjustable) only:
P-2 P-10 P-20 P-100 P-200 P-1000 P-5000 P-10ML
Plunger button 44823 44824 23660 44607 23661 23662 23663 61223
Plunger rod 23861 23861 23861 23861 23861 23861 23861 23861
Call 800-543-4030 for a free copy of “Pipetman Care and Maintenance” (AB-14) and “Procedure for Evaluating Pipette Accuracy
and Precision” (AB-15) or download them from the RAININ website:
http://www.rainin.com/pdf/ab14.pdf
http://www.rainin.com/pdf/ab15.pdf
Limited Warranty
See the enclosed Limited Warranty and Limitations of Liability
Statement. Please complete and return the Warranty Registration
Card on receipt of your pipette.
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