Pipette Accuracy Tester PT-Series AD-4212B-PT AD-4212A-PT FX-300i-PT INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1WMPD4001794
© 2009 A&D Company, Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, or translated into any language in any form by any means without the written permission of A&D Company, Limited. The contents of this manual and the specifications of the instrument covered by this manual are subject to change for improvement without notice.
CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................2 1-1 Unpacking the Tester.......................................................................................................................... 2 1-2 Description of Each Component......................................................................................................... 4 1-3 WinCT-Pipette, Software for Pipette Accuracy Testing..............
1. INTRODUCTION The PT series Pipette Accuracy Tester performs an accuracy test of the volume of a pipette in accordance with ISO 8655. This manual describes how the PT series Pipette Accuracy Tester works and how to get the most out of it in terms of performance. It includes how to assemble the tester, how to measure and how to use the software, WinCT-Pipette, for pipette accuracy testing. Read this manual thoroughly before using the tester and keep it at hand for future reference.
AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT The connection cable provided as an accessory is one meter long.
1-2 Description of Each Component z Evaporation trap A chamber to prevent the evaporation of the dispensed test liquid. (Refer to “1-4 Function of the Evaporation Trap”.) z Sample cup (Two types: 5 mL and 30 mL) A cup to contain the test liquid dispensed from a pipette. z Test liquid cup A container to keep a test liquid such as distilled water. z Thermometer (with a clamp) Measures the temperature of the test liquid.
NOTE For detailed information on WinCT-Pipette, refer to “How to use WinCT-Pipette.pdf” in the WinCT-Pipette CD-ROM. Main Window When WinCT-Pipette starts up, the window below opens Specifications Enter the pipette volume, specifications of accuracy and repeatability used for pass/fail judgment. Measured Values Displays the mass values transmitted from the balance and the volumetric values obtained using the Z factor.
2. ASSEMBLING THE TESTER 2-1 AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT 1. Place the weighing unit on a solid table. For details on the installation site, refer to “3. PRECAUTIONS Display BEFORE USE”. Connection cable Secure the display to the stand using the angle adjustment knobs. Connect the display and the weighing unit using the connection cable. Weighing unit Stand Angle adjustment knob 2. Install the evaporation trap base on the weighing Evaporation trap base unit. 3.
4. Install the lower part of the evaporation trap on the weighing unit, mating the tabs with the holes on the Lower part of the evaporation trap base. Tab Hole 5. Attach the upper part of the evaporation trap to the lower part, mating the tab with the notch. Upper part of the evaporation trap Tab Lower part of the evaporation trap Notch 6. Adjust the direction of the evaporation trap so that the pipette insertion opening on the sloped surface is faced to allow easy operation.
2-2 FX-300i-PT 1. Place the balance on a solid table. For details on the installation site, refer to “3. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USE”. . 2. Install the fitting boss on the balance, then install Evaporation trap base the evaporation trap base on the fitting boss. Fitting boss 3. Install the sample cup holder (30 mL) on the base. 5 mL sample cup When the 30 mL sample cup is used: Insert the sample cup into the holder.
4. Install the lower part of the evaporation trap on the weighing unit, mating the tabs with the holes on the Lower part of the evaporation trap base. Tab Hole 5. Attach the upper part of the evaporation trap to the lower part, mating the tab with the notch. Upper part of the evaporation trap Tab Lower part of the evaporation trap Notch 6. Adjust the direction of the evaporation trap so that the pipette insertion opening on the sloped surface is faced to allow an easy operation.
3. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USE To get the optimum performance from the balance and acquire accurate weighing data, note the following, especially when using the AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT with a minimum weighing value of 0.01 mg / 0.1 mg. Install the balance where the measurement environment is appropriate. The best operating temperature is 15°C to 30°C ±0.5°C with greater than 50% RH. Install the balance where it is not exposed to direct sunlight and it is not affected by air from heaters or air conditioners.
4. ANTI-STATIC TREATMENT An anti-static treatment has been applied to the evaporation trap. Cleaning it with alcohol will reduce the effect of the treatment. If the evaporation trap has acquired a static charge, apply an anti-static agent or use the optional AD-1683 DC static eliminator to remove the static electricity. 5. INSTALLING WinCT-Pipette For detailed information on the WinCT-Pipette program, refer to “How to use WinCT-Pipette.pdf ” in the WinCT-Pipette CD-ROM.
6. CONNECTING A PC TO THE BALANCE To make a connection between a PC and the balance, use the RS-232C cable or use both the RS-232C cable and the USB converter. 6-1 Connecting a PC When a PC COM port is used When using the COM port of a PC to make a connection to the balance, use the accessory RS-232C AC adapter jack cable.
6-2 Checking COM Port Numbers COM port numbers vary depending on the PC used. Use the Windows Device Manager to check COM port numbers. NOTE When the USB converter is used, check the COM port number with the USB converter connected. 1 Click [Start], [Settings] and [Control Panel]. 2 Double-click [System]. 3 Click [Hardware] and [Device Manager]. 4 Double-click [Port (COM & LPT)]. COM port numbers will be displayed. When the USB converter is used, “ATEN USB to Serial Bridge (COMx)” appears.
7. CALIBRATING THE BALANCE For details on calibration, read the balance instruction manual in addition to this manual. Before calibration, refer to “3. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USE”. Especially when calibrating the AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT with a minimum weighing value of 0.01 mg / 0.1 mg, make sure that the installation environment is appropriate and the balance is warmed up for the appropriate duration. 7-1 AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT 1.
7-2 FX-300i-PT 1. Remove the 30 mL sample cup and leave Upper part of the evaporation trap only the sample cup holder (30 mL) inside the evaporation trap as shown to the right. Lower part of the evaporation trap 2. Press and hold the CAL key until Calout is displayed, then release the CAL key. 3. When Cal 0 Sample cup holder (30 mL) is displayed, press the PRINT key to enter the zero point. Tab (4 in all) 4. After the zero point is entered, the calibration weight value 100 is displayed.
8. PREPARATION BEFORE USE The measurement environment recommended by ISO 8655 is as follows. Temperature: 15°C to 30°C ±0.5°C Humidity: Greater than 50% RH 8-1 Filling the Evaporation Trap with Water Remove the evaporation trap from the balance. Separate the upper and lower part of the evaporation trap.
8-3 Using the Thermometer Part names Front 1 2 3 ON / FAST Back AUTO-OFF 5 7 1: LCD 2: ON/FAST button MAX / MIN 3: MAX/MIN button 4: Sensor sheath 4 5: AUTO-OFF button 6 6: Sheath protector 7: Battery cover Before use One LR-44 battery is provided with the thermometer. It is for testing the performance of the thermometer and may have a limited life. Before use, install the battery as described in “Replacing the battery” below.
Displaying modes The thermometer has three display modes. Displaying mode • Current temperature mode Displays the current temperature. Display example • Max/Min temperature mode Displays the latest maximum and minimum temperatures that are automatically stored in the thermometer. Maximum temperature Minimum temperature • Auto power-off mode Turns the power off automatically after six or seven minutes of no operation.
Recalling the maximum and minimum temperatures stored in memory With the current temperature displayed, Current temperature each pressing of the MAX/MIX button displays the maximum and minimum temperatures in Press MAX/MIN turn. Maximum temperature Press MAX/MIN To check the maximum and minimum temperature during measurement, reset the Minimum temperature values in memory before measurement.
Cleaning the thermometer For accurate temperature measurement, keep the temperature detection part clean. Wash the thermometer softly in water. If contamination is hard to remove, clean the thermometer with a lint free cloth moistened with water and a mild detergent. Specifications Sensor : Thermister Measuring temperature range : -50°C to 260°C Display resolution : 0.1°C Accuracy : ±1.0°C (0°C to 60°C), ±2.0°C (-20°C to 100°C), ±2.5°C (-50°C to 100°C), ±3.0°C (-50°C to 150°C), ±3.
9. MEASUREMENT 9-1 Measuring Procedure Using the predetermined pipette volume, perform the measurement the specified times. ISO 8655 recommends ten measurements for each for the volumes described below. z At the nominal volume of a fixed volume pipette z At the following three points of an adjustable volume pipette 1. 10% of the maximum volume or the lower limit of the adjustable volume range, whichever is greater. 2. 50% of the maximum volume 3.
9-3 Example Causes of Measurement Errors Evaporation of the test liquid Evaporation of the distilled water dispensed from the pipette into the sample cup can be a cause of measurement error. To reduce errors caused by evaporation zBe sure to use the evaporation trap. Using the evaporation trap, evaporation of the test liquid can be reduced to 0.05 mg per minute (0.05 μL per minute). zWith the AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT, use the display lock function. For details, refer to “10-2 Display Lock Function”.
Air flow Air flow in the measurement environment yields unstable measurement values To reduce errors caused by air flow zInstall the balance where it is not affected by heaters or air conditioners or where no drafts exist. Especially when using the AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT with a minimum weighing value of 0.01 mg / 0.1 mg, use much care in choosing an installation site or cover the weighing unit. Operator An operator’s pipetting technique influences measurements.
10. AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT The AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT is designed exclusively as a pipette accuracy tester. Although the performance as a balance is the same as the AD-4212B / AD-4212A production weighing unit, some of the specifications are different. 10-1 Factory Settings When shipped, the factory settings of the AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT as a pipette accuracy tester are as follows. Unit z Weighing unit: mg z Minimum weighing value for the AD-4212B-PT: 0.
10-2 Display Lock Function To use this function, set “Display lock function (ploc)” to “ON (1)”. Why use this function This function is used to compensate time-elapsed errors caused by evaporation. Even when the evaporation trap is used, an evaporation of 0.05 mg per minute (0.05 μL per minute) will occur. This evaporation influences the measurement, particularly when the volume of the test liquid is small. For such a situation, the display lock function is useful.
11. TROUBLESHOOTING z Displayed values are unstable. The AD-4212B-PT / AD-4212A-PT has a minimum weighing value of 0.01 mg / 0.1 mg and is influenced by the measurement environment. Measures to take ß Use the accessory breeze break. ß Referring to “3. PRECAUTIONS BEFORE USE”, check the measurement environment for sources of drafts, vibration and static electricity. ß The AD-4212B-PT with a minimum weighing value of 0.01 mg is prone to low-frequency vibration such as shaking buildings.
12. SPECIFICATIONS Weighing capacity *1 AD-4212B-PT AD-4212A-PT FX-300i-PT 110 g / 31 g *2 110 g 320 g Minimum weighing 0.1 mg / 0.01 mg 0.1 mg 0.001 g value Linearity ±0.2 mg / ±0.05 mg ±0.3 mg ±0.002 g Repeatability 0.1 mg / 0.05 mg 0.15 mg 0.001 g (Standard deviation) Dimensions Weighing unit: 80 (W) x 230 (D) x 200 (H) mm 193 (W) x 262.
13. APPENDIX The table below lists the relation between the ISO 8655 requirements and the PT series pipette accuracy testers. ISO 8655 requirements Maximum permissible error Balance minimum Accuracy Repeatability weighing *4 value (μL) ±% ±μL % μL mg 20 1.0 0.2 0.5 0.1 0.01 50 1.0 0.5 0.4 0.2 100 0.8 0.8 0.3 0.3 200 0.8 1.6 0.3 0.6 500 0.8 4.0 0.3 1.5 1000 0.8 8.0 0.3 3.0 0.1 2000 0.8 16 0.3 6.0 5000 0.8 40 0.3 15.0 10000 0.6 60 0.3 30.
