SPEX CertiPrep Pipette Washer/Dryer

Transcription

SPEX CertiPrep Pipette Washer/Dryer

Pipette Washer/Dryer Demonstration

The new pipette washer and dryer was designed by SPEX CertiPrep chemists to take the hassle out of washing volumetric pipettes. The pipette washer and dryer is constructed from durable polyethylene. Electricity is only necessary when using optional pump accessory. Operation of the pipette washer and dryer is extremely simple. It will shorten and simplify the process of cleaning your volumetric pipettes up to 23 at a time. The washer holds volumetric pipettes size 0/5mL to 250mL.

First, water runs through the pipettes to wash them, then air is drawn through the pipettes to dry them. The SPEX CertiPrep pipette washer is a rectangular plastic unit. Approximately 3 feet tall in a one foot square. The pipette washer has a door on the front which slides upward, permitting access to the inside. The door can be held upright in upright position using a plastic plug that fits into the hole located above the door opening.

Inside, there is a shelf below the door level containing 23 conical or funnel-shaped plastic pipette holders which are aligned in 5 rows of 5, 4, 54 holders respectively. Each pipette holder is connected via plastic tubing to the wash and dry line.

The third, fourth and fifth row of holders are connected to the left on/off valve. While the first and second row of holders are connected to the right on/off valve. The operation uses two, three or five rows of pipette holders depending on the number of pipettes to be processed. Tubing extends from the valves to a single main line, which terminates into holes, barb connector located in the front unit just below the on/off valves.

Connect water tubing to your water source. Attach this tubing into the hole’s barb connector on the front of the cabinet. Ensure that both valves of the pipette connector are closed, handles in horizontal position. Place a pipette of any size tip up into each pipette holder. Start at the back, work for it towards the door.

Once the pipettes are all placed into position, the valves for the rows containing pipettes are then placed into open position. The valve handles are in the vertical position. Turn the water on. While facing the door of the pipette washer, you might note the valves in the front of the cabinet. The valve on the left side of the cabinet controls rows 3, 4 and 5 towards the rear of the cabinet. The valve on the right of the cabinet controls the first and second rows of the pipette holders.

When the main water source is turned on, the pressurized water goes through the plastic tubing and then branches into the secondary water lines and fills each pipette. The water then shoots out of the pipette tip under pressure, splashes off the ceiling of the washer and rains a shower of water over the outside of the pipette, thus cleaning inside and outside of the pipettes.

Water should be allowed to run through the pipettes for about 10 to 15 minutes to achieve optimum cleanliness. Once the washing session is complete, shut off the water. The tubing may now be disconnected from the hole’s barb at the front of the cabinet or disconnected at the water source if you’re going to reuse the same tubing. Attach this plastic tube to a vacuum source. Again, if you’re reusing the same tubing you use for the water connection, otherwise attach tubing from another source onto the hole’s barb connector in front of the cabinet. Once the vacuum source is open, air is pulled into the pipettes. Allow this to continue until the insides of all the pipettes are completely dry by the moving steam of air. Approximate drying time is 15 minutes.

The pipette washer has a small footprint, taking a minimum amount of sink, bench or floor space. During the washing of pipettes, it is unnecessary to open or close the door, although we recommend that door being closed when washing, to contain any excess splashing that may occur.

The washer can also be set up on a lab bench, on the floor, or wherever you have room in the laboratory. For this setup, you must purchase the pump and basin accessories for the washer.

To operate the washer using the basin and pump, place washer in a basin full of water. This setup is also useful if you wish to use acids or wash solutions to clean your pipettes. The pump is submersible, so shoot it directly into the water. Simply attach the tubing to the front of the pipette washer to the pump. Plug in the pump to turn it on. The water, acid, or solution can then re-circulate through the washer. You may choose to modify the valve settings since you have the right amount of water flowing through each of your pipettes. You may run detergents through the pipette washer and dryer. Acids may also be used, but be sure to close the door to prevent splashing. The door made of polyethylene is acid-resistant. We recommend room temperature water. Extremely hot or cold water temperatures should not reverse the effect of the pipette washer and dryer.

The hot temperature on the tubing may make it soft and pliable. If one or more pipettes inserted into the pipette washer are not being washed, make note of which of the units are not functioning and turn the water off at its source. Tip the pipette washer cabinet as to be able to view the bottom of the unit. Look for any disconnected tubes or loose pipette connectors. If any connections are loose, tighten them slightly Set the unit to its upright position and turn the water on once again. The unit should now be working properly.