Hirschmann Pipetus-classic Electric Pipette Controller
| Brand | Hirschmann (Germany) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | Pipetus-classic |
| Pipetting Range | 0.1–200 mL |
| Accuracy | ±0.5% |
| Weight | 240 g |
| Material | Polyamide 6 (PA6) |
| Power | Rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 50 h runtime) |
| Compliance | ISO 8655, DIN EN ISO 9001, GLP, GMP |
| Sterilization Compatibility | Autoclavable silicone tip and ceramic nozzle |
| Filtration | Dual-stage protection (hydrophobic filter + non-return valve) |
| Display | Backlit LED control buttons |
| Pipetting Modes | Aspirate / Dispense / Blow-out (Ex/Blow-out) |
| Speed Control | Continuously adjustable |
| Tip Compatibility | Universal fit for glass & plastic serological pipettes (0.1–200 mL) |
Overview
The Hirschmann Pipetus-classic Electric Pipette Controller is an engineered solution for precise, ergonomic, and contamination-controlled manual pipetting of volumes ranging from 0.1 mL to 200 mL. Unlike traditional bulb-based or mechanical controllers, the Pipetus-classic employs a brushless DC motor coupled with a high-efficiency air displacement system to deliver consistent aspiration and dispensing forces across its full volume range. Its design adheres strictly to the metrological principles outlined in ISO 8655-8 (2022) for auxiliary pipetting devices, ensuring traceable volumetric performance and reproducibility under routine laboratory conditions. The controller is intended for use with standard Class A and Class B serological pipettes—both glass and polypropylene—and is widely deployed in QC laboratories, bioprocessing environments, clinical diagnostics workflows, and academic research settings where regulatory compliance, operator fatigue reduction, and long-term instrument reliability are critical operational requirements.
Key Features
- Extended battery life: Up to 50 hours of continuous operation per full charge — more than six times the typical runtime of conventional electric pipette controllers.
- Precision liquid level control: Integrated pressure-sensing feedback enables accurate meniscus positioning during aspiration, minimizing parallax error and improving volumetric fidelity.
- Universal tip compatibility: Chemically resistant silicone adapter seals securely with all standard 0.1–200 mL pipettes, including borosilicate glass, polystyrene, and polypropylene variants.
- Dual-layer fluid protection: A hydrophobic PTFE membrane filter (0.2 µm pore size) combined with a stainless-steel non-return valve prevents aerosol ingress and safeguards the motor assembly against accidental over-aspiration.
- Ergonomic handheld architecture: Weighing only 240 g and shaped to conform to natural hand posture, the device reduces repetitive strain injury (RSI) risk during extended use sessions.
- Ceramic-tipped actuation pin: Corrosion-resistant composite ceramic at the control button interface ensures long-term tactile responsiveness and resistance to chemical degradation from solvents or disinfectants.
- Intuitive mode selection: Backlit LED buttons allow pre-selection of aspirate, dispense, and blow-out functions—enabling rapid protocol switching without visual strain in low-light environments.
- Variable speed regulation: Smooth, stepless adjustment of airflow velocity accommodates both low-volume precision work (e.g., 0.1 mL cell suspension transfers) and high-flow applications (e.g., 200 mL buffer preparation).
- Smart charging circuitry: Built-in overcharge protection and lithium-ion battery management eliminate memory effect, supporting >500 full charge cycles while maintaining ≥85% capacity retention.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Pipetus-classic is validated for use with all ISO-compliant serological pipettes meeting DIN 12681 and ASTM E969 specifications. It supports both sterile and non-sterile workflows, and its silicone components are autoclavable at 121 °C for 20 minutes (DIN EN 285), enabling integration into GMP-grade cleanroom operations. Each unit undergoes individual calibration verification and ships with a unique serial-numbered Certificate of Conformance, documenting full functional testing against ISO 8655-8 Annex C criteria. This documentation is structured to be directly embeddable into ISO 9001:2015 quality management system records, facilitating internal audits and third-party certification processes. The device also meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1 and carries CE marking for conformity with EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) Annex XVI (non-invasive, non-measuring accessory classification).
Software & Data Management
As a standalone electromechanical instrument, the Pipetus-classic does not incorporate embedded firmware, cloud connectivity, or digital data logging. Its operation remains intentionally analog and deterministic—eliminating software validation burdens associated with 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. However, its mechanical consistency, documented calibration history, and adherence to GLP/GMP documentation standards make it fully compatible with paper-based or LIMS-integrated recordkeeping systems. Users may log usage parameters—including pipette type, volume setpoint, operator ID, and date/time—manually or via external barcode-scanned entries in validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). For facilities requiring audit trails, the device’s serial number and CoC provide traceability back to factory calibration records held by Hirschmann’s quality assurance department.
Applications
- Cell culture maintenance: Accurate transfer of media, trypsin, and reagents without shear stress-induced cell damage.
- Pharmaceutical QC testing: Preparation of dissolution media, dilution series for HPLC sample introduction, and volumetric standardization per USP & EP monographs.
- Environmental microbiology: Serial dilution of water or soil extracts using sterile glass pipettes in ISO 11731-compliant Legionella testing.
- Food safety labs: Homogenate handling and plating media delivery in accordance with ISO 6887 and AOAC Official Methods.
- Academic teaching labs: Robust, low-maintenance tool for undergraduate pipetting technique training under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited instruction programs.
FAQ
Is the Pipetus-classic suitable for use with corrosive or volatile solvents?
Yes — the silicone adapter, ceramic actuation pin, and internal PTFE filtration system provide broad chemical resistance. Refer to the Hirschmann Chemical Compatibility Guide for solvent-specific exposure limits.
Can the device be calibrated in-house?
No — calibration is performed at the factory per ISO 8655-8 procedures. Users may perform periodic performance verification using gravimetric methods per ISO 8655-6, but formal recalibration requires return to an authorized Hirschmann service center.
Does the controller support multi-channel pipettes?
No — the Pipetus-classic is designed exclusively for single-channel serological pipettes. Multi-channel applications require dedicated electronic pipettors compliant with ISO 8655-2.
What is the warranty period and service coverage?
Hirschmann provides a 24-month limited warranty covering materials and workmanship. Extended service plans including annual preventive maintenance and battery replacement are available through authorized distributors.
How is sterility maintained during aseptic processing?
All user-contact surfaces (silicone tip, housing exterior) are autoclavable. The internal motor and electronics remain isolated behind the dual-filter barrier, eliminating need for disassembly between sterilization cycles.
