Sartorius GPC Series Pipette Calibration Balance

Overview

The Sartorius GPC Series Pipette Calibration Balance is a purpose-built, high-precision analytical balance engineered exclusively for gravimetric pipette calibration in compliance with ISO 8655 (Pipettes – Calibration and Gravimetric Methods) and USP (General Chapter on Weighing). Unlike general-purpose analytical balances, the GPC series integrates application-specific hardware and environmental controls to eliminate systematic errors inherent in traditional pipette calibration workflows—particularly evaporation loss, air current interference, and manual handling delays. It operates on the principle of electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR), delivering stable, drift-compensated mass readings under dynamic dispensing conditions. Its open-chamber architecture—eliminating the need for a conventional draft shield—enables direct, unobstructed access to the weighing pan during sequential liquid dispensing, significantly reducing cycle time per calibration point while maintaining traceable uncertainty budgets below ±0.005 mg (k = 2) for critical volume points.

Key Features

• Open-chamber design with integrated vapor valve: Maintains controlled humidity (60–90% RH) within the weighing chamber to minimize evaporative mass loss during repeated dispense-and-weigh cycles—critical for accurate low-volume calibrations (e.g., 1–100 µL).
• No external draft shield required: Eliminates mechanical door operation, stabilization waiting time, and airflow turbulence associated with conventional enclosures—reducing calibration time per pipette by up to 40%.
• Modular calibration workstation: Configurable platform supports interchangeable sample vessels—including 6 mL and 21 mL borosilicate glass containers for volumes ≤1,000 µL, and 50 mL shielded vessels (GPC65-CW / GPC225-CW variants) for higher-capacity applications requiring enhanced environmental isolation.
• One-touch internal calibration: Built-in motorized mass actuator enables automatic recalibration at user-defined intervals or upon temperature drift detection, ensuring continuous metrological traceability without external weights.
• Robust EMFR sensor architecture: Delivers high reproducibility (<0.002% RSD over 10 replicates) and long-term stability (±0.003 mg drift/24 h at 23 °C ±1 °C), meeting GLP/GMP documentation requirements for QC laboratories.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GPC Series accommodates standard ISO 8655-compliant test vessels (Class A volumetric flasks, certified glass cylinders) and Sartorius-certified disposable polypropylene containers. All configurations comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) and support full audit trail generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with optional Sartorius LabX software. The system meets ASTM E2798 (Standard Practice for Calibration of Volumetric Glassware) and is validated for use in pharmaceutical QC environments operating under ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for analytical method validation.

Software & Data Management

When paired with Sartorius LabX™ Pipette Calibration Software (optional), the GPC Series enables fully automated calibration workflows—including automatic volume calculation, uncertainty propagation per GUM (JCGM 100:2008), statistical evaluation (mean, SD, CV%, tolerance pass/fail), and PDF/e-signature-ready reports compliant with 21 CFR Part 11. Raw data, metadata (operator ID, timestamp, ambient T/RH, vessel ID), and calibration history are stored in encrypted SQL databases with role-based access control and immutable audit trails.

Applications

• Gravimetric verification and adjustment of single-channel and multichannel pipettes (1 µL to 10 mL range)
• ISO 8655-6 accredited calibration in accredited testing laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025)
• Pharmaceutical process validation (e.g., assay preparation, reference standard dilution)
• Medical device manufacturing QC (e.g., reagent dispensing system qualification)
• Academic research labs requiring traceable liquid handling verification for reproducible assay outcomes

FAQ

Is the GPC Series suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration laboratories?
Yes—the system’s documented measurement uncertainty, built-in calibration traceability to national standards (via Sartorius DAkkS-accredited certificates), and compatibility with LabX audit-trail functionality fulfill key requirements for accreditation.
Can the GPC balance be used outside a dedicated lab environment?
With optional YDB01WZA transport case and stable ambient conditions (temperature stability ±1 °C/h, no direct sunlight or drafts), field calibration is feasible—though environmental monitoring (T/RH) must be logged per ISO 8655-6.
Does the vapor valve require maintenance or consumables?
No—the passive capillary-based humidity regulation system is maintenance-free and requires no refills, filters, or periodic replacement.
What level of training is required to operate the GPC system?
Basic operation requires <30 minutes of instruction; advanced reporting and audit-trail configuration are supported via LabX’s guided workflow interface and Sartorius’ certified technician training programs.