Burkard 900X Precision Electronic Liquid Dispenser
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Model | 900X |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
| Dispensing Range | 0.1–999 µL (in 0.1 µL increments) |
| Accuracy | ±0.4% (improves with increasing volume) |
| Compatible Syringes | 1 mL and 10 mL glass syringes with Luer-lock fittings |
| Drive Mechanism | Electronically controlled linear motor (non-stepper, ball-screw actuated) |
| Control Unit Dimensions (H×W×L) | 140 × 115 × 332 mm |
| Syringe Mount Dimensions (H×W×L) | 106 × 106 × 300 mm |
| Total Weight | 1.47 kg |
| Safety | Dual-direction rapid travel with mechanical safety interlock |
| Interface Options | Foot switch, ring/finger switch, or remote TTL/USB trigger input |
| Compliance | CE-marked, RoHS-compliant, designed for GLP/GMP environments |
Overview
The Burkard 900X Precision Electronic Liquid Dispenser is an engineered solution for high-accuracy, repeatable micro-volume liquid handling in regulated laboratory environments. Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, the 900X operates on a closed-loop, electronically driven linear motor principle—eliminating reliance on traditional stepper motors or belt-driven mechanisms. Its core architecture employs a precision-ground ball-screw assembly coupled with a dedicated DC motor, ensuring consistent axial force transmission, minimal hysteresis, and long-term positional fidelity across thousands of dispensing cycles. Unlike pressure- or peristaltic-based systems, the 900X delivers true volumetric control via direct plunger displacement, making it suitable for non-Newtonian, viscous, or volatile liquids where flow-rate variability must be minimized. The device is routinely deployed in entomological sample preparation, aerosol calibration, allergen standardization, and analytical reference material dispensing—applications demanding traceable, low-volume reproducibility under ISO/IEC 17025 or CLIA-aligned workflows.
Key Features
- High-accuracy dispensing from 0.1 µL to 999 µL in 0.1 µL increments, with verified ±0.4% volumetric accuracy (per ISO 8655-5); accuracy improves at higher volumes due to reduced relative error contribution from mechanical backlash and seal friction.
- Dual-syringe compatibility: optimized for standard 1 mL and 10 mL borosilicate glass syringes with Luer-lock terminations—ensuring chemical inertness and thermal stability across pH 1–14 and temperatures up to 60°C.
- Low-voltage, fully electronic control architecture with no hydraulic or pneumatic components—enabling safe operation with flammable, cytotoxic, or biohazardous agents in fume hoods or biosafety cabinets.
- Three activation modes: manual thumbwheel selection, foot-switch actuation (included), or external TTL/USB-triggered dispensing—supporting integration into automated staging platforms or timed assay protocols.
- Mechanically interlocked dual-direction rapid travel: allows fast return-to-zero and priming without risk of over-travel or syringe barrel damage; integrated limit switches prevent motor stall and ensure drive train longevity.
- Modular mounting system with stainless-steel syringe holder and adjustable alignment clamps—facilitating rapid changeover between syringe sizes while maintaining coaxial plunger-syringe axis alignment within ±0.02°.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 900X accommodates a broad range of liquid classes—including aqueous buffers, ethanol/water mixtures, glycerol solutions (up to 80% v/v), and low-viscosity oils—without requiring recalibration. Its all-glass fluid path (syringe + Luer adapter) eliminates leachable contaminants and supports autoclaving of components (excluding electronics). The system complies with CE Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC), 2014/35/EU (LVD), and RoHS 2011/65/EU. While not FDA-cleared as a medical device, its design aligns with principles outlined in USP Analytical Instrument Qualification and supports audit-ready documentation for GLP studies and ISO 17025-accredited testing laboratories. Traceability is maintained through serial-numbered syringes and firmware-logged operation logs (when connected to host PC).
Software & Data Management
The 900X operates autonomously via its front-panel thumbwheel interface but also supports optional PC connectivity via USB 2.0 for configuration, logging, and remote command execution using Burkard’s proprietary DispenseControl software (Windows 10/11 compatible). Software features include user-defined dispensing sequences, cycle counters with timestamped CSV export, and password-protected parameter locking—meeting ALCOA+ data integrity requirements. Audit trails record operator ID, volume setpoint, actual dispensed volume (if calibrated sensor feedback is enabled), date/time, and error codes. For environments governed by FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the system can be configured with electronic signatures and role-based access controls when deployed with validated IT infrastructure.
Applications
- Entomological research: precise deposition of insect attractants, pheromones, or pesticide standards onto filter papers or collection surfaces for field trap calibration.
- Aerosol generation: metered introduction of calibration standards into cascade impactors or optical particle sizers (e.g., for PM2.5 or spore sizing validation).
- Allergen quantification: reproducible spotting of IgE-binding proteins onto microarray slides or immunoassay membranes.
- Reference material preparation: gravimetric dilution series for LC-MS or GC-MS method validation, where sub-microliter consistency directly impacts calibration curve linearity.
- Microfluidic device priming: controlled filling of nanoliter-scale channels without bubble entrapment or wall wetting artifacts.
FAQ
What syringe sizes are supported out-of-the-box?
The 900X ships with mounting hardware optimized for 1 mL and 10 mL glass syringes (Luer-lock); custom adapters are available for 0.5 mL and 5 mL variants upon request.
Is calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Yes—Burkard provides optional factory calibration certificates traceable to UKAS-accredited mass standards (equivalent to NIST SRM 2820), including uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025.
Can the 900X be integrated into a robotic workstation?
Absolutely—the device accepts TTL-level trigger signals (5 V logic) and exposes a full ASCII command set over USB for synchronization with PLCs, LabVIEW, or Python-controlled automation frameworks.
Does it require routine maintenance beyond syringe cleaning?
No scheduled maintenance is required; periodic inspection of the syringe O-ring (recommended annually) and verification of zero-position repeatability (using a digital caliper) suffice for ISO 17025 compliance.
What is the maximum allowable viscosity for reliable dispensing?
For optimal accuracy and lifetime, viscosity should remain below 1000 mPa·s at dispensing temperature; above this threshold, extended dwell times and reduced acceleration profiles are recommended to maintain ±0.5% performance.
