Hirschmann ceramus® Bottle Top Dispenser

Overview

The Hirschmann ceramus® Bottle Top Dispenser is a precision-engineered, fully autoclavable liquid handling instrument designed for high-integrity volumetric dispensing in demanding analytical, pharmaceutical, and biosafety-critical environments. Based on a stepped-volume mechanical calibration principle—eliminating reliance on electronic sensors or post-manufacture calibration—the ceramus® operates via a ceramic piston-driven positive displacement mechanism. Its core architecture ensures long-term dimensional stability and chemical inertness across aggressive reagent classes, including aqua regia (3:1 HCl:HNO₃), concentrated mineral acids (except hydrofluoric acid), organic solvents, and viscous solutions up to ~500 mPa·s. Unlike air-displacement pipettes or spring-loaded dispensers, the ceramus® delivers true gravimetric accuracy traceable to ISO 8655-3, with each unit individually tested and certified against DIN EN ISO 9001 quality management requirements. It functions as both a dispensing device and a hermetic bottle seal—reducing vapor exposure, minimizing cross-contamination risk, and supporting closed-system workflows compliant with P2 and P3 biosafety containment protocols.

Key Features

• Ceramic piston assembly manufactured from high-purity Al₂O₃ (99.8% alumina), offering exceptional resistance to chemical corrosion, thermal shock, and mechanical wear—maintaining factory-calibrated performance over >100,000 dispensing cycles.
• Mechanically indexed volume adjustment ring with tactile feedback and front-facing digital scale; enables full-range selection (e.g., 0.2–1.0 mL, 1.0–5.0 mL, up to 10–60 mL) within one 360° rotation—no parallax error, no recalibration required.
• Autoclavable at 121 °C / 2 bar for ≥20 minutes without disassembly; compatible with optional 0.2 µm hydrophobic PTFE membrane filters for sterile applications.
• Integrated sealing valve: when rotated to the “UP” position post-use, the dispenser acts as a leak-tight cap—preventing evaporation, oxidation, and operator exposure during storage.
• Ergonomic handle geometry optimized for single-hand operation under laminar flow hoods or biosafety cabinets; weight distribution minimizes repetitive strain during extended dispensing sequences.
• No disposable tips or gaskets—entirely reusable, reducing consumables cost and plastic waste while eliminating tip-induced carryover or adsorption artifacts.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ceramus® is validated for use with all common laboratory liquids except hydrofluoric acid (HF); HF-compatible variants are available under separate part numbers (e.g., ceramus® HF). Tested compatibility includes: concentrated HCl (37%), HNO₃ (65%), H₂SO₄ (96%), H₃PO₄ (85%), aqua regia, acetone, acetonitrile, DMF, DMSO, glycerol (up to 85% w/w), and aqueous buffers containing chelators or surfactants. All units comply with ISO 8655-3 (volumetric accuracy for piston-operated dispensers), DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 (quality system documentation), and support GLP/GMP audit readiness through individual serial-numbered full-test certificates—including gravimetric verification data, CV measurements, and traceability to national standards. Documentation packages meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when integrated with validated LIMS or ELN systems.

Software & Data Management

While the ceramus® is a purely mechanical device with no embedded electronics, its certification framework supports full digital integration into regulated environments. Each unit ships with a unique serial number-linked Certificate of Conformance (CoC) in PDF format, containing gravimetric test results per ISO 8655-3 Annex B, including mean deviation (A%), coefficient of variation (CV%), and uncertainty budget. These reports are structured for direct import into QMS platforms (e.g., MasterControl, Veeva Vault) and satisfy ISO 9000/17025 documentation clauses. Optional QR-coded labels enable barcode-based asset tracking within laboratory inventory systems. No firmware updates or software licensing is required—ensuring perpetual operational integrity without obsolescence risk.

Applications

• Standard solution preparation in accredited calibration labs (ISO/IEC 17025).
• Reagent dispensing in GMP-compliant pharmaceutical QC testing (USP , EP 2.6.17).
• Aqua regia digestion workflows for ICP-MS sample preparation in geochemical and metallurgical labs.
• High-containment biosafety applications (BSL-2/3) where tip-free, filter-integrated, and autoclavable liquid handling is mandated.
• Teaching laboratories requiring durable, calibration-free tools for volumetric technique instruction (e.g., titration, dilution series).
• Industrial R&D settings involving aggressive solvent systems (e.g., battery electrolyte formulation, catalyst synthesis).

FAQ

Is the ceramus® compatible with hydrofluoric acid (HF)?
No—the standard ceramus® model is not HF-resistant due to alumina’s susceptibility to fluoride ion attack. However, Hirschmann offers a dedicated ceramus® HF variant featuring a zirconia (ZrO₂) piston and fluoropolymer wetted components; contact technical support for ordering details.
Does the dispenser require periodic recalibration?
No—its mechanical stepped-volume design eliminates drift and does not rely on springs, O-rings, or electronic feedback loops. Per ISO 8655-3, it is classified as a “non-adjustable, factory-calibrated” device; routine verification via gravimetric check is recommended but not mandatory.
Can the ceramus® be used with viscous liquids like glycerol or polymer solutions?
Yes—positive displacement with ceramic piston ensures consistent delivery up to ~500 mPa·s viscosity; for higher viscosities (>1000 mPa·s), pre-wetting and slower dispensing speed are advised to maintain CV ≤0.1%.
How is sterility maintained between uses?
The entire unit (including piston, cylinder, and valve) withstands standard autoclaving (121 °C, 2 bar, 20 min); no disassembly is needed. Optional 0.2 µm PTFE filters provide additional microbial retention for critical applications.
What documentation is provided for ISO 9001 or GLP audits?
Each unit includes a serial-numbered Certificate of Conformance with full gravimetric test data, uncertainty analysis, and traceability statement—formatted for direct inclusion in ISO 9000 quality manuals or GLP study records.