Hirschmann ceramus® classic Fixed-Volume Bottle Top Dispenser

Overview

The Hirschmann ceramus® classic Fixed-Volume Bottle Top Dispenser is an engineered solution for precise, repeatable, and chemically resilient liquid dispensing in analytical, quality control, and research laboratories. Based on positive displacement piston technology, it delivers consistent volumetric delivery without reliance on gravity or viscosity-dependent flow—ensuring high reproducibility across diverse solvents and reagents. Unlike spring-loaded or air-displacement systems, the ceramus® classic employs a precision-machined ceramic piston housed within a chemically inert body, eliminating drift due to wear, thermal expansion, or solvent swelling. Its fixed-volume configuration provides optimal stability for routine standardized protocols where volume consistency is critical—such as titrant preparation, calibration standard dilution, or QC sample spiking—without the complexity or calibration overhead of adjustable models.

Key Features

• 99.7% high-purity ceramic piston: Engineered for extreme chemical resistance, thermal stability (up to 121 °C), and surface hardness exceeding 1,500 HV; eliminates wear-related calibration drift over lifetime use.
• Full autoclavability: Entire unit—including piston, cylinder, and dispensing valve—maintains dimensional integrity and metrological performance after repeated steam sterilization at 121 °C for 20 minutes, supporting ISO 13485 and GLP-compliant workflows.
• Universal bottle compatibility: Standard A32 thread base ensures direct fit on common domestic and international reagent bottles; optional A45 and S40 adapters extend compatibility to legacy and specialty container formats.
• Chemical universality: Certified for safe handling of concentrated mineral acids (e.g., HNO₃, H₂SO₄, HCl), strong alkalis (e.g., NaOH, KOH), halogenated and polar organic solvents (e.g., chloroform, DMF, DMSO), and saline solutions—validated per ASTM D471 and ISO 16000-23 material compatibility guidelines.
• Fixed-volume precision architecture: Optimized for applications requiring zero-tolerance volume variation; eliminates operator-induced setting errors inherent in adjustable dispensers and reduces risk of misconfiguration during shift handovers or multi-user environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ceramus® classic is designed for direct integration into regulated laboratory environments. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements and meet EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 for materials intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. It supports compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.10 (equipment verification), FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when used in conjunction with validated electronic logbooks), and GMP Annex 15 (verification of equipment suitability). Each unit ships with a traceable Certificate of Conformance referencing DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing controls and a manufacturer-issued Quality Certificate documenting batch-specific metrological verification against certified reference standards.

Software & Data Management

As a manually operated, non-electronic instrument, the ceramus® classic does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital interfaces. However, its design supports full integration into paperless laboratory systems via external documentation protocols. Users may assign unique asset IDs, record sterilization cycles in LIMS or ELN platforms, and attach digital copies of the Certificate of Conformance and calibration history. Its fixed-volume nature simplifies audit trail generation: volume identity is physically immutable, removing ambiguity associated with digital setting logs or mechanical dial misreads. For laboratories operating under 21 CFR Part 11, the device qualifies as “non-configurable hardware” — requiring only procedural controls for usage, cleaning, and sterility validation.

Applications

• Preparation of standardized titrants (e.g., 0.1 M NaOH, 0.05 M EDTA) in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs.
• Dispensing of hazardous or highly reactive reagents—such as fuming nitric acid or sodium hydride suspensions—where PTFE or glass-based dispensers exhibit degradation or leakage.
• Pharmaceutical QC workflows involving buffer preparation for HPLC mobile phase or dissolution media, per USP and guidelines.
• Environmental testing labs performing EPA Method 300.0 and 300.1 analyses requiring acid-preserved sample aliquoting under stringent contamination control.
• Academic research involving long-term kinetic studies where dispenser longevity and zero recalibration demand reduce experimental variability across multi-month campaigns.

FAQ

Is the ceramus® classic suitable for dispensing hydrofluoric acid (HF)?
No. While highly resistant to most strong acids, HF attacks silica-based ceramics; use fluoropolymer-only dispensers (e.g., PFA-lined) for HF applications.
Can the fixed volume be modified post-purchase?
No. The ceramus® classic is factory-set and sealed; volume adjustment requires replacement of the entire piston-cylinder assembly by authorized Hirschmann service centers.
Does autoclaving affect long-term accuracy?
No. Accelerated aging tests per DIN EN 285 confirm no measurable deviation in dispensing performance after 500 autoclave cycles at 121 °C.
What maintenance is required between sterilization cycles?
Rinse thoroughly with deionized water after each use; dry fully before autoclaving. No lubrication or disassembly is needed—the ceramic-on-ceramic interface is self-lubricating and maintenance-free.
Is a calibration certificate included with shipment?
Yes. Each unit includes a manufacturer-issued Certificate of Conformance and a separate Quality Certificate listing measured dispense volume, uncertainty budget, and traceability to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB, NIST).