Sartorius Midi Plus™ Electronic Pipette Controller 710931

Overview

The Sartorius Midi Plus™ Electronic Pipette Controller 710931 is an ergonomically engineered motorized pipetting aid designed for precise, fatigue-free handling of serological and graduated glass or plastic pipettes in routine and high-throughput laboratory workflows. Unlike manual rubber bulbs or basic mechanical controllers, the Midi Plus™ employs a brushless DC motor coupled with a precision airflow regulation system to deliver consistent aspiration and dispensing across its full 1–100 mL volume range. Its operational principle relies on controlled vacuum generation and pressure modulation—enabling reproducible liquid transfer without operator-induced variability from hand pressure or inconsistent squeezing force. The device is optimized for applications requiring moderate-to-high-volume transfers where accuracy, repeatability, and operator safety are critical—particularly in cell culture, media preparation, buffer dilution, and quality control testing environments.

Key Features

• Ergonomic low-profile design minimizes wrist flexion and forearm elevation during extended use—reducing biomechanical strain and mitigating risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) per ISO 11228-3 guidelines.
• Linear speed control via rotary dial and pressure-sensitive dispensing button allows real-time adjustment of aspiration/dispensing velocity; ideal for viscous solutions, volatile solvents, or density-sensitive suspensions.
• Foldable integrated stand maintains pipette tip clearance from bench surfaces—preventing cross-contamination and preserving sterility integrity during pauses or multi-step protocols.
• Hydrophobic PTFE filter (available pre-sterilized or non-sterile) provides dual protection: prevents liquid ingress into internal motor and electronics while maintaining consistent airflow performance over time.
• Universal compatibility with standard 1–100 mL serological and volumetric pipettes—including borosilicate glass, polystyrene, and polypropylene variants—ensuring seamless integration into existing lab infrastructure.
• Optional Sartorius Optifit™ 5 mL and 10 mL tips offer enhanced sealing for lower-volume applications where tighter tolerances are acceptable but not strictly required under ISO 8655-8.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Midi Plus™ controller supports all common Class A and Class B serological pipettes conforming to ISO 648 and ISO 1042 specifications. It is validated for use with aqueous buffers, cell culture media, ethanol-based solutions, and mild organic solvents (e.g., acetone, isopropanol) when operated within manufacturer-recommended duty cycles. Device compliance includes EN 61326-1 (electromagnetic compatibility), IEC 61000-4-2/4/6 (ESD/surge immunity), and ISO 8549 (laboratory equipment ergonomics). While not certified under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, audit trails and electronic logs may be generated via optional third-party LIMS integration for GLP/GMP-aligned documentation.

Software & Data Management

The Midi Plus™ operates as a standalone instrument without embedded firmware or cloud connectivity. All operational parameters—including speed settings, usage duration, and filter replacement intervals—are managed manually by the user. For laboratories requiring traceability, Sartorius recommends pairing the device with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or asset management systems that support barcode scanning of the unit’s serial number (engraved on rear housing). No proprietary software installation or driver dependencies are required—ensuring plug-and-play functionality across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Applications

• Preparation of culture media and reagent dilutions in cell biology and microbiology labs.
• Transfer of viscous samples such as glycerol stocks, agarose solutions, or serum-containing media.
• High-volume washing steps in ELISA, Western blotting, and flow cytometry sample processing.
• Quality assurance workflows involving pH-adjusted buffers, calibration standards, or reference materials.
• Teaching laboratories where student ergonomics and procedural consistency must be prioritized alongside cost-effective maintenance.

FAQ

What pipette types are compatible with the Midi Plus™ 710931?

Standard 1–100 mL serological, Mohr, and volumetric pipettes made from borosilicate glass or autoclavable plastics—provided they feature conical or universal-tapered tips meeting ISO 648 dimensional tolerances.
Is the hydrophobic filter replaceable, and how often should it be changed?

Yes—filters are field-replaceable using part number Y12345 (sterile) or Y12346 (non-sterile). Replacement frequency depends on usage intensity and sample volatility; typical interval is every 3–6 months under daily operation in cleanroom-class environments.
Can the Midi Plus™ be used with positive-displacement pipettes?

No—it is designed exclusively for air-cushion (volumetric) pipettes and is incompatible with positive-displacement systems due to fundamental differences in airflow dynamics and tip engagement mechanics.
Does the device require calibration verification?

While not subject to mandatory periodic calibration per ISO 8655-8 (which applies only to piston-driven pipettes), users should perform functional checks—such as verifying consistent aspiration volume across three replicates at 10 mL and 100 mL—before each shift or after filter replacement.
What is the warranty coverage for the Midi Plus™ 710931?

Sartorius provides a 24-month limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal laboratory use conditions; consumables (e.g., filters, O-rings) and damage from improper cleaning or solvent exposure are excluded.