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Pipettes

Measuring Pipette: Liquid Handling in Labs

Graduated Pipettes

Pipettes are the most used laboratory tool to measure and transfer liquids from one container to another. Here you will find pipettes for all volumes and applications.

From Mohr type pipettes with color coded markings to silicone pipet fillers for comfortable handling you will find it here. For micro liters or bigger volumes you will find it here.

Besides the classic pipettes, this section also includes electronic pipette accuracy testers to ensure your pipettes deliver precise and reliable measurements. You need these to keep your test results and reduce errors in your experiments.

Also this section includes mini-pipettors with fixed volumes for applications where you need to dispense small liquid volumes repeatedly. These small and easy to use pipettes are for many laboratory applications.

In general the pipettes in this section are for researchers, scientists and lab technicians. Whether you are in a chemistry, biology or medical lab, good pipettes are key to your experiment’s success. Look here to find a pipette for your lab.

Types of Graduated Pipets

Pipettes are available in different types for different laboratory applications. Here are the main types:

  • Graduated Pipettes: Pipettes with graduation marks on the straight tube can measure specific volumes. For dispensing liquids in volumes.

  • Micropipettes: These pipettes are for measuring and transferring small volumes of liquids, usually in micro liters. For molecular biology and other fields where small quantities are required.

  • Automatic Pipettes: With a motorized system, automatic pipettes are fast and accurate in dispensing liquids. For high-throughput applications where speed is important.

  • Repetitive Pipettes: For dispensing the same volume of liquid multiple times, repetitive pipettes are for procedures where you need to measure the same volume repeatedly.

Pipette Materials and Construction

Measuring pipettes are made from various materials, each with its own benefits and considerations:

  • Borosilicate Glass: Famous for its heat and chemical resistance, borosilicate glass is the material of choice for laboratory pipettes. Borosilicate glass pipettes often meet Class B specifications, indicating their high quality and precision standards. Its durability and clarity makes it perfect for precise measurements.

  • Plastic: Light weight and shatter proof, plastic pipettes are convenient for many applications. But not suitable for high temperature environments.

  • Polypropylene: This plastic is chemical and heat resistant, therefore popular for lab pipettes. Robust and reliable.

  • Polyethylene: Light weight and shatter proof, polyethylene pipettes are general purpose but not for high temperature applications.

  • Stainless Steel: Corrosion and chemical resistant, stainless steel pipettes are durable and reliable but more expensive than other materials.

Uses and Applications of Measuring Pipettes

Measuring pipettes are versatile laboratory tools used in various applications to accurately measure and dispense specific volumes of liquids. They are commonly used in chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical laboratories for tasks such as titration, sampling, and mixing.

  1. Titration: Measuring pipettes are essential in titration experiments, where precise calculations of chemical concentrations are crucial. They allow for the accurate dispensing of specific volumes of titrants, ensuring reliable results.

  2. Sampling: In many laboratory settings, pipettes are used to collect and measure liquid samples for further analysis. This ensures that the samples are accurate and representative of the larger solution.

  3. Mixing: When creating precise mixtures and solutions, measuring pipettes are invaluable. They enable the combination of liquids in specific ratios, which is critical for many experimental protocols.

  4. Serial Dilution: Pipettes are also used in serial dilution processes, where a stock solution is diluted to a specific concentration through a series of precise measurements. This technique is often used in microbiology and biochemistry.

  5. Pipetting: For transferring liquids between containers, measuring pipettes provide precise control over the volume of liquid being moved, which is essential for maintaining accuracy in experiments.

Measuring pipettes come in various types, including graduated pipettes, bulb pipettes, and micropipettes, each suited to different applications. Graduated pipettes, for instance, are ideal for measuring larger volumes of liquids, while micropipettes are designed for extremely small volumes.

The material used in manufacturing measuring pipettes also influences their applications. Borosilicate glass pipettes are renowned for their resistance to heat and chemicals, making them perfect for high-temperature or corrosive environments. On the other hand, plastic pipettes are lightweight and shatter-resistant, making them suitable for situations where breakage is a concern.

Additionally, many measuring pipettes are color-coded for easy identification, which is particularly useful in busy laboratories. This feature allows users to quickly find the correct pipette for a specific task, streamlining workflows and reducing waiting time.

Overall, measuring pipettes are indispensable tools in laboratory settings, providing accurate and precise measurements of liquids. Their diverse uses and applications make them a critical component of many laboratory workflows, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.

Pipette Handling and Calibration

Proper handling and calibration of measuring pipettes is key to getting accurate measurements. Here are some tips:

  • Handling: Handle pipettes with care to avoid damage. Don’t touch the tip of the pipette as oils from your skin can affect measurement accuracy.

  • Calibration: Calibrate regularly to ensure pipette accuracy. Use a calibration solution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it precise.

  • Cleaning: Clean pipettes regularly to prevent contamination. Use a mild detergent and distilled water to clean the pipette thoroughly so it stays in good condition.

Choosing the Right Pipette

Choosing the right pipette for your laboratory can be overwhelming with so many types and materials available. Consider the following:

  • Application: What is the specific application you need the pipette for? Different pipettes are designed for different tasks, like measuring small volumes or dispensing liquids.

  • Material: What material do you need? Borosilicate glass pipettes are for high temperature applications, plastic pipettes for lower temperatures.

  • Accuracy: How accurate do you need your measurements to be? Volumetric pipettes are for precise measurements, graduated pipettes for less critical tasks.

  • Ease of Use: How convenient do you want the pipette to be? Automatic pipettes are for high volume applications, manual pipettes for smaller tasks.

Pipette Best Practices

To get accurate and reliable results follow these best practices when using measuring pipettes:

  • Use the right pipette for the job: Use a pipette designed for your application to get the best results.

  • Calibrate regularly: Calibrate regularly to maintain accuracy.

  • Handle with care: Proper handling prevents damage and contamination so the pipette stays in good condition.

  • Clean regularly: Clean regularly to prevent contamination and maintain performance.

  • Use the right technique: Use the right technique when using the pipette to get precise and accurate measurements.

By following these tips you’ll get the most out of your pipetting and your lab experiments.

Burettes in Chemical Analysis Labs: Borosilicate Glass

Burettes are laboratory instruments used in quantitative chemical analysis. They are used to add a specific volume of a reagent to a solution during titration to determine the concentration of a sample. Burettes are preferred for their accuracy and ease of use and are used in fields from environmental to pharmaceuticals. Here we will cover functionality, importance and applications of burettes in labs, calibration and the models.

What are Burettes used in Laboratory

Design and Functionality

A burette is a graduated glass or plastic tube with a control valve (stopcock or tap) at one end to dispense liquids in controlled amounts. Burettes are accurate for applications where small amounts of liquid need to be added to a chemical reaction.

Volume Range: Burettes come in various sizes from 10 ml to 100 ml to allow for precise measurement adjustments according to the experiment and volume comprehensive range.

Reading and Calibration: Precision in a burette is key as the smallest error in volume comprehensive range can lead to big errors in data. Calibrate your burettes regularly to get accurate readings and to maintain their accuracy over time in the correct volume range.

Good Burettes Features

Material and Quality

Glass and Plastic: Burettes are made of glass for its inertness and clarity or from durable plastics for break resistance and chemical inertness. The choice of material depends on the specific chemical compatibility and durability requirements of the lab.

Quality Assurance: Good burettes are designed to withstand wear and chemical corrosion, to be long lasting and perform well. They are manufactured under strict standards to ensure consistency and precision.

Calibration and Precision

Calibration Services: Calibration is necessary to maintain the accuracy of burettes. Many suppliers offer calibration services that comply with international and national standards so each burette performs optimally within their volume range.

Precise Dispensing: The precision of burettes is enhanced by fine graduations and a smooth stopcock for a steady flow of liquid, important for accurate titration tests.

Burettes in Chemical Analysis

Titration Techniques

Acid-Base Titration: One of the most common use of burettes is in acid-base titration to determine the concentration of an unknown acid or base solution by adding a volume of titrant of known concentration.

Redox Reactions: Burettes are also used in redox titration where the strength of the oxidizing or reducing agent needs to be analyzed.

Industries and Fields

Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceutical industry, burettes are used to check the concentration of active ingredients in products.

Environmental Testing: Environmental scientists use burettes to analyze pollutant levels in water and other samples, for environmental protection and compliance to volume range.

Why Use Burettes

Accuracy and Reliability

Controlled Dispensing: Precise control of the amount of liquid dispensed gives highly accurate measurement results which is critical in many scientific and industrial applications.

Reliable Results: With proper maintenance and calibration, burettes can perform well for years, making them a good investment for any lab.

Choosing the Right Burette

Considerations

Volume Range and Precision: Choose the right volume range and precision level. Burettes with smaller diameter have better control and precision in dispensing liquid.

Price and Quality: Balance price and quality. Invest in a higher quality burette to save long term cost of calibration and replacement.

Tips

Regular Cleaning: Clean and store properly to prevent contamination and extend the life of the burette. Rinsing with the right solvents and storing in upright position is recommended.

Regular Calibration: Calibrate burettes as per manufacturer’s recommendation to maintain their accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

Burettes are a must have in the lab arsenal, for precise quantitative chemical analysis. Their ability to measure and dispense exact volume of liquid is critical in many scientific fields. With many models and volume range available in country and Europe, labs can choose the right burette that fits their needs for quality, reliability and precision in all their analytical applications. Follow good practice in maintenance and calibration to get the most out of these critical instruments.

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