As one of the most frequently used tools in the lab, pipettes are often exposed to a wide range of corrosive chemicals, as well as normal wear and tear from repeated use. The materials used in the construction of the Ovation M (Mechanical) pipette were specifically chosen to withstand the harshest lab conditions and to minimize the lifetime maintenance costs.
Pipette Materials
- Main Body, Counter wheels, Plunger Button = Special Grade Nylon 6/12 with reinforcing, lubricated additive.
- Hook and Top Cover = High impact, drop resistant Polyphenylsulphone
- Volume Display Window = High clarity, steam resistant Polysulfone
- Nozzle and Ejector Sleeve = Robust, chemically resistant Kynar
- Nozzle Filter = Porous Polyethylene with protective self-sealing additive
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Life-Time Durability
Figure 1. Life Testing Apparatus
Method: A custom electro-pneumatic testing apparatus (Figure 1) was developed to simulate heavy pipette use; including mounting and ejecting of tips, aspirating and dispensing liquid, changing volumes, and adjusting the hook. Calibration scales as well as force and torque gauges were used to periodically measure the performance of an Ovation M 1000 mL pipette throughout the testing. Results: After ~1000 hours of extreme testing, including 1 x 106 tips, 1.5 x 106 aspirate and dispense cycles, 23 x 103 volume adjustments, and 6 x 103 hook adjustments, to simulate 5 years of extremely heavy use, the pipette continued to aspirate and dispense as accurately as the unused unit (Figure 2). Plunger and volume adjustment forces remained stable throughout and the hook did not become loose. Most importantly no leaks ever developed.
Figure 2. Accuracy drift over lifetime of 1000 mL Ovation M without recalibration
Structural Integrity
The Ovation M was designed to be fully autoclavable for convenient sterilization in the lab. Typically, repeated exposure to high temperature and pressure environments of a standard steam autoclave can structurally weaken most pipettes and alter their performance. Method: To determine the effects of autoclaving on the Ovation M, units were autoclaved 16 times for 20 minutes using steam sterilization at 121 oC/1 atm, followed by a 20 minute drying period at 121 oC, followed by a 30-60 minute cooling period outside of the autoclave. Calibration and functionality was tested after every 4th autoclave cycle at the low and high volumes.
Results
After verifying the post-autoclave calibration, structural integrity of the pipette was tested by repeatedly dropping from 48” (122 cm) onto a concrete floor. Each of the 24 drops was performed with a different pipette orientation at impact in order to try to capture as many outcomes as possible (Figure 3). After every drop, the unit was tested for leaks and full functionality.
Figure 3. Drop testing chart of 24 different pipette orientations
Conclusion
The results of the extensive durability testing performed on the Ovation M pipette proves that it can withstand extreme repeated use and handling with minimal effects on the performance, functionality and structure of the pipette. The Ovation M is not just the most ergonomic pipette on the market, but also one of the most resilient. Ovation M can be frequently used and autoclaved for 5+ years without any major part replacement or repairs necessary, making it one of the most affordable pipettes in terms of Lifetime Cost of Ownership. The Ovation M will not only be the most comfortable, easy to use, and unique pipettes you will ever own, but also the most durable and affordable pipettes in your lab!
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