Brand PLT unit Leak Tester for Pipettes, 703970

In day-to-day laboratory work, a leaky pipette is often only noticed when measurement results vary; yet the actual fault usually lies with the seal, the piston or the tip-holding cone, and this cannot be detected with the naked eye. The Brand PLT unit electronically tests precisely these areas and detects a leak within a few seconds. According to the manufacturer, the device complements regular gravimetric calibration and safeguards the intervals between two calibration dates.

Principle of operation

The PLT unit (Pipette Leak Testing Unit) is an electronic leak tester for standard single-channel and multichannel air-cushion pipettes with a volume range of 1 µl to 10 ml. According to the manufacturer, the threshold values for this range are already pre-programmed into the device; a test can be carried out both with and without a tip fitted. The test procedure is patented, according to the manufacturer, and a result is available within a few seconds.

Typical applications

The PLT unit is suitable, amongst other things, for:

• Routine interim testing of air-cushion pipettes between two gravimetric calibrations
• Rapid troubleshooting when measurement results suddenly become inconsistent and a seal defect is suspected
• Incoming inspection of newly purchased pipettes or those returned from repair
• Random testing of several pipettes from the same laboratory within a short time, as a result is available within a few seconds

This allows you to check on site within a few minutes whether a pipette showing irregularities is actually leaking, before scheduling a time-consuming gravimetric check.

Relationship to gravimetric calibration

Brand expressly points out that the PLT unit does not replace regular gravimetric testing. Its purpose is different: it covers the periods between two calibration dates, during which a leak would otherwise go unnoticed. Laboratories using air-cushion pipettes across different volume ranges can test several pipette types in succession using a single device and interchangeable adaptors.

Accessories and spare parts

We offer suitable accessories for the PLT unit, such as a universal power supply unit with country-specific plugs, additional pipette adaptors for different pipette types, filters and stoppers for the adaptors, as well as the PLTconnect software for connecting to a computer. The PE replacement filters included in the scope of delivery wear out over time; they can be purchased from us as soon as they are worn out.

Frequently asked questions

Does the PLT unit replace gravimetric calibration?
No. Brand describes the device as a supplementary tool which, according to the manufacturer’s specifications, safeguards the periods between two calibration dates; the regular gravimetric test remains unaffected.

Which pipettes can be tested?
Standard single-channel and multichannel air-cushion pipettes with a volume range of 1 µl to 10 ml; the limit values for these are already pre-programmed, according to the manufacturer.

How long does a test take?
According to the manufacturer, the result is available within a few seconds.

Is it possible to carry out a test without a tip fitted?
Yes; according to the manufacturer, the PLT unit tests both with and without a tip fitted.

What adapters are included in the scope of delivery?
One adapter each for testing single-channel air-cushion pipettes with and without a tip fitted, plus two blind plugs and three PE replacement filters for the adapters.

Is the device ready for immediate use with multichannel pipettes?
According to the manufacturer, multichannel pipettes can generally be tested; however, the appropriate adapters are not included as standard and are available separately as accessories.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• PLT unit
• 1 adapter for testing single-channel air-cushion pipettes with a tip (fitted)
• 1 adapter for testing single-channel air-cushion pipettes without a tip
• 2 blind plugs
• 3 PE replacement filters for pipette adapters
• Universal mains adaptor
• Quality certificate
• Instructions for use

Adapters for other pipette types, such as multichannel pipettes, are not included as standard and are available separately.

Regulatory information

The PLT unit is an electrical appliance with a power supply unit and is therefore subject to the WEEE registration requirement (ElektroG). We will provide the WEEE registration number on request.

Individual requirements and procurement service

For additional pipette adapters, replacement filters or the PLTconnect software, we provide support via our own procurement service.