Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Question Regarding Pipette Pump

MichiganMadScientist - 6-9-2013 at 10:24

Before you say UTFSE, I already did. Found only THIS. A good discussion, but did not answer my question............which is:

I'm fairly adept at using the standard simple pipette bulb. That is all they give you to use in undergrad teaching labs. However, I would like to begin using a so-called "pipette pump" such as this:



I understand that they come in different capacities such 5ml, 25 ml, etc. My question is: How suitable is a 25ml capacity pump for use with a 2ml pipette? Is a 25ml-capacity pump going to draw solution into the 2ml pipette too quickly to make it usefull? Is it worth my investment to obtain a 25ml pump for use with 5-25ml pipettes, and then obtain a separate 2ml-capacity pump for use with pipettes 2ml and less?

I'm primarily hoping to hear from members who have experience using pipette pumps of this type. Thanks!:)

[Edited on 6-9-2013 by MichiganMadScientist]

Pyro - 6-9-2013 at 10:59

we use these at school, we only used one type though. I think it will be no problem if you turn the knob slowly, but will a 25ml pump fit on a 2ml pipette?
just try it with water...

MichiganMadScientist - 6-9-2013 at 11:21

Quote: Originally posted by Pyro  
we use these at school, we only used one type though. I think it will be no problem if you turn the knob slowly, but will a 25ml pump fit on a 2ml pipette?
just try it with water...


The pump should (in my mind) fit pretty much any capacity of pipette. Even on larger bore seralogical pipettes, the suction-end is tapered to a standard size.

If you are telling me that, at your school, you use a single pump to service different pipettes of varying capacity....you've probably answered my question.:)

Mailinmypocket - 6-9-2013 at 11:25

I typically use a 25ml pump for most work. I even manage to use Pasteur pipettes with the pumps and as long as I am careful, no liquid gets aspired into the device. Just take it easy on the wheel.

bfesser - 6-9-2013 at 11:30

I hate those pumps. They're a cheap gimmick item that's sold to public schools at near-criminal markup. If you're skilled, a standard bulb is faster and more precise.

[Edited on 6.9.13 by bfesser]

MichiganMadScientist - 6-9-2013 at 11:47

Quote:
They're a cheap gimmick item that's sold to public schools at near-criminal markup.


Heh...lol..:P

Quote:
If you're skilled, a standard bulb is faster and more precise.


Well, again...the standard bulb is all I've ever known. I just was trying to explore what other options are availible. :)

Mailinmypocket - 6-9-2013 at 11:48

I got a box of 5 of them for free, but would never pay the asking price for them either. I don't know where the cost comes from... They are nice to control though.

Steve_hi - 6-9-2013 at 12:25

I have three different sizes and the bigger pumps have bigger holes and one pipette fell out because it was too small for the pump I was using and broke. They are better used with the size pipette they are made for. In any case as bfesser has already said the standard ball pump works better and faster.

DJF90 - 6-9-2013 at 13:43

Stick with the ball pump mate...

Metacelsus - 6-9-2013 at 18:23

I agree. Use a ball pump -- it's simple and effective.