Digital Burette Buying Guide - How to Select the Right Burette

• Posted on 4 August 2023
• Posted in Burette, Buyers Guides
• 0

Bottle Top Burette Guide

Models Discussed in this article:

Digital Bottle Top Burettes

Hand Driven Burette

Motor Driven Burette

How to Select the Right Burette

Glass tubes and pipettes are decent and regularly used items for measuring in the lab but are fragile, difficult to clean, and subject to human measuring error. Thus they are often upgraded to bottle top burettes such as the models available from Goldleaf Scientific. These types of burettes are either manually driven or motor driven, which we’ll explore shortly.

Measuring Instruments for Accuracy

A large portion of value in bottletop burette stems from their efficiency when it comes to repetitive precision metering and dispensing a single reagent.  This is because, unlike glass tubes, they do not have to be repeatedly cleaned and/or refilled for each experiment. But this does not discount their ease in cleanability when changing reagents.

In this post we will take a look at some points to look for when comparing bottletop burettes available from different manufacturers.  

Mounted to the top of a reagent bottle, a bottle-top burette inserts a feeding tube into a liquid solution. The valve in the burette will control the flow of liquid into a receiver flask based on the adjustment of volumes the user has input into the burette programming functions.

When prompted to, the instrument will dispense the suitable volumes and measurement of liquid the user has programmed.

Materials of Construction

Some reagents can be pretty nasty, attacking pumps and metering components in bottletop burettes unless these components are fabricated of highly corrosion-resistant materials.  For example, all wetted parts in Goldleaf bottle-top burettes are made of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and transparent polymer Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).  Both of these are noted for their excellent chemical resistance to virtually all liquids used in the lab.  The system electronics are completely isolated from the solution being dispensed. There are no valves in the dispensing mechanism, which assures minimum dead volume.

How to Pick the Correct Size Burette

Choosing the right size is crucial for precision. When you see a Goldleaf Scientific digital burette listing, you'll notice a range, such as 1µl to 50ml. The first number represents the smallest possible dose in microliters, while the second number indicates the largest possible dose in milliliters. This ensures you can accurately dispense the exact amount of liquid you need.

Hand Driven or Motor Driven?

Goldleaf Scientific offers both a hand-driven and a motor-driven digital burette. Hand-driven units use a simple knob that you turn by hand to trigger dispensing. On the other hand, the motor-driven units provide a programming function for accurate and automated dispensing, adding an extra layer of convenience.

This is a rather simple decision.  While both options dispense or meter to Class A accuracy, hand-operated burettes are less costly.  If you continually perform dispensing or metering such as in a computer-driven automated system using the same reagent you’ll save operator time with a motorized burette.  Otherwise select a hand-operated model.  In the former, bottle top burettes are powered by a 9-volt DC adaptor; in the latter data are controlled and displayed by two AA batteries.

Advantages of Goldleaf Scientific Bottle-Top Burette

Durability is a key advantage of Goldleaf Scientific bottle-top burette. Unlike fragile glass equipment, these instruments are built to last. No more worrying about breakage, saving you both time and money in the long run. These units offer high chemical resistance for various liquids and high precision for accurate dosing.

These burettes can connect to a computer for data logging and record keeping. They also feature a valveless dosing system design, which results in the lowest possible dead volume and high reproducibility, and can be individually calibrated to your specifications.

GLP/ISO Record Keeping

Paper trails are essential to conform to GLP, ISO and other regulations. Our bottle-top burettes are motor-driven and equipped with an RS 485 interface that enables connectivity to printers and PCs.  Manual data entry is required for hand-operated burettes.

Cleaning is a Breeze

The proper cleaning solution and frequency of cleaning is determined by the reagent that was being dispensed. Thicker, more viscous oil that dries out quickly will need to be cleaned several times throughout the day, while less viscous water-based solutions will only need to be cleaned at the end of each day.

Always clean the burette after daily use and prior to long-term storage to prolong the life of the unit.

Cleaning and otherwise preparing glass tube burettes and pipettes is exacting and time consuming.  Not so with bottletop burettes.  While the procedures are spelled out in the user manual, here’s a condensed version:

1. Thoroughly drain the reagent retained in the metering system into a suitable receptacle.
2. Affix the mechanism to a bottle containing a rinsing solution, nominally but not necessarily distilled or DI water.  (A sanitizing alcohol rinse is recommended if disinfecting is required.)
3. Operate the burette to totally flush out the reagent residue into a suitable receptacle.
4. You’re ready for the next project.

Certain models in the line have an integrated rinsing system that recirculates the rinsing solution from an on-board container. 

Proper Care for Longevity

Maintaining the accuracy and performance of your Goldleaf Scientific digital bottle-top burette is essential for consistent results. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of the instrument and ensure that your measurements remain precise over time.

 To keep your burette in top condition, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning and storage. After each use, it's recommended to flush the system with a cleaning solution to prevent any residue buildup. Additionally, inspect the feeding tube and valve for any signs of wear or clogs that might affect the flow of liquid.

Environmental Considerations

Creating an optimal environment for your digital burette is essential for accurate measurements. Temperature, humidity, and vibration levels can impact the performance of sensitive instruments. Ensure that the workspace where the burette is used is stable and free from significant temperature fluctuations.

 Avoid placing the instrument in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as extreme temperatures can affect the accuracy of the measurements. Additionally, consider using anti-vibration platforms or mounts to minimize the impact of vibrations from nearby equipment or movements in the laboratory.

Calibration for Precision

Periodic calibration is crucial to verify the accuracy of your digital burette. Calibration ensures that the instrument's measurements match the intended volume outputs. Goldleaf Scientific provides guidelines for calibration procedures, and it's advisable to schedule regular calibration sessions to maintain the highest level of accuracy.

Calibration typically involves comparing the dispensed volumes with a reference standard. This process might require specialized calibration solutions and equipment. Follow the step-by-step instructions provided by Goldleaf Scientific to perform accurate calibrations and make any necessary adjustments to the instrument's settings.

Training and User Manuals

To make the most out of your Goldleaf Scientific digital burette, invest time in understanding its features and functionalities. Thoroughly read the user manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you are aware of all the instrument's capabilities.

In addition to the manual, consider providing training sessions for laboratory personnel who will be using the burette. Proper training can prevent operational errors and ensure that the instrument is utilized to its full potential. Familiarize users with programming functions, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques to enhance their confidence in operating the digital burette effectively. 

Transition from Glass Equipment

Upgrading to a Goldleaf Scientific digital bottle-top burette marks a transition to a more substantial and efficient product. The improved accuracy and faster lab processes can significantly enhance your research outcomes.

Rather than trying to have a pipette or other measurement device reach far down into a media bottle to distribute accurate measurements, a burette will mount directly on top of a standard reagent bottle. Just insert the feed tube and screw the burette onto the threaded bottle for a smart solution to providing accurate dosage.

A burette is an instrument to manage complete accuracy and volume of a liquid, and also has high chemical resistance that can withstand most solutions. As such, the accuracy of a burette is much higher than using a flask, graduated glass tube, or plastic measuring cup to provide a detailed reading and volume analysis of various liquids accurately.

Entry Level Burette

The pricing of a burette is strongly influenced by their operational capabilities, with high-end models boasting advanced features. These top-tier models typically come equipped with a motorized pumping system, powered by a 9-volt adapter, which not only facilitates precision but also often includes a computer interface for efficient record-keeping. Some may even feature a self-contained cleaning system, adding to their convenience.

However, it's essential to note that the pricing of a Goldleaf bottle-top burette doesn't solely determine their accuracy. Regardless of the model, Goldleaf Scientific maintains a high standard of precision and performance in their products.

The smallest reagent amounts dispensed with a single pump stroke are as low as 1µl for some models. The maximum flow rate for a burette ranges from approximately 12 milliliters to 20 milliliters per minute. Importantly, the total amount of reagent that can be dispensed depends only on the capacity of the reagent bottle.

For operation, some burette models use a hand crank attached to the dispensing mechanism. Others employ two AA batteries, serving the purpose of programming the dispensing rate and volume, powering flow rate and volume indicators, as well as the liquid crystal display.

A noteworthy feature of Goldleaf Scientific's entry-level burette is their valveless design. Unlike a burette with valves in their dispensing mechanisms, which can introduce a concept known as "dead volume," these burettes use precision pumping. This design ensures continuous accuracy during both metering and dispensing operations.

With proper care, these versatile measuring and dispensing devices are built to offer years of service, all while delivering precision and accuracy, making them valuable additions to your laboratory instruments.

Compliance and Regulations

When using a digital burette in a professional laboratory setting, it's crucial to ensure that your practices adhere to industry standards and regulations. Different industries might have specific requirements for accuracy, calibration, and record-keeping. Goldleaf Scientific's burettes, especially the motor-driven models with computer interfaces, can streamline compliance efforts by facilitating accurate data recording and traceability.

Ensure that your laboratory's processes and procedures align with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and any other relevant industry standards. Regular audits and quality checks can help you maintain compliance and uphold the integrity of your research or testing processes.

Titration with Goldleaf Scientific Burette

Titration, a common laboratory technique, is used to determine the concentration of an unknown substance, often referred to as the analyte, in a solution. A Goldleaf burette will provide convenient titration. This involves carefully adding a reagent, known as the titrant, to the solution until a reaction occurs. The reaction could be as simple as a color change or more complex, such as a shift in pH or electrical conductivity.

In traditional titration, burettes, typically made of glass, are employed to dispense the reagent. These burettes have etched volume indicators, usually in milliliters, to facilitate accurate results. They're clamped to a support stand and suspended over the beaker or flask containing the solution under analysis. By turning a valve at the base of the burette, the reagent is added to the solution, and the amount dispensed before the reaction is carefully observed.

The pipette is very similar to the burette, but it's an open tube used to dispense its entire content rather than a measured amount via a burette's stopcock. Filling a pipette is more challenging, leading to the occasional spill. This process requires keen attention to detail and a steady hand.

The complexity of traditional titration, with its detailed measurements and potential for spills, emphasizes the importance of accuracy. Notably, the cleaning and maintenance of glass tube burettes and pipettes are necessary but time-consuming tasks, often required after each series of measurements. Incidents of breakage in these fragile glass instruments are also not uncommon, adding to the challenge of using them.

Bottle top Burette Operating Tips

Bottle top burettes such as the models offered by Goldleaf Scientific are often preferred over glass tube volumetric burettes and pipettes because of their ease of operation and improved accuracy.  Moreover they greatly reduce the incidents of operator error and are much easier to clean.

Like all precision lab instruments bottle top burets work best when properly installed and maintained.  That’s why they are shipped with an in-depth instruction manual.  We cannot stress too strongly the need to read these instructions.  This blog post touches on certain of the operational procedures, and we’ll follow on from time to time with additional operating suggestions.

It might be a good idea to let you know when not to use this precision liquid handling equipment.  While they are designed to handle a number of different reagents the list excludes

• liquids attacking the unit’s Al2O3 and ETFE wetted parts
• suspensions such as charcoal that may clog or damage the instrument
• strongly crystallizing solutions, concentrated acids and bases
• non-polar solvents that will swell ETFE, and
• highly flammable materials such as carbon disulphide

Some Bottle-top Burette Basics

Most reagent bottles vary in capacity and configuration, be sure to select the proper adapter to connect your burette to the bottle. Two adapters are provided with Goldleaf Scientific bottle top burettes and other sizes are available.

You’ll have to cut the dip tube length to fit your bottle.  Firmly push the tube over the fitting at the base of the burette. Find the appropriate tube length and cut the bottom at an angle to avoid suction blockage.

Hold the dispensing mechanism housing while attaching the burette to the reagent bottle, line up bottle contents label below the burette operating panel. Carry the bottle and dispenser by grasping the neck of the bottle and with the other hand support the bottle at its base.

Install the discharge tube by pushing it gently into the Contiburette mechanism as far as it will go and orient the tip to the container receiving the dispensed liquid.

Run a test to be certain there are no leaks at any of the fittings.  Do this by placing a beaker or flask under the discharge tube and operate the system in the manual mode until the liquid in the tube is clear of air bubbles.

Again use caution to avoid contact with the reagent, or allowing it to spill on and possibly damage lab materials.

You’re now ready to program your equipment for the measuring tasks at hand.

Choosing the Right Digital Burette

In laboratories conducting frequent titration studies involving various reagents and analytes, glass tube burettes and pipettes are often the primary tools of choice. However, when there's a consistent need for titration of a single reagent, Goldleaf Scientific's series of bottle-top burettes offer significant advantages in terms of throughput and efficiency. A notable application for these burettes is in quality control processes to meet the requirements set by GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) criteria.

Goldleaf Scientific models, available in both motorized and hand-powered versions, are meticulously designed to deliver reagents in micro-liters (µl). The assembly conveniently fits atop a reagent bottle, utilizing highly corrosion-resistant pump materials to accurately meter precise amounts of reagent into the sample flask or beaker. The operator has full control over volumes, quantities, and rates of flow, facilitated by the user-friendly LED display panel.

The motor-driven models, powered by a 9-volt transformer, offer the advantage of connection to a PC or printer for GLP record-keeping purposes. Additionally, they can be computer-controlled, allowing laboratory personnel to focus on other essential tasks. Hand-powered models, operating with AA batteries, maintain the same level of accuracy as their motor-driven counterparts.

The choice between a motorized bottle-top burette and a hand-powered bottle-top burette should be based on your specific requirements and operating procedures. This decision ensures that you maximize the benefits of these high-quality Goldleaf Scientific burettes in alignment with your lab's needs.

Choosing Accessories Wisely

Goldleaf Scientific offers a range of accessories that can enhance the functionality and performance of your digital burette. Consider investing in additional components such as spare parts, carrying cases, or mounting fixtures. These accessories can contribute to the instrument's longevity and ease of use.

As always use proper safety procedure and PPE when dealing with any corrosive solvents. Gloves, goggles, and outer layer protective gear should be worn at all times.

Troubleshooting and Support

Despite the reliability of Goldleaf Scientific digital burettes, occasional issues might arise during operation. Familiarize yourself with common troubleshooting techniques outlined in the user manual. These troubleshooting steps can help diagnose and resolve minor issues that could affect accuracy or functionality.

If you encounter more complex problems, don't hesitate to reach out to Goldleaf Scientific's customer support. We can provide expert assistance, guidance, and solutions to address any challenges you may face. Prompt troubleshooting and support can minimize downtime and ensure that your laboratory processes remain on track.

Future Innovations

As technology continues to advance, it's worth keeping an eye on future innovations in digital burette design. Goldleaf Scientific and other manufacturers might introduce new features, materials, or functionalities to further enhance accuracy, convenience, and user experience.

Stay connected with industry updates, attend conferences, and engage with the scientific community to remain informed about emerging trends in laboratory equipment. By staying proactive and open to adopting new technologies, you can continue to improve the efficiency and accuracy of your lab processes. Subscribe to our regular newsletter to be informed of any future updates.

Conclusion

Investing in a Goldleaf Scientific digital bottle-top burette is an investment in your lab's efficiency and accuracy. These burettes are built to last, offer ease of use, and minimize the chances of human error. Whether you're upgrading from glass equipment or seeking accuracy and an efficient solution, Goldleaf Scientific has you covered with our high-quality digital burette.

Call us at (510)487-1390 or email at [email protected] for more information. We would be happy to help.