Active Anti Droplet Control (ADC)

A:

schematic drawing showing a pipetting channel with its pressure sensor. The volatile liquid contained in the tip evaporates into the air space.

B:

without ADC, as the pressure in the tip increases, a droplet forms at the end of the tip, reducing the pressure in the tip when it falls off.

C:

with ADC, pressure differences are detected by the pressure sensor and compensated for in real time by piston movements: droplet formation is prevented.

The combination of air-tight tip seals and air displacement pipetting with pressure monitoring allows Hamilton to offer anti droplet control (ADC).  Now you can pipette liquids with extremely low viscosity and high vapor pressure like Acetone and Methanol with ease and confidence knowing that there will be no loss of liquid and no contamination of other samples because of dripping tips.

ADC works by continuously monitoring the pressure in the channel.  The STAR channels sense the minute increase in the vapor pressure inside the barrel.  When the pressure reaches a point where a drip is likely to occur, the plunger is withdrawn a step or two to keep the liquid inside the tip and prevent dripping.  Volatile liquids such as Ether and Acetyl Nitrile can now be safely pipetted from one side of the deck to the other.