ASTM E969-02(2019)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Glass Volumetric (Transfer) Pipets
Standard Specification for Glass Volumetric (Transfer) Pipets
ABSTRACT
This specification covers volumetric pipets of two classes. Class A, Precision Pipet and Class B, General Purpose. Borosilicate glass for pipets shall conform to the glass requirements specified. Pipets shall be calibrated to deliver the intended capacity. The pipets shall consist in general of a suction tube and a delivery tube separated by a bulb; all three parts shall be permanently attached together. All markings shall be permanent and legible.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers volumetric pipets of two classes. Class A, Precision Pipet and Class B, General Purpose.
Note 1: Specifications for micropipets are given in Specification E193.
1.2 Product with a stated capacity not listed in this standard may be specified class A tolerance when product conforms to the tolerance range of the next smaller volumetric standard product listed in Table 1.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Jun-2019
- Technical Committee
- E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
- Drafting Committee
- E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2010
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
Overview
ASTM E969-02(2019) is the internationally recognized standard specification for glass volumetric (transfer) pipets, issued by ASTM International. This standard defines the requirements and design parameters for volumetric pipets of two classes: Class A (Precision Pipet) and Class B (General Purpose). The specification ensures pipets offer reliable measurement and meet minimum criteria for material, calibration, construction, marking, and identification, supporting accurate liquid transfer in laboratory environments.
Volumetric pipets covered by ASTM E969-02(2019) must be manufactured from borosilicate glass that meets precise requirements. Pipets are calibrated to deliver their intended capacity at 20 °C and must be constructed to ensure complete emptying and easy cleaning. Permanent, legible markings and clear identification codes help users differentiate between capacities and accuracy classes.
Key Topics
Classes of Pipets:
- Class A – Precision pipets with stricter tolerances for laboratories requiring high accuracy.
- Class B – General purpose pipets suitable for routine measurements with broader tolerances.
Material Specifications:
- All pipets must be made of borosilicate glass, conforming to ASTM E438 for laboratory glassware.
Calibration and Tolerance:
- Each pipet is calibrated “to deliver” (TD) a specific volume at 20 °C.
- Tolerance limits are defined for each nominal capacity, ensuring consistent, accurate results.
Construction and Design:
- Pipets feature a suction tube, a bulb, and a delivery tube, all permanently joined.
- The design and dimensions assure proper liquid flow, easy cleaning, and full emptying.
Markings and Identification:
- Permanent, legible markings indicating manufacturer, capacity, calibration temperature, and accuracy class (including “TD” for “to deliver”).
- Markings may include serial numbers for Class A pipets.
- Distinct color-coding helps users quickly identify pipet sizes and accuracy classes.
Applications
Glass volumetric pipets manufactured in compliance with ASTM E969-02(2019) are widely used in:
- Analytical laboratories: For preparing solutions and accurately measuring liquids during chemical analysis.
- Clinical and pharmaceutical laboratories: Ensuring precise volumetric transfers for diagnostics, research, and quality control.
- Industrial and quality assurance settings: Conducting routine testing or precise production control where exact liquid measurements are critical.
- Educational institutions: Supporting accurate demonstration of laboratory techniques in teaching and research.
The standard supports effective laboratory operations by guaranteeing pipets deliver consistent accuracy and durability, fostering reliable experimental results and regulatory compliance.
Related Standards
ASTM E969-02(2019) references and aligns with several key ASTM standards in laboratory glassware, including:
- ASTM E193 – Specification for Laboratory Glass Micropipets
- ASTM E438 – Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
- ASTM E920 – Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
- ASTM E921 – Specification for Export Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
- ASTM E1133 – Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Laboratory Apparatus for US Government Procurements
- ASTM E1157 – Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable Laboratory Glassware
For organizations and laboratories that prioritize quality control, following ASTM E969-02(2019) ensures compliance with recognized international practices for volumetric pipets, reducing measurement risk and supporting dependable laboratory outcomes.
Keywords: ASTM E969, glass volumetric pipets, transfer pipet, laboratory glassware, calibration, borosilicate glass, Class A pipet, Class B pipet, accuracy, laboratory standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E969-02(2019) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Glass Volumetric (Transfer) Pipets". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers volumetric pipets of two classes. Class A, Precision Pipet and Class B, General Purpose. Borosilicate glass for pipets shall conform to the glass requirements specified. Pipets shall be calibrated to deliver the intended capacity. The pipets shall consist in general of a suction tube and a delivery tube separated by a bulb; all three parts shall be permanently attached together. All markings shall be permanent and legible. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers volumetric pipets of two classes. Class A, Precision Pipet and Class B, General Purpose. Note 1: Specifications for micropipets are given in Specification E193. 1.2 Product with a stated capacity not listed in this standard may be specified class A tolerance when product conforms to the tolerance range of the next smaller volumetric standard product listed in Table 1. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers volumetric pipets of two classes. Class A, Precision Pipet and Class B, General Purpose. Borosilicate glass for pipets shall conform to the glass requirements specified. Pipets shall be calibrated to deliver the intended capacity. The pipets shall consist in general of a suction tube and a delivery tube separated by a bulb; all three parts shall be permanently attached together. All markings shall be permanent and legible. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers volumetric pipets of two classes. Class A, Precision Pipet and Class B, General Purpose. Note 1: Specifications for micropipets are given in Specification E193. 1.2 Product with a stated capacity not listed in this standard may be specified class A tolerance when product conforms to the tolerance range of the next smaller volumetric standard product listed in Table 1. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E969-02(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 71.040.20 - Laboratory ware and related apparatus. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E969-02(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E969-02(2012), ASTM E438-92(2024), ASTM E920-97(2019), ASTM E438-92(2018), ASTM E193-94(2017), ASTM E920-97(2013), ASTM E438-92(2011), ASTM E1157-87(2011), ASTM E1157-87(2018)e1, ASTM E1133-86(2010), ASTM E193-94(2010), ASTM E921-97(2010), ASTM E920-97(2008), ASTM E1157-87(2006), ASTM E438-92(2006). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E969-02(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E969 −02 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Glass Volumetric (Transfer) Pipets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E969; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2 Calibration—Pipets shall be calibrated to deliver (sym-
bolTD)theintendedcapacityat20 °C.Thepipetshallbefilled
1.1 This specification covers volumetric pipets of two
about 20 mm above the capacity line. The water is lowered
classes. ClassA, Precision Pipet and Class B, General Purpose.
slowly to the capacity line. Delivery of the contents into a
NOTE 1—Specifications for micropipets are given in Specification
receiving vessel is made with the tip in contact with the wall of
E193.
the vessel and no after-drainage period is allowed. Accuracy
1.2 Product with a stated capacity not listed in this standard
shall be within the limits specified in Table 1.
may be specified class A tolerance when product conforms to
the tolerance range of the next smaller volumetric standard
4. Design
product listed in Table 1.
4.1 Shape—The pipets shall consist in general of a suction
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
tube and a delivery tube separated by a bulb; all three parts
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
shall be permanently attached together. Any cross-section of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the pipet taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
shall be circular. The shape shall permit complete emptying
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and thorough cleaning.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.1 Bulb—The shape shall permit complete emptying
without any hold up, and easy cleaning.
2. Referenced Documents
4.2 Dimensions—Thelengthofthesuctiontubeshallbe150
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to190mmandtheminimumwallthicknessofbothsuctionand
E193 Specification for Laboratory Glass Micropipets
delivery tubes shall be 0.90 mm. Pipets must comply with the
E438 Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
essential dimensions given in Table 1.
E920 Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory
4.3 Delivery Tips—Delivery tips shall be made with a
Apparatus
gradual taper of 1.5 to 3 cm. The end of the tip shall be
E921 Specification for Export Packaged Laboratory Appa-
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tip. The outside
ratus
edge of the tip may be bevelled slightly and the end and the
E1133 Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Labo-
bevel shall be ground or fire-polished. Sudden constriction at
ratory Apparatus for United States Government Procure-
the orifice would impair smooth flow characteristics of the
ments
delivery stream and is not acceptable.
E1157 Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable
4.3.1 Tempered Tips—May be supplied at option of manu-
Laboratory Glassware
facturer. The tempered tip, when tested in index oil which
3. General Requirements
matches the refractive index of the glass being used, shall have
a temper between 75 and 220 nm (millimicrons).
3.1 Borosilicate Glass—Borosilicate glass for pipets shall
conform to the glass requirements of Type 1, Class A or B of
4.4 Markings—All markings shall be permanent and leg-
Specification E438.
ible.
4.4.1 Capacity Line—The capacity line shall be a sharply
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
defined line of uniform width (maximum 0.6 mm) in a plane
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E41.01 on
perpendicular to the vertical axis of the pipet. The line shall be
Laboratory Ware and Supplies.
appliedbyoneofthefollowingmethods:etchedandfilledwith
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally
a permanent pigment; etched through a vertical colored stripe
approvedin1983.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2012asE969 – 02(2012).DOI:
10.1520/E0969-02R19.
fusedintot
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