UNIVERSITY OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY (UMaT),

TARKWA
SCHOOL OF PETROLEUM STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND PETROCHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A REPORT ON THECALIBRATION OF PIPETTE

BY
FELIX YEBOAH
SPE41.014.114.21
CLASS: RP II

COURSE NAME: CHEMISTRY LABORATORY PRACTICES

COURSE CODE: RP 273

COURSE LECTURER: AMI JOHANNES

MARCH 2022
Abstract
This experiment was performed to determine the accuracy of a pipette and
developed proper techniques and skills for calibrating an analytical
pipette.Calibration is the act of checking or adjusting (by comparison with a
standard) the accuracy of a measuring instrument.When measurements of an object
are accurate, they are close to the true value of that object.The true volume of the
pipettes will be determined indirectly from the mass of a sample of distilled water in
the known density of the water using the equation, D=M/V, the volume of the pipe
that may be found from the other two variables.

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Content
Abstract …………………………………………………………………1
Introduction ……………………………………………………………...3
Method/Procedure………………………………………………………..4
Data ………………………………………………………………………5
Analysis/Discussion and Conclusion…………………………………….7
Sources of errors…………………………………………………………7
Ways of improving the experiment……………………………………...8
Answers to Post Lab Question ………………………………………………………………9
References :……………………………………………………………..12

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Introduction
The purpose of this laboratory experiment is to exercise pipette calibration and gain
familiarity on the proper usage of laboratory pipettes. Pipettes are useful during
laboratory experiments due to an important feature in that they offer an accurate and
precise method of transferring desired volumes of liquid. There are three types of
pipettes most commonly found in a laboratory setting which are volumetric,
measuring, and mechanical micro-pipettes. In order to effectively take advantage of
instruments that offer accurate and precise measurements, proper usage must be
enforced as well as frequent calibration.

Following proper standard operating procedures on the usage of pipettes will greatly
increase the accuracy and precision of each measurement. The relative error of the
user will decrease as well as a reduced standard deviation will be observed. Certain
measures must be enforced such as keeping devices clean and dry prior to each use.
Improper use of laboratory equipment will result in a higher standard deviation.
Frequent calibration of laboratory equipment enables frequent inspection on the
functionality of the instrument at question. During a pipette calibration procedure, the
mechanical parts that enable the instrument to perform properly are examined. This
ensures that the quantities that are being measured are accurate to maintain the
integrity of the data being collected. When the mechanical parts of a measuring
instrument have been compromised, it is likely that the accuracy of the instrument
will deviate away from the accepted value at a higher probability.

In this experiment, you will determine the accuracy of a pipette.The true volume of
the pipettes will be determined indirectly from the mass of a sample of distilled water
in the known density of the water using the equation, D=M/V, the volume of the pipe
that may be found from the other two variables. An analytical balance and a list of
densities of water at given temperatures will allow you to determine the volume to
four significant digits. This procedure will be repeated to give some indication of the
precision of your measurement. Once the volume of the pipette has been determined,
the pipette will be used to measure the density of an unknown liquid.

Purpose:

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The purpose of this experiment is to calibrate a pipette and to use this pipette to
determine the density of water.

Equipment/Materials

 Pipette

 Pipette bulb

 Analytical balance

 Kim wipes (tissue paper)

 Vial, small Beaker, or flask

 Distilled water

Safety:

 An apron and goggles should always be worn in the lab.

 Never draw a liquid into a pipette by mouth. Use a Pipette bulb.

 The balances are delicate instruments and should be treated with care

METHOD/PROCEDURE

1. Since the density of water varies with temperature, the temperature of

the water used was measured with a thermometer and recorded as 28 ℃ .The
corresponding density was found to be 0.9968g/cm3.

2. To calibrate pipette, a small clean flask or beaker was weigh in an

analytical balance . The container was handled with a Kim-wipe to avoid
contaminating it with oil or moisture from the skin. The mass of the container
was recorded on the data sheet.

3. The pipette was carefully filled with water and adjust to the line. The
content of the pipette was transferred into a beaker till the last bit of water was

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 removed from the tip of the pipette. The container and the water were weigh
and the value recorded in the data table .

4. Procedure was repeated two more times.

5. The density of an unknown fluid(oil) was determined by weighing

10.005cm3 of the unknown fluid(oil) whose density is to be determined using
the analytical balance.A beaker was place on the pan and the weight was
adjusted to zero (since we are interested only in the mass of the liquid) and the
mass of the unknown liquid(oil) was obtained from the analytical balance.

6. Standard deviation of the measurements obtained from the experiment

was calculated as well as the relative percentage error which falls within
specifications listed on the pipette.

Data:

TABLE 1.1

Calibration of the Pipette

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

Temp. Of water 27.8 27.8 27.8

Mass of empty 67.89 69.54 69.69

container

11.24 11.26 11.23

Mass of water

79.13 80.80 80.92

Mass of container &

water

11.28 11.30 11.27

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Volume of water

True volume of 11.28 11.30 11.27

pipette

����
Density (�)=
������

����
Making volume the subjected, v =
�������

� 11.24
From trial 1, v = =
� 0.9963

v =11.28

� 11.26
Trial 2, v = = 0.9963
�

V = 11.30

� 11.23
Trial 3, v = = 0.9963
�

V = 11.27,

The average volume of the pipette;

�
�=1 ��
�=
�

(11.28+11.30+11.27)
�= = 11.28.
3

Therefore the average value is 11.28

Average value for volume of pipette ____11.28____________

Mass of oil=8.1373g

Volume of oil=10.05 cm3

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 � 8.137�
Density of oil= �
=10.005��3

=0.8137g/cm3

� 2
�=1 (�−�)
Standard deviation, � = where ;n=3,x=10ml and �=10.005ml
�−1

� 2
�=1 (10−10.005)
S= =3.53×10-3
3−1

Therefore standard deviation is 0.00353ml

������� ������−�������� ������

Percentage error = �������� ������
×100％

=0.05％

Part per thousand(ppt)

Ppt =Relative standard deviation × 103

�������� ���������
Relative standard deviation= ���� �����

0.00353
10.005

=0.000353

Ppt =0.000353 ×1000

=0.353

Analysis/Discussion and Conclusion

The purpose of this laboratory experiment was to exercise pipette calibration and gain
familiarity on the proper usage of laboratory pipettes.For this experiment 50ml of
water was measured for pipette calibration. A well calibrated and accurate pipette has

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a smaller calculated standard deviation value whiles on the other hand a poor
calibrated pipette has a larger calculated standard deviation value. From our
experiment we had a smaller standard deviation value which proves that our pipette is
well calibrated.

Having laboratory equipment that is well calibrated is important because it can give
precise and accurate measurements. In addition, it maintains the integrity of the data
that is being collected and relative error is reduced. Large standard deviations signify
improper use or uncalibrated instruments.

In conclusion, calibration is general with any instrument is an important job since it

maintains accuracy and precision in measurements when conducting an experiment.
Improper calibration of instruments can result of lack of precision and accuracy along
with large standard deviations.

SOURCES OF ERRORS

In general , variability pipette happens due to the following reasons;

 Systemic failure based on factors such as frequency of usage or time since last
maintenance.

 Random failure due to unpredictable accidents or misleading.

 Operator technique failure happens due to inconsistent or incorrect pipetting

handling by the operator.

 Device tolerance limits: A variability in liquid delivery due to inaccuracy and

imprecision inherent in the pipette itself.

WAYS OF IMPROVING THE EXPERIMENT

 It is important to adjust the pipettes to the calibration environment for more than
an hour before starting the calibration.

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ANSWERS TO POST LAB QUESTIONS

1. SOLUTIONS:

 SET A: Accuracy is carried out since the value (325mg) is the true cost
and they reoccur in the next trials with the same cost. Precision is
accomplished and as a result it's far precise and correct

 SET C: The genuine fee given became 325mg. Set C turns to gives 400mg
after the rigors which deviated from accuracy but considering that they
reoccur or are the identical, precision is completed but now not accurate.

 SET B: Precision is attained because the values are in the direction of the
genuine cost for this reason 325mg however accuracy is misplaced for the
reason that they do now not reoccur within the series or aren't close to
every different . Hence is specific and now not accurate.

 SET D: The true cost Sammy become given is 325mg and since the value
received after the rigors became now not near authentic fee both accuracy
and precision is lost. Hence set D is neither specific nor accurate.
2. ANSWER

 Dirty pipette will have an effect on the dedication of the volume the
pipette because much less quantity of the liquid may be measured in to the
beaker because of the reality that the dirt will preserve or entice a part of
the liquid inside the pipette on the way to in flip motive a deviation from
the actual fee

3. ANSWER:

 If the stability offers 20mg higher than the authentic hundreds the new real
masses turn out to be (325+20) mg that's 345mg. This new loads deviate

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 from been close to the unique mass, hence accuracy isn't always carried
out however since the masses are the same in next trials, then precision is
finished. It is unique however no longer accurate.

4. ANSWER:

 Precision and accuracy can be extended with the aid of paying near
attention to information the use of equipment’s properly and increasing the
sample length. Ensure that your equipment is well calibrated, functioning,
easy, and geared up to use..

5. ANSWER :
�
��
The common quantity of water held ( � ) = �=1
�

( 11.28+11.30+11.27)
�=
3

� = 11.28

� 2
�=1 (�−�)
Standard deviation, � =
�

(� − �)2 = (11.28 – 11.28)2 = 0

(11.30 -11.28)2 = 4 X 10−4

(� − � )2 = (0 + 4 X 10−4 + 1.0 X 10−4 )

(� − � )2 = 5.0 X10−4

5�10−4
�=
3−1

5�10−4
=
2

10
= 0.0158
 Therefore the usual deviation σ, is 0.0158

Q5B.

�������� �����−�������� ������

Percentage error = ���������� ������

11.28−10
Percentage error = x100
10

= 12.8%

Therefore the share error is 12.8%

ANSWER Q5aii

Mean volume (V) = W*Z

Density (Z) = 0.9963
Then, V = 11.24 x 0.9963
����
Accuracy (A) = 100 x
�°
Accuracy should be between;
99% to 101%

Measured value (���� ) = 11.198

Theoretical value (V°) = 10.00
11.198
A= X 100
10.00
A = 111.98%
Therefore accuracy is 111.98%

C) The results obtained after determining the volume of pipette,are not close to
each other. Which is not precise.
Standard deviation = 0.0158

Mean =11.28

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 0.0158
Relative standard deviation =
11 .28

=1.4007×10－3

Part per thousand ,ppt =standard deviation ×1000

=1.4007×10－3 ×1000

Therefore ppt =1.4007

REFERENCES:

 Prof. Robert J. Lancushire, Oct 2002, calibration of pipette

 Zeman GH, Mathewson NS. “Necessity of prerinsing disposable polypropylene pipet

tips,” Clin Chem 1974; 20(4)497-8

 Joyce DN, Tyler JPP. “Accuracy, precision and temperature dependence of

disposable tip pipettes,” Med Lab Technol 1973; 30:331-4.

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