Surge Scientific · Model AQE-10-8 · 8-Channel · Volume Range 0.2–10 uL
AQUA AQE-10-8
Electronic 8-Channel Pipettor
Sub-Surge Scientificer Multi-Channel · 0.40% CV at 10 uL · 8-Channel Fixed 9 mm Spacing · 12 Programmable Modes
Sub-microliter multi-channel pipetting is where qPCR plate uniformity is decided. The AQE-10 brings linear stepping motor control to 8 channels at once, holding 0.40% CV at the 10 uL nominal — intra-plate consistency that manual multi-channels cannot match across the row.
Why The AQE-10-8?
At low volumes, manual multi-channel pipettes lose the most. Eight or twelve plungers driven by one thumb cannot deliver identical aspirations across the row, and the variability scales with volume decrease. In qPCR plate setup and NGS library prep, that channel-to-channel drift becomes the dominant source of intra-plate Ct variability.
The AQE-10 motorizes the entire row. A single linear stepping piston drives all 8 channels through the same micro-step profile, holding 1.0% accuracy and 0.4% CV at the 10 uL nominal. The same calibration certificate covers every channel, traceable to ISO 17025.
8 CHANNELS, ONE MOTOR
A single linear stepping piston drives all 8 channels through the same micro-step profile — fills 8 wells of a 96-well column in one stroke. The intra-plate uniformity that previously required automated liquid handlers.
10 uL NOMINAL ACCURACY
At full volume, the AQE-10-8 delivers 1.00% accuracy and 0.40% CV per the catalog spec, verified against DIN EN ISO 8655-2 at an ISO 17025 accredited lab.
DETACHABLE 4.2V LI-ION
800 mAh rechargeable battery clips off the handle in seconds. 8 hours of operation per charge, ~2-hour recharge, with USB Type-A and Type-C charger options.
12 MODES + 6 PROGRAMS
Forward, reverse, mix, dilute, repetitive dispense, sequential, multi-stage aspirate, stepper. Six programs save to memory — recall complex protocols with one button.
"8 channels, one motor, 1.00% accuracy at 10 uL." — A single linear stepping piston drives every channel from the same dispense profile — the kind of intra-plate uniformity that previously required automated liquid handlers, in a hand-held form factor.
Key Features
- 8-Channel configuration (8 channels)
- Volume range: 0.2 – 10 uL
- Increment resolution: 0.1 uL
- 1.00% accuracy at 10 uL nominal
- 0.40% CV at 10 uL nominal
- Fixed 9 mm tip spacing — matches 96-well plate format
- Single motor drives all 8 channels uniformly
- Color-coded volume identification — Grey band
- External detachable 4.2V Li-ion rechargeable battery
- 800 mAh capacity — 8 hours of operation
- ~2-hour full recharge time
- USB Type-A and Type-C charger compatibility
- Linear stepping electronic piston control
- 304 stainless steel tip cones on every channel
- 12 unique modes of operation
- Stores 6 user-defined programs in memory
- 3-speed pipetting selection (Low / Medium / High)
- 1-inch tempered LCD glass display
- Real-time battery, calibration, and error indicators
- Volume adjustment wheel for one-handed operation
- Soft-key programming interface
- Mini USB interface for diagnostics
- Manual tip ejection
- Universal tip cones — accept standard tip brands
- Lower section autoclavable at 121°C, 1 bar, 20 minutes
- Whole-device sterilization by UV light
- ISO 17025 calibration certificate included
- Conforms to DIN EN ISO 8655-2 standards
Ideal Applications
qPCR PLATE SETUP
96- and 384-well qPCR loading where channel-to-channel volume uniformity directly affects Ct accuracy.
NGS LIBRARY PREP
Adapter ligation, bead cleanup elution, and PCR enrichment steps where sub-microliter precision determines library yield.
MASTER MIX DISTRIBUTION
Distributing PCR master mix across plate rows in one row-stroke instead of channel-by-channel manual transfers.
Other Models in the 8-Channel AQE Range
The AQE-10-8 is one of five volume tiers in the Surge Scientific AQUA 8-Channel platform. All five share the same handle, firmware, battery, and accessory ecosystem — standardize the bench around a common platform.
Need 12-Channel instead? The same five volume tiers are available in the 12-Channel configuration:
AQE-10-8 Accuracy & Precision
| Test Volume | Accuracy ±% | Accuracy ±uL | Precision CV ±% | Precision CV ±uL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 uL | 2.50 | 0.025 | 1.50 | 0.015 |
| 5 uL | 1.50 | 0.075 | 0.70 | 0.035 |
| 10 uL | 1.00 | 0.100 | 0.40 | 0.040 |
Error limits in accordance with DIN EN ISO 8655-2, based on the 10 uL nominal capacity. Per-channel calibration verified at an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and supplied with each unit.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AQE-10-8 |
| Configuration | 8-Channel multi-channel electronic pipettor |
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Tip Spacing | Fixed 9 mm (matches 96-well plate format) |
| Volume Range | 0.2 – 10 uL |
| Increment | 0.1 uL |
| Color Code | Grey |
| Drive System | Single linear stepping motor driving all 8 channels |
| Pipetting Modes | 12 (forward, reverse, mix, dilute, gel-load, titration, multi-stage aspirate, sequential, repetitive, manual) |
| Memory Storage | 6 user-defined programs |
| Speed Settings | 3 (Low / Medium / High) |
| Display | 1-inch tempered LCD glass |
| Volume Adjustment | Adjustment wheel + soft keys |
| Tip Cone Material | 304 grade stainless steel (per channel) |
| Tip Compatibility | Universal — accepts standard tip brands |
| Tip Ejection | Manual |
| Battery | 4.2V Li-ion, 800 mAh, detachable |
| Battery Life | 8 hours per full charge |
| Charging Time | Approximately 2 hours |
| Charger | USB Type-A and Type-C |
| USB Interface | Mini USB |
| Autoclavability | Lower section at 121°C, 1 bar, 20 minutes |
| UV Sterilization | Whole device |
| Calibration Standard | DIN EN ISO 8655-2 (ISO 17025 accredited lab) |
| Certifications | CE, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 17025 |
| Carousel Stands | Available separately |
| Warranty | 1-Year Free Replacement |
Surge Scientific Warranty & Support
This instrument is sold through Surge Scientific, your trusted laboratory equipment partner. Our product specialists are available Monday–Friday for assistance. The AQE-10-8 is backed by a 1-year all-inclusive manufacturer's warranty. Contact us at info@surgescientific.com or reach out directly to our support team at (833) 319-3535 for pre-sales questions, ISO 8655 calibration verification, pipetting protocol guidance, accessory orders, and technical assistance.