Surge Scientific · Model AQE-50-8 · 8-Channel · Volume Range 5–50 uL
AQUA AQE-50-8
Electronic 8-Channel Pipettor
Mid-Range Plate Workflow · 0.30% CV at 50 uL · 8-Channel Fixed 9 mm Spacing · 12 Programmable Modes
The 5–50 uL band covers the busiest plate-based workflows in the modern lab — ELISA sample addition, PCR enzyme dispensing, antibody titrations. The AQE-50 brings 0.30% CV at full volume to 8-channel work, with the precision tier of a single-channel pipette extended across the whole row.
Why The AQE-50-8?
ELISA sample addition, antibody titrations, and PCR enzyme distribution all live in the 5–50 uL window — and all run hundreds of plates per week in production labs. Manual multi-channel pipettes can hit the volume; they cannot sustain channel-to-channel uniformity across that scale of operation.
The AQE-50 motorizes the workload. Linear stepping piston control delivers 0.80% accuracy and 0.30% CV at the 50 uL nominal on every dispense across all 8 channels. Repetitive dispense mode lets one aspiration fill multiple plate rows.
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.
50 uL NOMINAL ACCURACY
At full volume, the AQE-50-8 delivers 0.80% accuracy and 0.30% 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, 0.80% accuracy at 50 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: 5 – 50 uL
- Increment resolution: 0.5 uL
- 0.80% accuracy at 50 uL nominal
- 0.30% CV at 50 uL nominal
- Fixed 9 mm tip spacing — matches 96-well plate format
- Single motor drives all 8 channels uniformly
- Color-coded volume identification — Forest Green 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
ELISA & IMMUNOASSAY
Sample addition, antibody titrations, and reagent distribution across 96-well immunoassay plates.
PCR ENZYME DISPENSING
Polymerase, ligase, and restriction enzyme distribution for plate-based molecular biology workflows.
CELL-BASED ASSAYS
Compound addition for cytotoxicity panels, dose-response assays, and high-throughput screening.
Other Models in the 8-Channel AQE Range
The AQE-50-8 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-50-8 Accuracy & Precision
| Test Volume | Accuracy ±% | Accuracy ±uL | Precision CV ±% | Precision CV ±uL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 uL | 2.50 | 0.125 | 1.50 | 0.075 |
| 25 uL | 1.20 | 0.300 | 0.60 | 0.150 |
| 50 uL | 0.80 | 0.400 | 0.30 | 0.150 |
Error limits in accordance with DIN EN ISO 8655-2, based on the 50 uL nominal capacity. Per-channel calibration verified at an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and supplied with each unit.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AQE-50-8 |
| Configuration | 8-Channel multi-channel electronic pipettor |
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Tip Spacing | Fixed 9 mm (matches 96-well plate format) |
| Volume Range | 5 – 50 uL |
| Increment | 0.5 uL |
| Color Code | Forest Green |
| 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-50-8 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.