Surge Scientific · Model AQS-20 · Volume Range 0.5–20 uL
AQUA AQS-20
Electronic Single Channel Pipettor
Low-Volume Workhorse · 0.1 uL Resolution · 0.30% CV at Full Volume
The 0.5–20 uL window is the busiest pipetting range in molecular biology — PCR setup, restriction digests, primer dilutions, ELISA standards. The AQS-20 covers it with electronic precision, holding 0.30% CV at full volume across thousands of cycles without operator drift.
Why The AQS-20?
Most labs run their highest pipetting volume through this range, which means it's also where manual-pipette fatigue and calibration drift cause the most damage. PCR results, restriction digests, and ELISA standard curves all depend on this volume window being consistently delivered — and a tired technician at hour six of plate setup cannot match a motorized piston.
The AQS-20 motorizes that workload entirely. Linear stepping control delivers 0.30% CV at the 20 uL nominal, with 0.1 uL increment resolution down to 0.5 uL. Six saved programs cover the lab's repeat protocols — PCR mix, ligation reagent, antibody dilution — recallable in one button press.
20 uL NOMINAL ACCURACY
At full volume, the AQS-20 delivers 1.00% accuracy and 0.30% CV per the catalog spec, verified against DIN EN ISO 8655-2 at an ISO 17025 accredited lab.
LINEAR STEPPING MOTOR
Motor-driven piston eliminates the thumb-pressure variability that plagues manual pipettes. Aspiration profiles repeat to the same micro-step every cycle, holding accuracy across thousand-sample runs.
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, gel-load, titration, multi-stage aspirate, repetitive, sequential dispense and more. Six programs save to memory for instant recall on repeat assays.
"1.00% accuracy and 0.30% CV at 20 uL nominal." — The AQS-20 is purpose-built for the 0.5 – 20 uL window — the manufacturer's published spec at the nominal volume sets a precision tier that manual pipettes in this range cannot sustain across a full shift.
Key Features
- Volume range: 0.5 – 20 uL
- Increment resolution: 0.1 uL
- 1.00% accuracy at 20 uL nominal
- 0.30% CV at 20 uL nominal
- Color-coded volume identification — Grass 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 grade stainless steel tip cone
- 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 cone — accepts standard tip brands
- Lower section autoclavable at 121°C, 1 bar, 20 minutes
- Whole-device sterilization by UV light
- ISO 17025 calibration certificate included
Ideal Applications
PCR & GENOMICS
Standard PCR setup, restriction digests, ligation reactions, and primer working dilutions across plate formats.
ELISA STANDARDS
Standard curve preparation and serial dilutions where the working range falls in the low-microliter band.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Plasmid preps, transformation reactions, and reagent additions for cloning and cell-based assays.
Other Models in the AQS Series
The AQS-20 is one of seven volume ranges in the Surge Scientific AQUA single-channel platform. All seven share the same handle, firmware, battery, and accessory ecosystem — standardize the bench around a common platform.
AQS-20 Accuracy & Precision
| Test Volume | Accuracy ±% | Accuracy ±uL | Precision CV ±% | Precision CV ±uL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 uL | 7.50 | 0.150 | 2.00 | 0.040 |
| 10 uL | 7.50 | 0.750 | 0.50 | 0.050 |
| 20 uL | 1.00 | 0.200 | 0.30 | 0.060 |
Error limits in accordance with DIN EN ISO 8655-2, based on the 20 uL nominal capacity. Calibration verified at an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory and supplied with each unit.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AQS-20 |
| Configuration | Single channel electronic pipettor |
| Volume Range | 0.5 – 20 uL |
| Increment | 0.1 uL |
| Color Code | Grass Green |
| Drive System | Linear stepping electronic piston control |
| 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 |
| 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 AQS-20 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.