WIGGENS BioVac 225 Portable Vacuum Liquid Aspiration System
| Brand | WIGGENS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | BioVac 225 |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 100 mbar |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 17 L/min |
| Dimensions | 37 × 15 × 25 cm |
| Weight | 4.3 kg |
| Power Consumption | 25 W |
| Vacuum Type | Diaphragm Pump |
| Waste Bottle Capacity | 1000 mL |
| Filtration | 0.2 µm PTFE Disc Filter |
| Sterilization Compatibility | Autoclavable (121 °C, 20 min) |
| Safety Features | Dual Overflow Protection (Float Ball + In-Line Filter) |
Overview
The WIGGENS BioVac 225 Portable Vacuum Liquid Aspiration System is an engineered solution for precise, sterile, and contamination-controlled liquid removal in bioscience laboratories. Designed specifically for post-culture processing—including cell pellet harvesting, supernatant decanting, and aspiration from Petri dishes, multiwell plates, and tissue culture flasks—the system operates on a maintenance-free diaphragm vacuum principle. Unlike oil-lubricated pumps, its dry-running diaphragm mechanism eliminates hydrocarbon vapor backstreaming, ensuring sample integrity and operator safety in laminar flow hoods and biosafety cabinets. With a maximum ultimate vacuum of 100 mbar and a stable flow rate up to 17 L/min, the BioVac 225 delivers consistent aspiration performance across variable fluid viscosities and container geometries—critical for reproducible handling of sensitive biological suspensions.
Key Features
- Maintenance-free diaphragm vacuum pump: No oil lubrication required; zero risk of oil contamination or scheduled oil changes.
- Ultra-low noise operation: Acoustic emission ≤ 48 dB(A) at 1 m distance—optimized for shared lab environments and ISO Class 5 cleanrooms.
- Dual-stage overflow protection: Integrated float-ball sensor in the 1000 mL autoclavable polycarbonate waste bottle triggers automatic pump shutoff upon liquid level threshold; reinforced by an in-line 0.2 µm hydrophobic PTFE disc filter positioned between bottle and pump head.
- Full autoclave compatibility: Waste bottle and PTFE filter are rated for repeated sterilization at 121 °C / 103 kPa for 20 minutes per ISO 17665-1, supporting GLP-compliant workflows and aseptic reusability.
- Ergonomic footswitch control: Enables hands-free, contactless activation—essential during sterile procedures and when wearing gloves.
- Compact, benchtop-portable architecture: Footprint of only 37 × 15 cm supports deployment inside biosafety cabinets (Class II A2/B2), laminar flow hoods, and mobile lab carts.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BioVac 225 accommodates aqueous buffers, serum-containing media, enzymatic digestion mixtures, and low-viscosity cell suspensions. It is not intended for organic solvents, strong acids/bases, or particulate-laden slurries without pre-filtration. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. The system meets IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety and conforms to EN 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility. Its design supports adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when integrated with validated electronic log systems—particularly where audit trails for aspiration events (e.g., duration, cycle count, error flags) are recorded via external data acquisition modules.
Software & Data Management
The BioVac 225 operates as a standalone analog device with no embedded firmware or digital interface. However, its footswitch signal output (dry-contact, 24 V DC compatible) can be interfaced with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or LabVIEW-based data acquisition systems for time-stamped event logging. Optional accessories include a digital timer module (WIGGENS part #167225-TM) enabling preset aspiration durations (1–99 s) with visual LED feedback—facilitating SOP-driven repeatability in QC/QA settings. All operational parameters remain mechanically deterministic, eliminating software validation burdens under GMP Annex 11.
Applications
- Aspiration of culture supernatants during mammalian or microbial cell passaging.
- Removal of wash buffers in ELISA plate processing and immunostaining protocols.
- Drainage of excess medium prior to colony picking or cryopreservation.
- Debris-free aspiration from embryoid bodies or organoid cultures in stem cell labs.
- Supporting vacuum-assisted filtration in nucleic acid purification workflows (when paired with appropriate filter holders).
- Field-deployable aspiration in mobile diagnostic units or BSL-2 containment trailers.
FAQ
Is the BioVac 225 suitable for use inside a Class II biosafety cabinet?
Yes—its compact dimensions, low heat dissipation (<25 W), and oil-free operation make it fully compatible with continuous use inside certified biosafety cabinets.
Can the PTFE filter be reused after autoclaving?
Yes—the 0.2 µm hydrophobic PTFE disc filter retains structural integrity and retention efficiency after ≥10 autoclave cycles at 121 °C; performance verification via bubble point testing is recommended every 5 cycles.
What is the expected service life of the diaphragm pump under typical lab usage?
Rated for ≥10,000 hours of operation at 50% duty cycle; mean time between failures exceeds 5 years in standard academic or pharmaceutical QC environments.
Does the system include tubing and collection adapters?
Standard configuration includes one 1000 mL waste bottle, silicone suction tubing (1.5 m, 8 mm OD), and a universal stainless-steel aspiration wand with interchangeable tips (straight, angled, and wide-bore). Additional accessories are available separately.
How is calibration verified for aspiration volume accuracy?
The BioVac 225 is a volumetric aspiration aid—not a quantitative delivery device. Volume control relies on user-defined timing and tip geometry; for gravimetric verification, integration with a precision balance and timed aspiration protocol is advised per ISO 8655-7.
