Supelco Visiprep 5-Position Vacuum Manifold for Solid Phase Extraction

Overview

The Supelco Visiprep 5-Position Vacuum Manifold (Model 57101-U) is a precision-engineered manual vacuum manifold designed for parallel solid-phase extraction (SPE) using standard 1–6 mL SPE cartridges. It operates on the principle of controlled vacuum-driven liquid flow through sorbent-packed cartridges, enabling consistent sample loading, washing, and elution steps across five independent channels. Unlike conventional manifolds requiring intermediate collection in test tubes or vials, this system integrates directly with standard 50 mL round-bottom or flat-bottom receiving flasks—compatible with common rotary evaporators—minimizing transfer losses and reducing contamination risk during downstream concentration. Constructed for laboratory durability and chemical resistance, it supports reproducible method execution under GLP-compliant workflows where trace-level analyte recovery and inter-sample integrity are critical.

Key Features

• Five independently controllable channels, each equipped with an integrated flow control valve for precise, channel-specific vacuum regulation
• Chemically resistant 5-port manifold cap available in two configurations: standard and cross-contamination-resistant (with isolated sealing gaskets per port)
• Modular assembly includes vacuum gauge, pressure relief valve, borosilicate glass reservoir chamber, replaceable solvent guide needles, and a rigid collection support plate
• Optimized geometry accommodates 50 mL round-bottom (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich Z414484) or flat-bottom (Z418773) flasks with 24/40 standard taper joints—enabling direct post-elution rotary evaporation without sample transfer
• No moving parts or electronic components; fully manual operation ensures long-term reliability and eliminates calibration drift or firmware dependency

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Visiprep 57101-U is compatible with all commercially available 1–6 mL SPE cartridges from leading vendors—including Supelco, Waters, Thermo Fisher, and Agilent—regardless of sorbent chemistry (C18, silica, SCX, SAX, Florisil, etc.). Its design conforms to widely adopted SPE method guidelines outlined in ASTM D7968-19 (for environmental water analysis) and EPA Method 502.2 (for volatile organic compounds). While the manifold itself is not certified to ISO/IEC 17025, its mechanical consistency and traceable component tolerances support validation protocols required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with documented SOPs and audit-trail-enabled lab notebooks. The absence of electrical interfaces simplifies qualification under GMP Annex 15 and avoids electromagnetic interference concerns in regulated QC laboratories.

Software & Data Management

This is a purely mechanical, non-instrumented device—no embedded software, firmware, or digital connectivity is present. All operational parameters (vacuum level, flow rate, elution timing) are set manually via the analog vacuum gauge and individual needle valves. Users maintain full procedural control and documentation responsibility through paper-based or LIMS-integrated batch records. For laboratories implementing electronic data capture, the manifold integrates seamlessly into validated workflows where vacuum application time, cartridge lot numbers, solvent volumes, and flask identifiers are logged manually or imported from external instruments (e.g., balance, pipette controllers). No cybersecurity or software validation burden is introduced, aligning with ALCOA+ principles for raw data integrity.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Pre-concentration of pesticides, PAHs, and pharmaceutical residues from aqueous samples prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS
• Clinical toxicology: Cleanup of plasma, urine, or serum extracts for quantification of drugs of abuse and metabolites
• Food safety testing: Removal of co-extractives (lipids, pigments) from fruit juice, honey, or milk matrices before mycotoxin or veterinary drug analysis
• Pharmaceutical R&D: High-throughput purification of synthetic reaction mixtures or natural product isolates using reversed-phase or ion-exchange cartridges
• Method development labs: Rapid screening of SPE sorbent types, solvent strengths, and flow rates across five replicates under identical vacuum conditions

FAQ

Can this manifold be used with 12-mL SPE cartridges?
Yes—provided the cartridge frit height and diameter allow stable seating within the manifold’s port adapters; however, optimal performance is verified for 1–6 mL formats.
Is the glass reservoir chamber autoclavable?
No—the borosilicate glass cylinder is not rated for repeated autoclaving; cleaning is recommended with appropriate solvents followed by air-drying.
Are replacement gaskets and needles available as spare parts?
Yes—Supelco offers OEM replacement kits (e.g., 57101-GASKET, 57101-NEEDLE) with documented shelf life and lot traceability.
Does the manifold meet USP requirements for extractables and leachables?
While not formally tested per USP , all wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards for polypropylene and fluoropolymer seals, and borosilicate glass meets USP specifications.
Can vacuum pressure be monitored digitally?
The built-in analog vacuum gauge provides visual pressure indication (0–30 inHg); for digital logging, users may integrate an external calibrated vacuum transducer upstream of the manifold inlet.