Merck Supelco® Visiprep DL 12-Position Cross-Contamination-Free Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Manifold

Overview

The Merck Supelco® Visiprep DL 12-Position Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Manifold is an engineered vacuum manifold system designed for high-integrity sample preparation in regulated and research laboratories. It operates on the principle of vacuum-assisted liquid-phase partitioning through bonded-silica or polymeric sorbent cartridges, enabling selective analyte retention, matrix removal, and concentration prior to downstream analysis (e.g., HPLC, GC, LC-MS). Unlike standard manifolds, the DL (Dual-Luer) configuration incorporates a dedicated disposable PTFE transfer line with polypropylene Luer-lock fittings for each individual SPE cartridge port. This design physically isolates fluid pathways between sequential samples—eliminating carryover risk from residual solvents, analytes, or matrix components retained in tubing or valve seats. The system is constructed around a borosilicate glass reservoir cylinder rated for full compatibility with chlorinated solvents (e.g., DCM), acetonitrile, methanol, and ethyl acetate—ensuring dimensional stability, optical clarity, and resistance to solvent-induced crazing or hazing over extended use.

Key Features

• 12-position configuration with independent, single-use PTFE/Luer transfer lines per port—preventing cross-contamination at the fluidic interface
• Patented spiral-type solvent-resistant vacuum control valve offering precise, repeatable flow rate modulation across all channels (typical range: 0.5–5 mL/min per cartridge under standard vacuum)
• Borosilicate glass reservoir with integrated vacuum gauge port and pressure-relief vent—certified for long-term exposure to aggressive organic solvents without degradation
• Ergonomic lid with integrated support feet—enables stable, hands-free placement on benchtop during cartridge loading or fraction collection
• Polypropylene collection rack accommodating multiple vessel formats: 1–10 mL autosampler vials, 10 mm and 16 mm test tubes, scintillation vials (20 mL), and volumetric flasks (1, 2, 5, and 10 mL)
• 1/4-inch vacuum hose connection with O-ring-sealed coupling—compatible with standard lab vacuum pumps and centralized vacuum systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Visiprep DL manifold supports all commercially available 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, and 12 mL SPE cartridges—including silica-based (C18, SCX, SAX), polymeric (HLB, Strata-X), and ion-exchange formats. Its inert fluid path (PTFE tubing + polypropylene fittings) ensures compatibility with acidic, basic, and neutral elution solvents across pH 1–14. The system meets foundational requirements for GLP and GMP environments when used within documented SOPs: the absence of shared fluidic channels satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity principles for sample traceability, while its mechanical design aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.1 (equipment suitability for intended use). No electronic components or firmware are present; therefore, no software validation is required—reducing qualification burden in regulated QC labs.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical vacuum manifold, the Visiprep DL requires no embedded software, drivers, or connectivity protocols. All operational parameters—including vacuum level, flow rate, and elution timing—are manually controlled and recorded in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated electronic batch records. Users maintain full audit trail control: cartridge lot numbers, solvent batches, operator ID, and fraction collection timestamps are documented externally per ICH E6(R3) and USP guidelines. Optional integration with digital vacuum controllers (e.g., Vacuubrand VACUU·SELECT) enables analog pressure logging via 0–10 V output—but such peripherals remain outside the scope of the manifold’s qualification.

Applications

This manifold is routinely deployed in environmental testing (EPA Methods 508, 525.3, 8081B), clinical toxicology (urine drug screening per SAMHSA guidelines), food safety (pesticide residue extraction per AOAC 2007.01), and pharmaceutical impurity profiling (ICH Q5A/Q5D compliant sample cleanup). Its cross-contamination mitigation architecture is especially critical for low-concentration analyte workflows—such as endocrine disruptor analysis in drinking water (ng/L level) or trace mycotoxin quantitation in cereals—where false positives from carryover compromise method specificity and reporting limits.

FAQ

Is the Visiprep DL compatible with 24-position cartridge configurations?
No—the DL-series is exclusively manufactured in 12-position format. A separate 24-position standard (non-DL) manifold is available under model 57045, but it lacks the disposable Luer-tube architecture.
Can I reuse the PTFE/Luer transfer lines?
No—these are single-use consumables supplied in sterile packaging. Reuse compromises cross-contamination control and violates the system’s validated design intent.
What vacuum pump specifications are recommended?
A two-stage diaphragm pump delivering ≤80 mbar ultimate vacuum and ≥20 L/min free-air displacement is optimal for consistent 12-cartridge parallel processing.
Does the manifold include cartridges or collection vessels?
No—cartridges, vials, and tubing are sold separately as consumables. The unit ships with only the manifold base, glass reservoir, lid, vacuum gauge, and polypropylene rack.
Is calibration required before first use?
No formal calibration is specified; however, users must verify vacuum seal integrity using a leak-check procedure per ASTM D323-22 Annex A1 prior to routine operation.