Merck Supelco® Visiprep™ 5-Position Vacuum Manifold for Solid Phase Extraction

Overview

The Merck Supelco® Visiprep™ 5-Position Vacuum Manifold (Model 57101-U) is a precision-engineered, chemically resistant vacuum manifold designed for reproducible, parallel solid-phase extraction (SPE) of up to five samples simultaneously. Unlike generic vacuum manifolds, the Visiprep system integrates ergonomic flow control and direct eluate collection into standard laboratory glassware—specifically 50 mL round-bottom or flat-bottom flasks—enabling seamless downstream processing such as rotary evaporation without sample transfer. Its operation relies on regulated vacuum application via an integrated pressure gauge and adjustable needle valve assembly, ensuring consistent flow rates across all five channels. This architecture supports method robustness in regulated environments where inter-sample carryover and procedural variability must be minimized. The manifold is compatible with all standard 1–10 mL SPE cartridges (e.g., C18, SCX, SAX, Florisil), and its modular design facilitates rapid cartridge exchange and cleaning.

Key Features

• Five independent, individually controllable flow channels with precision PTFE-coated stainless steel needle valves—each valve enables real-time adjustment of solvent flow rate during conditioning, loading, washing, and elution steps.
• Chemically inert construction: polypropylene manifold body, fluoropolymer gaskets, borosilicate glass reservoir chamber, and PTFE-tipped solvent delivery needles—resistant to acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and 0.1 M HCl/NaOH solutions.
• Dual configuration options: Standard version for general-purpose use; Cross-Contamination Prevention (CCP) version featuring isolated port seals and enhanced gasket geometry to eliminate vapor-phase migration between adjacent channels.
• Integrated vacuum monitoring: calibrated analog pressure gauge (range: 0–30 inHg or 0–100 kPa) paired with a fine-thread brass vacuum regulator valve for stable sub-atmospheric pressure control (typically operated at 10–20 kPa).
• Modular collection platform: removable aluminum support plate with precisely spaced 24/40 standard taper (ST/NS) sockets—designed to hold five 50 mL round-bottom (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich Z414484) or flat-bottom (Z418773) flasks securely during vacuum operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Visiprep 57101-U supports a broad range of sample matrices including aqueous environmental extracts (e.g., drinking water, wastewater), biological fluids (plasma, urine, tissue homogenates), food extracts (pesticide residue analysis), and pharmaceutical formulations. It complies with method requirements outlined in EPA Methods 505, 525.3, and 8270, as well as ISO 17025-accredited laboratories’ validation protocols for SPE-based sample preparation. While the manifold itself is not an analytical instrument, its mechanical consistency contributes directly to GLP-compliant workflows when used with documented SOPs and traceable calibration of vacuum sources. No electrical components are present—eliminating electromagnetic interference concerns in sensitive lab environments.

Software & Data Management

As a manually operated vacuum manifold, the Visiprep 57101-U does not incorporate embedded firmware, touchscreen interfaces, or digital data logging. However, it is fully compatible with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) through procedural documentation: users record vacuum setpoints, flow durations, and cartridge lot numbers as part of batch records. For audit readiness under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, manual entries must be contemporaneous, attributable, and preserved with version control—practices supported by Supelco’s companion SOP templates and validation kits (e.g., SPE Method Transfer Guide, Catalog #57096).

Applications

• Environmental analysis: isolation of polar and non-polar organic contaminants (e.g., PAHs, PCBs, pharmaceuticals) from surface water and groundwater prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS quantification.
• Clinical toxicology: cleanup of plasma or urine samples prior to immunoassay or high-resolution mass spectrometry detection of drugs of abuse and metabolites.
• Food safety testing: removal of co-extractives (lipids, pigments, proteins) from fruit, vegetable, and meat extracts prior to multi-residue pesticide screening per EU SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines.
• Pharmaceutical QC: purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and degradation products from synthetic reaction mixtures or dissolution media.

FAQ

Can this manifold be used with 3-mL or 6-mL SPE cartridges?
Yes—cartridge adapters (Supelco Catalog #57083) are available for secure mounting of both 1-mL and 6-mL formats without leakage or channel misalignment.
Is the vacuum gauge calibrated and traceable to NIST standards?
The analog gauge is factory-calibrated; optional NIST-traceable calibration certificates (Supelco Certi-Kit #57090) are available upon request for GLP/GMP audits.
What vacuum source is recommended for optimal performance?
A diaphragm vacuum pump capable of sustaining ≤15 kPa absolute pressure with oil-free operation (e.g., KNF N810.3FT.18) is strongly advised to prevent solvent backstreaming and ensure long-term seal integrity.
Are replacement gaskets and needles sold separately?
Yes—PTFE-coated silicone gasket sets (57101-GSKT) and stainless steel solvent needles (57101-NEEDLE) are stocked and cross-referenced in Supelco’s consumables catalog.
Does the CCP version require special training or altered SOPs?
No—the CCP variant follows identical operational procedures; however, its enhanced sealing reduces the need for frequent gasket replacement and improves repeatability in high-throughput labs handling volatile analytes.