Pribolab EQ-RACK-12 Pump-Driven Solid Phase Extraction Rack

Overview

The Pribolab EQ-RACK-12 is a semi-automated, pump-driven solid phase extraction (SPE) rack engineered for high-throughput, reproducible sample preparation in regulated analytical laboratories. It operates on vacuum-assisted column elution principles—applying controlled negative pressure via a dual-port silent diaphragm air pump to drive sequential solvent flow through 12 parallel SPE columns (including immunoaffinity columns). Unlike gravity-fed or manual manifold systems, the EQ-RACK-12 delivers consistent flow rates (0.1–10 mL/min) across all channels, minimizing inter-column variability and improving method robustness. Its design prioritizes compatibility with sensitive biological affinity media—particularly mycotoxin-specific immunoaffinity columns—where precise solvent delivery, chemical inertness, and low carryover are critical for trace-level quantitation in food safety testing.

Key Features

• 12-position modular rack architecture enabling simultaneous processing of up to twelve 1–50 mL sample volumes—ideal for batched analysis of cereal, feed, milk, or nut extracts.
• Chemically inert wetted path constructed entirely from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polypropylene (PP), ensuring resistance to aggressive organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, chloroform) and aqueous acidic/basic eluents commonly used in multi-residue cleanup protocols.
• Dual-port ultra-quiet diaphragm pump delivering stable pressure output (>0.012 MPa) and airflow (7.2 L/min), optimized for uniform flow distribution without column channeling or dry-bed formation.
• Tool-free, modular connector system with 12 PTFE-sealed fittings—enabling rapid column installation, removal, and rack reconfiguration without torque tools or solvent exposure to operator hands.
• Compact footprint (W × D × H ≈ 32 × 24 × 28 cm) and integrated handle facilitate relocation between fume hoods, cold rooms, and QC workstations without recalibration or alignment.
• Rotational base design allows ergonomic 360° access during column conditioning, loading, washing, and elution steps—reducing repetitive motion strain during extended workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EQ-RACK-12 supports standard 3-mL and 6-mL SPE cartridges as well as 1-mL and 3-mL immunoaffinity columns (e.g., AflaTest®, DONTest®, ZearalaTest®). It complies with method requirements outlined in AOAC Official Method 2005.08, ISO 15742:2021 (mycotoxin analysis), and EU Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006. All contact materials meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and are extractables-tested per ICH Q5C guidelines. The system is compatible with GLP/GMP environments when operated with documented SOPs, logbook entries, and periodic pump performance verification (e.g., pressure decay tests every 200 cycles).

Software & Data Management

As a hardware-only platform, the EQ-RACK-12 does not include embedded firmware or digital controls. However, it integrates seamlessly into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via manual workflow logging. Users may pair it with external timer-based flow controllers or programmable vacuum regulators (e.g., KNF N86 KT.18) for time-gated step execution. Audit trails—including operator ID, date/time stamps, column lot numbers, and solvent batch IDs—are maintained externally in paper or electronic notebooks compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when using validated electronic signature modules.

Applications

• Routine mycotoxin cleanup prior to HPLC-FLD or LC-MS/MS analysis in grain, flour, beer, and infant formula testing labs.
• Multi-analyte residue extraction for veterinary drugs (e.g., β-agonists, sulfonamides) from muscle and liver homogenates per EU SANTE/11945/2023 guidelines.
• Removal of phospholipids and co-extractives from complex biological matrices prior to lipidomics profiling.
• High-volume screening of allergenic protein hydrolysates using immobilized antibody columns under mild pH conditions.
• Preparative-scale desalting of peptide digests prior to MALDI-TOF MS analysis.

FAQ

Is the EQ-RACK-12 compatible with third-party immunoaffinity columns?
Yes—mechanical dimensions and port geometry conform to ISO 8536-4 and ASTM D7241 specifications for 1-mL and 3-mL column formats.
Can flow rate be individually adjusted per channel?
No—flow is uniformly distributed across all 12 positions via shared manifold; individual channel regulation requires external inline flow restrictors.
What maintenance is required for the air pump?
The diaphragm pump requires no oil changes; replace carbon filters every 6 months or after 1,000 operating hours, per KNF service recommendations.
Does Pribolab provide validation documentation for this system?
Pribolab supplies a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report covering pressure stability, leak integrity, and material certification—available upon request with purchase order.
Is the 30 mL PP reservoir autoclavable?
No—PP is rated for steam sterilization only up to 121°C for ≤15 minutes; repeated autoclaving degrades mechanical strength and seal integrity.