Rocker 300 – LF 30 – SS Vacuum Filtration System

Overview

The Rocker 300 – LF 30 – SS Vacuum Filtration System is an engineered solution for standardized suspended solids (SS) analysis and routine aqueous or low-viscosity liquid filtration in environmental, clinical, pharmaceutical, and academic laboratories. Designed in accordance with widely adopted gravimetric methods—including ASTM D5907, ISO 11923, and EPA Method 160.2—the system integrates a maintenance-free oil-free vacuum pump with a sterilizable polyethersulfone (PES) filtration assembly to deliver consistent, contamination-free sample processing. Its core architecture employs piston-driven vacuum generation, eliminating oil vapor carryover and ensuring compliance with GLP/GMP environments where hydrocarbon-free operation is mandatory. The system operates at a nominal ultimate vacuum of ≤80 mbar and delivers stable suction across variable load conditions, enabling reproducible filtration rates for regulatory-compliant SS quantification.

Key Features

• Oil-Free Piston Pump (Rocker 300): Utilizes dry-running ceramic-coated pistons and PTFE seals; zero lubricating oil required—eliminates risk of sample contamination and eliminates scheduled oil changes.
• Sterilizable PES Filtration Assembly (LF 30): Filter flask and base constructed from medical-grade polyethersulfone; withstands repeated autoclaving at 121°C for 20 min (up to 180°C short-term), supporting ISO 13485-aligned cleanroom workflows.
• Overflow Protection Mechanism: Integrated float valve in the receiving bottle prevents accidental aspiration of filtrate into the vacuum line—critical for preserving pump integrity during unattended operation.
• Patented Flow-Directed Membrane Support Plate: Optimized radial channel geometry beneath the filter membrane enhances laminar flow distribution, reducing localized clogging and increasing effective filtration area by up to 35% compared to flat support designs.
• Inlet Air Filtration: Each Rocker 300 unit includes a dual-stage inlet filter (particulate + moisture trap), extending service life of internal cylinders and maintaining volumetric efficiency over >10,000 operating hours.
• Waste Extraction Adapter Cap: Quick-swap lid enables immediate reconfiguration of the collection bottle into a dedicated waste reservoir—streamlining multi-step protocols without requiring additional hardware.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Rocker 300 – LF 30 – SS is validated for use with aqueous samples, buffered saline solutions, cell culture supernatants, wastewater effluents, and clarified biological extracts. It accommodates standard 47 mm diameter membrane filters—including glass fiber (1 µm pore size, supplied), mixed cellulose ester (MCE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)—and supports both gravimetric and turbidimetric SS determination. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. The system meets CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD); documentation includes full traceability of material certifications (RoHS, REACH) and autoclave validation reports upon request. For FDA-regulated labs, audit-ready calibration logs and preventive maintenance records are supported via optional digital logbook integration.

Software & Data Management

While the Rocker 300 – LF 30 – SS operates as a standalone analog system, its mechanical design supports full traceability within regulated environments. The pump includes a built-in hour meter for usage tracking, and the LF 30 flask features laser-etched serial numbering for asset management. Optional accessories include a calibrated vacuum gauge (0–1000 mbar, ±1.5% FS) with analog output (0–5 VDC) for connection to LIMS or SCADA systems. All consumables—including the supplied 1 µm glass fiber filters (Cat. No. 167100-20)—are lot-numbered and supplied with CoA documentation meeting ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Electronic record retention for maintenance events complies with 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated third-party electronic lab notebook (ELN) platforms.

Applications

• Gravimetric determination of total suspended solids (TSS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS) in wastewater, surface water, and industrial effluents per EPA 160.2 and ISO 11923.
• Pre-filtration of cell lysates, fermentation broths, and protein solutions prior to HPLC or SEC analysis.
• Routine clarification of culture media, buffers, and reagent-grade solvents in QC/QA laboratories.
• Particulate load assessment in pharmaceutical manufacturing rinse validation studies.
• Field-deployable filtration for environmental monitoring stations requiring autoclavable, corrosion-resistant hardware.

FAQ

Is the LF 30 filtration assembly compatible with other vacuum pumps?
Yes—the LF 30 uses standard 24/29 ground-glass joints and accepts vacuum input up to 100 kPa negative pressure; however, optimal performance and overflow protection require use with Rocker-series pumps rated ≥30 L/min free-air displacement.
Can the glass fiber filter be replaced with alternative membrane types?
Absolutely—the 47 mm support plate accepts any standard 47 mm disc filter, including hydrophilic PVDF (0.22 µm), nylon (0.45 µm), and track-etched polycarbonate for particle sizing applications.
What is the expected service life of the Rocker 300 pump under continuous operation?
Rated for 20,000 hours MTBF (mean time between failures) with periodic inlet filter replacement every 6 months in typical lab environments; piston wear is monitored via audible operational signature and vacuum decay testing.
Does the system include documentation for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?
Yes—each shipment includes a Factory Calibration Certificate, Material Declaration Sheet (RoHS/REACH), and Autoclave Validation Summary; full accreditation support packages are available upon order.
Is technical support available outside Taiwan?
ROCKER maintains authorized service centers in the US, Germany, Japan, and Singapore, with remote diagnostics and spare-part logistics aligned to ISO 9001-certified distribution networks.