Rocker LF5a PES Filtration Funnel

Overview

The Rocker LF5a PES Filtration Funnel is a precision-engineered, autoclavable vacuum filtration assembly designed for high-integrity sterile processing in life science laboratories. Constructed primarily from medical-grade polyethersulfone (PES), the funnel body and base exhibit exceptional thermal stability (up to 180°C short-term), chemical resistance to common solvents and aqueous buffers, and intrinsic low protein binding—making it ideal for sensitive biological sample preparation, microbial enumeration, and cell culture supernatant clarification. Its operation relies on standard vacuum-driven membrane filtration principles: negative pressure applied beneath the membrane drives liquid phase through the 47 mm filter surface while retaining particulates, microorganisms, or macromolecules based on pore size selection (e.g., 0.22 µm for sterilization, 0.45 µm for clarification). The LF5a integrates seamlessly into both benchtop vacuum manifolds and integrated filtration stations, supporting Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and ISO 13485-aligned workflows where traceability, repeatability, and contamination control are critical.

Key Features

• Autoclavable PES Construction: Entire funnel body and base molded from USP Class VI-certified PES, validated for repeated steam sterilization at 121°C, 15 psi for 20 minutes without deformation or leachables—ensuring compliance with sterility assurance levels (SAL) required for aseptic processing.
• Rocker-Exclusive Rotary Snap-Lock Mechanism (Patent TW M381450): Eliminates need for external clamps or O-ring compression tools; secure, leak-proof sealing achieved via intuitive quarter-turn engagement between funnel and base—reducing setup time and operator variability.
• Optimized Flow Dynamics: Integrated polypropylene membrane support pad features radial channeling geometry that minimizes boundary layer resistance and promotes uniform flow distribution across the full 47 mm filtration area, increasing throughput by up to 35% compared to flat-pad designs under identical vacuum conditions.
• Dual-Mode Compatibility: Supplied with a threaded cap for closed-system filtration (e.g., environmental sampling, hazardous material handling) and a tissue culture flask adapter (PC material) enabling direct attachment to standard vented or non-vented 125–500 mL TC flasks—bypassing intermediate collection vessels and minimizing transfer steps.
• Modular Component System: All parts—including 500 mL PES funnel cup (Cat. No. 197000-04), 47 mm PES base (197000-35), PP support pad (197000-37), and TC adapter (197000-38)—are independently replaceable and certified for multi-cycle reuse, supporting sustainable lab operations and cost-per-use optimization.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LF5a is compatible with all standard 47 mm diameter membranes (nitrocellulose, PVDF, PES, nylon, mixed cellulose ester) and accommodates viscous or particulate-laden samples including serum-containing media, fermentation broths, and clarified lysates. Its PES surfaces meet USP extractables testing requirements and demonstrate negligible interference in ELISA, qPCR, and HPLC sample prep per internal Rocker validation reports. The system supports regulatory documentation packages aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when used with compliant data loggers), ISO 13485:2016 (for IVD manufacturing environments), and ASTM D1193 Type II water filtration protocols. All components carry RoHS and REACH declarations of conformity.

Software & Data Management

While the LF5a is a manual vacuum filtration device and does not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware, its mechanical design enables full integration into digital lab ecosystems. When paired with Rocker’s VACUUBRAND®-compatible vacuum controllers (e.g., RC 6000 series) or IoT-enabled vacuum manifolds, real-time pressure logging, cycle duration tracking, and event-based alerts can be recorded via third-party LIMS or ELN platforms. Each component bears laser-etched batch codes for traceability; Rocker provides full material certificates (CoA), biocompatibility summaries (ISO 10993-5/10), and autoclave validation templates upon request to support audit readiness.

Applications

• Sterile filtration of cell culture media, antibiotics, and additives prior to use in mammalian or insect cell bioreactors.
• Microbial recovery and enumeration (e.g., membrane filtration method per ISO 9308-1, EPA Method 1603) in water quality testing labs.
• Clarification of crude protein extracts and antibody harvests in upstream bioprocessing R&D.
• Pre-filtration of HPLC mobile phases and sample solutions to protect analytical columns from particulate fouling.
• Direct filtration of conditioned media into TC flasks for immediate passaging or cryopreservation—reducing cross-contamination risk and hands-on time.

FAQ

Can the LF5a be used with aggressive organic solvents such as acetone or chloroform?
No. While PES exhibits broad aqueous and mild polar solvent compatibility, it is not resistant to strong halogenated or ketonic solvents. Refer to Rocker’s Chemical Resistance Guide (PN: CRG-PES-2023) for validated solvent lists.
Is the TC flask adapter compatible with Corning, Falcon, and Sarstedt brand flasks?
Yes—the adapter features standardized 45 mm thread pitch and sealing geometry conforming to ISO 8362-1, ensuring interoperability with all major TC flask manufacturers using vented or non-vented configurations.
What is the maximum recommended vacuum pressure for optimal membrane integrity?
Operate at ≤ 600 mbar (absolute) vacuum; higher differentials may cause membrane collapse or edge lifting, particularly with low-porosity (< 0.1 µm) filters.
How many autoclave cycles can the LF5a withstand before replacement?
Under validated conditions (121°C, 15 psi, 20 min), the PES components maintain dimensional stability and seal integrity for ≥ 100 cycles; Rocker recommends periodic visual inspection for stress cracking or discoloration.
Does Rocker provide GMP-compliant documentation for pharmaceutical QC use?
Yes—upon order, Rocker issues Device Master Record (DMR)-aligned documentation packages including Design History File excerpts, risk analysis (ISO 14971), and cleaning validation protocols suitable for FDA or EMA submission support.