ROCKER SF10 Stainless Steel Filtration Bottle Assembly

Overview

The ROCKER SF10 Stainless Steel Filtration Bottle Assembly is a precision-engineered vacuum filtration system designed for demanding life science and bioengineering applications requiring chemical resistance, thermal stability, and repeatable sterility assurance. Built upon Couette-flow-compatible vacuum filtration principles, the SF10 integrates a modular, flame-sterilizable stainless steel funnel with a high-impact polycarbonate (PC) receiver bottle—enabling reliable separation of microorganisms, suspended solids, particulates, and clarified biological solutions under controlled negative pressure. Its architecture conforms to fundamental requirements of aseptic processing workflows in microbiology labs, QC/QA environments, and upstream bioprocessing validation studies where material compatibility with ethanol, acetone, chloroform, and autoclaving cycles is non-negotiable.

Key Features

• SS316 Stainless Steel Filtration Funnel: Entire funnel assembly—including upper cup, base, and support plate—is fabricated from medical-grade AISI 316 stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance against organic solvents, acidic/basic reagents, and repeated flame sterilization without surface degradation or leaching.
• Autoclavable Polycarbonate Receiver Bottle: The 1200 mL receiver is injection-molded from USP Class VI-certified polycarbonate, rated for steam sterilization at 121°C for 20 minutes (ISO 17664-compliant), with impact resistance exceeding 60 kJ/m² (notched Izod) and optical clarity for real-time volume monitoring.
• Twist-Lock Funnel Interface: A tool-free, bayonet-style coupling mechanism eliminates reliance on external clamps or O-ring torque tools—reducing assembly time by ≥30% while ensuring consistent sealing force and leak-free operation across repeated use cycles.
• Floating Ball Overflow Protection: Integrated mechanical float valve automatically seals the vacuum port when liquid reaches the 1150 mL threshold, preventing backflow into vacuum lines and safeguarding pumps from condensate ingress—a critical safety feature in unattended overnight filtration runs.
• Modular Waste Transfer Adapter: The included waste extraction cap allows rapid conversion of the receiver bottle into a dedicated waste reservoir, supporting seamless integration with centralized vacuum manifolds or peristaltic waste evacuation systems without disassembly.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SF10 supports filtration of aqueous buffers, cell culture supernatants, microbial suspensions (e.g., E. coli, yeast), protein solutions, and solvent-based extracts—provided membrane pore ratings (0.22 µm, 0.45 µm, or 1.2 µm) are selected per application. All wetted surfaces comply with FDA 21 CFR §177.1580 (polycarbonate) and ASTM F899 (stainless steel). The system meets ISO 13408-1 (aseptic processing) design considerations and is routinely validated in GLP laboratories for USP <71> sterility testing protocols. Flame sterilization of the funnel aligns with CLSI M22-A3 and ISO 11137-1 radiation equivalency benchmarks for dry-heat decontamination.

Software & Data Management

As a benchtop passive filtration system, the SF10 operates without embedded electronics or firmware. However, its standardized dimensions (47 mm filter diameter, 8 mm tubing interface) ensure full compatibility with third-party vacuum controllers (e.g., KNF N86 KT.18, Vacuubrand PC 3001 Vario) equipped with digital pressure logging, audit-trail-enabled software (21 CFR Part 11 compliant), and automated cycle documentation. Lab managers may integrate SF10 usage logs into LIMS via barcode-scanned lot numbers (e.g., funnel batch code engraved on base ring) and traceable component records (silicone gasket P/N 167110-17, PC bottle P/N 197000-31-PC).

Applications

• Microbiological assay preparation: Sterile filtration of nutrient broths, antibiotic solutions, and environmental water samples prior to membrane filtration assays (ISO 9308-1).
• Aseptic clarification of monoclonal antibody harvests and viral vector intermediates in early-phase biomanufacturing.
• Solvent-resistant purification of small-molecule APIs where glass funnels risk etching or cracking during HPLC mobile phase filtration.
• High-throughput lab-scale ultrafiltration pre-concentration using supported PVDF or nylon membranes (e.g., Millipore Express SHF).
• Environmental monitoring: Filtration of turbid wastewater effluents containing heavy metal colloids or biofilm fragments.

FAQ

Can the SF10 funnel be sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO)?
Yes—the SS316 construction and absence of adhesives or elastomeric seals make it fully compatible with standard EtO sterilization cycles (e.g., 550 mg/L, 60°C, 3 hours), though steam autoclaving remains the preferred method for routine lab use.
Is the PC receiver bottle resistant to DMSO or THF?
Polycarbonate exhibits limited resistance to DMSO and poor resistance to THF; for such solvents, users must verify compatibility via ASTM D543 immersion testing or substitute with fluoropolymer-lined alternatives.
What vacuum pressure range is recommended for optimal flow rate with 0.22 µm membranes?
A regulated vacuum of –0.7 to –0.9 bar (–70 to –90 kPa) is advised; higher differentials may cause membrane collapse or edge channeling, particularly with viscous biological matrices.
Does ROCKER provide validation documentation for GMP environments?
ROCKER supplies material certifications (RoHS, REACH, SS316 mill test reports) and dimensional inspection reports; full IQ/OQ/PQ protocol development requires site-specific execution per ISO 13485 or EU Annex 11 guidelines.
Are replacement gaskets and membrane support plates available as spare parts?
Yes—standardized SS316 support plates (P/N 180100-10) and silicone gaskets (P/N 167110-17) are stocked globally through authorized ROCKER distribution partners.