ROCKER MultiVac 301-MB-T Vacuum Filtration System

Overview

The ROCKER MultiVac 301-MB-T Vacuum Filtration System is an integrated, laboratory-grade solution engineered for high-throughput, aseptic microbial analysis and routine liquid clarification in regulated life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of pressure-driven vacuum filtration—applying negative pressure across a microporous membrane to separate suspended microorganisms or particulates from aqueous or low-viscosity liquid samples. The system is purpose-built for compliance with standard methods including ISO 7218, ASTM D5127, USP /, and APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (e.g., Method 9222B). Its architecture centers on reproducibility, contamination control, and operational robustness: all wetted components—including the 3-port manifold, filter support plates, cup holders, and gas vent valves—are fabricated from electropolished SUS316 stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance against aggressive disinfectants (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, peracetic acid) and biological residues.

Key Features

• Triple independent filtration channels with individual SUS316 stainless steel shut-off valves—enabling parallel processing of up to three samples without cross-contamination or flow interference.
• Electropolished SUS316 manifold and filter support structure—certified for autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min), steam sterilization, and repeated chemical decontamination cycles.
• Integrated adjustable air-bleed valve on each port—dynamically regulates inlet airflow during filtration termination to eliminate water hammer effects and prevent backflow or membrane rupture.
• Quick-release bayonet-style locking mechanism (patented “Twist-Lock” design)—allows tool-free disassembly of filter cups, support plates, and gasket assemblies within seconds for cleaning, inspection, or replacement.
• Rocker 400 oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump—provides stable, pulse-free vacuum delivery (–680 mmHg ultimate vacuum) with zero hydrocarbon contamination risk; CE- and UL-certified for continuous operation under ISO 8573-1 Class 0 air purity requirements.
• 4000 mL polypropylene waste bottle with integrated bottom-mounted drain valve—facilitates safe, drip-free disposal of filtrate without breaking vacuum or requiring pump shutdown.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MultiVac 301-MB-T accommodates standard 47 mm and 50 mm diameter membranes—including mixed cellulose ester (MCE), nylon, PVDF, and PTFE—supporting pore sizes from 0.1 µm to 5.0 µm. Its 100 mL graduated stainless steel filter cups are calibrated to ±2% accuracy and rated for pressures up to 0.5 bar differential. The system meets structural integrity requirements per EN 61000-6-3 (EMC) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity), and its stainless steel construction conforms to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with compliant data acquisition software. All components are traceable via batch-specific RoHS and REACH declarations; material certifications (EN 10204 3.1) available upon request for GMP audit documentation.

Software & Data Management

While the base MultiVac 301-MB-T operates as a standalone hardware platform, it integrates seamlessly with third-party lab information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) via analog vacuum pressure output (0–10 V) and digital I/O triggers. Optional ROCKER DataLink module enables time-stamped logging of vacuum onset/duration, pump runtime, and valve actuation events—supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when deployed with validated timestamping servers and user access controls. Calibration records, maintenance logs, and sterilization cycle reports can be exported in CSV or PDF format for inclusion in quality assurance dossiers.

Applications

• Membrane filtration-based microbial enumeration (total viable count, coliforms, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in pharmaceutical water systems, environmental monitoring, and food & beverage quality control.
• Pre-filtration of culture media, buffer solutions, and reagent-grade solvents prior to sterile filtration or HPLC analysis.
• Clarification of fermentation broths, cell lysates, and antibody-containing supernatants in upstream bioprocessing workflows.
• Particulate removal from wastewater effluents, drinking water samples, and industrial process streams in environmental compliance testing.
• Preparation of membrane-bound analytes for subsequent enzymatic assays, ATP bioluminescence detection, or colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration on selective agar media.

FAQ

Is the MultiVac 301-MB-T suitable for use with organic solvents?
Yes—when equipped with chemically resistant membranes (e.g., PTFE or PVDF) and operated within the pressure limits specified for the filter cups and tubing. Avoid acetone, chloroform, and concentrated strong acids unless validated for compatibility.
Can the system be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—the SUS316 construction, autoclavability, and traceable component certification support IQ/OQ/PQ protocols. ROCKER provides validation templates and material traceability documentation upon request.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the stainless steel manifold?
The manifold is rated for continuous operation up to 80 °C and intermittent exposure to 121 °C during autoclave cycles.
Does the Rocker 400 pump require oil changes or scheduled maintenance?
No—it is a maintenance-free, oil-free diaphragm pump with a rated service life of ≥10,000 hours under typical lab duty cycles.
Are replacement parts available with documented calibration certificates?
Yes—critical components (e.g., pressure sensors, valve assemblies) are supplied with manufacturer-issued calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards.