ROCKER Lafil400-LF 5a-500 Integrated Vacuum Filtration System
| Brand | ROCKER |
|---|---|
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Model | Lafil400-LF 5a-500 |
| Vacuum Level | 720 mmHg |
| Flow Rate | 37 L/min |
| Filter Cup Capacity | 500 mL |
| Collection Bottle Capacity | 500 mL |
| Compatible Membrane Diameter | 47 mm / 50 mm |
| Hose Inner Diameter | 8 mm |
| Effective Filtration Area | 12.5 cm² |
| Funnel Body Material | PES |
| Tissue Culture Adapter Material | PC |
| Membrane Support Plate Material | PP |
| Housing Material | ABS |
Overview
The ROCKER Lafil400-LF 5a-500 Integrated Vacuum Filtration System is an engineered solution for laboratory-scale liquid clarification, particulate recovery, and microbiological analysis. Designed around the principle of pressure-driven membrane filtration under controlled vacuum, the system integrates a high-efficiency diaphragm vacuum pump with a modular, space-optimized filtration manifold. Unlike conventional benchtop setups requiring separate vacuum sources and unstable bottle arrangements, the Lafil400-LF adopts a unified architecture featuring a recessed containment platform that mechanically secures the 500 mL collection vessel—eliminating accidental tipping during routine handling. Its compact footprint (approximately 50% smaller than legacy configurations) supports high-density lab layouts without compromising operational integrity or ergonomic safety.
Key Features
- Integrated diaphragm vacuum pump delivering stable vacuum up to 720 mmHg (≈96 kPa) and continuous airflow of 37 L/min—sufficient for rapid processing of viscous or particulate-laden samples.
- Polyethersulfone (PES) filter funnel body: chemically resistant, autoclavable at 121°C for 30 min (validated for repeated sterilization cycles), and impact-resistant per ISO 6603-2 standards.
- Optimized fluid dynamics via patented membrane support plate geometry: radial channeling and tapered flow paths reduce boundary layer resistance, increasing throughput by up to 25% compared to flat-bottomed supports (empirically verified using 0.45 µm mixed cellulose ester membranes).
- Dual-interface design: includes both standard 47/50 mm membrane mounting and a dedicated polycarbonate (PC) tissue culture flask adapter (LF 5a), enabling direct coupling to common vented or non-vented TC flasks (e.g., Corning 430168, Falcon 353075) without intermediate tubing or adapters.
- Modular construction with ABS housing: corrosion-resistant, static-dissipative, and compliant with IEC 61000-6-3 EMC emission limits for shared laboratory environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Lafil400-LF 5a-500 accommodates a broad range of aqueous and mild organic solutions—including PBS, LB broth, cell lysates, clarified fermentation supernatants, and environmental water extracts. It supports all standard hydrophilic/hydrophobic membrane chemistries (e.g., PVDF, PTFE, nylon, nitrocellulose) in 47 mm and 50 mm diameters. The system meets essential requirements for GLP-compliant suspended solids (SS) determination per ASTM D5907 and EPA Method 160.2, as well as microbial colony enumeration under ISO 7704 and USP . All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility testing, and the PES funnel conforms to ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity criteria. No lubricants or volatile plasticizers are used in critical flow paths.
Software & Data Management
As a standalone mechanical filtration platform, the Lafil400-LF operates without embedded firmware or digital controls. However, its deterministic performance profile—consistent vacuum level, fixed flow rate, and repeatable filtration kinetics—enables full traceability within electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and LIMS workflows. Users may log batch-specific parameters (membrane lot number, sample volume, start/end time, observed clogging onset) to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit requirements when paired with validated documentation practices. ROCKER provides calibration certificates for vacuum gauge verification and offers optional NIST-traceable pressure transducer integration kits for regulated QC labs.
Applications
- Suspended solids quantification in wastewater, drinking water, and process streams per ISO 5667-12 and APHA Standard Methods 2540D.
- Microbial retention and recovery from large-volume samples (e.g., 100–500 mL) prior to membrane filtration colony counting or nucleic acid extraction.
- Routine clarification of mammalian cell culture harvests prior to downstream chromatography or ultrafiltration steps.
- Pre-filtration of HPLC mobile phases and buffer solutions to remove particulates >0.45 µm.
- Accelerated solvent exchange in protein dialysis workflows using low-protein-binding PES funnels.
FAQ
Is the Lafil400-LF 5a-500 compatible with aggressive solvents such as acetone or chloroform?
No. While PES exhibits excellent resistance to aqueous buffers and alcohols, it is not chemically compatible with strong halogenated or ketonic solvents. For such applications, consult ROCKER’s PTFE-lined LF series or stainless-steel vacuum manifolds.
Can the system be operated continuously for extended periods (e.g., >8 hours)?
Yes—the diaphragm pump is rated for intermittent duty cycles up to 30 min ON / 10 min OFF; continuous operation beyond 4 hours requires active cooling and ambient temperature ≤25°C to maintain thermal stability and vacuum consistency.
Does the tissue culture adapter support positive-pressure venting during filtration?
No. The LF 5a adapter is designed for vacuum-driven aspiration only. Positive-pressure transfer requires separate peristaltic or syringe-based systems.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the vacuum pump?
Inspect inlet filter monthly; replace diaphragm and valves every 12 months under typical usage (≤4 hrs/day). ROCKER provides OEM service kits with torque-spec fasteners and certified replacement parts.
Is third-party validation support available for GMP environments?
Yes. ROCKER supplies IQ/OQ protocol templates, material traceability dossiers (including RoHS/REACH declarations), and on-site qualification assistance through authorized regional partners.
