Rocker VF10 Vacuum Filtration Assembly

Overview

The Rocker VF10 Vacuum Filtration Assembly is a modular, high-capacity benchtop filtration system engineered for robust performance in life science laboratories, bioprocessing workflows, and chemical purification applications. Designed around the principle of vacuum-assisted gravity-driven separation, the VF10 leverages precision-ground borosilicate glass components and a stainless steel mesh support platform to deliver consistent, contamination-free filtration of viscous, particulate-laden, or chemically aggressive samples. Its ground-glass joint interface eliminates reliance on elastomeric stoppers—thereby preventing solvent swelling, compression set, or leachable contamination—making it especially suitable for organic solvent handling, acidic or basic aqueous solutions, and high-purity downstream processing where material compatibility and long-term reproducibility are critical.

Key Features

• Modular design with interchangeable, autoclavable components—including 1000 mL funnel, 4000 mL receiver bottle, anodized aluminum clamp, stainless steel mesh filter support, and chemically inert PTFE gasket—enabling rapid reconfiguration and maintenance.
• Stainless steel mesh support (not glass frit) provides mechanical stability for 90 mm membranes while resisting clogging, corrosion, and thermal shock; cleaned via ultrasonication or mild alkaline soak, supporting >100 reuse cycles without performance degradation.
• Ground-glass cap-style joints (ISO 2955-compliant taper) ensure leak-tight, pressure-stable sealing under vacuum (up to –95 kPa), eliminating silicone or rubber stopper dependency and associated risks of solvent extraction or particulate shedding.
• Borosilicate glass construction (DIN ISO 3585) offers high thermal shock resistance (ΔT ≥ 120 °C), low alkali leaching, and optical clarity for real-time process monitoring.
• Optimized flow geometry: 40.6 cm² effective filtration area combined with vertical alignment minimizes channeling and maximizes throughput for high-viscosity fluids (e.g., cell lysates, polymer solutions, crude natural product extracts).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VF10 is validated for use with standard 90 mm diameter membrane filters (cellulose acetate, PVDF, PTFE, nylon, and mixed ester) across pH 0–14 and temperatures from 0 °C to 80 °C. Its all-glass + stainless steel + PTFE architecture complies with USP , ISO 10993-5 (cytotoxicity screening), and ASTM D297–18 (rubber-free assembly requirements). The absence of organic sealants supports compliance with ICH Q5C (stability testing of biologics) and GLP-regulated environmental sample preparation per EPA Method 1664B. No lubricants or adhesives are used in assembly—ensuring trace-metal-free operation compatible with IC/ICP-MS sample prep.

Software & Data Management

As a manually operated, non-electronic filtration system, the VF10 does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital interfaces. However, its standardized component dimensions (DIN 12573 funnel neck, ISO 4793 receiver port) ensure seamless integration with third-party vacuum controllers (e.g., Rocker RV Series, KNF N860.3FT.18), pressure loggers, and automated lab platforms via mechanical coupling. All parts carry engraved alphanumeric codes (e.g., 167200-10, 167250-06) for asset tracking, calibration history linkage, and audit-ready inventory management in LIMS environments compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with electronic vacuum control systems.

Applications

• Clarification of high-viscosity fermentation broths and mycelial suspensions prior to chromatography or ultrafiltration.
• Solvent-resistant filtration of reaction mixtures containing THF, chloroform, DMF, or concentrated HCl/HNO₃ during synthetic chemistry workups.
• Pre-filtration of environmental water samples (e.g., wastewater, seawater) before EPA Method 160.1 particulate analysis.
• GMP-aligned buffer and media sterilization using 0.22 µm PVDF membranes in upstream biomanufacturing QC labs.
• Recovery of precipitated proteins or nucleic acid complexes under cold vacuum conditions without denaturation.

FAQ

Can the stainless steel mesh support be used with hydrophobic membranes like PTFE without wetting issues?
Yes—the mesh surface is electropolished to Ra ≤ 0.4 µm and passivated per ASTM A967, ensuring uniform capillary action and eliminating edge-channeling during initial membrane wetting.
Is the 4000 mL receiver bottle compatible with standard vacuum trap configurations?
Yes—it features a standardized ISO 2955 S25/25 ground-glass side-arm port, enabling direct connection to condenser traps, cold traps, or inline particulate filters without adapters.
Does the VF10 meet ISO 13485 requirements for medical device manufacturing environments?
While the VF10 itself is not a medical device, its materials and dimensional conformity (DIN/ISO glass standards, RoHS-compliant aluminum clamp) support use in ISO 13485-certified cleanrooms for raw material filtration and process solution preparation.
What is the maximum recommended vacuum level for continuous operation?
–95 kPa (≤ 50 mbar absolute) at 20 °C; sustained operation above this threshold may induce microfractures in borosilicate glass under thermal cycling conditions.
Are replacement PTFE gaskets available as standalone consumables?
Yes—part number 167230-43 is stocked globally and certified to FDA 21 CFR 177.1550 for repeated contact with food- and pharma-grade solvents.