Argos Technologies E-Vac Vacuum Aspiration System
| Brand | Argos Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | E-Vac Vacuum Aspiration System |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Argos Technologies E-Vac Vacuum Aspiration System is an engineered laboratory-grade liquid waste collection platform designed for safe, controlled aspiration of critical, biohazardous, or corrosive fluids in biosafety cabinets, tissue culture hoods, and clinical processing environments. Operating on the principle of regulated negative pressure generation via a dedicated vacuum pump housed within a stainless-steel base unit, the system integrates real-time vacuum control, dual-stage hydrophobic filtration, and intelligent liquid-level monitoring to prevent pump contamination and ensure operational continuity. Unlike generic vacuum setups, the E-Vac system is purpose-built for GLP- and GMP-aligned workflows where sterility assurance, equipment protection, and operator safety are non-negotiable. Its modular architecture supports both routine benchtop aspiration tasks and high-throughput sample processing, with all wetted components—excluding the pump housing—validated for repeated autoclaving at 121 °C, 15 psi for 20 minutes per ISO 17665-1.
Key Features
- Stainless-steel pump base with integrated vacuum motor, thermal overload protection, and universal AC power compatibility (100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
- 4 L autoclavable polypropylene collection bottle—impact-resistant, shatter-proof, and chemically inert to common disinfectants and biological solvents
- Smart lid assembly featuring either quick-release coupling or barbed hose adapter options, plus integrated liquid-level sensor with visual/audible alert output
- Dual-stage hydrophobic filter cartridge (0.2 µm PTFE membrane) installed inline between bottle and pump—prevents aerosol ingress and protects pump head during overflow events
- Ergonomic handheld control lever (Model 13050-35 “A”) with tactile pressure-sensitive activation and adjustable vacuum setpoint via analog thumbwheel
- Full-system sterilizability: All disposable and reusable wetted parts—including bottle, lid, tubing set, and single-channel adapter—are validated for steam sterilization without degradation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The E-Vac system accommodates a broad spectrum of liquid waste streams, including cell culture supernatants, enzymatic digestates, centrifugation supernatants, fixative solutions (e.g., formalin), and low-concentration acidic or basic wash buffers. It is routinely deployed in BSL-2 laboratories and complies with core biosafety infrastructure requirements outlined in CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition. The hydrophobic filter configuration meets ASTM F2551-21 standards for microbial retention efficiency. While not certified as medical device under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, the system supports audit-ready documentation for ISO 13485 and CLIA-compliant labs when used with traceable autoclave logs and maintenance records.
Software & Data Management
The E-Vac is a hardware-only, analog-controlled system with no embedded firmware or digital interface. Vacuum regulation is achieved mechanically via the handheld lever’s proportional valve actuation, eliminating software validation burdens. However, its liquid-level sensor provides discrete TTL-level output compatible with external building management systems (BMS) or lab information systems (LIS) for event logging. For laboratories operating under 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, manual logbooks or electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) may be used to record bottle change timestamps, filter replacement cycles, and sterilization batch numbers—ensuring full traceability across maintenance intervals.
Applications
- Routine aspiration during mammalian cell passaging and primary tissue dissociation
- Waste removal in PCR setup areas to minimize cross-contamination risk
- Drainage of spent media from multiwell plates and bioreactor harvest lines
- Controlled fluid evacuation in histology labs handling xylene, ethanol, and aqueous fixatives
- Integration with automated liquid handlers requiring stable, low-pulsation vacuum supply
FAQ
Can the E-Vac system be used with existing vacuum pumps?
Yes—the handheld lever (13050-35 “A”) is compatible with third-party vacuum sources via standard 8 mm ID vacuum tubing and optional adapter kits.
What is the maximum recommended vacuum level for use with tissue culture applications?
The system delivers adjustable vacuum up to –85 kPa (–25 inHg); for sensitive cell monolayers, typical operating range is –30 to –50 kPa.
Are replacement filters and bottles supplied with traceable lot documentation?
Yes—Argos provides CoA (Certificate of Analysis) for each hydrophobic filter lot and CoC (Certificate of Conformance) for PP bottles upon request.
Does the liquid-level sensor support remote alarm integration?
Yes—the sensor outputs a dry-contact closure signal that can interface with PLCs, environmental monitors, or custom alarm panels.
Is the stainless-steel base unit corrosion-resistant to common lab cleaning agents?
The base is constructed from electropolished 304 stainless steel and withstands routine exposure to 70% ethanol, isopropanol, and quaternary ammonium disinfectants per ASTM E2197-20 protocols.
