Autosience AL-01 Solvent Filtration System
| Brand | Autosience |
|---|---|
| Model | AL-01 |
| Construction | Borosilicate glass filtration assembly (FB-10T, 1000 mL capacity) with sintered glass frit (porosity: 10–16 µm) |
| Vacuum source | AP-01P oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump (ultimate vacuum: ≤70 mbar, flow rate: 25 L/min) |
| Optional upgrade | FB-20T 2000 mL filtration kit |
| Filtration volume per cycle | 300 mL (funnel capacity) |
| Compatibility | Standard 29/32 and 45/50 joint sizes for interchangeability with major international brands (e.g., Whatman, Millipore, Thermo Fisher) |
| Regulatory alignment | Designed for GLP-compliant lab environments |
Overview
The Autosience AL-01 Solvent Filtration System is an engineered solution for high-efficiency particulate removal and dissolved gas reduction in HPLC and UHPLC mobile phase preparation. It operates on the principle of vacuum-assisted gravity filtration, integrating a precision-machined borosilicate glass filtration manifold with a certified oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump (AP-01P). This architecture ensures consistent negative pressure control across the filter membrane—typically 0.22 µm or 0.45 µm PTFE, nylon, or cellulose acetate—enabling reproducible clarification of aqueous, organic, and mixed-solvent systems without introducing hydrocarbon contamination or volatile residues. The system is specifically calibrated for use in analytical laboratories where mobile phase integrity directly impacts chromatographic resolution, baseline stability, and column longevity. Its design conforms to core operational prerequisites outlined in ASTM D1193 (Type I–II reagent water specification), ISO 17025 method validation frameworks, and ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for analytical procedure robustness.
Key Features
- Borosilicate glass 3.3 (ISO 3585 compliant) filtration assembly: includes 300 mL funnel with ground-glass joint, sintered glass frit (10–16 µm nominal pore size), 1000 mL triangular collection flask (FB-10T), and corrosion-resistant aluminum clamp set
- Interchangeable joint standardization: 29/32 and 45/50 taper compatibility enables direct integration with filtration manifolds from MilliporeSigma, Pall Corporation, and Sartorius—eliminating adapter dependency
- AP-01P oil-free diaphragm pump: delivers stable vacuum ≤70 mbar with noise level <52 dB(A); certified per RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH Annex XVII for laboratory indoor use
- No solvent recirculation or backflow risk: integrated check valve and pressure-relief vent prevent siphoning during pump shutdown or power interruption
- Modular scalability: optional FB-20T 2000 mL collection flask kit supports bulk solvent preparation workflows without hardware redesign
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AL-01 accommodates a broad spectrum of HPLC-grade solvents—including acetonitrile, methanol, tetrahydrofuran, isopropanol, and aqueous buffers (pH 2–12)—without glass leaching or dimensional deformation. All wetted surfaces comply with USP Class VI plastic equivalency testing and ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity screening. Filter support geometry maintains uniform flow distribution across 47 mm diameter membranes, minimizing channeling artifacts during high-viscosity solvent filtration (e.g., >40% glycerol/water mixtures). For regulated environments, the system supports audit-ready documentation: pump runtime logs (via optional external timer relay), filter lot traceability, and pre/post-filtration particulate counts (ISO 21501-4 compliant particle counters recommended).
Software & Data Management
While the AL-01 is a benchtop mechanical system without embedded firmware, its operational parameters are fully integrable into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via analog voltage output (0–5 V DC) from the AP-01P pump’s pressure sensor port (optional accessory). This interface allows time-stamped vacuum level logging synchronized with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) such as LabArchives or Benchling. Filter usage records—including membrane type, lot number, solvent batch ID, and filtration duration—are structured to align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when entered manually or imported via CSV templates. Calibration certificates for glassware (traceable to NIST SRM 2800) and pump performance verification reports are provided with each shipment.
Applications
- HPLC/UHPLC mobile phase degassing and particulate removal prior to system priming
- Preparation of sterile-filtered cell culture media and antibiotic solutions under laminar flow hood conditions
- Clarification of nanoparticle suspensions (e.g., liposomal doxorubicin, polymeric micelles) for dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis
- Gravimetric analysis of suspended solids in environmental water samples (EPA Method 160.2)
- Colloid isolation in protein aggregation studies requiring low-shear, non-centrifugal separation
FAQ
Can the AL-01 be used with aggressive solvents like chloroform or concentrated acids?
Yes—provided appropriate membrane chemistry is selected (e.g., PTFE for chloroform; PVDF for low-pH buffers). Glass components remain chemically inert per DIN ISO 17762-2 testing protocols.
Is the sintered glass frit replaceable, and what is its service life?
The frit is field-replaceable using standard FB-10T maintenance kits. Under routine use with filtered solvents, expected service life exceeds 5,000 filtration cycles before pore clogging necessitates ultrasonic cleaning or replacement.
Does the system meet GMP documentation requirements for pharmaceutical QC labs?
It supports GMP compliance through traceable component certification, standardized operating procedures (SOPs) included in the user manual, and compatibility with Part 11–enabled ELN/LIMS platforms for electronic record retention.
What vacuum level is required for optimal degassing of acetonitrile/water (60:40)?
A sustained vacuum of 60–65 mbar for 15–20 minutes achieves >95% dissolved oxygen reduction, as verified by inline dissolved oxygen sensors (ASTM D8287).
