DRETOP F6-1000 Separatory Funnel Shaker

Overview

The DRETOP F6-1000 Separatory Funnel Shaker is an engineered laboratory platform designed specifically for reproducible, high-throughput liquid–liquid extraction workflows in analytical and environmental laboratories. Unlike general-purpose orbital or reciprocating shakers, this instrument implements a dual-mode, symmetrically balanced reciprocating motion optimized for phase separation integrity during solvent extraction. Its low center-of-gravity mechanical architecture ensures minimal vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation and sustained stability over extended operation—critical for unattended overnight extractions. The device operates exclusively at ambient temperature (no integrated heating or cooling), making it suitable for applications where thermal degradation of analytes must be avoided, such as pesticide residue analysis, PCB quantification, or volatile organic compound (VOC) isolation per EPA Method 3510C and ISO 18335.

Key Features

• Two selectable oscillation modes: vertical reciprocating (for vigorous mixing) and adjustable tilt oscillation (0–20°) to enhance interfacial contact while minimizing emulsion formation
• Stepless-speed DC motor drive with programmable soft-start and soft-stop functionality—reducing mechanical shock to glassware and improving long-term seal integrity of PTFE stopcocks
• LCD control panel with intuitive timer programming (0–9999 minutes) and real-time frequency display (0–300 cycles/min)
• Robust aluminum alloy frame with reinforced mounting points; designed for continuous-duty operation in ISO 17025-accredited QC labs
• Modular clamp system allowing rapid reconfiguration for 125 mL to 1000 mL standard ground-glass separatory funnels; optional adapters support custom vessel geometries
• No internal thermal regulation—ensures compliance with protocols requiring strict ambient-temperature extraction (e.g., USP <467>, ASTM D7097)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The F6-1000 accommodates six standard 1000 mL separatory funnels simultaneously, with mechanical clamping force independently adjustable per position to prevent slippage across varying funnel weights and neck diameters. All contact surfaces are chemically inert (anodized aluminum + silicone-coated grip pads), ensuring compatibility with chlorinated solvents (e.g., DCM, chloroform), polar organics (ethyl acetate, methanol), and aqueous buffers. The device meets CE marking requirements for electrical safety (EN 61010-1) and electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1). While not certified under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its deterministic timer logic and non-volatile parameter storage support GLP-compliant documentation when paired with lab notebook traceability protocols.

Software & Data Management

The F6-1000 operates via embedded firmware without external PC dependency. All operational parameters—including elapsed time, set frequency, and remaining timer duration—are retained in non-volatile memory after power cycling. No proprietary software or USB connectivity is provided; however, the unit supports integration into centralized lab equipment monitoring systems via optional dry-contact relay output (available upon request). For audit readiness, users may manually log run records using standardized SOP templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 (control of equipment records).

Applications

• Environmental testing: Extraction of PAHs, organochlorine pesticides, and phenolic compounds from soil, sediment, and water matrices per EPA Methods 3510C, 3520C, and 3540C
• Food safety: Isolation of mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxin B1) and veterinary drug residues (e.g., sulfonamides) from milk, meat, and grain homogenates
• Pharmaceutical QC: Partition coefficient (log P) determination using shake-flask methodology per ICH Q5C guidelines
• Forensic toxicology: Solvent-based cleanup of blood or urine extracts prior to GC–MS analysis
• Academic research: Standardized solvent partitioning in natural product isolation workflows (e.g., alkaloid or flavonoid enrichment)

FAQ

Is the F6-1000 compatible with 2000 mL or 3000 mL separatory funnels?

No—the F6-1000 is mechanically rated for six 1000 mL funnels only. Larger capacities require the F6-2000 or F8-3000 variants, which feature reinforced crossbeams and recalibrated counterbalance systems.
Does the unit include temperature control?

No. The F6-1000 is a non-thermostatic shaker intended for ambient-condition extractions. For temperature-regulated shaking, consider DRETOP’s incubator shaker series (e.g., IS-1000R) with ±0.5 °C uniformity.
Can tilt angle be programmed or saved per method?

Tilt adjustment is manual via calibrated locking knobs (0°–20° range); no digital angle memory or recall function is implemented.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

Biannual inspection of drive belt tension, clamp spring elasticity, and LCD contrast calibration is recommended. No lubrication of the oscillation linkage is necessary—sealed ball bearings are lifetime-greased per IP54 rating.
Is validation documentation (IQ/OQ) available?

Factory-issued OQ test reports (covering timer accuracy, frequency linearity, and amplitude consistency) can be supplied upon order confirmation; IQ protocol templates are provided for user-executed site installation verification.