MENTS SPE-12 12-Port Manual Vacuum Solid Phase Extraction Manifold

Overview

The MENTS SPE-12 is a precision-engineered, 12-port manual vacuum solid phase extraction (SPE) manifold designed for reproducible, high-throughput sample preparation in analytical laboratories. It operates on the fundamental principle of selective adsorption and elution—where analytes are retained on solid-phase sorbent cartridges based on physicochemical interactions (e.g., reversed-phase, ion exchange, or mixed-mode mechanisms), while matrix interferences are removed during wash steps. The system leverages controlled vacuum pressure applied across a sealed borosilicate glass chamber to drive sample loading, washing, and elution through SPE cartridges at consistent, user-defined flow rates. Unlike automated platforms, the SPE-12 delivers full operator control over timing and solvent sequencing—critical for method development, validation, and applications requiring precise gradient conditioning or sequential fractionation.

Key Features

• Robust borosilicate glass chamber with integrated gasketed cover—ensures vacuum integrity, chemical resistance, and real-time visual monitoring of fluid movement and cartridge bed integrity.
• Twelve independently adjustable stopcock valves (PP body, PTFE-tipped)—enabling precise, port-by-port flow rate control without cross-contamination; each valve features ergonomic knurled handles for tactile feedback under glove use.
• Modular, height-adjustable sample rack system—accommodates diverse collection vessels including 13 mm and 16 mm test tubes, autosampler vials (12 × 32 mm), volumetric flasks (up to 100 mL), conical centrifuge tubes, and custom containers via interchangeable stainless steel support plates (included).
• Dedicated PP waste reservoir (1 L capacity)—positioned beneath the manifold base to collect rinse/eluent effluents separately, minimizing chamber contamination and simplifying hazardous solvent disposal compliance.
• Vacuum gauge and bleed valve mounted on the chamber side panel—allowing rapid pressure stabilization, safe venting before cartridge removal, and calibration traceability during GLP/GMP workflows.
• All wetted components constructed from inert, USP Class VI-certified materials: polypropylene (PP) for structural parts, PTFE tubing for solvent delivery, and borosilicate glass for transparency and thermal/chemical stability.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPE-12 supports standard 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, and 12 mL SPE cartridges (including bonded silica, polymer-based, and hybrid sorbents) from major suppliers (e.g., Waters, Agilent, Thermo Fisher, Phenomenex). Its open architecture permits integration with certified reference materials (CRMs), matrix-matched calibration standards, and QC spikes across environmental, pharmaceutical, food safety, and clinical toxicology workflows. The device complies with foundational requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for method validation, ASTM D5673 (water analysis), and USP chromatographic system suitability guidelines. While inherently manual, its design facilitates audit-ready documentation when used within SOPs referencing FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) for parameter logging and run records.

Software & Data Management

As a manual vacuum manifold, the SPE-12 does not incorporate embedded firmware or proprietary software. However, it is fully compatible with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and ELNs via standardized operating procedure (SOP) templates. Users may log critical parameters—including vacuum setpoint (kPa), per-port dwell times, solvent lot numbers, cartridge batch IDs, and analyst initials—directly into validated digital records. Optional accessories such as the High-Volume Sampler (Model HV-4/HV-8) extend throughput for large-volume environmental samples (e.g., 1–2 L water extracts), with documented flow linearity verified per EPA Method 525.3 protocols.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Pre-concentration of pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, and pharmaceutical residues from surface water, wastewater, and soil leachates prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Cleanup of dissolution media, tablet extracts, and plasma samples for HPLC-UV quantitation per ICH Q2(R2) validation criteria.
• Food safety testing: Removal of lipids, pigments, and organic acids from fruit juices, dairy, and meat homogenates prior to mycotoxin or veterinary drug residue analysis.
• Clinical toxicology: Isolation of opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants from urine and whole blood using mixed-mode cation-exchange cartridges.
• Method development labs: Optimization of sorbent selection, solvent strength gradients, and breakthrough volumes under controlled vacuum conditions.

FAQ

Is the SPE-12 compatible with positive-pressure nitrogen manifolds?
No—the SPE-12 is engineered exclusively for vacuum-driven operation. Positive-pressure configurations require separate hardware (e.g., nitrogen gas regulators, pressure-rated cartridges, and reinforced manifolds) and are not supported.
Can I use glass SPE cartridges with this manifold?
Yes—standard fritted glass cartridges (e.g., 6 mL, 12 mL) fit securely on the PP support plate; however, ensure compatibility with vacuum-induced mechanical stress and avoid over-pressurization during drying steps.
What vacuum source is recommended?
A diaphragm pump capable of sustaining ≤15 kPa (≤110 mmHg) absolute pressure is optimal; oil-free pumps are preferred to prevent hydrocarbon contamination of sensitive analytes.
Are replacement gaskets and stopcocks available as spare parts?
Yes—individual components (Part Nos. 81204, 81213) and full maintenance kits are stocked globally and shipped with serialized traceability documentation.
Does the system meet CE or UL safety certification?
The SPE-12 contains no electrical components and therefore falls outside CE/UL scope; however, its glass chamber conforms to ASTM E438 Type I, Class A specifications for laboratory glassware.