MENTS SPE-24F Manual Solid Phase Extraction Manifold System

Overview

The MENTS SPE-24F is a manually operated, 24-position solid phase extraction (SPE) manifold system engineered for reproducible, high-throughput sample preparation in analytical laboratories. It implements vacuum-assisted, column-based SPE—leveraging selective adsorption/desorption mechanisms on commercially available SPE cartridges (e.g., C18, silica, SCX, SAX, Florisil) to isolate, purify, and concentrate target analytes from complex liquid matrices (e.g., water, plasma, urine, food extracts). Unlike automated platforms, the SPE-24F provides full operator control over vacuum pressure, elution timing, and solvent sequencing—making it ideal for method development, validation studies, and labs requiring flexibility without software dependency. Its design adheres to core principles of sorbent–analyte interaction kinetics and mass transfer efficiency under controlled negative pressure, ensuring consistent breakthrough volumes and minimal channel-to-channel variability.

Key Features

• 24-channel parallel processing with independent PTFE-lined vacuum pathways to eliminate cross-contamination between samples;
• Borosilicate glass vacuum chamber (300 × 100 × 175 mm), uniformly molded for structural integrity and rated for sustained operation at –80 kPa;
• PTFE-coated or fully PTFE-wetted components—including tubing, adapter sleeves, and sealing gaskets—ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane, 1% HCl/NaOH);
• Modular, corrosion-resistant collector rack and cartridge support tray fabricated from reinforced polymer—designed for long-term stability under repeated vacuum cycling;
• Imported high-performance pressure regulation valve with wide thermal tolerance (–20 °C to +120 °C) and chemical inertness to organic and aqueous mobile phases;
• Integrated cartridge adapter sleeves enabling direct activation, equilibration, and elution using standard 10–16 mm OD collection tubes—eliminating manual repositioning;
• Compact footprint (W × D × H ≈ 350 × 220 × 380 mm) optimized for benchtop use in QC, environmental, and clinical testing labs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPE-24F supports all standard 1 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL SPE cartridges from major suppliers (e.g., Waters, Agilent, Thermo Fisher, Phenomenex). Its PTFE-wetted architecture complies with ISO 17025 requirements for traceability and contamination control in accredited testing laboratories. The system facilitates adherence to EPA Methods 508.1, 525.3, and 8270 for environmental analysis; USP and ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for pharmaceutical impurity profiling; and AOAC 2007.01 for pesticide residue testing. While the device itself is not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant (as it lacks electronic audit trails), its mechanical operation supports GLP/GMP workflows when paired with documented SOPs, calibrated vacuum gauges, and batch-recorded pressure logs.

Software & Data Management

The SPE-24F operates without embedded firmware or proprietary software. All process parameters—including vacuum setpoint, dwell time per step, and solvent sequence—are recorded manually in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated worksheets. Users may integrate external digital vacuum controllers (e.g., KNF N86 KT.18 or Vacuubrand PC 3001 Vario) via standard 6 mm vacuum hose ports for pressure logging and remote monitoring. No drivers, SDKs, or cloud connectivity are provided—ensuring data sovereignty and minimizing IT validation burden in regulated environments.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Extraction of PAHs, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and PFAS from surface water, wastewater, and soil leachates;
• Clinical toxicology: Cleanup and concentration of drugs of abuse (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines) from human urine and serum prior to LC-MS/MS;
• Food safety: Isolation of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A), veterinary drug residues (sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones), and melamine from milk, honey, and meat homogenates;
• Pharmaceutical R&D: Desalting and buffer exchange of peptide digests; removal of phospholipids from biofluids prior to small-molecule quantitation;
• Academic research: Method optimization for novel sorbents (e.g., molecularly imprinted polymers, metal–organic frameworks) where precise vacuum ramping and visual monitoring are essential.

FAQ

Is the SPE-24F compatible with positive-pressure nitrogen manifolds?
No—it is designed exclusively for vacuum-driven SPE. Positive-pressure systems require separate hardware and are not interchangeable.
Can I use it with 12-position cartridges?
Yes—the 24-position tray accommodates both 12- and 24-cartridge configurations via removable blocking inserts; no adapter is required.
What vacuum pump do you recommend?
A two-stage oil-free diaphragm pump delivering ≥60 L/min free air displacement and capable of sustaining ≤5 kPa ultimate vacuum is optimal for full 24-channel operation.
Does the system include a vacuum gauge?
No—vacuum measurement requires an external analog or digital gauge connected via the 6 mm barbed port on the chamber lid.
Are replacement PTFE tubing sets available?
Yes—MENTS supplies OEM-certified PTFE replacement kits (Cat. No. SPE-TUBE-24F) with pre-cut lengths and compression fittings for field maintenance.