Otisience AL-02 Solvent Filtration System
| Brand | Otisience |
|---|---|
| Model | AL-02 |
| Vacuum Pump | AP-9925 |
| Max Vacuum | 85 kPa |
| Ultimate Vacuum | >400 kPa |
| Flow Rate | 25 L/min |
| Power | 50 W |
| Voltage/Frequency | 220 V / 50 Hz |
| Weight | 3.1 kg |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 230 × 130 × 160 mm |
| Filter Cup Capacity | 300 mL |
| Filter Membrane Diameters | 13 mm, 25 mm, 50 mm |
| Pore Sizes | 0.22 µm, 0.45 µm, 0.8 µm, 1.22 µm |
| Material | Borosilicate Glass (≤200 °C thermal shock resistant) |
| Compatibility | ISO-standard threaded interfaces (e.g., GL45, GL32) |
Overview
The Otisience AL-02 Solvent Filtration System is a benchtop vacuum-assisted filtration assembly engineered for high-reliability preparation of HPLC and UHPLC mobile phases, sample solutions, and reagent-grade solvents in regulated laboratory environments. It operates on the principle of pressure-driven vacuum filtration, where a diaphragm-type vacuum pump (AP-9925) generates negative pressure across a membrane-supported filter medium housed in a precision-ground borosilicate glass filtration manifold. This configuration ensures consistent flow dynamics, minimal adsorption loss, and reproducible particulate removal—critical parameters for chromatographic system integrity and baseline stability. Designed to meet routine QC/QA workflows in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic core facilities, the AL-02 supports both degassing and particulate clarification in a single pass, reducing downstream column fouling and detector contamination risk.
Key Features
- Borosilicate glass construction with certified thermal shock resistance up to 200 °C, enabling autoclave-compatible sterilization and compatibility with aggressive organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, THF, chloroform).
- Modular ZF01 filtration manifold with interchangeable sintered frit support (standard 300 mL cup volume), precision-machined aluminum clamping ring, and chemically inert silicone tubing.
- AP-9925 oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump delivering stable 25 L/min free-air flow and ultimate vacuum performance exceeding 400 kPa—sufficient to achieve rapid filtration even with low-permeability membranes (e.g., 0.22 µm PVDF or nylon).
- ISO-standard threaded interfaces (GL45 neck, GL32 base) ensure mechanical and sealing compatibility with filtration accessories from major international suppliers—including MilliporeSigma, Pall, Sartorius, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
- Integrated ergonomic design: low-center-of-gravity footprint, non-slip rubber feet, and intuitive clamp-tightening mechanism minimizing operator fatigue during high-throughput solvent prep.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AL-02 accommodates standard diameter membrane filters (13 mm, 25 mm, 50 mm) across pore sizes ranging from coarse pre-filtration (1.22 µm) to sterile-grade retention (0.22 µm). Compatible membrane chemistries include polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose ester (MCE), nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and regenerated cellulose (RC)—all validated for low extractables per USP and EP 3.2.1. The system conforms to ISO 7207-1:2017 (vacuum filtration apparatus specifications) and supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation when used with audit-trail-capable lab notebooks or LIMS-integrated workflow logs. No internal lubricants or plasticizers are present in wetted components, eliminating risk of leachable interference in trace-level analysis.
Software & Data Management
As a purely mechanical vacuum filtration platform, the AL-02 does not incorporate embedded electronics, firmware, or digital control interfaces. Its operation requires no software installation or driver dependencies. However, it integrates seamlessly into instrument-controlled workflows via external vacuum controllers (e.g., Vacuubrand VRV series) equipped with analog 0–10 V or RS-485 outputs for centralized monitoring within SCADA or ELN environments. All physical components carry engraved serial numbers and material certifications (e.g., DIN ISO 3585 glass grade), supporting full traceability under FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant recordkeeping when paired with validated electronic lab notebooks.
Applications
- HPLC/UHPLC mobile phase preparation and degassing prior to system priming and gradient equilibration.
- Filtration of biological buffers, cell culture media, and protein solutions for sterile filtration (0.22 µm) or clarification (0.45 µm).
- Removal of particulates from standards, reference materials, and calibration stock solutions in quantitative LC-MS and ICP-MS workflows.
- Pre-filtration of samples prior to solid-phase extraction (SPE) or liquid-liquid extraction to prevent cartridge clogging.
- Weighing and gravimetric analysis of suspended solids using pre-weighed membrane filters mounted in the AL-02 manifold.
FAQ
What membrane diameters and pore sizes are supported by the AL-02?
The system accepts 13 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm diameter filters with nominal pore sizes of 0.22 µm, 0.45 µm, 0.8 µm, and 1.22 µm.
Is the glassware compatible with autoclaving?
Yes—the borosilicate glass components (filter cup, frit, and罩 cup) are rated for repeated autoclaving at 121 °C, 2 bar saturated steam pressure, per ISO 17665-1.
Can the AP-9925 pump be used continuously?
The AP-9925 is rated for intermittent duty (duty cycle ≤ 30 min ON / 30 min OFF) under ambient temperatures ≤ 35 °C; continuous operation requires active cooling or integration with a vacuum regulator.
Does the AL-02 meet regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical QC labs?
While the AL-02 itself is not a regulated device, its materials, dimensional tolerances, and functional performance align with ASTM D2972-22 (solvent filtration practice) and USP microbiological testing methodology prerequisites.
Are replacement parts available separately?
Yes—individual components including ZF01 glass manifolds, AP-9925 pump service kits, silicone tubing sets, and aluminum clamps are stocked and supplied with full part-number traceability.
