ROCKER Alligator200 Diaphragm Vacuum Pump for Laboratory Filtration

Overview

The ROCKER Alligator200 is an oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump engineered specifically for laboratory-scale liquid filtration applications requiring clean, maintenance-free vacuum generation. Unlike rotary vane or water aspirator systems, the Alligator200 employs a positive-displacement diaphragm mechanism driven by a high-efficiency 60 W DC brushless motor—eliminating lubricating oil, oil mist contamination, and associated maintenance intervals. Its design prioritizes integration with standard vacuum filtration manifolds and membrane filter holders, delivering stable vacuum pressure up to 313 mbar (31.3 kPa) and a continuous flow rate of 4.5 L/min under typical operating conditions. The pump is purpose-built for microbiological analysis workflows compliant with ISO 8199 (“Water quality — General guidelines for microbiological examination”), where consistent vacuum performance, sample integrity, and operator safety are critical. Its compact footprint and direct-drain architecture enable seamless benchtop deployment without auxiliary waste containers.

Key Features

• Oil-free diaphragm operation ensures zero hydrocarbon contamination—essential for sensitive biological, pharmaceutical, and environmental samples.
• Integrated direct-drain system eliminates the need for intermediate waste bottles; filtrate is discharged continuously via gravity or low-pressure routing, reducing manual handling and cross-contamination risk.
• Space-optimized chassis (214 × 183 × 264 mm) reduces benchtop occupancy by ~40% compared to conventional vacuum pump + waste bottle configurations.
• DC brushless motor delivers high torque at low speed, enabling extended service life (>10,000 hours MTBF) and consistent performance across voltage fluctuations.
• IP64-rated enclosure provides protection against dust ingress and water splashing from any direction—suitable for humid lab environments and wet-bench applications.
• Complies with CE Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), RoHS 2011/65/EU, and meets mechanical safety requirements per EN 61000-6-2 and EN 61000-6-4.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Alligator200 is validated for use with standard 47 mm and 90 mm membrane filters (e.g., mixed cellulose ester, polycarbonate, PVDF) in gravimetric and microbiological assays. It supports filtration of aqueous samples including drinking water, wastewater effluents, food extracts, and cell culture supernatants—without introducing volatile organic compounds or particulate carryover. Each unit undergoes factory calibration and vacuum stability testing per ISO 8199 Annex B recommendations for vacuum-assisted membrane filtration. While not a GLP-certified instrument per se, its traceable performance parameters (vacuum level, flow consistency, noise profile) support audit-ready documentation when integrated into SOPs aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11–enabled data capture systems.

Software & Data Management

The Alligator200 operates as a standalone hardware device with no embedded firmware or digital interface. However, its stable vacuum output and predictable runtime characteristics make it compatible with third-party lab automation platforms via analog signal monitoring (e.g., external vacuum transducers with 4–20 mA or 0–10 V output). When paired with certified data loggers or LIMS-integrated filtration stations, vacuum onset time, duration, and endpoint pressure can be recorded for full traceability. No proprietary software is required, minimizing validation burden in regulated environments.

Applications

• Microbial enumeration (coliforms, E. coli, heterotrophic plate count) per ISO 9308-1, EPA Method 1603, and APHA Standard Methods 9222.
• Suspended solids (TSS) determination in environmental water samples following ISO 11923 or ASTM D5907.
• Pre-filtration of HPLC mobile phases and buffer solutions prior to sterilization.
• Vacuum-assisted clarification of fermentation broths and protein purification fractions.
• Routine filtration in teaching labs, QC laboratories, and field-deployable environmental monitoring units.

FAQ

Is the Alligator200 suitable for solvent-based filtration?
No. This pump is rated exclusively for aqueous and mildly acidic/basic aqueous solutions. Organic solvents may degrade the EPDM diaphragm and valve materials; consult ROCKER’s chemical compatibility chart before use.
Does it require routine maintenance?
No scheduled maintenance is required. The oil-free diaphragm design eliminates lubrication needs; only periodic visual inspection of inlet tubing and diaphragm housing seals is recommended.
Can it be used continuously for >8 hours?
Yes—its thermal management system and brushless motor allow unattended operation within ambient temperatures of 10–40°C and relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing.
What power supply options are available?
The standard configuration includes an AC/DC adapter (input: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz; output: 24 V DC, 1.8 A) with EU plug. Custom adapters for UK, US, or AU outlets are available upon request.
Is vacuum level adjustable?
No—the Alligator200 operates at fixed vacuum setpoint. For variable vacuum control, integrate an external vacuum regulator or electronic pressure controller upstream of the pump inlet.