Rocker LF-5a PES Vacuum Filtration Funnel

Overview

The Rocker LF-5a PES Vacuum Filtration Funnel is a precision-engineered, single-use or reusable laboratory filtration device designed for high-efficiency, low-contamination sample processing in life science and bioprocessing workflows. Constructed entirely from medical-grade polyethersulfone (PES), the funnel body exhibits exceptional thermal stability—withstanding repeated autoclaving at 121 °C for 20 minutes (validated per ISO 17665-1) without deformation or leachables generation. Its operating temperature tolerance extends to 180 °C, enabling compatibility with steam sterilization protocols beyond standard autoclave cycles. The LF-5a operates on vacuum-driven dead-end filtration principles, optimized for rapid clarification of cell culture supernatants, microbial suspensions, buffer solutions, and pre-sterilization filtrates prior to downstream applications such as HPLC sample preparation, ELISA plate washing, or bioreactor harvest clarification.

Key Features

• Patented Twist-Lock Sealing Mechanism (TW Patent No. M381450): Eliminates reliance on external clamps or O-ring compression systems; achieves leak-tight sealing between funnel body and base via 90° rotational engagement—ensuring reproducible vacuum integrity across users and shifts.
• Integrated Flow-Guiding Membrane Support Disc (PP): Engineered with radial micro-channels and tapered inlet geometry to minimize boundary layer resistance and promote uniform flow distribution across the 47 mm membrane surface—demonstrated to increase filtration throughput by up to 35% compared to conventional flat support plates under identical vacuum conditions (tested with 0.22 µm PES membranes, 500 mL aqueous buffer).
• Autoclavable Architecture: All primary wetted components—including PES funnel cup, PES base, and PC tissue culture flask adapter—are validated for ≥50 cycles of saturated steam sterilization (121 °C, 15–20 psi, 20 min) per ISO 13408-1 Annex B, with no measurable change in mechanical performance or extractables profile (USP compliant).
• Tissue Culture Flask Adapter (PC): Enables direct mounting onto standard vented or non-vented 125–1000 mL polycarbonate or PETG tissue culture flasks (e.g., Corning, Sarstedt, Thermo Fisher formats), eliminating intermediate transfer steps and reducing aerosol generation risk during sterile filtration of adherent or suspension cell harvests.
• Standardized 500 mL Funnel Capacity & 8 mm Tubing Interface: Designed for seamless integration with Rocker vacuum pumps (e.g., RV-100A, RV-300B) and universal lab vacuum manifolds. The 5/16″ (8 mm) inner-diameter tubing port ensures minimal pressure drop and consistent vacuum transmission across variable system configurations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LF-5a supports filtration of aqueous, mildly acidic or basic (pH 2–12), and low-viscosity organic solvent mixtures (e.g., ≤30% ethanol/water, ≤10% acetonitrile/water). It is routinely employed in GLP-compliant microbiological testing (ISO 7218, USP ), sterility assurance (ISO 13408-2), and bioburden monitoring per FDA Guidance for Industry: Sterile Drug Products Produced by Aseptic Processing (2004). All materials comply with USP Class VI biological reactivity standards and EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 for food contact materials. Documentation packages include material certifications (RoHS, REACH), extractables test reports (ICH Q5C), and autoclave validation summaries.

Software & Data Management

While the LF-5a is a manual vacuum filtration device with no embedded electronics, its design enables full traceability within digital lab environments. Each unit carries a laser-etched batch code linked to Rocker’s Certificate of Conformance (CoC), which includes raw material lot traceability, dimensional inspection records, and sterilization validation data. When used in conjunction with Rocker’s optional digital vacuum controllers (e.g., RV-DVC series), real-time vacuum pressure logging (±0.5 kPa resolution), cycle duration tracking, and user-annotated run metadata can be exported in CSV or PDF format—supporting 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements when deployed in regulated QC/QA laboratories.

Applications

• Sterile filtration of cell culture media, supplements, and sera prior to use in mammalian or insect cell bioreactors
• Routine microbial enumeration (membrane filtration method) per ISO 9308-1 and EPA Method 1603
• Clarification of lysates and crude extracts prior to chromatographic purification or centrifugal concentration
• Pre-filtration of HPLC mobile phases and sample diluents to prevent column clogging
• Harvest filtration of monoclonal antibody (mAb) and viral vector production runs in early-phase process development
• Environmental water testing for coliforms, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using selective membranes

FAQ

Can the LF-5a be used with nitrocellulose or PVDF membranes?
Yes—the 47 mm support disc accommodates all standard 47 mm membranes, including hydrophobic PVDF for solvent filtration and nitrocellulose for nucleic acid binding applications.
Is the PES funnel body compatible with 70% ethanol disinfection between uses?
Yes—PES demonstrates excellent resistance to alcohols; immersion in 70% ethanol for ≤10 minutes is permitted for surface decontamination without compromising structural integrity.
Does Rocker provide validation support for GMP manufacturing environments?
Yes—Rocker offers IQ/OQ documentation templates, material traceability dossiers, and on-site installation qualification support for facilities operating under EU GMP Annex 1 or FDA CGMP guidelines.
What is the maximum recommended vacuum pressure for optimal membrane integrity?
For 0.22 µm or 0.45 µm PES membranes, maintain vacuum at ≤600 mbar (absolute); higher differentials may induce membrane creep or channeling, especially with viscous samples.
Are replacement parts available separately for long-term maintenance?
Yes—all components—including the PP membrane support disc (Cat. No. 197000-37), PC tissue culture adapter (197000-38), and silicone sealing gaskets—are stocked globally and supplied with individual CoCs.