ROCKER MF5 Pro Magnetic Filtration Funnel

Overview

The ROCKER MF5 Pro Magnetic Filtration Funnel is an engineered solution for rapid, reliable, and operator-friendly vacuum-assisted membrane filtration in life science and quality control laboratories. Unlike conventional clamp-based or screw-thread funnels, the MF5 Pro employs a dual-layer neodymium magnetic coupling system between the PPSU filtration cup and base—enabling secure, leak-tight sealing without mechanical torque or multi-step assembly. This design operates on the principle of controlled magnetic attraction, delivering consistent compression force across the filter membrane surface to ensure uniform flow distribution and prevent bypass leakage—even under variable vacuum pressure (typically 0.5–0.8 bar). The funnel is optimized for routine applications requiring sterility, chemical compatibility, and reproducible filtration performance, including microbiological water testing, particulate analysis in environmental samples, and reagent clarification in molecular biology workflows.

Key Features

• Dual-Layer High-Force Magnetic Coupling: Two aligned rare-earth magnet arrays provide >12 N axial holding force, ensuring hermetic seal integrity while allowing intuitive one-handed opening and closing—eliminating hand fatigue and cross-contamination risk during high-throughput operations.
• Precision Alignment System: Integrated positioning ring on the base ensures centric placement of 47 mm diameter membranes every time, reducing misalignment-related channeling and improving filtration efficiency by up to 18% (vs. non-guided funnels, per internal validation under ISO 8573-1 airflow consistency protocol).
• Side-Mount Vacuum Interface: A standardized PPSU side port with tapered O-ring seal accepts tubing with inner diameters from 4 mm to 8 mm, enabling direct connection to common lab vacuum sources—including wall-mounted manifolds, portable diaphragm pumps, and benchtop vacuum systems—without proprietary adapters.
• Autoclavable PPSU Construction: All wetted components (cup, base, lid) are molded from polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), certified for repeated steam sterilization at 121°C for 20 minutes (per ASTM F1498 and ISO 11140-1), with superior resistance to hydrolysis, chlorinated solvents, and 70% ethanol compared to standard PES or polycarbonate alternatives.
• Modular Component Architecture: Interchangeable base variants (standard and short-profile MF5a Pro) support diverse vessel configurations—from wide-mouth serum bottles to narrow-neck GL45 glass containers—while maintaining identical filtration geometry and pressure drop characteristics.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MF5 Pro is validated for use with standard 47 mm diameter microporous membranes (cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, PVDF, PTFE, and mixed ester), supporting nominal pore sizes from 0.1 µm to 5.0 µm. It complies with critical regulatory expectations for laboratory filtration devices: its PPSU materials meet USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements; the magnetic assembly eliminates metal-to-membrane contact, preventing iron leaching in sensitive assays (e.g., ICP-MS sample prep); and the absence of threaded interfaces reduces particulate generation during assembly—supporting ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom handling protocols. For GxP environments, the funnel’s repeatable sealing force and autoclave traceability align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity prerequisites when paired with calibrated vacuum gauges and electronic logbooks.

Software & Data Management

While the MF5 Pro is a standalone mechanical device with no embedded electronics, its design supports full integration into digitally managed workflows. Each unit carries a laser-etched serial number for asset tracking in LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) such as LabWare or Thermo Fisher SampleManager. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for membrane selection, vacuum pressure calibration, and post-filtration integrity testing (e.g., bubble point or diffusion test per ASTM F838) can be linked directly to the device record. Optional accessories—including calibrated vacuum regulators and digital pressure transducers—enable automated logging of real-time vacuum profiles, satisfying audit requirements for GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories.

Applications

• Microbiological water analysis per ISO 9308-1 and EPA Method 1603: rapid concentration of Escherichia coli and enterococci from 100–500 mL surface, drinking, or wastewater samples.
• Suspended solids quantification (TSS) in industrial effluents and river monitoring programs (ASTM D5907, ISO 11923).
• Clarification of cell culture supernatants, antibody solutions, and chromatography buffers prior to sterile filtration or HPLC injection.
• Pre-filtration of aggressive solvents (e.g., DMF, THF, acetonitrile) in synthetic chemistry QC, leveraging PPSU’s broad chemical resistance profile.
• Environmental particulate collection for gravimetric analysis (e.g., PM10, PM2.5 analogues) using pre-weighed, ash-free filters.

FAQ

Is the MF5 Pro compatible with all 47 mm membrane types?
Yes—mechanically and chemically. Its flat, recessed membrane support platform and uniform magnetic compression accommodate rigid and flexible membranes without edge deformation or center sag.
Can the funnel withstand repeated autoclaving cycles?
Yes. PPSU components are rated for ≥100 cycles at 121°C, 20 min, per manufacturer validation reports compliant with ISO 17665-1.
Does the side-port vacuum connection affect filtration rate uniformity?
No. CFD modeling and empirical flow mapping confirm laminar, axisymmetric flow patterns across the entire 13.1 cm² active area—regardless of inlet orientation.
How does the MF5 Pro differ from the MF5a Pro variant?
The MF5a Pro uses a shortened base (12 mm height reduction), optimizing clearance for low-profile vessels such as 50 mL conical tubes or shallow waste containers—without altering filtration volume or membrane interface geometry.
Are replacement parts available separately?
Yes. Individual components—including PPSU bases (200300-32-p / 200310-32-p), lids (200300-36), silicone plugs (167110-16), and needle filters—are stocked and orderable under discrete part numbers for cost-effective maintenance.