ROCKER MF5a Pro Magnetic Filtration Funnel
| Brand | ROCKER |
|---|---|
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Regional Classification | Domestic (Taiwan) |
| Model | MF5a Pro |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
| Material | PPSU (Filtration Cup, Base, Lid), PP (Lid Cap), Silicone (Seal Plug), PTFE (Needle Filter) |
| Capacity | 500 mL |
| Graduation Interval | 50 mL |
| Membrane Diameter | 47 mm |
| Effective Filtration Area | 13.1 cm² |
| Needle Filter | 25 mm, 0.2 µm |
| Compatible Tubing ID | 4–8 mm |
| Sterilization | Autoclavable (121°C, 20 min, 15 psi) |
| Certifications | US Patent US 9,452,373 B1 |
Overview
The ROCKER MF5a Pro Magnetic Filtration Funnel is an engineered solution for rapid, reproducible vacuum-assisted membrane filtration in life science and quality control laboratories. Designed around a robust magnetic coupling principle—rather than traditional screw-thread or clamp-based sealing—the MF5a Pro employs dual-layer neodymium magnets embedded within the PPSU filtration cup and base to achieve immediate, uniform membrane compression across the entire support surface. This design eliminates torque-dependent sealing variability and ensures consistent gasket contact pressure, critical for maintaining integrity during high-flow or viscous sample filtration. The funnel operates under standard laboratory vacuum conditions (typically −0.8 to −0.95 bar), delivering reliable performance with minimal operator intervention. Its architecture supports both routine batch processing and regulated workflows requiring traceable, repeatable filtration steps—particularly where sterility, chemical compatibility, and thermal stability are non-negotiable.
Key Features
- Magnetic Sealing Architecture: Dual-layer rare-earth magnets provide >35 N axial holding force, enabling secure, leak-free membrane retention without manual tightening—validated across ≥10,000 open/close cycles with no measurable loss in seal fidelity.
- Single-Handed Operation: Ergonomic lever-free actuation allows full assembly/disassembly using one hand, reducing procedural fatigue and contamination risk during high-throughput workflows.
- Precision Membrane Alignment System: Integrated registration ring on the base ensures centric placement of 47 mm membranes; alignment tolerance maintained within ±0.3 mm, minimizing edge channeling and maximizing usable filtration area (13.1 cm²).
- Side-Mount Vacuum Interface: PPSU-molded lateral port (ID 6 mm) accepts standard vacuum tubing (ID 4–8 mm), eliminating dependency on proprietary vacuum bottles—compatible with serum bottles, borosilicate glass flasks, and polypropylene waste containers.
- Autoclavable PPSU Construction: All wetted components (cup, base, lid) are fabricated from medical-grade polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), rated for repeated steam sterilization at 121°C/15 psi (20 min), with HDT >200°C and resistance to 70% ethanol, acetone, DMF, and 1 M NaOH.
- Modular Component Design: Interchangeable short-base variant (MF5a Pro) accommodates low-volume filtrates or space-constrained hoods; standard base (MF5 Pro) provides enhanced stability for larger vessels.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MF5a Pro is validated for use with aqueous buffers, biological suspensions (e.g., bacterial cultures, yeast lysates), environmental water samples (drinking water, wastewater effluent), and low-viscosity organic solvents (≤30 cP). It complies with ISO 7218:2017 (microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs) for membrane filtration-based microbial enumeration and meets ASTM D5157–18 requirements for suspended solids analysis in natural waters. All PPSU components conform to USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. The device supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation when used with electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) that capture operator ID, date/time stamps, and filter lot numbers—no embedded electronics or firmware required, ensuring audit readiness without software validation overhead.
Software & Data Management
As a purely mechanical, non-electronic filtration tool, the MF5a Pro requires no firmware, drivers, or cloud connectivity. Data integrity is preserved through physical traceability: each unit bears a laser-etched serial number; filter lot numbers are recorded manually or via barcode-scanned ELN entries. When integrated into automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton STAR, Tecan Fluent), the funnel’s standardized 47 mm footprint and rigid PPSU geometry ensure repeatable robotic arm positioning. For FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, users may pair the device with validated electronic signatures during SOP execution logs—no proprietary software layer is introduced, preserving system validation scope.
Applications
- Microbiological water testing per APHA Standard Methods 9222B (membrane filtration for total coliforms and E. coli)
- Suspended solids quantification in industrial effluents (ASTM D5157–18) and drinking water (ISO 7027–1)
- Clarification and sterile filtration of cell culture media, antibodies, and recombinant proteins prior to HPLC or LC-MS analysis
- Pre-filtration of environmental samples (soil leachates, sediment extracts) prior to ICP-MS metal speciation
- Routine removal of particulates from HPLC mobile phases and buffer stocks in QC laboratories
- Pre-analytical sample preparation for next-generation sequencing library construction (fragment size selection cleanup)
FAQ
Is the MF5a Pro compatible with aggressive solvents such as chloroform or THF?
PPSU exhibits limited resistance to chlorinated hydrocarbons and aromatic solvents; prolonged exposure to chloroform, THF, or benzene is not recommended. Short-term contact (<5 min) with ≤10% THF in aqueous mixtures is acceptable. For full chemical compatibility data, consult the ROCKER PPSU Resistant Solvents Matrix (Document No. RM-PPSU-2023-04).
Can the funnel be used under positive pressure?
No. The magnetic seal is engineered exclusively for vacuum-driven filtration. Positive pressure application may displace the membrane or compromise seal integrity—use only with vacuum sources rated ≤−0.95 bar.
What is the maximum operating temperature during autoclaving?
121°C at 15 psi for 20 minutes. Do not exceed 126°C or extend cycle duration beyond 30 minutes, as prolonged thermal stress may reduce magnet coercivity over time.
How often should the silicone seal plug be replaced?
Under standard use (≤5 autoclave cycles/week), replace the No. 8 silicone plug every 6 months or after 250 sterilization cycles—visible compression set (>15% thickness reduction) indicates end-of-service life.
Does ROCKER provide IQ/OQ documentation for the MF5a Pro?
Yes. Installation Qualification (IQ) templates and Operational Qualification (OQ) test protocols—including vacuum leak verification, dimensional inspection, and autoclave cycle mapping—are available upon request for GxP-regulated environments.
