ROCKER MultiVac 310-MS-T Vacuum Filtration System

Overview

The ROCKER MultiVac 310-MS-T Vacuum Filtration System is an engineered solution for high-throughput liquid sample processing in regulated life science laboratories. Designed around the principle of pressure-driven membrane filtration under controlled vacuum, it enables rapid, reproducible separation of suspended solids, microorganisms, or particulates from aqueous and mild organic solutions. The system integrates a maintenance-free oil-free vacuum pump (Rocker 400), a three-port anodized aluminum filtration manifold with independent on/off valves, three 300 mL magnetic PES funnels, a 4000 mL polypropylene waste reservoir with integrated quick-drain assembly, and dual 1-meter high-pressure silicone tubing lines. Its architecture supports standardized 47 mm diameter membranes—compatible with common analytical and regulatory filter types including mixed cellulose ester (MCE), polyethersulfone (PES), nylon, and glass fiber—making it suitable for applications governed by ISO 7218, ASTM D5127, USP , and EPA Method 160.1.

Key Features

• Three independently controllable filtration ports allow parallel processing of discrete samples without cross-contamination or flow interference.
• Anodized aluminum manifold offers corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and compatibility with autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min, saturated steam), supporting GLP-compliant sterilization protocols.
• Magnetic PES funnels (MF3 type) feature ergonomic single-hand operation, leak-tight sealing via magnetic coupling, and chemical resistance to alcohols, dilute acids/bases, and common solvents used in microbiological and environmental testing.
• 4000 mL PP waste bottle includes a bottom-mounted quick-drain valve with integrated shut-off mechanism—enabling safe, drip-free disposal without disassembly or vacuum interruption.
• Rocker 400 dry diaphragm vacuum pump delivers stable −680 mmHg ultimate vacuum and 34 L/min free-air flow at 220 V / 50 Hz, with low noise (<52 dB(A)) and zero oil vapor contamination—critical for sterile or sensitive downstream analysis.
• All wetted components conform to USP Class VI biocompatibility standards; no leachable metals or plasticizers are introduced during filtration.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MultiVac 310-MS-T accommodates a broad range of sample matrices, including drinking water, wastewater, food homogenates, cell culture supernatants, fermentation broths, and pharmaceutical buffer solutions. It is routinely deployed in compliance with ISO 9001-certified quality systems and supports audit-ready documentation when paired with traceable filter lots and calibrated vacuum gauges. The system meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and electrical safety per EN 61326-1. While not intrinsically rated for explosive atmospheres, its oil-free design eliminates ignition risk associated with hydrocarbon-lubricated pumps—making it appropriate for use in standard BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratory environments.

Software & Data Management

This is a manually operated, hardware-only filtration platform with no embedded electronics or digital interface. All operational parameters—including vacuum level, filtration time, and membrane lot numbers—are recorded externally in laboratory notebooks or electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) per institutional SOPs. The absence of firmware or data logging ensures full compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for manual systems: no validation burden, no software lifecycle management, and unambiguous operator accountability. Filter selection, sterilization logs, and pump maintenance records remain fully traceable through paper-based or ELN-integrated workflows.

Applications

• Suspended solids determination (TSS) in environmental water testing per ISO 5667-12 and EPA Method 160.1.
• Microbial enumeration (e.g., coliforms, E. coli, heterotrophic plate count) using membrane filtration per ISO 9308-1, ISO 7899-2, and APHA Standard Methods 9222.
• Clarification of biological lysates prior to HPLC, SEC, or protein quantification assays.
• Pre-filtration of culture media or reagent solutions in cell therapy and vaccine manufacturing cleanrooms.
• Particulate removal from parenteral drug formulations during QC release testing under cGMP Annex 1 guidelines.
• Pre-concentration of low-abundance analytes (e.g., viruses, exosomes) for subsequent detection by TEM, NTA, or qPCR.

FAQ

Is the MultiVac 310-MS-T suitable for filtering viscous or protein-rich samples?
Yes—when used with low-protein-binding PES membranes (e.g., Pall Supor®) and appropriate pre-filtration steps, it maintains consistent flow rates across samples with viscosities up to 15 cP. For higher viscosity fluids, optional pressure-assisted modules or larger-diameter funnels (e.g., MF5, 500 mL) may be integrated.
Can the aluminum manifold be autoclaved repeatedly without degradation?
Yes—the anodized surface withstands ≥50 cycles of standard autoclave sterilization (121 °C, 20 min, 103 kPa) without pitting, discoloration, or loss of dimensional stability.
What filter types are validated for use with this system?
All 47 mm diameter, flat-disc membranes certified for microbiological or particulate analysis—including MCE (0.45 µm), PES (0.22 µm), nylon (0.45 µm), and GF/F glass fiber (1.0 µm)—are mechanically and chemically compatible.
Does the system include vacuum monitoring capability?
No—vacuum level must be verified externally using a calibrated analog or digital vacuum gauge connected to the manifold’s auxiliary port. Optional Rocker VG-100 vacuum gauge kits are available for real-time monitoring.
How is regulatory traceability maintained for filter lots and pump service history?
Traceability is achieved through manual logbooks or ELN entries referencing supplier-certified filter lot numbers, pump service dates, and calibration certificates—fully aligned with ALCOA+ data integrity principles for GxP environments.