ROCKER MultiVac 601-MB-T Multi-Position Vacuum Filtration System

Overview

The ROCKER MultiVac 601-MB-T is a modular, multi-position vacuum filtration system engineered for high-throughput microbial testing in regulated life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of pressure-driven membrane filtration under controlled negative pressure, enabling quantitative recovery and retention of microorganisms from aqueous samples—including water, beverages, pharmaceutical preparations, and environmental matrices—according to standardized protocols such as ISO 9308-1, USP , and EPA Method 1603. The system integrates a maintenance-free oil-free vacuum pump (Rocker 400), a six-port SS316 filtration manifold with individual on/off control per funnel, flame-sterilizable stainless steel funnels and cups, a 4000 mL polypropylene waste reservoir with integrated drain valve, and certified 47 mm mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membranes. Its architecture prioritizes operational reproducibility, contamination minimization, and compliance-ready documentation support.

Key Features

• Modular six-position stainless steel filtration manifold with independent vacuum control per port—enabling parallel processing of heterogeneous sample types without cross-contamination.
• Wetted components constructed entirely from ASTM F899-compliant SS316 stainless steel, including funnels, cups, and manifold body—ensuring corrosion resistance against aggressive solvents, acids, and sterilants, and supporting direct flame sterilization via integrated Dragon 100 electronic Bunsen burner.
• Patented bayonet-lock coupling mechanism allows tool-free assembly and disassembly of all filtration components within seconds—reducing turnaround time between batches and facilitating full autoclave compatibility or chemical decontamination.
• Adjustable air-bleed valve prevents water hammer during vacuum release and ensures smooth evacuation of residual condensate from tubing—improving long-term pump longevity and filtration consistency.
• 4000 mL polypropylene waste bottle with ergonomic quick-drain valve enables hands-free, spill-resistant disposal of filtrates—eliminating manual decanting and minimizing exposure risk during biosafety Level 1 and Level 2 workflows.
• Pre-configured system includes Rocker 400 vacuum pump (CE/CSA/RoHS/IP30 certified), six 100 mL SS316 funnels, GN-6 MCE membranes (0.45 µm, 200/pk), and dual-length high-pressure silicone tubing—ready for immediate deployment in GLP- and GMP-aligned environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MultiVac 601-MB-T accommodates a broad range of liquid samples requiring microbiological enumeration or particulate removal: potable and wastewater, dairy products, sterile injectables, cell culture supernatants, and botanical extracts. Its 47 mm filter diameter supports standard regulatory-grade membranes—including Pall GN-6 (MCE), Sartorius SM11308 (cellulose nitrate), and Millipore HATF (hydrophilic PTFE)—all validated for bacterial retention efficiency ≥99.999% at specified challenge concentrations. The system complies with ISO 7218 (microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs), ISO 11731 (Legionella detection), and ASTM D5127 (water purification testing). All electrical components meet IEC 61000-6-3 EMC standards and are rated for continuous operation under Class II laboratory conditions. Traceability is supported via serial-numbered components and optional integration with lab information management systems (LIMS) through RS-232 output on the Rocker 400 pump.

Software & Data Management

While the MultiVac 601-MB-T is a hardware-centric platform without embedded firmware or touchscreen interface, its Rocker 400 vacuum pump features an RS-232 serial port for external monitoring of real-time vacuum level and runtime—enabling integration into validated data acquisition workflows compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11. When paired with third-party LIMS or ELN platforms (e.g., LabWare, Benchling, or Veeva Vault), operators can log batch IDs, operator initials, membrane lot numbers, and filtration duration directly into audit-trail-enabled records. Calibration certificates for the pump’s vacuum sensor and flow meter are provided upon request and align with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited metrology practices. No proprietary software installation is required; configuration remains fully manual and deterministic—supporting IQ/OQ validation protocols without software qualification overhead.

Applications

• Quantitative membrane filtration for total viable count (TVC), coliforms, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in drinking water and wastewater per ISO 9308-1 and APHA Standard Methods 9222.
• Routine sterility testing of parenteral pharmaceuticals and biologics according to USP and Ph. Eur. 2.6.1, using depyrogenated SS316 components and pre-sterilized membranes.
• Environmental monitoring of cleanrooms and aseptic processing isolators, where rapid turnover of multiple surface rinse samples is critical to maintaining ISO 14644-1 Class 5–8 classification.
• Pre-filtration of viscous biological suspensions prior to downstream analysis by flow cytometry, PCR, or MALDI-TOF MS—leveraging consistent pore geometry and low-binding stainless steel surfaces.
• Process validation studies involving filter integrity testing (forward flow, bubble point) where precise vacuum ramping and stable hold pressure are essential.

FAQ

Is the MultiVac 601-MB-T suitable for use with organic solvents?
Yes—SS316 wetted parts exhibit excellent resistance to alcohols, acetone, ethyl acetate, and dilute acids/bases. However, prolonged exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons or strong oxidizers (e.g., concentrated HNO₃) is not recommended without prior compatibility verification.
Can the system be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—the absence of embedded software, deterministic mechanical controls, documented material certifications (SS316 mill test reports), and CE/CSA compliance enable straightforward IQ/OQ execution. A full validation support package—including URS templates, FAT/SAT checklists, and calibration traceability documents—is available upon request.
What is the maximum operating temperature for flame sterilization?
SS316 components may be sterilized via direct flame up to 900 °C; however, routine practice limits exposure to ≤500 °C for 10–15 seconds per component to prevent thermal distortion or oxide layer degradation.
Are replacement membranes supplied with lot-specific certificates of analysis?
Pall GN-6 membranes included in the base kit are supplied with CoA indicating pore size uniformity (±0.02 µm), retention efficiency (≥99.999% for B. diminuta ATCC 19146), and endotoxin levels (<0.25 EU/mL). Additional CoAs are available for traceable lot tracking.
Does the system support alternative filter diameters?
The manifold is optimized for 47 mm filters; 50 mm filters may be used with minor gasket adjustment but are not covered under warranty or performance specifications. Custom adapters for 25 mm or 90 mm formats are not offered.