Rocker SolarVac1201-MB-A 12-Position Stainless Steel Vacuum Filtration System

Overview

The Rocker SolarVac1201-MB-A is a high-throughput, laboratory-grade 12-position vacuum filtration system engineered for rigorous microbiological analysis and suspended solids quantification in environmental, pharmaceutical, and clinical laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled negative pressure-driven membrane filtration—where liquid samples are drawn through standardized 47 mm diameter microporous membranes under reproducible vacuum conditions. The system integrates a brushless DC-powered Alligator 200 diaphragm vacuum pump capable of achieving a stable ultimate vacuum of 313 mbar (abs) and delivering a consistent liquid flow rate of 4.5 L/min. Unlike conventional systems requiring intermediate waste collection bottles, the SolarVac1201-MB-A employs direct-to-sink drainage—eliminating bottlenecks in workflow, reducing benchtop footprint by up to 60%, and minimizing post-filtration handling steps. Its architecture supports ISO 7218-compliant microbial enumeration procedures and aligns with ASTM D5116 and EPA Method 160.1 for total suspended solids (TSS) determination.

Key Features

• 12-position rotating filter manifold constructed entirely from electropolished SS316 stainless steel and medical-grade silicone—ensuring corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and full autoclavability (121 °C, 20 min, steam sterilization).
• Integrated Alligator 200 vacuum pump with IP64 ingress protection, CE and RoHS certification, and brushless DC motor technology for low-maintenance, quiet operation (≤60 dB[A]) and extended service life.
• Rotating sample indexing disk with laser-etched position identifiers—enabling unambiguous sample tracking and significantly reducing operator-induced misalignment or cross-contamination during sequential filtration.
• Direct-drain configuration eliminates need for waste flasks; filtrate and spent media discharge directly into laboratory sink via chemically resistant silicone/FKM tubing—reducing contamination risk and cleaning overhead.
• Modular compatibility with standard 47 mm membrane filters (e.g., Pall GN-6 MCE, 0.45 µm pore size) and Rocker SF-series stainless steel funnels (100 mL capacity), supporting both qualitative and quantitative filtration protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SolarVac1201-MB-A accommodates aqueous, buffered, and mildly acidic or alkaline solutions commonly encountered in water quality testing (e.g., drinking water, wastewater, surface water), food microbiology (ISO 4833-1), and bioprocess monitoring. Its wetted components—SS316, silicone, FKM elastomers, polypropylene (PP), and polyphenylsulfone (PPS)—exhibit broad chemical compatibility per ASTM D471 and USP Class VI biological safety standards. The system conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity). When operated with certified sterile-filtered membranes and validated sterilization cycles, it supports GLP-compliant workflows and satisfies audit requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with electronic lab notebook (ELN) integration for metadata logging.

Software & Data Management

While the SolarVac1201-MB-A is a hardware-optimized analog system without embedded microprocessor control or onboard data logging, its operational repeatability enables seamless integration into digital lab infrastructures. Users may pair the system with external vacuum pressure loggers (e.g., calibrated digital manometers) and time-stamped video documentation for process verification. Rocker provides comprehensive SOP templates—including sterilization validation records, maintenance logs, and calibration checklists—for traceable compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 quality management frameworks. All pump firmware updates and technical bulletins are accessible via Rocker’s secure customer portal—requiring authenticated login and version-controlled release notes.

Applications

• Standard plate count agar (PCA) and membrane filtration (MF) methods for total viable counts (TVC) in water and beverage matrices per ISO 6222 and APHA Standard Methods 9215.
• Quantitative recovery of coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci using selective membranes (e.g., MI agar, m-Endo LES) in regulatory environmental monitoring programs.
• Turbidity-corrected suspended solids measurement in municipal wastewater influent/effluent per EPA Method 160.1 and ISO 11923.
• Pre-filtration of cell culture supernatants, fermentation broths, and biopharmaceutical intermediates prior to HPLC or LC-MS analysis.
• Routine sterility testing of injectables and ophthalmic solutions under USP , where stainless steel integrity and non-shedding surfaces are critical.

FAQ

Is the SolarVac1201-MB-A suitable for use with organic solvents?
No. The system’s wetted materials (silicone, FKM, PP) are rated for aqueous and mild buffer systems only. Exposure to acetone, chloroform, or strong oxidizers may degrade seals and compromise vacuum integrity.
Can the filter funnels be sterilized in an autoclave?
Yes. SF-series stainless steel funnels and SS316 manifold components are fully autoclavable at 121 °C for 20 minutes. Silicone gaskets retain sealing performance after ≥50 sterilization cycles.
What vacuum level is required for optimal bacterial retention on 0.45 µm membranes?
A stable vacuum between 200–300 mbar (abs) ensures complete sample passage without membrane rupture or bubble point breach—consistent with ISO 7704 and ASTM E2970 guidance.
Does the system include filtration membranes?
Yes. Each SolarVac1201-MB-A kit ships with one 200-count pack of Pall GN-6 mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membranes, 0.45 µm pore size, 47 mm diameter—certified endotoxin-free and sterile-packaged.
How often does the Alligator 200 pump require maintenance?
Under normal laboratory use (≤6 hrs/day), the pump requires no scheduled maintenance for 12 months. Diaphragm inspection is recommended annually; Rocker supplies OEM replacement kits with batch-traceable components.