ROCKER VF11 Stainless Steel Filtration Assembly
| Brand | ROCKER |
|---|---|
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Model | VF11 |
| Filter Funnel Capacity | 500 mL |
| Receiving Flask Capacity | 2000 mL |
| Compatible Membrane Diameter | 47 mm / 50 mm |
| Tubing ID | 8 mm (5/16 in.) |
| Effective Filtration Area | 9.6 cm² |
| Funnel & Base Material | ASTM A240 SUS316 Stainless Steel |
| Membrane Support Plate | SUS316 |
| Stopper | Silicone (No. 18) |
| Receiving Flask | Borosilicate Glass (Class B, ISO 3585 compliant) |
| Sterilization Compatibility | Autoclave (121°C, 20 min), Dry Heat (180°C), Flame, and Ethylene Oxide |
Overview
The ROCKER VF11 Stainless Steel Filtration Assembly is a high-integrity, laboratory-grade vacuum filtration system engineered for demanding life science and bioengineering applications requiring repeated sterilization, chemical resistance, and operational reliability. Designed around the Couette-type vacuum-driven membrane filtration principle, the VF11 integrates a precision-machined SUS316 stainless steel filter funnel with a borosilicate glass receiving flask to enable sterile, particulate-free processing of aqueous and organic solvents, microbial suspensions, cell culture supernatants, and aggressive reagents. Its modular architecture supports both qualitative and quantitative filtration workflows under GLP-compliant conditions, with full traceability of component materials and thermal validation pathways aligned with ISO 13485 and USP particulate matter testing requirements.
Key Features
- ASTM A240 SUS316 Construction: All wetted parts—including funnel body, base, and membrane support plate—are fabricated from medical-grade SUS316 stainless steel, offering superior corrosion resistance against halides, oxidizing acids, and alkaline solutions compared to 304 or 316L variants.
- Patented Twist-Lock Sealing Mechanism (TW M381450): Eliminates traditional clamps or O-ring compression tools; achieves leak-tight sealing (<1 × 10⁻³ mbar·L/s He leak rate) via rotational engagement between funnel and base—validated across 5,000+ cycles without gasket degradation.
- Integrated Hose Port Protection Ring: Reinforced polymer collar surrounds the 8 mm (5/16″) tubing inlet to prevent radial deformation during high-pressure hose insertion, reducing risk of vacuum loss or accidental disconnection.
- One-Touch Drain Valve System: Built-in bottom-mounted PTFE-coated valve allows complete waste evacuation without disassembly—critical for biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) workflows involving pathogenic filtrates.
- Weighted Magnetic Base Assembly: 1.2 kg ferromagnetic counterweight embedded in the base provides ≥15 N·cm torque resistance against lateral impact, preventing flask tipping during benchtop operation or transport.
- Full Thermal Sterilization Compliance: Certified for repeated autoclaving (121°C, 20 min, saturated steam), dry-heat sterilization (180°C, 2 h), direct flame pass-through, and ethylene oxide gas exposure—verified per ISO 17665-1 and EN 556-1.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VF11 accommodates standard 47 mm and 50 mm diameter microporous membranes (e.g., mixed cellulose ester, PVDF, PTFE, nylon) and is routinely deployed in microbiological assay preparation (ISO 8554, ASTM D4199), bioburden testing (USP ), solvent filtration for HPLC mobile phase preparation (USP ), and sterile filtration of enzyme solutions. All components meet ISO 3585 specifications for borosilicate glass (receiving flask) and FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 for silicone stoppers. The assembly supports audit-ready documentation packages including material certifications (EN 10204 3.1), RoHS/REACH declarations, and sterilization cycle validation reports.
Software & Data Management
While the VF11 operates as a standalone mechanical system, it is fully compatible with digital lab infrastructure through integration-ready vacuum source interfaces (e.g., ROCKER RV series pumps with RS-485/Modbus output). When paired with ROCKER’s SmartVac™ Controller (optional), users gain real-time pressure logging, cycle counting, sterilization event timestamping, and electronic batch records compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements—including user-level access control, audit trails, and encrypted data export (CSV/PDF).
Applications
- Microbial enumeration and sterility testing per ISO 11731 and Ph. Eur. 2.6.1
- Pretreatment of environmental water samples prior to ICP-MS analysis (EPA Method 1669)
- Clarification of monoclonal antibody harvest streams in upstream bioprocessing
- Filtration of corrosive solvents (e.g., chloroform, DMF, THF) in synthetic chemistry labs
- Preparation of particle-free calibration standards for dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrumentation
- High-recovery filtration of low-volume biological samples where adsorption losses must be minimized
FAQ
Can the VF11 be used with vacuum pumps exceeding −95 kPa?
Yes—the SUS316 funnel and borosilicate flask are rated for continuous operation at −100 kPa; however, optimal filtration efficiency is achieved between −85 and −95 kPa to balance flow rate and membrane integrity.
Is the silicone stopper autoclavable?
Yes—ROCKER No. 18 silicone stoppers are certified for 200 autoclave cycles at 121°C without swelling, hardening, or extractables release (test report available upon request).
Does the system include a membrane support plate?
Yes—the VF11 assembly includes a laser-cut SUS316 membrane support plate (Part No. 167100-31) with 9.6 cm² open area and 0.3 mm precision-drilled vent holes to ensure uniform flow distribution and prevent membrane collapse.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the glass receiving flask?
The borosilicate glass flask complies with ISO 3585 and withstands thermal shock up to ΔT = 120°C; sustained use above 100°C requires verification of vacuum line compatibility and condensate management.
Are replacement parts available separately?
Yes—all subcomponents—including funnels (167103-50), stoppers (167110-18), flasks (167200-13), and support plates (167100-31)—are stocked and supplied with full traceability documentation.
