ROCKER WaterVac100-MS Direct-Drain Vacuum Filtration System

Overview

The ROCKER WaterVac100-MS is a compact, integrated direct-drain vacuum filtration system engineered for precision, efficiency, and space optimization in life science and environmental laboratories. Unlike conventional vacuum setups requiring separate vacuum pumps, waste collection flasks, and interconnecting tubing, the WaterVac100-MS embeds a brushless diaphragm pump and fluid management architecture into a single, self-contained unit. It operates on the principle of controlled negative pressure generation—using a sealed EPDM diaphragm to create suction up to 313 mbar (525 mmHg)—to drive liquid through membrane filters under consistent, reproducible conditions. Its design eliminates intermediate fluid storage, enabling real-time discharge of filtrate directly into a sink or waste container via silicone drain tubing. This architecture supports high-integrity sample handling for applications where cross-contamination risk, operator workflow interruption, and benchtop footprint are critical constraints—particularly in microbiological water testing, suspended solids analysis, and routine lab-scale clarification protocols.

Key Features

• Integrated brushless diaphragm pump with EPDM elastomer components ensures chemical resistance to common aqueous buffers, dilute acids, and alcohols, while maintaining long-term sealing integrity and low maintenance requirements.
• Direct-drain operation eliminates need for waste bottles, reducing setup time, post-run cleaning, and risk of overflow or spillage during high-volume filtration tasks.
• Modular base interface accepts standard silicone stopper–mounted filter assemblies, enabling rapid adaptation across varying sample volumes and membrane formats without hardware modification.
• Stainless steel housing (SS304) and SS316 inlet/outlet fittings provide corrosion resistance and mechanical durability in humid or splash-prone laboratory environments.
• Compact footprint (17 × 12 × 10 cm) reduces occupied bench space by up to 70% compared to traditional multi-component vacuum systems, supporting high-density lab layouts and mobile workstations.
• Universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) with regulated DC output ensures stable performance across global electrical infrastructures without external voltage conversion.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The WaterVac100-MS is compatible with all standard disposable filtration cups from major suppliers—including ROCKER’s own 100 mL, 300 mL, and 500 mL polypropylene filter holders—as well as other industry-standard units with 29 mm or 47 mm membrane support configurations. Its EPDM diaphragm and FKM O-rings exhibit broad compatibility with non-halogenated solvents, saline solutions, nutrient broths, and potable water matrices. The system conforms to EU Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive) and carries CE marking for electrical safety compliance. While not intrinsically rated for explosive atmospheres or sterile processing, its materials meet ISO 10993-5 biocompatibility screening criteria for short-term contact with biological samples. It supports GLP-aligned documentation workflows when paired with validated filter membranes and calibrated pressure monitoring accessories.

Software & Data Management

The WaterVac100-MS is a standalone analog device with no embedded firmware, touchscreen interface, or digital data logging capability. Its operational parameters—vacuum level and flow rate—are inherently stabilized by mechanical design rather than software control. This architecture enhances reliability, simplifies validation, and avoids regulatory complications associated with electronic recordkeeping. For laboratories operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, the absence of programmable logic means no audit trail, electronic signature, or change control documentation is required for basic use. Users may integrate optional external vacuum gauges or flow meters for manual process recording, and all physical settings remain fully traceable via instrument serial number, batch-tested component certifications, and manufacturer-provided calibration certificates upon request.

Applications

• Pre-filtration of environmental water samples (e.g., drinking water, surface water, wastewater effluent) prior to microbial enumeration using membrane filtration methods per ISO 9308-1, ASTM D5465, or USP .
• Routine removal of particulates and suspended solids from culture media, reagent solutions, or cell lysates in upstream bioprocessing labs.
• Field-deployable or satellite lab filtration where portability, low power consumption (12 W max), and minimal infrastructure dependency are essential.
• Quality control testing in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities for clarity assessment of aqueous injectables or buffer solutions in accordance with pharmacopeial standards.
• Educational laboratory instruction in microbiology, environmental science, and analytical chemistry curricula emphasizing hands-on vacuum technique fundamentals.

FAQ

Does the WaterVac100-MS require periodic calibration?

No—its vacuum performance is determined by fixed mechanical geometry and diaphragm elasticity. Routine verification using a certified analog vacuum gauge is recommended annually or after impact events.
Can it be used with organic solvents such as acetone or chloroform?

Not recommended. EPDM and FKM components are incompatible with strong oxidizers, ketones, and halogenated hydrocarbons; only aqueous and mild polar solvent applications are supported.
Is the drain tubing autoclavable?

No. The included silicone tubing (Ø4/Ø8 mm) is rated for continuous use at ambient temperature only and must be replaced if exposed to steam sterilization cycles.
What filtration cup sizes does the WaterVac100-MS-MS support?

It is optimized for ROCKER’s 100 mL, 300 mL, and 500 mL disposable filter cups, but adapts to any cup with a standard 29 mm or 47 mm diameter silicone stopper interface.
How is electrical safety ensured given its DC operation?

The included universal AC/DC adapter complies with IEC 61558-2-16 and incorporates double insulation, overvoltage protection, and thermal cutoff—certified under EN 62368-1 and CE marking requirements.