Sartorius Microsart® E-jet Direct-Discharge Vacuum Pump
| Brand | Sartorius |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | 166MP-4 |
| Instrument Type | Direct-discharge vacuum pump for microbial filtration |
| Maximum Membrane Pressure | 600 mbar |
| Air Flow Rate | ≥4.0 N·L/min (at ambient conditions, dry air) |
| Filtration Compatibility | Bacteria, yeasts, molds |
| Footprint Reduction vs. Conventional Systems | ~70% |
| Connection Interface | DN10 push-fit quick-connect fittings |
| Vacuum System Architecture | Oil-free, direct-discharge (no collection flask or trap required) |
Overview
The Sartorius Microsart® E-jet Direct-Discharge Vacuum Pump is an engineered solution for rapid, reliable, and space-efficient membrane filtration in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical microbiology laboratories. Unlike conventional vacuum systems that rely on intermediate collection flasks and liquid traps, the E-jet operates on a direct-discharge principle—evacuating filtered air directly to the environment without condensate accumulation. This architecture eliminates the need for secondary containment, reduces risk of cross-contamination, and supports continuous operation during high-throughput microbial limit testing (MLT) per USP , EP 2.6.12, and JP 4.07. Its fixed-pressure regulation delivers a stable 600 mbar differential across the filter membrane, ensuring consistent flow kinetics critical for quantitative recovery of low-abundance microorganisms—including stressed bacteria, filamentous fungi, and delicate yeasts—without membrane rupture or channeling artifacts.
Key Features
- Oil-free, maintenance-light diaphragm pump design compliant with ISO 8573-1 Class 0 compressed air purity requirements for sterile applications
- Stable 600 mbar maximum vacuum pressure with closed-loop pressure feedback control, minimizing flow drift over extended filtration cycles
- Rated air displacement ≥4.0 N·L/min (dry air, 20°C, 101.3 kPa), enabling complete filtration of 100 mL aqueous samples through 0.45 µm or 0.22 µm membranes in under 90 seconds
- DN10 push-fit quick-connect interface compatible with standard Microsart® multi-filter manifolds and sterile single-use filter assemblies—no tools, no seals, no torque calibration required
- Compact footprint (W × D × H: 165 × 140 × 220 mm) reduces laminar airflow cabinet occupancy by up to 70% versus legacy flask-based systems
- No intermediate liquid trap or suction flask necessary—eliminates vapor lock, overflow hazards, and post-run decontamination steps
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Microsart® E-jet is validated for use with all standard 47 mm diameter sterile filter membranes (cellulose ester, PVDF, PES, nylon) and supports parallel processing of up to three samples via Sartorius Microsart® Tri-Filter manifolds. It meets mechanical performance criteria outlined in ASTM D2974–22 (Standard Test Method for Determination of Microbial Content of Water by Membrane Filtration) and aligns with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Annex 1 requirements for aseptic process filtration support equipment. The pump’s non-closing quick-connect fittings prevent accidental system isolation during operation—a critical safety feature for uninterrupted vacuum integrity during sterility testing workflows. All wetted materials comply with USP Class VI biological reactivity standards and are free of leachable plasticizers.
Software & Data Management
As a hardware-only vacuum delivery module, the Microsart® E-jet does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital interfaces. It is designed for integration into fully documented, audit-ready MLT workflows governed by electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) or LIMS platforms. When deployed alongside Sartorius’ Microsart® Control Software (v3.2+), the pump’s operational status—cycle start/stop timestamps, cumulative runtime, and pressure stability logs—can be captured via external I/O triggers or manual entry. This supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures where system-level validation is performed per GAMP 5 guidelines. No internal data storage or user-accessible configuration menus are present, minimizing cybersecurity surface area and qualification burden.
Applications
- Routine microbial limit testing of non-sterile pharmaceuticals, excipients, and raw materials per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.6.12
- Environmental monitoring (EM) sample processing from HVAC systems, cleanroom surfaces, and water distribution networks
- Bioburden assessment of medical device components prior to terminal sterilization
- Yeast and mold enumeration in food and beverage quality control laboratories
- Pre-filtration conditioning of large-volume samples prior to automated colony counting or MALDI-TOF identification
FAQ
Does the Microsart® E-jet require a vacuum trap or collection flask?
No. Its direct-discharge architecture vents filtered air to ambient space, eliminating the need for liquid traps, suction flasks, or anti-suckback valves.
Can it be used with 25 mm filter holders?
Not recommended. The E-jet is calibrated and validated exclusively for 47 mm membrane filtration systems; flow dynamics and pressure profiles are not guaranteed with smaller formats.
Is the pump suitable for organic solvent filtration?
No. It is rated only for aqueous and mildly buffered solutions. Exposure to acetone, ethanol (>30%), or chlorinated solvents may degrade diaphragm elastomers and void warranty.
What is the expected service life under GMP conditions?
With scheduled preventive maintenance every 12 months (diaphragm replacement, valve inspection), typical operational lifespan exceeds 20,000 hours at rated load.
How is calibration verified?
Pressure output is factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable deadweight testers; users perform periodic verification using a calibrated digital manometer connected to the vacuum port per SOP-MICRO-087.
