Supelco Visiprep DL Solid Phase Extraction System

Overview

The Supelco Visiprep DL Solid Phase Extraction System is a semi-automatic, multi-port vacuum manifold engineered for high-throughput, reproducible solid-phase extraction (SPE) in regulated and research laboratories. Based on the fundamental principles of adsorption chromatography—leveraging physicochemical interactions including reversed-phase, normal-phase, ion exchange, and mixed-mode retention—the system enables selective isolation, concentration, and cleanup of analytes from complex liquid matrices. Unlike liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), SPE significantly reduces solvent consumption (typically >90% less), minimizes operator exposure to hazardous organics, and improves method robustness through standardized column packing and elution geometry. The Visiprep DL architecture integrates modular vacuum control, chemically inert fluid pathways, and configurable sample handling to support both routine QC workflows and method development across environmental, food safety, clinical toxicology, and pharmaceutical applications.

Key Features

• Chemically resistant construction: All solvent-contact surfaces—including manifolds, flow valves, tubing, and adapter fittings—are fabricated from PTFE or other certified corrosion-resistant polymers, ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., DCM, acetonitrile, methanol, 1% formic acid) and long-term dimensional stability.
• Anti-cross-contamination design: Independent flow paths per port, coupled with disposable PTFE transfer lines (included), eliminate carryover between samples. Each port features an integrated flow control valve enabling precise, independent regulation of elution rate—critical for optimizing recovery of labile or strongly retained analytes.
• Scalable throughput: Available in 12-port (Cat. No. 57044) and 24-port (Cat. No. 57265) configurations. Both models support parallel processing of up to 12 or 24 SPE cartridges simultaneously under uniform vacuum conditions, maintaining inter-sample consistency essential for GLP/GMP-compliant workflows.
• Large-volume sampling capability: Optional large-volume samplers (4-tube or 3-tube kits) interface directly with standard SPE cartridges (1–60 mL format), permitting automated loading of samples up to several liters without manual intervention—ideal for trace analysis in drinking water or wastewater.
• Vacuum integrity assurance: Integrated buffer flask (1000 mL PP) prevents backflow of waste solvent into the vacuum pump; compatible with certified oil-free diaphragm pumps (e.g., 25 L/min capacity) meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 0 air purity requirements for analytical instrumentation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Visiprep DL system accommodates all commercially available SPE sorbent formats (1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, 12 mL, 20 mL, and 60 mL cartridges) and is routinely deployed in methods aligned with ASTM D5907 (waterborne particulates), EPA Methods 505, 508, 525.3 (pesticides, PAHs, PCBs), and ISO 17025-accredited laboratories. Its material composition complies with USP for polymeric components, and its operational repeatability supports data integrity requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and audit-trail-enabled vacuum controllers. For solid samples (e.g., soil, tissue), homogenization and liquid extraction must precede SPE loading—a prerequisite explicitly defined in AOAC Official Method 2007.01 for pesticide residue analysis.

Software & Data Management

As a hardware-centric vacuum manifold, the Visiprep DL operates without embedded firmware or proprietary software. However, it is fully interoperable with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic record platforms via documented SOPs and controlled procedural logs. Users may integrate digital vacuum gauges (e.g., capacitance manometers with 4–20 mA output) and time-stamped flow valve actuation records to satisfy ALCOA+ data governance criteria. All accessories—including flow valves, large-volume samplers, and drying manifolds—are assigned unique Supelco catalog numbers (e.g., 51596, 51719, 51161), enabling full traceability from procurement through calibration and maintenance history.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Extraction and preconcentration of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides from surface water, groundwater, and effluent samples.
• Food and agricultural testing: Cleanup of fruit, vegetable, and grain extracts prior to GC–MS or LC–MS/MS quantification of neonicotinoid insecticides, triazole fungicides, and glyphosate metabolites.
• Clinical and forensic toxicology: Isolation of basic drugs (e.g., amphetamines, opioids) and acidic metabolites (e.g., benzoylecgonine) from plasma, urine, or oral fluid using mixed-mode cation/anion exchange cartridges.
• Pharmaceutical quality control: Removal of formulation excipients and degradation products from active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) solutions prior to HPLC assay or dissolution testing per USP .

FAQ

What vacuum pump specifications are required for optimal operation?
A certified oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump with ≥25 L/min free-air displacement and ultimate vacuum ≤80 mbar is recommended. Pumps must include thermal overload protection and be rated for continuous duty with aggressive solvent vapors.
Can the Visiprep DL be used with 96-well SPE plates?
No—the system is designed exclusively for cylindrical cartridge formats. For plate-based SPE, Supelco offers the Ascentis Express SPE 96-Well Plate Manifold (Cat. No. 57124), which shares compatible vacuum interface standards.
Is the PTFE transfer tubing included with the base system?
Yes—one pack (100 pieces) of PTFE transfer lines (Cat. No. 51598) is supplied with each 12-port or 24-port manifold to ensure immediate anti-cross-contamination readiness.
How is method validation supported for regulatory submissions?
The system’s mechanical consistency—validated via inter-port flow rate uniformity (±5% RSD at 5 mL/min) and cartridge-to-cartridge breakthrough volume reproducibility—provides foundational evidence for Section 2.2.2 (Equipment Qualification) of ICH Q2(R2). Full validation requires user-specific IQ/OQ/PQ protocols aligned with local regulatory expectations.
Are replacement parts and consumables available globally?
All core components—including flow valves (51596), buffer flasks (51153), and large-volume samplers (51719, 51688)—are stocked by Supelco distribution partners worldwide and assigned permanent catalog numbers under Sigma-Aldrich’s global supply chain infrastructure.