WIGGENS BioVac320A Stainless Steel Multi-Position Vacuum Filtration System

Overview

The WIGGENS BioVac320A is a precision-engineered, three-position vacuum filtration system designed for reproducible, contamination-controlled sample processing in microbiological, pharmaceutical, and chemical laboratories. Built around a robust SS316 stainless steel filtration manifold, the system operates on the principle of controlled negative pressure applied across membrane filters to separate suspended solids from liquid or gaseous samples. Its modular architecture integrates a high-efficiency diaphragm vacuum pump (34 L/min flow, ≤150 mbar ultimate vacuum), a 3000 mL polycarbonate waste reservoir with integrated level indicator and anti-foam baffle, and a magnetic-coupled, tool-free filtration head accommodating standard 47 mm or 50 mm diameter membranes. The BioVac320A is not a standalone pump but a complete, validated filtration workstation—optimized for applications requiring strict sterility, regulatory traceability, and operational flexibility across diverse sample matrices.

Key Features

• SS316 Stainless Steel Filtration Manifold: Fully constructed from electropolished 316 stainless steel—resistant to corrosion from organic solvents, acids, bases, and oxidizing agents; compatible with autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min), dry-heat sterilization (180 °C), and direct flame passivation.
• Magnetic Flask Retention System: Eliminates mechanical clamps and O-ring compression variability; ensures consistent sealing force and rapid flask exchange without tools—reducing cross-contamination risk and operator fatigue during high-throughput workflows.
• Independent Port Control: Each of the three filtration positions features a dedicated, leak-tight polypropylene valve with tactile feedback and visual position indication—enabling sequential or parallel filtration with precise timing control and zero cross-port interference.
• Modular Flask Compatibility: Accepts standard 300 mL borosilicate glass or PC filtration flasks (also compatible with 100 mL and 500 mL variants via optional adapters); all flasks feature reinforced neck geometry and calibrated volume markings compliant with ISO 4787.
• Integrated Vacuum Management: Includes a calibrated vacuum gauge, adjustable pressure regulator, and built-in non-return valve to prevent backflow into the pump or sample stream—critical for biosafety and assay integrity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BioVac320A supports filtration of aqueous buffers, microbial suspensions (e.g., water, food homogenates, clinical specimens), organic solvent mixtures (e.g., acetone, ethyl acetate), and low-particulate air samples when paired with appropriate membrane types (e.g., mixed cellulose ester, PVDF, PTFE). Its materials of construction meet USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements and are certified free of detectable endotoxins (<0.03 EU/mL). The system conforms to ISO 7218:2017 (microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs), ASTM D1129 (standard terminology relating to water), and supports GLP/GMP documentation through its repeatable setup and operator-independent sealing mechanism. All wetted components are fully traceable to material certifications (EN 10204 3.1), and the manifold design permits full visual inspection of filter integrity pre- and post-run.

Software & Data Management

While the BioVac320A is a manually operated, analog-controlled system (no embedded microprocessor or digital interface), it is engineered for seamless integration into regulated environments. Its deterministic mechanical operation eliminates firmware validation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Lab managers may document filtration parameters—including port activation sequence, vacuum setpoint, duration, and flask identity—using paper-based or LIMS-linked electronic batch records. The standardized dimensions, valve actuation torque, and pressure decay profile enable IQ/OQ protocol development per Annex 15 (EU GMP) and ASTM E2500. Optional calibration kits (traceable to NIST standards) support periodic verification of vacuum stability and flow consistency.

Applications

• Microbiological Testing: Membrane filtration of drinking water, beverages, and pharmaceutical waters for total viable count (TVC), coliforms, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa enumeration per ISO 9308-1 and USP .
• Pharmaceutical Quality Control: Clarification of injectable solutions prior to sterility testing; particulate analysis of parenteral preparations using 0.45 µm or 0.22 µm membranes.
• Environmental Monitoring: Air sampling with gelatin or PVC filters for viable particle assessment in cleanrooms (ISO 14644-1 Class 5–8).
• Chemical & Materials Research: Solvent-resistant particulate removal from catalyst slurries, polymer dispersions, and nanoparticle suspensions—leveraging SS316 compatibility with aggressive media.
• Academic & Teaching Labs: Standardized demonstration of filtration kinetics, membrane fouling behavior, and vacuum-driven phase separation principles under controlled pedagogical conditions.

FAQ

Can the BioVac320A be used with 100 mL or 500 mL filtration flasks?
Yes—while the system ships with 300 mL flasks as standard, it accepts 100 mL and 500 mL variants via WIGGENS-certified adapter rings (Order No. WV-ADP-100/500), maintaining full magnetic retention and seal integrity.
Is the SS316 manifold suitable for nitric acid or hydrogen peroxide solutions?
Yes—SS316 provides excellent resistance to oxidizing acids up to 30% concentration at ambient temperature; extended exposure to >50% H₂O₂ requires evaluation per ASTM G31 immersion testing protocols.
Does the system include a vacuum pump?
Yes—the BioVac320A is supplied as a complete kit including a maintenance-free, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump rated for continuous duty at 34 L/min and ≤150 mbar ultimate vacuum.
How is sterility ensured between runs?
The entire manifold and valves can be autoclaved as a single assembly; the magnetic flask interface eliminates gasket degradation pathways, and electropolishing reduces biofilm adhesion potential per ISO 15223-1.
What membrane diameters are supported?
Standard 47 mm and 50 mm round membranes—compatible with all major suppliers (e.g., Millipore, Pall, Sartorius)—with defined 9.6 cm² effective filtration area per port.