ZiQi ZQG-12 12-Position Semi-Automatic Solid Phase Extraction Manifold

Overview

The ZiQi ZQG-12 is a benchtop, semi-automatic solid phase extraction (SPE) manifold engineered for reproducible, scalable sample preparation in analytical laboratories. It operates on the fundamental principle of selective adsorption and elution—where analytes in liquid samples are retained on sorbent-packed cartridges based on physicochemical affinity (e.g., reversed-phase, ion exchange, or mixed-mode interactions), while interfering matrix components pass through under controlled vacuum-driven flow. Unlike fully automated systems, the ZQG-12 provides manual flexibility with precision mechanical control, making it ideal for method development, QC validation, and routine batch processing where operator oversight is preferred. Its design prioritizes chemical compatibility, ergonomic operation, and compliance-ready documentation potential—particularly for labs adhering to ISO/IEC 17025, USP , or EPA Method 500/600 series workflows.

Key Features

• 12 independent PTFE stopcock valves—each calibrated for precise, repeatable flow rate adjustment from 0.1 to 30 mL/min, minimizing cross-channel variability during sequential or parallel elution.
• Acid- and alkali-resistant borosilicate glass vacuum chamber with side-mounted pressure relief valve and integrated analog vacuum gauge—enabling real-time visual monitoring of system vacuum stability without disassembly.
• Height-adjustable universal tube rack accommodates standard 16 mm diameter test tubes, centrifuge tubes, and vials; rack geometry supports uniform cartridge alignment and leak-free sealing across all 12 positions.
• Modular solvent selection manifold compatible with up to five distinct elution solvents—facilitating multi-step gradient protocols (e.g., conditioning → washing → elution) without manual tubing reconfiguration.
• Compact footprint (195 × 100 × 170 mm) and lightweight construction (3.5 kg net weight) enable seamless integration into fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, or shared analytical workstations.
• All fluid-contact surfaces—including valve bodies, gaskets, and vacuum chamber seals—are constructed from chemically inert PTFE, ensuring long-term resistance to organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane), strong acids (e.g., 6 M HCl), and bases (e.g., 1 M NaOH).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZQG-12 supports broad-spectrum sample matrices common in environmental, clinical, food safety, and pharmaceutical testing. Validated applications include aqueous extracts from soil and wastewater (per EPA 505, 525.2), biological fluids (urine, plasma, serum) processed under CLIA- or CAP-aligned protocols, dairy and beverage filtrates (AOAC 2007.01), and homogenized plant/animal tissues (ISO 17072-1). Its PTFE-wetted architecture meets USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements for residual solvent analysis, and its vacuum stability (≤66 kPa operating limit) aligns with ASTM D5291-compliant SPE method specifications. While the manifold itself does not include a vacuum pump, it interfaces seamlessly with commercially available diaphragm or rotary vane pumps certified to ISO 8573-1 Class 0 for oil-free operation—critical for trace-level GC-MS or LC-MS/MS workflows requiring low background interference.

Software & Data Management

As a hardware-only SPE platform, the ZQG-12 does not incorporate embedded firmware or proprietary software. Instead, it is designed for full integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) via standardized procedural documentation. Each unit ships with a calibration certificate referencing flow rate verification at three setpoints (1, 10, and 30 mL/min) using NIST-traceable volumetric flasks and stopwatch timing—supporting GLP-compliant recordkeeping. Optional accessories—including vacuum pump log sheets, solvent tracking templates, and cartridge lot traceability labels—are provided in editable PDF format to facilitate 21 CFR Part 11–aligned audit trails when paired with validated digital documentation practices.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Pre-concentration and cleanup of pesticides, PAHs, and pharmaceutical residues from surface water, groundwater, and wastewater effluents prior to HPLC-UV or LC-MS quantification.
• Clinical toxicology: Isolation of opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants from human urine and whole blood—compatible with immunoassay confirmation and mass spectrometry-based identification.
• Food safety testing: Removal of co-extractives (e.g., pigments, lipids, organic acids) from fruit juice, honey, and cereal extracts prior to multiresidue pesticide screening (SANTE/11813/2017).
• Pharmaceutical QC: Purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and degradation products from tablet dissolution media for stability-indicating HPLC assays.
• Forensic chemistry: Selective enrichment of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) from hair digests and oral fluid specimens using mixed-mode cation-exchange sorbents.

FAQ

Is a vacuum pump included with the ZQG-12?
No—the ZQG-12 manifold requires an external vacuum source. We recommend pairing it with the DVP-10 portable diaphragm vacuum pump (sold separately), which delivers stable ≤0.1 MPa vacuum and includes built-in oil-free operation and overheat protection.
Can the ZQG-12 be used with 24-well microplate SPE formats?
No—it is specifically configured for 12 individual SPE cartridges (typically 1–6 mL bed volume). Microplate-based SPE requires a dedicated plate manifold with compatible sealing gasket geometry.
What maintenance is required for long-term PTFE valve performance?
Valves should be rinsed with methanol followed by deionized water after each solvent set; annual lubrication of PTFE stems with perfluoropolyether grease (e.g., Krytox GPL 105) is recommended to maintain torque consistency and prevent seizing.
Does the glass vacuum chamber meet ISO 3585 specifications for borosilicate glass?
Yes—the chamber is fabricated from Type I borosilicate glass compliant with ISO 3585 and DIN 7080 standards, ensuring thermal shock resistance up to 120 °C and hydrolytic class HGB 1 performance.
Can flow rates be validated per ISO 5725 for measurement uncertainty estimation?
Yes—flow rate repeatability (RSD <2.1% at 10 mL/min, n=6) has been verified using gravimetric collection and analytical balance (±0.1 mg resolution); full uncertainty budgets are available upon request for method validation submissions.