Solid-Phase Extraction Manifold

What is the Solid-Phase Extraction Manifold?

A solid-phase extraction manifold holds multiple SPE cartridges or plates and applies vacuum for controlled flow. It is used in environmental, clinical and food analysis for routine parallel sample cleanup and concentration.

Overview

The SPE manifold has a vacuum chamber, a deck with luer or cartridge ports for 1, 3, 6 or 12 milliliters columns, and individual or gang valves. Vacuum draws liquid through the sorbent at a controlled rate, typically one to five milliliters per minute, and a needle valve sets the flow so that analytes have time to interact with the sorbent. Some models accept 96-well plates for higher throughput with a plate adapter. The body is usually polypropylene or PTFE-lined for solvent resistance, with a glass or polycarbonate vacuum chamber and a collection rack for tubes or vials. A gauge and a vacuum regulator allow reproducible conditions. The manifold is used with reversed-phase, ion-exchange and mixed-mode sorbents in methods such as environmental water analysis and clinical drug monitoring.

How does it work?

A vacuum manifold is a tube or block with one inlet for the pump and several valved outlets. Opening a valve connects that outlet to the vacuum while the others remain closed, so each station can be isolated without disturbing the rest. The manifold body must have enough internal bore that flow is not restricted, and each valve must seal reliably at the working vacuum. A gauge or regulator may be fitted to set and monitor the level. Manifolds are made from stainless steel, PTFE, polypropylene or glass depending on chemical exposure and temperature, and connections are usually hose barbs, luer fittings or flanges. Versions with a purge or vent port allow controlled release of vacuum. Because all ports share one pump, the pump flow must be sufficient for the number of stations in use at once.

What are the key features?

• Ports for 1, 3, 6 or 12 mL SPE cartridges
• Plate adapter option for 96-well formats
• Needle valve to control flow rate
• Solvent-resistant polypropylene or PTFE body
• Collection rack for tubes or vials
• Gauge and regulator for reproducible vacuum

What are the technical specifications?

A typical solid-phase extraction manifold configuration offers number of ports of 1–12 or 96-well, cartridge sizes of 1, 3, 6 or 12 mL, flow control of Needle valve, working vacuum of About 100–10 mbar, body material of Polypropylene or PTFE-lined and chamber material of Glass or polycarbonate. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Solid-Phase Extraction Manifold is used in environmental water analysis, clinical drug monitoring, food contaminant testing, forensic toxicology sample cleanup and pharmaceutical impurity extraction. Across the wider Vacuum Manifolds class, laboratories also deploy it for multi-place vacuum filtration, solid-phase extraction and schlenk line vacuum and gas.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include IEC 61010-1, ISO 21360, ISO 9001, USP <711> and GB 4793.1. Certification candidates for this model are ISO 9001 manufacturing and Material conformity; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Check every valve for leaks at the working vacuum, because a single leaking port reduces performance at all stations. Use the correct tubing and clamps, and avoid kinking or long runs that reduce conductance. Keep manifolds clean and dry, and do not use vacuum grease where it can contaminate samples or block fine passages. Do not exceed the rated vacuum if the body is glass, and support glassware to avoid stress. For solvent work, trap vapor before it reaches the pump and route exhaust safely. Follow IEC 61010-1 for associated electrical equipment. Record the vacuum achieved at each port during commissioning, so that a blocked valve or leaking connection is noticed early.

How do I select the right Solid-Phase Extraction Manifold?

Choose an SPE manifold when several cartridges must be processed in parallel with controlled flow. For a few samples, a single cartridge with a handheld vacuum works. In the RFQ, state port count, cartridge or plate format, solvent compatibility and collection needs.

How does it compare with other Vacuum Manifolds variants?

Choose the number of ports from the maximum number of stations you will run at once, and check the internal bore so the last port still receives adequate vacuum. Select the body and valve materials for your solvents: PTFE and polypropylene for aggressive chemistry, stainless steel for durability and higher temperatures, and glass for visibility and inertness. Decide which connection type suits your flasks, cartridges or reactors, and whether each port needs an individual control valve or a simple on-off stopcock. Add a gauge or a regulator if the vacuum level must be set, and a vent or purge port if you need to release vacuum gradually. Confirm the pump flow rating for the total number of ports, and consider a manifold with a removable tray or rack for holding vessels.