Biotage VacMaster 10, User Manual

9

Using the Vacuum Control and Gauge

1.  Place the SPE columns in the needle ports and add solvent 

or sample to the column reservoirs.

2.  Open the stopcocks if they are being used. 
3.  Open both the coarse and fine vacuum control valves on 

the VacMaster lid. The coarse control valve is open when it 
is turned counter-clockwise. The fine control valve is open 
when turned fully counter-clockwise.

4.  Apply vacuum to the VacMaster manifold from the 

vacuum source.

5.  Close the coarse vacuum control valve by turning clockwise. 
6.  Adjust the vacuum by turning the fine control valve clockwise 

until the desired vacuum level and flow rate is obtained. 
Monitor the vacuum level on the vacuum gauge next to the 
control valves. A vacuum level of minus 3 to minus 5" of Hg is 
satisfactory for most applications. Establishing the vacuum 
level needed for optimum flow rates through the SPE column 
is an important part of every method development procedure.

Warning

»

Do not exceed minus 20" Hg (-0.68 bar) at any time. Vacuum 

levels above minus 20" Hg significantly increase the risk of 

implosion of the glass tank and serious personal harm.

7.  If stopcocks are being used on the needle ports, the flow 

rate through each SPE column can be individually regulated 
by the stopcock position.

8.  When the desired volume of solvent or sample is drawn 

through the tube:
a.  Close each stopcock if they are being used. 
b.  Open the fine control valve by turning it 

counter-clockwise.

c.  Open the coarse control valve by turning it 

counter-clockwise.

d.  Turn off the vacuum source.

9.  Continue the processing by adding the next solution to each 

SPE column reservoir. Repeat procedure from step 2 above.

Using the Waste Outlet Fitting

The waste outlet fitting inside the glass tank of VacMaster can 
be oriented in two positions. When the fitting is positioned so 
the drain tube is up, liquid collects in the tank. When the fitting 
is turned down, any liquid that reaches the drain tube will be 
removed by vacuum from the tank through the outlet fitting. 

A collection flask in the vacuum line is essential with the outlet 
fitting in this orientation to collect the evacuated liquid.  
Without a trap, the liquid would enter the vacuum pump and 
could damage the pump.

Using Biotage

®

 VacMaster

™

 with 

Biological or Hazardous Materials

When processing physiological fluids, tissues, environmental, 
or other hazardous samples, it is advantageous to purchase a 
second low cost tank to dedicate to the analyte elution step. 
This second tank can remain uncontaminated. A single vacuum 
source can be used by placing a PTFE T-valve in the vacuum line 
between the vacuum source and each manifold. The first tank 
can be used without a collection tube rack to collect the liquids 
exiting the columns during sample application and interference 
elution steps. By turning the waste outlet fitting up, liquids 
will remain in the tank. An appropriate sterilization solution 
(for example bleach) can be added to the tank to neutralize 
the collected biological liquids. Swivel the fitting down to 
direct the waste fluids out of the tank into a collection flask for 
proper disposal, or pour the waste fluids from the tank into the 
appropriate waste container.

After the samples have been loaded on the SPE columns and 
the interferences have been eluted, the VacMaster lid can be 
removed from the first tank and placed on the second tank. 
Then the samples can be eluted into collection tubes in the 
clean second tank.

Routine Operation

Routine Operation