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Multi-Well Plate Vacuum Manifold

Description

The Multi-well Plate vacuum manifold is an anodized aluminum manifold that has
been designed and optimized for the vacuum filtration of the AcroPrep

and

AcroWell

lines of multi-well filter plates. The vacuum manifold comes complete

with the necessary O-ring and gasket. The control block includes the vacuum
pressure gauge, vacuum metering valve, vacuum release valve and the 1/4 inch
hose barb for vacuum line attachment. Included with the vacuum manifold unit is a
Delrin spacer block designed to accommodate standard 350 µL receiver plates.
The spacer block has been optimized to reduce the space between the receiver
plate and the filter plate during vacuum filtration. A spacer block that has been
optimized to work with our 1 mL plate is available separately. An accessory kit that
contains an additional O-ring, gasket and allen wrench is also included with the
vacuum manifold unit.

Ordering Information

Prod. No. Description

Packaging

5017

Multi-well Plate Vacuum Manifold

1/pkg

5014

1 mL Receiver Plate Spacer Block

1/pkg

5015

350 µL Receiver Plate Spacer Block

1/pkg

5016

Replacement Accessory Kit (Includes O-Ring, 

1/pkg

gasket and allen wrench)

Note:

the 350 µL Receiver Plate Spacer Block can be used to accomodate 384

well receiver plates as well.

Specifications

Materials of Construction

Vacuum Manifold: Anodized aluminum
Gasket: EDPM (Ethylene propylene)
O-ring: Silicone
Spacer blocks: Delrin

Dimensions

Length: 17.48 cm (6.88 in)
Width: 12.37 cm (4.87 in)
Height: 8.05 cm (3.17 in)
Weight: 6.27 lbs

Maximum Operating Vacuum

71.12 cm Hg (28 in Hg).

Note:

The multi-well plate vacuum manifold can be used with multi-well filter plates

that meet the specifications set forth by the Society for Biomolecular Screening
(SBS).

Instructions for Use

To set the vacuum manifold to a desired negative pressure setting prior to filtration,
follow the steps listed below.

1

1. Switch the on/off valve to the off position (See Figure 3).

1

2. Attach the vacuum line to the 1/4 inch hose barb.

1

3. Place a receiver plate on top of the vacuum manifold.

1

4. Turn on the vacuum pressure. You may need to press lightly on the receiver

plate to engage the vacuum seal.

1

5. Adjust the negative pressure to the desired setting by adjusting the metering

valve.

1

6. Turn off the vacuum pressure and remove the receiver plate. The vacuum

manifold is now set at the desired setting.

To filter the AcroPrep or AcroWell filter plates follow the steps listed below.

1

1. If collecting the filtrate, remove the top chamber of the vacuum manifold. The

indentations on the sides of the manifold allow for the top portion of the
manifold to be easily removed. If collecting the retentate, skip to step 3.

1

2. Place the appropriate spacer block into the lower chamber of the vacuum

manifold. The vacuum manifold can be used with any size receiver plate. 

350 µL receiver plates: To use a 350 µL 96 well or 384 well receiver plate,
place the large spacer block (PN 5015) into the lower chamber of the vacuum
manifold. Place the 350 µL 96 well or 384 well receiver plate on top of the
spacer block. 
1 mL receiver plates: To use 1 mL receiver plates, place the small spacer block
(PN 5014) into the lower chamber of the vacuum manifold. Place the 1 mL
receiver plate on top of the spacer block. (You can also use a standard 350 µL
receiver plate in place of the 1 mL spacer block.)
2 mL receiver plates: To use 2 mL receiver plates, place the 2 mL receiver plate
directly into the lower chamber of the vacuum manifold. 

Instructions for Use (cont.)

1

3. Before replacing the top chamber of the vacuum manifold, ensure that all

surfaces are free from dirt, debris and any particulate matter that may have
accumulated on the vacuum manifold, O-ring and gasket.

Note:

If the O-ring and gasket are not clean, you will not obtain a proper seal.

1

4. Replace the top chamber of the vacuum manifold.

1

5. Place the filter plate on the gasket located on the top chamber of the vacuum

manifold. Ensure that the gasket is clean.

1

6. Ensure that the on/off switch is in the position (See Figure 3).

1

7. Connect the vacuum line to the 1/4 inch hose barb. 

1

8. When ready to evacuate the filter plate, turn the on/off switch on the vacuum

manifold to the on position. You may need to press lightly on the filter plate to
engage the vacuum seal. 

1

9. The wells will begin to evacuate/empty once the vacuum has been applied to

the chamber.

10. If you need to adjust the vacuum pressure up or down, adjust by moving the

metering valve located to the right of the vacuum pressure gauge.

11. When all of the wells have completely evacuated, turn the on/off valve to the off

position. To release the residual vacuum pressure that remains in the chamber,
push the release valve located to the left of the vacuum gauge. The release
valve will allow the pressure within the manifold chamber to return to
atmospheric pressure and reduce the potential for cross contamination and
spraying of the filtrate. 

Do not release the vacuum by pulling the corner of

the plate as it will degrade the manifold gasket.

You can also tap the top of

the filter plate prior to removing it to release any hanging drops that may be
attached to the outlet tips.

12. Remove the filter plate and place it aside for further processing or dispose of

properly.

13. If collecting the filtrate, remove the top chamber of the vacuum manifold from

the lower portion of the vacuum manifold.

14. Remove the receiver plate from the lower chamber of the vacuum manifold and

utilize the filtrate for further processing.

To replace the O-ring follow the steps below.

1

1. Remove existing O-ring from the bottom of the upper chamber.

1

2. Ensure that the new O-ring and O-ring groove are free from dirt, debris and

particulate matter.

1

3. Place new O-ring into place.

To replace the gasket follow the steps below.

1

1. With the allen wrench provided, remove the 12 screws located on the bottom

portion of the upper chamber.

1

2. Separate the top ring from the bottom section of the upper chamber. 

1

3. Remove the old gasket and clean the gasket pocket area of any dirt and

debris.

1

4. Place the new gasket into the gasket pocket. Place the top ring back onto the

bottom section of the upper chamber. Ensure that the alignment posts on the
bottom section fit into the alignment holes in the top ring.

1

5. Invert the upper chamber and replace the 12 screws. 

1

6. Lightly tighten the four corner screws with the allen wrench, then tighten all 12

screws. Once this is completed recheck the screws with the allen wrench to
ensure all screws are tightly secured.

1

7. The manifold is now ready for use.

Figure 1

Control block

Vacuum release valve

Vacuum pressure gauge

Vacuum metering valve

On/Off switch

1/4 inch hose barb

350 

µ

L spacer block

O-ring

Gasket

Figure 1

11951T_88293A  7/18/06  10:58 AM  Page 1

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