Visiprep TM Large Volume Sampler

Importance of the Topic

The ability to extract large volumes of aqueous samples efficiently and reproducibly is critical in environmental monitoring, quality control laboratories, and industrial analytics. Solid phase extraction (SPE) remains a cornerstone technique for sample preparation, and innovations that streamline large-volume handling directly impact throughput and data quality.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents the design and performance of the Visiprep™ Large Volume Sampler and Visiprep+ Sampler. It highlights their compatibility with conventional SPE tubes and Visiprep SPE vacuum manifolds, and explains how these samplers enable simultaneous processing of multiple samples with precise flow control.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Key components and workflow:

• Visiprep Sampler (Cat. No. 57275) for 3 mL and 6 mL polypropylene SPE tubes; each unit handles four samples and requires three samplers to fill a 12-port manifold.
• Visiprep+ Sampler (Cat. No. 57272) for 12 mL, 20 mL, and 60 mL SPE tubes; each unit handles three samples and four samplers fill a 12-port manifold.
• Replaceable screw fittings and 1/8-inch Teflon® tubing, color-coded for sample identification.
• Reusable stainless steel weights affixed to tubing for stable sampling from the bottom of containers.
• Visiprep SPE Vacuum Manifold with flow control valves to regulate sample throughput.

To perform an extraction, the weighted tubing is immersed to the container base, adapters are seated in conditioned SPE tubes, and vacuum is applied. Flow is adjusted per channel by turning manifold valves.

Main Results and Discussion

The Visiprep Large Volume Sampler series demonstrates reliable sample delivery with consistent flow rates across multiple channels. Adjustability of individual valves allows matching extraction speed to sorbent capacity. Use of color coding reduces cross-contamination risks. Both sampler versions integrate seamlessly with existing Visiprep manifolds, preserving lab footprint and minimizing retraining.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput: Enables processing of up to 12 samples simultaneously.
• Versatility: Compatible with a broad range of SPE tube sizes.
• Precision: Individual flow control improves extraction reproducibility.
• Operational simplicity: Quick assembly and disassembly for cleaning or reconfiguration.

Future Trends and Applications

Ongoing developments may focus on automating sample introduction, integrating online detection systems (e.g., LC-MS), and expanding capacity for ultra-large volume sampling. Advances in sorbent chemistry and manifold design could further enhance recovery of trace analytes and reduce solvent consumption.

Conclusion

The Visiprep and Visiprep+ Large Volume Samplers offer robust, flexible platforms for aqueous SPE workflows. Their modular design, ease of use, and precise flow control make them suitable for environmental assays, process monitoring, and routine QA/QC applications.

References

No formal literature references were provided in the original text.