How to easily handle liquid waste with a vacuum aspirator
Handling liquid waste is something that must be done carefully in a lab to ensure waste is removed safely and correctly and using a vacuum aspirator makes the process easy as well. Labs working with liquid waste recovery, especially biological, chemical, and radioactive liquids, have typically used a vacuum pump for liquid aspiration. But a vacuum aspirator is a great replacement for the common vacuum pump. A vacuum aspirator is ideal for use in cell culture, RNA/DNA extraction, microplate waste removal, and any other separation of liquids and solids or liquid recovery
In fact, the Cole-Parmer VAS-200-4L / VAS-200-2L vacuum aspiration systems provide convenient handling of liquid waste disposal in a compact and easy-to-use self-contained system. They are very easy to assemble, use, and clean. As you can see below, the vacuum aspirator is one complete unit that has few parts. Some assembly is required. Review the short video below.
Assembly is simple
Easy to use
- Turn the power switch on back of instrument base to “ON”.
- Turn the vacuum control knob clockwise; set the vacuum level. The lights will become steady indicating that the system has reached the desired vacuum. Vacuum increases as the vacuum control knob is turned clockwise.
- Press the button on the hand operator to start suction.
- Move latch to indicated position for continuous use.
Cleaning is a cinch
First disassemble the system:
- Unplug base unit from the electrical source
- Disconnect tubing from cap, aspiration handle, and base unit
- Disconnect level detection cable on the 4L unit (#13050-50)
- Turn the air release valve counterclockwise to release pressure on 4L unit (or remove vent cap on the 2L unit )
- Remove cap from bottle
Cleaning the unit
Clean the housing with a lint-free cloth lightly soaked with mild soap solution in distilled water or with a 70% solution of isopropanol or ethanol. Never use bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or other solvents. It is recommended to change the hydrophobic filter regularly, at least every three months and immediately if liquid has entered. When working with solvents and other hazardous materials always rinse the hand operator and tubing with water followed by 70% ethanol.
All parts contacting the liquid can be autoclaved including waste collection bottle, cap with tube fittings, silicone tubing, and hand operator.
Maintenance
These vacuum aspirators do not require any special servicing or maintenance. If a reduction in suction power occurs, it may be caused by blockages in the tube and/or filter on the pump side. This may be remedied by exchanging the affected tube and/or filter.
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