Product description
A steam-in-place (SIP) PTFE capsule filter is designed for sterile air and gas filtration in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and laboratory applications. The capsule integrates a hydrophobic PTFE membrane with a high temperature resistant housing, enabling filtration in systems where in-line steam sterilization is required.
Technical overview
SIP-capable capsule filters allow sterile gas filtration without the need for stainless steel filter housings and cartridge assemblies. The filter capsule can be sterilized directly within the process system using steam-in-place procedures.
The robust housing construction supports repeated steam sterilization cycles while maintaining mechanical stability and filtration integrity. These filters are commonly used for sterile air supply and tank vent filtration in biopharmaceutical processes. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Operating principle
During operation, the gas stream enters the capsule through the inlet connection and passes through the hydrophobic PTFE membrane. The membrane retains particles, microorganisms and aerosols according to the membrane pore size.
Filtered sterile air or gas exits through the outlet connection while contaminants remain captured within the membrane structure.
Because the membrane is hydrophobic, the filter allows gas flow while resisting liquid penetration, making it suitable for vent filtration and sterile gas supply.
Material options
Typical construction materials include:
- Filter media: Hydrophobic PTFE membrane
- Support layers: Polypropylene
- Cage / core / end caps: Polypropylene
- Capsule housing: Polyetherimide
- Support ring: Stainless steel
- O-rings: Silicone
These materials provide mechanical stability and temperature resistance for repeated sterilization cycles. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Available micron ratings
Typical membrane pore size:
- 0.2 µm
This pore size is commonly used for sterilizing filtration of air and gas streams in pharmaceutical and biotechnology processes.
Design and construction
The capsule filter integrates membrane filtration media and housing into a single-use filtration device designed for steam sterilization in place.
Typical design characteristics include:
- Hydrophobic PTFE membrane for sterile gas filtration
- SIP compatible construction
- Steam sterilization up to approximately 142°C for 30 minutes
- Autoclave sterilization up to approximately 131°C
- Effective filtration area approximately 0.207 m²
- Maximum operating pressure approximately 5.6 bar at 25°C
- Body diameter approximately 81 mm
- Overall length approximately 159 mm
The capsule can withstand multiple steam sterilization cycles depending on operating conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Typical applications
- Sterile air filtration
- Tank vent filtration
- Biopharmaceutical gas filtration
- Fermentation air filtration
- Biotechnology process gas filtration
- In-situ sterilizable filtration systems
Key benefits
- Steam-in-place compatible capsule filter
- Hydrophobic PTFE membrane for sterile gas filtration
- Suitable for repeated sterilization cycles
- Compact alternative to stainless steel filter housings
- Integrity testable using water intrusion or bubble point methods
- Clear housing for visual inspection and venting
Configuration and quotation
To specify a SIP-capable capsule filter, the following parameters should be defined:
- Membrane pore size
- Capsule length
- Vent and drain connection configuration
- Operating pressure and temperature
- Required sterilization method (SIP or autoclave)
Providing these parameters allows the correct capsule filter configuration to be selected for sterile gas filtration systems.