0.05–0.1 µm PTFE filters
Very fine hydrophobic membrane configurations for applications requiring a smaller pore-size option in gas, air or compatible process filtration.
PTFE Capsule Filter – Hydrophobic Membrane for Gas, Vent & Solvent Filtration
Filtra International supplies hydrophobic PTFE capsule filters for precision filtration of air, gases, organic solvents and compatible chemical solutions. Available membrane ratings range from 0.05 to 0.65 µm, including the widely specified 0.2 µm PTFE capsule filter.
PTFE combines strong hydrophobic behaviour with excellent chemical inertness, making this membrane particularly useful for gas and vent filtration and for liquid applications involving compatible organic solvents or chemically demanding process fluids.
Membrane
Hydrophobic PTFE
Pore sizes
0.05–0.65 µm
Typical media
Gas · Air · Solvents
Compact filter area
Approx. 300 cm²*
*Configuration note: approximately 300 cm² is documented for the compact PTFE capsule configuration. Filtra also offers larger capsule formats. Effective filtration area, flow capacity and operating limits depend on the exact capsule size and configuration.
PTFE capsule filter technical overview
| Filter type | Disposable hydrophobic PTFE membrane capsule filter |
|---|---|
| Filter membrane | PTFE – polytetrafluoroethylene |
| Membrane behaviour | Hydrophobic |
| Typical media | Air, gases, organic solvents and compatible chemical liquids |
| Media support | Polypropylene |
| Capsule hardware / housing | Polypropylene |
| Optional filling bell | Polycarbonate, configuration-dependent |
| Available pore sizes | 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.45 and 0.65 µm |
| Filtra selectable capsule lengths | 1.5", 2.5", 5", 10" and 20" |
| Compact configuration filter area | Approx. 300 cm² |
| Compact configuration working pressure | Up to 5 bar at 20 °C |
| Documented maximum operating temperature | 80 °C |
| Integrity testing | 100% integrity tested for the documented compact capsule range |
| Biological safety | Documented components meet USP Class VI-121°C specifications for plastics |
| Hot-water sanitisation | 90 °C for 30 minutes, multiple cycles |
| Autoclaving | 121 °C for 30 minutes, multiple cycles for the documented compact configuration |
| Material compliance | Documented FDA 21 CFR and EU 10/2011 food-contact material compliance |
How does a hydrophobic PTFE capsule filter work?
The process gas or compatible liquid enters through the selected inlet connection and passes through the PTFE membrane. The membrane pore structure retains particulate contamination, aerosols and microorganisms according to the selected membrane rating while the filtered stream exits through the outlet.
In gas and vent applications, the hydrophobic nature of PTFE is especially important. The membrane permits gas flow while resisting penetration by liquid water under suitable process conditions.
The membrane and housing are supplied as one enclosed capsule assembly, allowing installation without a separate cartridge-filter housing.
0.2 micron PTFE capsule filter
The 0.2 µm PTFE capsule filter is an important configuration for critical air, gas and vent filtration. Hydrophobic PTFE is particularly suited to applications where gas must pass through the membrane while liquid moisture penetration should be resisted.
Potential applications include process air, tank and vessel venting, biotechnology gas filtration and pharmaceutical process development.
Sterile filtration note: a nominal 0.2 µm membrane rating and manufacturing integrity test do not by themselves establish that every PTFE capsule configuration is a validated sterilizing-grade filter. Where validated sterile gas filtration is required, confirm the exact membrane grade and supporting retention-validation documentation.
PTFE capsule filters from 0.05 to 0.65 micron
Five selectable membrane ratings allow the PTFE capsule range to address different gas, vent and compatible liquid-filtration requirements.
0.2 µm PTFE filters
A commonly specified fine membrane configuration for critical gas, air and vent filtration applications.
0.45–0.65 µm PTFE filters
Larger-pore PTFE configurations for applications where the required particle retention permits lower membrane resistance.
Available ratings are 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.45 and 0.65 µm. Final selection should consider retention requirements, flow, pressure drop, gas or liquid composition and any validation requirements.
PTFE capsule filters for air, gas and tank vent filtration
Hydrophobic PTFE is widely suited to gas and vent filtration because the membrane provides a barrier to liquid-water penetration while allowing gas transmission under appropriate process conditions.
This makes the PTFE capsule useful for applications such as tank vent filtration, vessel venting, process air filtration, compressed or process-gas filtration and laboratory gas filtration.
Where steam-in-place sterilisation is required, use the dedicated SIP PTFE capsule filter rather than assuming the standard capsule has the same SIP capability.
PTFE capsule filters for solvents and chemical filtration
PTFE is chemically inert and is documented for terminal filtration of organic solvents and corrosive solutions. This gives the membrane a strong role in laboratory, fine-chemical and industrial applications where standard aqueous-focused membranes may not be suitable.
The complete capsule construction must still be considered. Compatibility is determined not only by the PTFE membrane, but also by the polypropylene support and housing components, seals or fittings where applicable, solvent concentration, temperature and exposure time.
Chemical compatibility: always confirm the full capsule configuration against the actual chemical or solvent before use. PTFE membrane compatibility alone does not establish compatibility of every component in the assembled capsule.
PTFE capsule filter connection options
Filtra offers a broad range of inlet and outlet configurations, allowing PTFE capsules to be integrated into laboratory tubing, pilot units and industrial process systems.
| NPT connections | 1/4" NPT male, 3/8" NPT male, 1/2" NPT male and 3/8" NPT female |
|---|---|
| Swagelok connections | 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" and 1/2" selectable configurations |
| CPC quick-connect | 1/4" CPC PLC male and female configurations |
| Hose barb | 3/8", 1/2" and 1/4"–3/8" stepped hose-barb options |
| Sanitary connection | 1" Tri-Clamp / Tri-Clover |
Exact fitting availability can depend on capsule size and configuration. Confirm the inlet and outlet combination required for the installation.
PTFE capsule lengths from 1.5 to 20 inches
Filtra's current selectable PTFE capsule configurations include 1.5", 2.5", 5", 10" and 20" capsule lengths.
Capsule format influences available filtration area, gas or liquid flow, pressure drop and total throughput. The documented 300 cm² filtration area belongs to the compact configuration and should not be applied automatically to larger capsule formats.
Typical PTFE capsule filter applications
- Air and gas filtration
- Tank and vessel vent filtration
- Process-gas filtration
- Laboratory gas filtration
- Organic-solvent filtration
- Fine-chemical filtration
- Compatible corrosive-solution filtration
- Aerosol and particulate removal from gas streams
- Protection of analytical and process equipment
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology process development
PTFE vs PES capsule filters
| PTFE | PES | |
|---|---|---|
| Wettability | Hydrophobic | Hydrophilic |
| Typical starting point | Gas, venting and compatible solvents | Aqueous process liquids and buffers |
| Aqueous filtration | Hydrophobic PTFE generally requires appropriate wetting if used with aqueous liquids | Readily wets with compatible aqueous liquids |
| Chemical applications | Strong choice where PTFE chemical resistance is required | Selection depends on PES compatibility with the specific liquid |
| Final selection | Compare membrane wettability, chemical compatibility, required retention, pressure drop and process-validation requirements. | |
Standard PTFE capsule filter vs SIP PTFE capsule filter
| Standard PTFE Capsule | SIP PTFE Capsule | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Gas, vent, solvent and chemical filtration | Systems requiring steam-in-place procedures |
| Membrane | Hydrophobic PTFE | Hydrophobic PTFE configuration |
| SIP design | Do not assume SIP capability | Purpose-designed for SIP applications |
| Selection | Choose according to sterilisation procedure, gas or liquid service, pore size, connections and validation requirements. | |
Integrity Testing, Biological Safety & Material Compliance
The documented compact PTFE capsule configuration includes quality and material characteristics relevant to laboratory and process filtration.
100% integrity tested
The documented compact PTFE capsule range is individually integrity tested
during manufacturing.
USP Class VI
Documented components meet biological-safety specifications for
USP Class VI-121°C plastics.
Autoclave compatible
The documented compact configuration supports autoclaving at
121 °C for 30 minutes over multiple cycles.
Material compliance
Documented construction materials have FDA 21 CFR and EU 10/2011
food-contact material compliance.
For pharmaceutical, sterile or otherwise validated applications, request the documentation applicable to the exact membrane grade, pore size, capsule format and selected configuration.
PTFE capsule filters for pharmaceutical and biotechnology processes
Hydrophobic PTFE capsule filters can be considered for pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications involving process air, gas, vessel venting, compatible solvents and other chemically compatible streams.
For critical pharmaceutical applications, the filter specification should extend beyond membrane material and micron rating. Relevant requirements can include integrity-test limits, microbial-retention validation, biological safety, sterilisation method, extractables requirements and material compliance.
Filtra can assist with selecting between a standard PTFE capsule, an SIP-compatible PTFE capsule or another membrane configuration according to the process requirement.
How to select a PTFE capsule filter
Correct PTFE capsule selection should consider the full gas or liquid filtration duty.
- Required pore size: 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.45 or 0.65 µm
- Air, gas, vent, solvent or compatible chemical application
- Full chemical composition and concentration
- Required particle or microbial retention
- Gas or liquid flow rate
- Total process volume where applicable
- 1.5", 2.5", 5", 10" or 20" capsule size
- NPT, Swagelok, CPC, hose-barb or Tri-Clamp connection
- Operating pressure and temperature
- Moisture / liquid-water exposure
- Autoclaving or SIP requirements
- Integrity-testing and validation-documentation requirements
Need help selecting a PTFE capsule filter?
Send us your gas or liquid, chemical composition, required pore size, flow rate, operating conditions and connection requirements. We can help determine the correct PTFE capsule configuration or compare PTFE with PES, PVDF and SIP-capable alternatives.
PTFE Capsule Filter FAQ
What is a PTFE capsule filter?
A PTFE capsule filter is a self-contained disposable filtration device containing a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane inside a polymer capsule. Hydrophobic PTFE is particularly suited to air, gas, venting, organic-solvent and compatible chemical-filtration applications.
Is a PTFE membrane hydrophobic?
Yes. The PTFE membrane used in this capsule range is hydrophobic. This makes it particularly useful for gas and vent applications where gas transmission is required while penetration by liquid water should be resisted.
Which PTFE capsule filter pore sizes are available?
Available pore sizes include 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.45 and 0.65 µm.
Is a 0.2 micron PTFE capsule filter available?
Yes. A 0.2 µm hydrophobic PTFE configuration is available and is relevant to critical air, gas and vent filtration. Where validated sterilizing-grade performance is required, confirm the supporting validation documentation for the exact grade.
Can PTFE capsule filters be used for tank vent filtration?
Yes. Hydrophobic PTFE is well suited to compatible tank and vessel vent applications because it allows gas flow while resisting liquid-water penetration under suitable operating conditions.
Can PTFE capsule filters filter organic solvents?
PTFE membrane is documented for filtration of organic solvents and corrosive solutions. Compatibility of the complete capsule construction must still be verified against the exact solvent, concentration and temperature.
Which PTFE capsule lengths are available?
Filtra currently offers selectable 1.5-inch, 2.5-inch, 5-inch, 10-inch and 20-inch PTFE capsule configurations.
Which connection types are available?
Current Filtra options include NPT, Swagelok, CPC quick-connect, hose-barb and 1-inch Tri-Clamp / Tri-Clover configurations.
What is the filtration area of a PTFE capsule filter?
The documented compact PTFE capsule configuration provides approximately 300 cm² of filtration area. Larger capsule formats can have different effective filtration areas.
Can PTFE capsule filters be autoclaved?
The documented compact PTFE capsule configuration supports autoclaving at 121 °C for 30 minutes over multiple cycles. Confirm the applicable limit for the exact configuration selected.
Are PTFE capsule filters integrity tested?
The documented compact PTFE capsule range is 100% integrity tested during manufacturing. For regulated filtration processes, confirm the applicable test method and acceptance limits for the exact membrane grade.
What is the difference between PTFE and PES capsule filters?
PTFE is hydrophobic and is commonly selected for gas, vent and compatible solvent filtration. PES is hydrophilic and is commonly selected for aqueous process liquids and buffers. Final membrane selection depends on the actual process fluid and filtration requirement.
What is the difference between standard PTFE and SIP PTFE capsules?
The standard PTFE capsule is intended for general gas, vent, solvent and compatible chemical filtration. The dedicated SIP PTFE capsule is designed for process installations requiring steam-in-place sterilisation.