0.04 µm
Fine membrane configuration for applications requiring a smaller documented pore-size option. Final suitability depends on required retention performance and process validation.
SIP PTFE Capsule Filter for Sterile Air, Gas & Vent Filtration
The SIP PTFE capsule filter is a compact, self-contained membrane filtration assembly designed for processes requiring steam-in-place (SIP) sterilisation. With a hydrophobic PTFE membrane configuration, it is particularly suited to sterile air, process gas, tank vent and bioprocess filtration applications in pharmaceutical and biotechnology environments.
The SIP-capable capsule format combines membrane filtration and housing in one assembly and is designed to remain integrated into the process during steam sterilisation procedures. This can simplify sterile gas and vent filtration installations compared with separate cartridge-and-housing systems.
Membrane option
Hydrophobic PTFE
Documented pore sizes
0.04–0.45 µm
Capsule formats
2.5" / 5"
Primary use
Sterile air & gas
SIP PTFE capsule filter technical overview
| Filter type | Steam-in-place compatible membrane capsule filter |
|---|---|
| Membrane | PTFE membrane configuration |
| Membrane behaviour | Hydrophobic, suitable for air, gas and vent filtration |
| Media support | Polypropylene |
| End caps | Polypropylene |
| Inner core | Polypropylene |
| Outer cage | Polypropylene |
| Documented pore sizes | 0.04, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.45 µm |
| Capsule length options | 2.5" and 5" |
| Nominal length – 2.5" | Approx. 84 mm |
| Nominal length – 5" | Approx. 159 mm |
| Vent options | Staubli or hose-barb configuration |
| Process connection | Sanitary flange connection available depending on configuration |
| Integrity testing | Designed for connection to an automatic integrity-testing system |
| Biological safety | Selected component materials meet USP Class VI-121°C requirements for plastics |
| Material compliance | Documented FDA 21 CFR and EU 10/2011 food-contact material compliance |
Configuration note: pore size, membrane grade, connection arrangement and validation requirements should be confirmed for the exact capsule configuration. A nominal pore size alone does not establish sterilizing-grade performance for every configuration.
What is a steam-in-place capsule filter?
A steam-in-place capsule filter is designed to remain connected to the process system while the filtration assembly is exposed to a steam sterilisation procedure. This is especially useful in pharmaceutical and biotechnology systems where removing and reinstalling a filter between sterilisation cycles is undesirable.
The SIP capsule construction provides a compact alternative to a separate membrane cartridge installed inside a stainless-steel filter housing, particularly for smaller process lines, pilot installations and critical vent or gas filtration points.
Why use hydrophobic PTFE for sterile gas filtration?
PTFE membrane is naturally hydrophobic. For gas and vent applications this helps maintain gas flow while resisting penetration by liquid water under suitable operating conditions.
This behaviour makes PTFE particularly relevant for applications such as sterile air supply, tank and vessel venting, fermentation gas filtration and controlled gas exchange in pharmaceutical and biotechnology processes.
0.04, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.45 micron SIP capsule filters
The documented SIP capsule platform supports several membrane pore-size configurations rather than only one fixed 0.2 µm option.
0.1 µm
Fine PTFE membrane option for critical air, gas and vent filtration where a 0.1 µm configuration is specified.
0.2 µm
Widely relevant to critical pharmaceutical gas and vent filtration. Where sterilizing-grade performance is required, the exact grade and supporting validation documentation must be confirmed.
A 0.45 µm configuration is also documented for the SIP capsule platform and may be considered where the required retention level permits a larger pore size.
2.5-inch and 5-inch SIP capsule configurations
Two compact capsule lengths are documented for this SIP platform: 2.5 inches and 5 inches.
| 2.5" capsule | Approx. 84 mm nominal length. Suitable where compact installation space and lower process-scale requirements are important. |
|---|---|
| 5" capsule | Approx. 159 mm nominal length. Provides a larger capsule format for applications requiring increased filtration capacity. |
Final capsule size should be selected from the required gas or liquid flow, pressure drop, process conditions and validation requirements rather than physical length alone.
Typical SIP PTFE capsule filter applications
- Sterile air filtration
- Sterile process gas filtration
- Pharmaceutical tank vent filtration
- Bioreactor and fermentation vent filtration
- Biotechnology process gas filtration
- Pharmaceutical and biological process filtration
- Small-scale sterile process installations
- Pilot-scale SIP filtration systems
Quality, Material Compliance & Integrity Testing
For pharmaceutical and biotechnology filtration, membrane selection is only part of the specification. The materials, sterilisation approach and ability to verify filter integrity are also important.
Purpose-designed for SIP
The capsule platform is designed specifically for applications using
steam-in-place sterilisation.
USP Class VI
Documented component materials meet biological-safety requirements for
USP Class VI-121°C plastics.
Integrity-test connection
The design supports connection to an automatic filter integrity-testing
system.
Material compliance
Selected construction materials have documented FDA 21 CFR and EU 10/2011
food-contact compliance.
Where a regulated pharmaceutical process requires validated sterile filtration, request the documentation applicable to the exact membrane grade, pore size and capsule configuration selected.
SIP capsule filter integrity testing
Filter integrity verification is important in critical membrane filtration processes because it provides a non-destructive way to check whether the installed membrane assembly remains within its defined integrity limits.
The SIP capsule design includes configurations that can be connected to an automatic integrity tester. The appropriate test method and acceptance limits depend on the exact membrane grade and pore-size configuration.
Filtra International also supplies membrane filter integrity testing equipment for pharmaceutical and biotechnology filtration systems.
SIP PTFE capsule filter vs standard PTFE capsule filter
| SIP PTFE capsule | Standard PTFE capsule | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary design objective | Integration into systems requiring steam-in-place procedures | Compact gas, vent, solvent and laboratory filtration |
| Membrane | Hydrophobic PTFE configuration | Hydrophobic PTFE |
| Typical use | Critical sterile air, gas and process vent filtration | Gas, vent, solvent and general PTFE capsule filtration |
| Integrity testing | Configuration supports connection to automatic integrity tester | Depends on selected capsule configuration |
How to select a SIP PTFE capsule filter
Correct selection should start with the process conditions rather than the pore size alone.
- Air, gas, vent or compatible liquid application
- Required pore size: 0.04, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.45 µm
- 2.5" or 5" capsule configuration
- Required gas or liquid flow rate
- Allowable pressure drop
- Steam-in-place sterilisation procedure
- Process operating pressure and temperature
- Required sanitary connection arrangement
- Staubli or hose-barb vent configuration
- Integrity-testing requirements
- Pharmaceutical validation and documentation requirements
Need help selecting the correct SIP capsule?
Send us your process gas or liquid, required pore size, flow rate, sterilisation procedure and connection requirements. We can help determine whether an SIP PTFE capsule, standard PTFE capsule or another membrane configuration is more appropriate.
SIP PTFE Capsule Filter FAQ
What is a SIP PTFE capsule filter?
A SIP PTFE capsule filter is a self-contained membrane filter designed for process systems using steam-in-place sterilisation. The PTFE configuration is particularly suited to critical air, gas and vent filtration.
Which pore sizes are available for the SIP capsule platform?
Documented pore-size options include 0.04 µm, 0.1 µm, 0.2 µm and 0.45 µm. The appropriate rating depends on the retention requirement and exact filter grade.
Is a 0.2 micron SIP PTFE capsule filter available?
Yes. A 0.2 µm configuration is documented. Where validated sterilizing-grade performance is required, the supporting validation documentation for the exact configuration should also be confirmed.
Which SIP capsule lengths are available?
The documented SIP capsule range includes 2.5-inch and 5-inch configurations, with nominal lengths of approximately 84 mm and 159 mm respectively.
Why is PTFE used for sterile gas and vent filtration?
PTFE is hydrophobic, allowing air and gas to pass through the membrane while resisting penetration by liquid water under suitable operating conditions. This makes it useful for sterile gas and process vent filtration.
Can the SIP capsule be connected to an integrity tester?
Yes. The documented SIP capsule design supports connection to an automatic integrity-testing system. Test parameters and acceptance limits depend on the selected membrane configuration.
Which vent connections are available?
The documented capsule platform includes Staubli and hose-barb vent configurations. Final connection arrangement depends on the selected capsule.
Are the materials suitable for pharmaceutical applications?
The documented capsule materials include polypropylene support, end-cap, core and cage components, with selected materials meeting USP Class VI-121°C biological-safety requirements. Food-contact material compliance is also documented against relevant FDA 21 CFR and EU 10/2011 requirements.
What is the difference between an SIP PTFE capsule and a standard PTFE capsule?
The SIP capsule is specifically intended for processes requiring steam-in-place sterilisation. A standard PTFE capsule is generally used for compact gas, vent, solvent and laboratory filtration where an SIP-capable housing design is not required.