Learn the fundamental aspects of filtration technology.
As introduced in our last blog, we will explain some of the fundamental aspects of filtration technology and how they relate to each other as well as to your application. Filtration media have many different properties that impact its performance in certain applications. When selecting the best filter media for your application, consider the following important properties:
Depth vs. Membrane Filtration – presented in December blog
- Filter efficiency
- Hydrophilic vs. hydrophobic
- Pore size rating
- Chemical compatibility
- Flow rate and throughput
- Extractables
- Binding
- Thermal stability
Filter efficiency
Filter efficiency measures the percentage of particles which are removed from the fluid by the filtration membrane. In the filtration of liquids, filter efficiency is given based on particles at or above a certain diameter in size. In gas filtration, efficiency is stated as including all particles, including those at the most penetrating particle size. This efficiency is reported in terms of the percentage removal of the particles by weight, which does not reveal the number of particles that may pass through the membrane. This is a type of nominal filter rating. For high-efficiency filters, this is often replaced by a beta rating. Membranes rated as 1µm or finer are often rated using titer reduction values or log reduction values.
Do you know what efficiency is required in your application?
Filter life
Filter life is a measure of how long a membrane will last before requiring replacement or cleaning. It can be stated either in terms of time (e.g., 30 days between changes) or volume of fluid filtered (e.g.,10,000 liters processed between filter changes). A filter material’s actual life will depend on the particulates and conditions it is exposed to in usage. Filter life ratings from lab testing with standard contaminants can be used for comparison, but do not necessarily predict actual service life. To predict actual life, testing with the application fluids under operating conditions is required. Typically, the useful life of a membrane can be determined by a two-to-four-fold increase of differential pressure in a constant flow system or a drop in pressure of 50-80% in a constant pressure system.
If you have questions related to this content or other filtration concepts or how they apply to your specific application, please contact us.
Author bio
Jacques Hestres, Product Manager for Media — Membrane
Focusing primarily on Medical OEM applications. Throughout his over 25 years, Jacques has held various positions in Customer and Technical Service, Operations Planning, and Product Management. This experience has given him the knowledge of the products, the manufacturing processes used to produce these materials, and an understanding of applications where these are used. Jacques holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico.
Joseph Vickers, Portfolio Lead — Membrane and Media
A Global Portfolio Leader, responsible for the membranes and media portfolio. He has previous experience in global marketing and operations, holding an MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Surrey.
Antoine Pozniak, Product Manager Media — Membrane
Antoine has held various roles in sales and marketing throughout his four-year career in the medical device industry. Throughout those four years he has worked with key opinion leaders and developed commercial and technical knowledge. Antoine holds an MBA from Rice University and Bachelor of Arts/Sciences in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of South Florida.