Originally Published November/December 2000
Spotlight on Filters
Woven wire mesh filters
Custom manufactured for individual applications, woven wire mesh filters and perforated metal products are supplied in a range of sizes and configurations. Suited for engineering, processing, and OEM applications, the filters can be produced to customer specifications. Design and development assistance is also available. Endecotts Ltd., London, UK.
Polypropylene depth filter cartridge
Containing an extruded fibrous core, a melt-blown depth filter cartridge has low initial pressure drops and a long on-stream life. The Claris Series filter cartridge is available in removal ratings of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 75 µm and is offered with a broad choice of end configurations. Supplied in lengths ranging from 9.75 to 40 in., the filter comprises thermally bonded fibres that ensure filter integrity under high differential pressure. USF Filtration & Separations, Timonium, MD, USA.
Prefilter media
Available in cross-sectional dimensions from 0.76 to 89 mm and in lengths of 2 to 127 mm, prefilter media can be custom designed and manufactured. Constructed with bonded or nonbonded fibres, the media are provided with a film, nonwoven, or paper wrapper. Film-wrapped prefilter media can be made from acetate, nylon, polyolefin, or polyester fibres without resin or adhesive binders. Filtrona Filter GmbH, Reinbek, Germany.
Neonatal filter
Featuring a high-flow polyethersulphone membrane, a filter for neonatal IV therapy has a compact design and low hold-up volume. Various connector configurations are available to increase flexibility, and moulded arrows are provided in the housing to facilitate set assembly. Customized options including packaging, labelling, and pad printing on the outer rim of the housing are available. Single filters, bulk filters, and bulk sets are offered. Whatman International Ltd., Maidstone, Kent, UK.
Custom filters
Custom-fabricated filters for medical applications are available. Used for IV sets, blood filters, dialysis sets, and diagnostic self-test kits, Medifab filters have low pyrogen levels and no haemolytic effects, are noncytotoxic, and comply with USP Class VI guidelines. Sefar Inc., Rüschlikon, Switzerland.
Medical filters
Hydrophobic and hydrophilic filters are manufactured for use in medical applications including insufflation, laparoscopy, open-heart surgery, kidney dialysis, and blood administration. Tube and disc filters with hydrophilic screens in pore sizes ranging from 5 to 300 µm and microporous membrane and depth filters are also available. Filters can be custom designed to meet customer specifications. Performance Systematix, Caledonia, MI, USA.
Plasma separator membrane
Using a lateral-flow format, a matrix separates plasma from whole blood samples. AccuSep is made of a nitrocellulose-based material that chromatographically separates cell-free immunoassay-quality plasma. The rapid separation process prevents lysis and the release of haemoglobin. Separation and analysis of plasma can be performed on a single membrane. Schleicher & Schuell GmbH, Dassel, Germany.
Vents and IV filters
Filters, vents, and flow control devices are designed and manufactured for disposable blood therapy, IV, and enteral feeding sets. The company offers catheter vents, spike vents, transducer protectors, vented IV bacterial filters, check valves, transfer valves, and needleless connectors. Filtertek S.A., Plailly, France.
