Originally Published March/April 2001
Spotlight on Filters
Ampoule covers and swab tips
Ampoule covers are manufactured to customer specifications using fibre extrusion bonding processes. A prefilled glass ampoule can be sealed inside the fibre ampoule. Swab tips for liquid absorption are also offered. Provided with film, nonwoven fabric, or paper wraps to aid in high-speed automatic assembly, the tips are used in the dispensing of antiseptics and disinfectants. They can release the liquids at a controlled rate upon surface contact. Filtrona GmbH, Reinbek, Germany.
Screen membranes
Screen membranes are supplied in a wide variety of pore sizes, flow rates, polymers, and surface treatments. A cross-sectional pattern facilitates lateral flow, and the screen membranes are custom fabricated in Class 10,000 cleanrooms. SaatiTech S.p.A., Veniano (CO), Italy.
Hydrophobic filters
Hydrophobic filters for use in medical applications, including insufflation, laparoscopy, open-heart surgery, kidney dialysis, and blood administration have bacteria-retentive capabilities down to 0.1 µm. The filters can also be used as in-line gas filters for particle removal and are provided with a clear acrylic housing to provide instant visual inspection for contaminants. Performance Systematix Inc., Caledonia, MI, USA.
IV filters
Filters, vents, and flow control devices are manufactured for use in disposable blood therapy, IV, and enteral feeding sets. Catheter vents, spike vents, transducer protectors, vented IV bacterial filters, check valves, transfer valves, and needleless connectors are provided by the ISO 9001–certified company. Filtertek B.V., Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, Ireland.
Optical filters
Based on fluorescence diagnostics, filter sets comprising exciters, emitters, and dichroics are available for a range of dyes. The spectral properties of the standard filters—which are used in medical instrumentation—can be viewed to optimize filter selection. Raman edge filters are also available to cut the laser line and transmit the typical Raman spectrum for laser-based instruments. The laser-based filters can be used in medical applications including drug analysis, pathology, and bacterial characterization. Glen Spectra Ltd., Stanmore, Middx, UK.
Subminiature in-line filters
Disposable filters are designed to remove most particulate contaminants in compressed-air systems. Filtered orifices are available in sizes from 0.004 to 0.030 in., and three models of filters are offered with stainless-steel screens in 5, 25, 43, or 73 µm. Air Logic, Racine, WI, USA.
Tubular filters
Tubular filters for the insert injection moulding market have ultrasonically seamed tubes with inner diameters ranging from 2 to 10 mm. The seams are overlap constructions and provide true circular cross sections. The filters can be made from a variety of fabrics for medical applications including IV filters and blood filters. Sefar Inc., Rüschlikon, Switzerland.
Air vents, screens, and filters
A selection of screens, filters, and air vents with pore sizes ranging from 0.1 to 500 µm are manufactured in compliance with EN/ISO 9001 standards. The company also provides product design, prototyping, and high-volume injection moulding. GVS, Zola Predosa (BO), Italy.
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