SPOTLIGHT
Filtration products
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Custom medical filtration products are available from a company that provides engineering and project management services including design, material selection, moulding, and manufacturing. The firm also manufactures a porous polymeric material in hydrophilic, hydrophobic, aminated, carboxylated, and protein capture versions to accommodate a range of applications including venting, blood separation, chemical wicking, and sterile filtration. The company is certified to ISO 9001. Porvair Filtration Group Ltd. Fareham, Hants, UK
Metal filters
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A manufacturer uses photochemical milling for mass production of complex flat metal parts such as filters and meshes. The technique can be used to process a range of metals and alloys in thicknesses ranging from 0.02 to 1.50 mm. Custom parts can be developed with the technique using photos, drawings, or models as a starting point. Founded in 1970, the manufacturer is certified to ISO 9001:2000. Società Italiana per il Chemical Machining S.p.A., San Donato Milanese (MI), Italy
IV filters
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A line of IV filters incorporating a high-flowing PES membrane is said to minimize plugging. According to the manufacturer, the filters offer the same effective filtration area as other similar products but are housed in a package half the size. Speed flow filters are suited for long-term use with high-viscosity solutions. The firm also provides amber-coloured filters for photosensitive drugs and custom-coloured housings. CE marked, the filters are compatible with a variety of drugs. The firm is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485. GVS S.p.A., Zola Predosa (BO), Italy
Medical filters
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Medical filters featuring an intricate network of open-celled, omnidirectional pores are fabricated from polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene and high-density polyethylene. Designed to deliver precision and reliability, the filters are suited for applications such as filtration, venting, diffusion, and media support. The company also offers a range of other filtration products that can be used for pipette tip filters, self-sealing vents for suction and fluid canisters, arterial syringe and IV catheter vents, sterilization filters, and conjugate release material for rapid diagnostics tests. Porex Technologies GmbH, Aachen, Germany
PTFE membranes
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Expanded microporous PTFE membranes, films, and laminates can be tailored to meet the needs of healthcare, laboratory equipment, and microfiltration applications. Membrane fabric filter media manufactured from PTFE polymer resin is dimensionally and chemically stable from –270° to 280°C. The film can be treated to repel oils and water using a patented oleophobic treatment. Comprised of millions of small, randomly connected fibrils that create a microporous structure smaller than can be seen by the naked eye, the Tetratex membrane does not block the flow of gases or vapour. The films range in thickness from 18 to 250 µm with a porosity ranging from 80 to 90% and pore sizes from 0.05 to 7 µm. The chemically inert filters can be used for medical applications such as wound care, blood filters, and face masks. The filters also are suited for providing a leakage barrier with ventilation and breathability for ostomy applications. For dialysis applications, the membranes’ chemical resistance is effective against dirt, bacteria, and blood-borne pathogens. Donaldson Membranes, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, UK
Hydrophilic filters
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A company certified to ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2000 offers hydrophilic in-line IV filters with reliable air-elimination capability that are effective against particles and microorganisms. Each filter includes a hydrophilic primary membrane composed of polyethersulfone and a hydrophobic, 0.1-µm polyvinylidene fluoride vent membrane. The filters can be pump or gravity fed. One of the filters available from the firm has a polyethylene teraphthalate glycol cylindrical-shaped housing with a clear core. The high-volume filter is rated for 96 hours of use. Another filter available from the company has an acrylic coin-shaped housing with low priming and a hold-up volume of less than 0.4 ml. The manufacturer also offers a pump with a copolyester cylindrical-shaped housing with a yellow core that is compatible with total nutrient admixture emulsions. Qosina, Edgewood, NY, USA
EMI-shielded vents and filters
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EMI-shielded honeycomb vents, fan vents, and air filters available in a variety of configurations are offered with a number of RoHS-compliant finishes. Shielding is
provided with 1⁄8-in.-thick aluminium honeycomb panels and can be increased by using two 1⁄4-in.-thick panels in a cross-cell configuration. Nine different aluminium vent styles are offered and additional shielding gaskets can be added to increase attenuation. Shielded fan vents with optional dust screens provide high airflow without degrading fan output. Quiet vents with honeycomb media provide maximum airflow through openings requiring shielding to 90-dB attenuation levels. Since the honeycomb design yields a 95%-open vent area, the unrestricted airflow results in reduced turbulence and lower noise levels than vents constructed from perforated metal. Available in a variety of standard sizes, quiet vents are suited for a variety of cooling applications for electronic equipment. Tech-Etch/Feuerherdt GmbH, Berlin
Filters
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Media that supports free airflow meets the UL 94 HF-1 flame safety rating and the requirements of a range of medical and computer networking applications. The disposable media with low pressure drop and high airflow is suitable for electronics cooling applications where space is limited. Lightweight and thin, the media also can be used for applications where increased surface area reduces face velocity and captures dust. In addition, the product also meets the self-extinguishing flame safety requirements of UL 94 HF-1. The firm has experience developing custom filters for medical applications and offers a free prototyping service for design engineers on its Web site. A free prototype can be produced and shipped within five working days. Universal Air Filter Co., Sauget, IL, USA
