Membrane Filters

Membrane cartridge filters ensure the complete removal of microorganisms in sterile liquid applications, or spoilage organism removal to ensure shelf life in food & beverage applications. Often known as final, sterile or POU filters, a 0.2 micron absolute membrane cartridge filter is the last filter used in manufacturing prior to packaging.

All membrane cartridges are constructed from material meeting USFDA Title 21 and USP Class VI. The filter also meets the current USP requirements for extractables. All are steam sterilizable and integrity testable.

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What is a membrane cartridge filter?

A membrane cartridge filter is a filtration device that uses a microporous membrane to remove contaminants from liquids or gases. It is commonly used for fine filtration, including complete microbial removal, sterility.

How do membrane filters work?

Membrane filters function via size exclusion, meaning particles larger than the membrane’s pore size are retained while smaller particles pass through.

What industries use membrane cartridge filters?

They are widely used in food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, microelectronics, water treatment, and chemical processing.

What are the advantages of membrane cartridge filters?

High-efficiency particulate and microbial removal
Consistent and reliable filtration performance
Wide chemical compatibility
Can be sterilised and re-used in some applications

What is the difference between depth filters and membrane filters?

Depth filters use a thick media matrix to trap particles throughout the structure, whereas membrane filters have a thin, defined pore structure that captures contaminants on the surface.

How do I choose the right membrane filter for my application?

Consider:

Required pore size
Flow rate and pressure drop
Chemical compatibility
Regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, USP, EC1935/2004)
Sterilisation and cleaning requirements

Read our blog; Membrane cartridge Filtration and the Options Available for Sterile or Final Filtration.

What are the standard pore sizes for membrane filters?

In liquids common pore sizes include 0.1 µm, 0.2 µm, 0.45 µm, and 1.2 µm, depending on the application. In dry gases although the product in a liquid application would be 0.2 micron they are rerated as 0.02 or 0.01 for gases.

Read our Guide to Selecting the Right Micron Rating.

What are the materials that membranes in cartridge filtration normally made from?

For liquid filter applications the most common is PES, but PTFE, PVDF, Nylon and Cellulose have market shares.

In gas filtration PTFE is by the far the largest by market share with PVDF following a long way behind.

How do I determine the correct filter size?

The required size depends on clean differential pressure required, flow rate, and whether the volume of liquid to be processed is continuous or batch.

Read our blog: Filtration System Optimal Sizing

Do membrane filters require pre-filtration?

Pre-filtration with depth filters or pleated filters is recommended to extend membrane life and prevent premature clogging.

How often should membrane filters be changed?

Firstly it depends on whether it is a batch application in which case it is replaced every batch.

However if it is for greater continuous use then the application, contaminant load, and filtration efficiency requirements play roles on the filter life. Monitoring differential pressure drop and flow rate can help determine when replacement is necessary.

Can membrane filters be cleaned and reused?

In most applications the answer is no. However there are some membrane filters can be cleaned using chemical or thermal methods, but their reusability depends on the application and type of contaminants.

How do I test the integrity of a membrane filter?

Common integrity tests include the bubble point test, diffusion flow test, and pressure hold test.

Are membrane filters FDA-approved for food and beverage applications?

Many membrane filters meet FDA, EU, and other global food contact regulations. Always check for specific compliance certificates.
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What sterilisation methods can be used for membrane filters?