Stainless steel vacuum filter

Introduction

A stainless steel vacuum filter is a filtration device with a stainless steel housing, used for the vacuum filtration of the liquids, and it is used in the laboratories, the pharmaceutical, the chemical, and the many other applications for the filtration, the clarification, and the sterilization of the liquids. The stainless steel vacuum filter consists of a stainless steel funnel or a housing, a filter holder or a membrane support, a vacuum connection, and the receiving vessel, and it is used with the filter membranes or the filter papers, and it operates by the application of the vacuum, which draws the liquid through the filter, and the particles are retained on the filter, and the filtrate is collected in the receiving vessel; the stainless steel vacuum filter provides a durable and a corrosion-resistant filtration, and it is suitable for the filtration of the aggressive and the hot liquids, and it is available in various sizes, with the various filter diameters and the capacities, and it may be used with the membranes for the sterile filtration; the stainless steel vacuum filter is used for the filtration of the solutions, for the clarification, for the sterile filtration, for the collection of the particles, for the vacuum filtration in the analytical and the preparative applications, and for many other applications, and it is an essential equipment in the laboratory. Stainless steel vacuum filters are used in the laboratories, in the pharmaceutical industry, in the chemical industry, in the food and the beverage industry, and for many other applications. With their stainless steel construction, stainless steel vacuum filters are essential for the vacuum filtration.

Stainless Steel Vacuum Filter LSVF-T2011

Stainless Steel Vacuum Filter features a 10 glass storage bottle for collecting the filtered liquid. It utilizes negative pressure vacuum filtration for enhanced filtration speed and imp...

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Stainless Steel Vacuum Filter LSVF-T2010

Stainless Steel Vacuum Filter features a 20L spherical glass flask that ensures stable and efficient filtration. It supports a high vacuum of 0.098 MPa, making it ideal for effective sol...

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Standards

ISO 7704:1985-Water quality-Evaluation of membrane filters used for microbiological analyses

Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.

Features

1. Stainless steel vacuum filter for laboratory and industrial vacuum filtration of liquids, suspensions and solutions.

2. Durable 304/316 stainless steel filter holder with vacuum flask/base, used with filter membranes for particle/solid separation.

3. Suitable for pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, environmental, water testing, microbiology and laboratory use.

4. Includes filter holder (stainless steel), vacuum flask/base, clamp, silicone stopper, hose, and operation manual.

5. Supports vacuum filtration of aqueous and organic liquids, particle collection, sterile filtration, and sample preparation.

FAQ

Q1: What testing scenarios is this filter mainly applied to?

A: The stainless steel vacuum filter (vacuum filtration apparatus) is used in pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, environmental, water testing, microbiology, and research laboratories to perform vacuum filtration - applying vacuum to pull liquid through a filter membrane, separating suspended solids, particles, microorganisms, or precipitates from liquid. It supports water and wastewater testing (microbial enumeration (coliforms, E. coli, heterotrophic plate count - filter 100 mL water through 0.45 micrometer membrane, place membrane on culture medium, incubate, count colonies per EPA/ISO methods), suspended solids (TSS - filter known volume through pre-weighed 0.45 micrometer membrane, dry, weigh to determine total suspended solids per EPA 160.2/ISO 11923), particle analysis, pharmaceutical (sterility testing (filter pharmaceutical products through 0.45 micrometer membrane, incubate with media per USP <71>/EP 2.6.1), particulate matter (subvisible particles in parenterals - filter and count), cleaning validation (rinse water filtration for residue detection), API/solution clarification, reagent filtration, food and beverage (microbial testing (beverages, dairy, liquid foods - membrane filtration for yeast/mold, bacteria), particulate matter, clarification, quality control), chemical (solution clarification, catalyst recovery, precipitate collection, gravimetric analysis (filter, dry, weigh precipitates), organic solvent filtration (stainless steel compatible with many solvents)), environmental (air sampling (particulate collection on filter after liquid impingement), soil extract filtration, water quality), microbiology (sterile filtration of media/reagents (0.22 micrometer for sterilization), microbial collection from large volumes, colony counting), and general lab (sample preparation, HPLC sample prep (0.22/0.45 micrometer filtration to remove particles before injection), buffer/solution clarification, oil/water separation). Stainless steel construction provides durability, chemical resistance, autoclavability (for sterile work), and compatibility with aggressive chemicals that would damage plastic filter holders.

Q2: What standards does the filter comply with?

A: The stainless steel vacuum filter follows relevant ISO, ASTM, EPA, USP/EP and GB/T standards for filtration applications including ISO 7704 (water quality - evaluation of membrane filters for microbiological analysis), ISO 8199 (water quality - general guidance on microbiological examinations), ASTM D4708 (standard practice for preparation of laboratory filtration samples), EPA Method 160.2 (total suspended solids by filtration), EPA Method 1103.1 (E. coli by membrane filtration), USP <71> (sterility - membrane filtration method), EP 2.6.1 (sterility), ISO 11923 (water quality - determination of suspended solids by filtration through glass-fiber filters), and GB/T standards for water/microbiological testing. The hardware (stainless steel filter holder) complies with applicable material standards (ASTM A240 for 304/316 stainless steel, ISO 10474 for inspection) and pressure/vacuum equipment standards. Filter membranes are certified per ISO 7704 (microbiological filters) or specific pore size standards. For sterile filtration, equipment must be autoclavable (121 degrees C, 15 psi) and filters should be sterile (gamma-irradiated or autoclaved). For regulated industries (pharma, food, water), follow ISO 9001/GMP and maintain records.

Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole filter and key components?

A: The whole stainless steel vacuum filter is covered by a 12-month warranty (lab equipment often 1 year; stainless steel apparatus is durable). The filter holder (stainless steel), base/flask, clamp, and stopper are covered, while filter membranes (consumable - per-use, various pore sizes/materials), vacuum tubing (wear - can crack/degrade with solvents/age), gaskets/O-rings (wear - replace if leaking), and vacuum pump (if included - separate warranty) are consumables/accessories. Damage from improper use, dropping (glass flask breaks - handle carefully), over-tightening clamp (can distort holder or break glass), using incompatible chemicals (some aggressive solvents may attack silicone stopper/gaskets - verify compatibility; 304 vs 316 for chlorides (316 better for saline/ chloride solutions; 304 can pit with chloride), autoclave damage (some components not autoclavable - verify), or unauthorized repair is excluded. Extended warranty may be available. Stainless steel holder lasts 10+ years with proper care; glass flask may break (spares available); gaskets/tubing need periodic replacement.

Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?

A: Operation is straightforward for basic vacuum filtration. No professional training required for routine use, but proper technique (especially sterile filtration) is important. We provide operation manuals. Proper setup (select filter membrane (pore size: 0.22 micrometer for sterile filtration, 0.45 micrometer for microbial enumeration/particles, 0.8-5 micrometer for pre-filtration/clarification; material: cellulose nitrate/acetate (MCE - for aqueous, microbiology), nylon (aqueous/organic), PTFE (organic solvents, chemical resistance), PVDF (aqueous/organic, low protein binding), glass fiber (pre-filtration, high particulate); diameter matching holder (47 mm, 50 mm, 90 mm common); sterile if needed (pre-sterilized membranes or autoclave holder+membrane)), assemble filter holder (place membrane on porous support (screen/fritted disc) with sterile forceps (do not touch membrane with fingers - contamination); ensure membrane is centered and flat (no wrinkles); place funnel/cylinder on top, secure with clamp (tighten evenly to prevent leaks but do not over-tighten)), connect vacuum (attach tubing from filter outlet to vacuum flask (side-arm Erlenmeyer) or vacuum manifold; connect flask to vacuum pump or aspirator; use secondary trap flask between filter and pump to prevent overflow/backflow contamination; ensure all connections are airtight (use silicone grease on glass joints if needed), for sterile work: pre-assemble and autoclave entire apparatus (holder, membrane, flask) at 121 degrees C for 15-20 min (verify all components are autoclavable; silicone stopper, PTFE, stainless steel, glass are autoclavable; some plastics are not), work in biosafety cabinet/laminar flow hood), filtration operation (pour sample into funnel (do not exceed funnel capacity; for large volumes, add gradually), apply vacuum (turn on pump or open valve; liquid pulls through membrane; solids/microbes retained on membrane), monitor filtration (if flow slows significantly (membrane clogged with particles), stop and use pre-filter or larger pore; do not let membrane run completely dry for some applications (can crack/damage membrane; for microbial collection, filter to dryness is OK), for TSS: filter known volume (100-1000 mL depending on turbidity), rinse funnel walls with DI water to recover all solids, for sterile filtration: filter entire sample, maintain sterility throughout), post-filtration (release vacuum (break vacuum before turning off pump to prevent backflow), carefully remove membrane with sterile forceps (for microbial: place membrane on agar medium (m-FC, m-Endo, R2A) in petri dish, avoid bubbles; incubate inverted at appropriate temp (35 degrees C for total coliforms, 44.5 degrees C for E. coli/thermotolerant coliforms); for TSS: transfer membrane to weighing dish, dry at 103-105 degrees C for 1 hour (or per method), cool in desiccator, weigh (analytical balance), calculate TSS = (final weight - initial weight) x 1000 / sample volume (mL) = mg/L), for precipitate/gravimetric: dry/ignite filter + precipitate, weigh), clean apparatus (disassemble, rinse with DI water, wash with detergent if needed, rinse, dry; autoclave if reusable for sterile work; discard membrane as biohazard/chemical waste as appropriate), maintenance (regular cleaning (after each use - disassemble, wash, rinse, dry; inspect for residue), gasket/O-ring inspection (check for cracks, hardening, chemical attack; replace if leaking or degraded - lubricate with silicone grease if appropriate), clamp inspection (check threads, clean), stainless steel care (avoid chloride solutions with 304 (can pit/corrode); rinse thoroughly after use with saline/acid; do not use abrasive cleaners (scratch surface); passivate if needed), glass flask inspection (check for cracks, chips - replace if damaged (can implode under vacuum)), tubing inspection (check for cracks, discoloration, chemical degradation; replace if stiff/cracked), troubleshooting (leaks (clamp not tight, gasket/O-ring damaged/wrong position, membrane not flat (wrinkles), glass joint not sealed, tubing cracked - tighten clamp, replace gasket, reseat membrane, grease joints, replace tubing), slow/no filtration (vacuum insufficient (pump weak, leak in system, clogged trap), membrane clogged (high particulate - use pre-filter or larger pore, filter smaller volume), membrane pore too small for sample - increase pore size or pre-filter, sample too viscous (dilute or use larger pore), membrane not wetted (some membranes (PTFE) require pre-wetting with alcohol/water - wet membrane before adding sample)), membrane rupture (vacuum too high, membrane damaged during handling, particulate overload - reduce vacuum, handle carefully, pre-filter), contamination (sterile work) (poor aseptic technique, apparatus not sterile, fingers touched membrane, hood not clean - autoclave properly, use sterile forceps, work in clean hood, run negative control (sterile water blank)), backflow (pump turned off while vacuum applied (liquid sucked back into sample/filter) - always break vacuum first, use trap flask), and safety (VACUUM HAZARD (glass flask under vacuum can implode if cracked/chiped - inspect glass before use, use vacuum-resistant flask (heavy-wall Erlenmeyer), do not use damaged glass; wear safety glasses; place flask in secondary container or shield), BIOLOGICAL HAZARD (samples may contain pathogens (water, food, pharma) - handle at appropriate biosafety level, use biosafety cabinet, wear PPE (gloves, lab coat, eye protection), decontaminate apparatus by autoclaving before cleaning/disposal of membranes), CHEMICAL HAZARD (samples may contain acids, bases, organic solvents, toxic chemicals - wear PPE, use fume hood for volatile/organic solvents, verify chemical compatibility of holder (304 vs 316) and gaskets (silicone vs Viton); dispose waste properly), VACUUM PUMP (if oil-sealed pump: use trap to prevent liquid/solvent entering pump (damages pump oil), change oil regularly; if water aspirator: use backflow preventer), do not exceed vacuum rating of apparatus, do not leave unattended while filtering (overflow risk), handle hot autoclaved components carefully (burns)) are important for safe and effective vacuum filtration.

Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?

A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.

Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?

A: The stainless steel vacuum filter apparatus itself does not require calibration (it is a mechanical device, not a measuring instrument). However, for quantitative applications (TSS, microbial enumeration), associated equipment requires calibration: analytical balance (for TSS weighing - calibrate every 6-12 months with certified weights per ISO 17025), vacuum gauge (if monitoring vacuum - calibrate annually), graduated cylinder/volumetric flask (for sample volume - certified Class A, periodic verification), thermometer/incubator (for microbial incubation - calibrate every 6-12 months), and autoclave (for sterilization - calibrate/verify with biological indicators (Geobacillus stearothermophilus) per cycle or weekly, temperature calibration annually). Filter membranes should be from certified lots (pore size verified per ISO 7704 for microbiological filters) and checked for integrity (no pinholes). For GMP/regulated labs, follow applicable equipment calibration schedules and maintain records. The filter holder should be inspected regularly for damage, leaks, and corrosion (not calibration, but preventive maintenance).

Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?

A: Filter membranes (consumable - various pore sizes (0.22, 0.45, 0.8, 1.2, 5 micrometer), materials (MCE, nylon, PTFE, PVDF, glass fiber, cellulose), diameters (47, 50, 90, 142 mm); available from lab supply (Millipore, Whatman, Sartorius, Advantec, Pall) - universal if diameter/pore matches holder; sterile versions available), vacuum tubing (silicone or Tygon - standard sizes, universal), gaskets/O-rings (silicone or Viton - specific to holder size, but standard sizes available), filter paper (for pre-filtration, gravimetric - Whatman #1, #4, glass fiber - universal), vacuum pump (separate equipment - universal with proper tubing), and cleaning supplies are available from laboratory supply companies. Membranes are universal across brands if diameter matches holder (47 mm membranes fit any 47 mm holder). Long-term consumable cost is primarily filter membranes (per-use, $0.50-$5 each depending on type/size/sterility) and occasional gasket/tubing replacement.

Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?

A: Customization includes size/format (single-place (one filter at a time) or multi-place manifold (2, 3, 6, 12 positions for high-throughput microbial testing), filter diameter (13, 25, 47, 50, 90, 142, 293 mm - 47/50 mm most common for lab, 142/293 mm for industrial/large volume)), material (304 stainless steel (general, economic) or 316L stainless steel (pharmaceutical/food grade, superior corrosion resistance, electropolished for cleanability), glass (visible, but fragile) or plastic (disposable, sterile)), design (traditional (funnel + base + clamp) or all-stainless (no glass, autoclavable, durable), magnetic filter funnel (easy assembly, no clamp), in-line filter holder (for pressure/vacuum, process), sterile/single-use (pre-sterilized plastic, disposable - convenient, no cleaning), accessories (vacuum pump (oil-sealed, diaphragm, or water aspirator), filter membranes (various pore/material, sterile), extra flasks (side-arm Erlenmeyer, 500-4000 mL), manifold (multi-place), trap flask (prevents backflow), forceps (sterile, for membrane handling), silicone grease, calibration/ material certificates (3.1 certificate per EN 10204 for pharma), certifications (CE, ISO 9001, material certificates (304/316), autoclavable rating), language and accessories. Additional membranes, flasks, and accessories can be ordered separately.

Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?

A: Standard delivery includes stainless steel filter holder, vacuum flask/base, clamp, silicone stopper, tubing, and instruction manual. On-site installation is not required (simple apparatus - assemble and connect to vacuum source). On-site training is not included for standard orders but can be arranged at additional cost (for QC/microbiology teams on sterile technique, membrane selection, TSS/microbial methods per EPA/USP/ISO). Remote guidance provided. For multi-place manifold systems with vacuum pump: basic setup guidance provided; professional installation not typically required.

Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?

A: The stainless steel vacuum filter handles various liquid samples including water (drinking water, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, process water, ultrapure water - for microbial enumeration, TSS, particle analysis), beverages (beer, wine, juice, milk (may need dilution or pre-filtration due to high fat/protein), soft drinks), chemical solutions (acids, bases, salts, organic solvents (verify compatibility with 304/316 and gaskets; PTFE membranes for solvents), pharmaceutical solutions (parenterals, APIs, buffers, cleaning validation rinses), culture media/reagents (sterile filtration), environmental samples (soil extracts, air impingement liquid, leachate), and oils/lubricants (with appropriate membrane (PTFE, nylon) and pre-filtration; viscous oils may need heating or dilution). NOT compatible with: Highly viscous liquids (syrups, oils >1000 cP - filtration very slow; heat/dilute or use pressure filtration), samples with high particulate loading (clogs membrane quickly - use pre-filter (glass fiber) or larger pore, filter smaller volume), strong acids/bases that attack stainless steel (304 is not suitable for strong chloride solutions (HCl, seawater) at high concentration/temp (pitting/corrosion); use 316L or PTFE-lined; verify chemical compatibility chart), hydrofluoric acid (attacks glass and some stainless; use PTFE apparatus), hot liquids above component rating (check temp rating of gaskets (silicone ~200 degrees C, Viton ~200), and samples that dissolve/attack filter membrane material (must match membrane to sample: aqueous -> MCE/nylon/PVDF; organic -> PTFE/nylon; protein solutions -> low-protein-binding PVDF; strong acids -> PTFE; verify compatibility before use). IMPORTANT: Vacuum filtration fundamentals: (1) What it does: Uses vacuum (negative pressure) to pull liquid through a porous filter membrane. Liquid passes through; suspended solids, particles, microorganisms, or precipitates are retained on the membrane surface. Used for: - Sterile filtration (0.22 micrometer membrane removes bacteria/yeast) - Microbial enumeration (0.45 micrometer membrane captures microbes; culture on membrane) - Particle/solids removal (clarification, TSS measurement) - Sample prep (HPLC, GC, ICP - remove particles that damage instruments) - Gravimetric analysis (collect precipitate, dry, weigh) (2) Key components: - Filter holder: Supports membrane; consists of base (with porous support/fritted disc), funnel/cylinder (holds sample), clamp (secures funnel to base), outlet (connects to vacuum). - Membrane: Thin porous film (cellulose, nylon, PTFE, PVDF) with defined pore size. - Vacuum flask (side-arm Erlenmeyer): Collects filtrate, connects to vacuum. - Vacuum source: Pump (diaphragm, oil-sealed), water aspirator, or house vacuum. - Trap flask (optional but recommended): Between filter and pump, prevents overflow/backflow. (3) Pore size selection: - 0.22 micrometer: Sterile filtration (removes bacteria (0.5-5 micrometer) and most microbes; standard for sterilization). - 0.45 micrometer: Microbial enumeration (coliforms, E. coli, HPC), TSS, general particle removal (most common). - 0.8-1.2 micrometer: Pre-filtration, larger particles, yeast/mold (some yeasts are 3-5 micrometer but 0.45 also captures). - 5 micrometer: Pre-filtration for high-particulate samples, coarse filtration. - Glass fiber (0.7-2.7 micrometer): Pre-filter, high particulate loading, TSS (some methods use GF/F). (4) Membrane material selection: - MCE (Mixed Cellulose Esters): High protein binding, for aqueous, microbiology (colony counting), low cost. Not for organic solvents. - Nylon: Aqueous and organic, low extractables, HPLC sample prep, strong. - PTFE (Teflon): Chemical resistance (acids, bases, organic solvents), hydrophobic (needs pre-wetting with alcohol), for aggressive chemicals, venting. - PVDF: Aqueous and organic, low protein binding, durable, for protein solutions, HPLC. - Cellulose nitrate: Microbiology, high flow, but flammable. - Glass fiber: Pre-filtration, high particulate, binderless for TSS (GF/F, GF/C). (5) Sterile filtration technique: - Autoclave apparatus (holder, membrane, flask) at 121 degrees C, 15 psi, 15-20 min (or use pre-sterilized disposable units). - Work in laminar flow hood/biosafety cabinet. - Use sterile forceps to handle membrane (never touch with fingers). - Aseptically pour sample, apply vacuum. - After filtration, aseptically transfer membrane to culture medium (for microbial) or collect filtrate (for sterile solution). - Include negative control (sterile water blank) to verify sterility of apparatus/technique. (6) TSS (Total Suspended Solids) method (EPA 160.2/ISO 11923): 1. Pre-weigh filter membrane (glass fiber or 0.45 micrometer) after drying at 103-105 degrees C, cooling in desiccator. 2. Filter known volume of well-mixed sample (100-1000 mL, depending on turbidity - aim for 2.5-200 mg solids on filter). 3. Rinse funnel with DI water (3 x small volumes) to recover all solids. 4. Dry filter + solids at 103-105 degrees C for 1 hour (or to constant weight). 5. Cool in desiccator, weigh. 6. TSS (mg/L) = (dry weight - initial weight) (mg) x 1000 / sample volume (mL). (7) Microbial enumeration (membrane filtration method): 1. Filter 100 mL (or appropriate volume) water through 0.45 micrometer sterile membrane. 2. Place membrane on selective/differential medium (m-Endo for coliforms, m-FC for E. coli/thermotolerant, R2A for HPC). 3. Incubate (coliforms 35 degrees C/24 h; E. coli 44.5 degrees C/24 h; HPC 35 or 28 degrees C/48-72 h). 4. Count colonies (target 20-80 colonies per membrane for statistical validity). 5. Report CFU/100 mL. (8) Common errors: - Wrong pore size (0.45 for sterile filtration? No - use 0.22 for sterilization; 0.45 for microbial enumeration). - Membrane not wetted (PTFE is hydrophobic - must pre-wet with alcohol or it will not filter aqueous samples). - Over-tightening clamp (distorts holder, breaks glass, does not improve seal). - No trap flask (backflow contaminates sample or damages pump). - Turning off pump before breaking vacuum (backflow). - Filtering too much sample (membrane clogs, flow stops; filter smaller volume or pre-filter). - Touching membrane with fingers (contamination, oils block pores). - Using 304 stainless with chloride solutions (pitting/corrosion; use 316L or rinse immediately). - Not drying TSS filter to constant weight (inconsistent results). - For microbial: incubating wrong temperature (E. coli needs 44.5, not 35), wrong medium. - Cracked glass flask under vacuum (implosion hazard - inspect before use). (9) Vacuum vs pressure filtration: - Vacuum filtration: Simple, common for lab, but limited to ~1 atm pressure differential (0.1 MPa). Good for aqueous, low-viscosity. - Pressure filtration: For viscous samples, fast filtration, sterile filtration of large volumes (can use higher pressure). Uses pressure vessel or syringe. - This apparatus is vacuum type.