How to choose right syringe filters and filter membranes

Hi guys,


The texture of syringe filters include Nylon, PVDF, PTFE, MCE, CA, Glass Fiber, PP, PES.


When choosing the texture of syringe filters, we need to consider pore diameter, chemical resistance( if can resist all carrier oils and solvents), oil-based or water-based solution, and etc.


Here are the pore diameter of common syringe filters.


Pore diameter:
Nylon, PVDF, PTFE, MCE, CA, PP, PES: 0.22um, 0.45um
Glass Fiber: 0.7um, 1.2um


Here are some common questions we enounter when choosing proper syringe filters?
1. Is it necessary to have a 0.22 um to have a sterile solution or the 0.45 um gives acceptable results concerning the dangers of bacteria ?
2. What is the average filtering time per 100ml oil-based injections and water-based injections? What carrier oil you use?
3. Warming your injection will make filtering much easier. What is the filtering time difference between warmed and unwarmed oil?
4. Which membrane are the best for a steroid based solution? Oil-based and water-based.


Here is the chemical resistance chart of Whatman syringe filters/filter membranes.


Nylon PVDF PTFE MCE CA Glass Fiber PP PES
Benzyl Alcohol LR R R R LR R R NR




R=Resistant
LR=Limited Resistance
NR=Not Resistant




I would like to answer the above questions with my shallow expertise.
1. 0.22 um is used for sterilizing-grade filtration. Literally speaking, getting rid of bacterials. 0.45um is used for clarification filtration and pre-filtration. Always stick to
0.22 um though more time-consuming. I want to correct my words in the past posts.
4. Just considering the pore diameter, Glass Fiber is out of the game. Then comes to chemical resistance, Nylone, CA, and PES are out of the game too. So the rest
options might be good for use: PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP. But deeper consideration is: would these syringe filters not be eaten by other solvents(like BB, EO, guaiacol,
PS80), even carrier oils? As far as I know, sesame oil eats PES.


My provisional conclusion is: 0.22 um of PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for use. But it is a open proposition.


All MC bros are welcome to anwser these questions. Always glad to discuss this with all you guys.




PS:
Nylon: Nylon
PVDF: Polyvinylidene Fluoride
PTFE: Polyfluortetraethylene
MCE: Mixed Cellulose Ester
CA: Acetate Cellulose
Glass Fiber: Glass Fiber
PP: Polypropylene
PES: Polyether Sulfone

Whoops. @presser. Please correct these mistakes for me. I can not reedit my post here.
1. How to chosee right syringe filters and filter membranes-- How to choose right syringe filters and filter membranes
2. Here are the pore diameter of common syringe filters.--Here is the pore diameter of common syringe filters.
3. 0.22 um of PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for use--0.22 um PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for use

hmm, I literally just bought a few more nylon filters because I seemed to have read all over the web that was preferred.

I didn't quite understand the way you worded it. You said nylon and pes are out because of chemical resistance. What does that mean? That solvents will eat the filter?

Thanks big Iron up for this thread and concerning my questions. So .22um PVDF and ptfe ate good, correct?
And solvents ba and bb with GSO what types of plastic or bottle tops that are resistant?
And if using glass media bottles can they be bought sterile that way I can transfer into sealed sterile vails with syringe.
I have brewed before but it been a while and used whatman .22 syringe filter into 50 ml veils. I used 60 ml syringe with calk gun and switch back and forth to Springs to hold pressure. Don't remember type of whatman I used I had followed a guide each time for everything.
I have vacuum electric and hand pump don't know if I should try bottle topm

trekrider215 said:

hmm, I literally just bought a few more nylon filters because I seemed to have read all over the web that was preferred.

I didn't quite understand the way you worded it. You said nylon and pes are out because of chemical resistance. What does that mean? That solvents will eat the filter?

Click to expand...

Correct I have read that PES definitely will melt and nylon from what I have read has to be only the ones that are chemical resistant they will bust easy and there is a plastic piece inside membrane that will melt. I read only certain types can handle heat and solvents like ba and bb. Like some of the color codes or for specific types of cultures and resistance. That is what I read.
Better to go with pdfv is what I have read.

The nylon zapcap says its chemical resistant. Isnt that chem resistant what we want? Or no?

- - - Updated - - -

It jusy got here the mothet fucker doesnt have threads. You gotta be shitting me. It says its for 45mm glass, but it doesnt even screw on. Wtf

trekrider215 said:

The nylon zapcap says its chemical resistant. Isnt that chem resistant what we want? Or no?

- - - Updated - - -

It jusy got here the mothet fucker doesnt have threads. You gotta be shitting me. It says its for 45mm glass, but it doesnt even screw on. Wtf

Click to expand...

What kind is that? Relax let a mechanic teach u lol. Get some latex gloves pull them over from bottom and wrap with electric tape. That will give u a good seal.

- - - Updated - - -

Also if u have a nebulizer it's easy to use it as a vacuum I can tell u how to do that too or make other electric vacs

- - - Updated - - -

If u have any compressor u can create suction with intake with little modifications. U need a gauge and Valve to close once max vacuum pressure is created then u kick on when necessary or go check every once and while depending on leaks.

- - - Updated - - -

The chemical resistance should be limited resistance as stated above (LR). Maybe go with less bb and ba. Go with minimal amount necessary. If u doing enathate there are different recipes

Muscle mechanic said:

What kind is that? Relax let a mechanic teach u lol. Get some latex gloves pull them over from bottom and wrap with electric tape. That will give u a good seal.

- - - Updated - - -

Also if u have a nebulizer it's easy to use it as a vacuum I can tell u how to do that too or make other electric vacs

- - - Updated - - -

If u have any compressor u can create suction with intake with little modifications. U need a gauge and Valve to close once max vacuum pressure is created then u kick on when necessary or go check every once and while depending on leaks.

- - - Updated - - -

The chemical resistance should be limited resistance as stated above (LR). Maybe go with less bb and ba. Go with minimal amount necessary. If u doing enathate there are different recipes

Click to expand...

ah okay I see. thank you

U can get the sterile glove packs from pharmacy that way nothing can get into your mix. Sterile glove will cover surface area and where your top section is pull insert section of glove over that way tape touches nothing but glove. Remove with a razor knife.

For a vacuum pump nebulizer take intake plug out and remove filter. Find a hose to fit snug inside install a push on T. Then add section of hose to a vacuum gage. Next put a valve from T. Make sure gauge is between valve and bottle top.
To make a good seal u can find an o-ring to fit over hose and inside intake on nebulizer find o-ring thickness and diameter to give a snug fit on both hose and intake. When u ready open valve when u get to desired vac pressure shut off nebulizer and close valve. Watch gauge for next time to kick on. Or check now and then. If u make a good seal it will hold vacuum until no fluids are on top.

All modification parts can be purchased at a auto parts store. Gauge, valve, hose, o-rings, all of it.

Calk gun method with filter syringe is way I used to go. I have extra springs to put between for constant pressure. Make a stand to hold guns just above bottle 50 ml with filter and 60 ml syringe. I think it's 43 ml u can hold at time in syringe to fit gun. This way works and u don't have to but crank a little when tension runs out.

I am a mechanic and very mechanically minded and inclined. I hope this helps. Will do a thread on it all later when I have time.

@trekrider215Here is the link of Whatman chemical compatibility chart. Please check this out:http://www.gelifesciences.com/gehcl...086058160/litdoc29046171_20161015100012.pdfLR means that Nylon and CA has Limited Resistance to BA. My understanding is that BA will melt Nylon and CA after you filter a certain amount of injections. But nobody knows where the breaking point is. To avoid uncertainty, we can use other texture for replacement. I know that my conclusion might be different to what you saw online in the past. But our thoughts need to be updated all the time. I was wrong about this in the past too. Nearly all threads said that Nylon is preferred for filtration. NR means that PES is Not Resistant to BA. BA wil melt PES for sure.@Muscle mechanicYes. 0.22 um PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for use.For bottle tops, I would recommend PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP too. Glass bottle tops is also good for use. Here is how you can sterilize glass media bottles: 1. Wash with 70% medical alcohol. 2. Sterilize it with an autoclave.

- - - Updated - - -

@trekrider215Here is the link of Whatman chemical compatibility chart. Please check this out:http://www.gelifesciences.com/gehcl...63086058160/litdoc29046171_20161015100012.pdfLR means that Nylon and CA has Limited Resistance to BA. My understanding is that BA will melt Nylon and CA after you filter a certain amount of injections. But nobody knows where the breaking point is. To avoid uncertainty, we can use other texture for replacement. I know that my conclusion might be different to what you saw online in the past. But our thoughts need to be updated all the time. I was wrong about this in the past too. Nearly all threads said that Nylon is preferred for filtration. NR means that PES is Not Resistant to BA. BA wil melt PES for sure.@Muscle mechanicYes. 0.22 um of PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for us.For bottle tops, I would recommend PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP too. Glass units is also good for use. Here is how you can sterilize glass media bottles: 1. Wash with 70% medical alcohol. 2. Sterilize it with an autoclave.

big_iron_up said:

@trekrider215Here is the link of Whatman chemical compatibility chart. Please check this out:http://www.gelifesciences.com/gehcl...086058160/litdoc29046171_20161015100012.pdfLR means that Nylon and CA has Limited Resistance to BA. My understanding is that BA will melt Nylon and CA after you filter a certain amount of injections. But nobody knows where the breaking point is. To avoid uncertainty, we can use other texture for replacement. I know that my conclusion might be different to what you saw online in the past. But our thoughts need to be updated all the time. I was wrong about this in the past too. Nearly all threads said that Nylon is preferred for filtration. NR means that PES is Not Resistant to BA. BA wil melt PES for sure.@Muscle mechanicYes. 0.22 um PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for use.For bottle tops, I would recommend PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP too. Glass bottle tops is also good for use. Here is how you can sterilize glass media bottles: 1. Wash with 70% medical alcohol. 2. Sterilize it with an autoclave.

- - - Updated - - -

@trekrider215Here is the link of Whatman chemical compatibility chart. Please check this out:http://www.gelifesciences.com/gehcl...63086058160/litdoc29046171_20161015100012.pdfLR means that Nylon and CA has Limited Resistance to BA. My understanding is that BA will melt Nylon and CA after you filter a certain amount of injections. But nobody knows where the breaking point is. To avoid uncertainty, we can use other texture for replacement. I know that my conclusion might be different to what you saw online in the past. But our thoughts need to be updated all the time. I was wrong about this in the past too. Nearly all threads said that Nylon is preferred for filtration. NR means that PES is Not Resistant to BA. BA wil melt PES for sure.@Muscle mechanicYes. 0.22 um of PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for us.For bottle tops, I would recommend PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP too. Glass units is also good for use. Here is how you can sterilize glass media bottles: 1. Wash with 70% medical alcohol. 2. Sterilize it with an autoclave.

Click to expand...

Thanks for all the info. I know what to order now in place of what's not been in Stock. Will order in just a minute. I will use PVDF syringe ether Millipore or whatman. Will use calk gun method hands aching bad. Carpal tunnel need surgery.

@trekrider215


Here is the link of Whatman chemical compatibility chart. Please check this out:
http://www.gelifesciences.com/gehcl...63086058160/litdoc29046171_20161015100012.pdf


LR means that Nylon and CA has Limited Resistance to BA. My understanding is that BA will melt Nylon and CA after you filter a certain amount of injections. But nobody knows where the breaking point is. To avoid uncertainty, we can use other texture for replacement. I know that my conclusion might be different to what you saw online in the past. But our thoughts need to be updated all the time. I was wrong about this in the past too. Nearly all threads said that Nylon is preferred for filtration.


NR means that PES is Not Resistant to BA. BA wil melt PES for sure.






@Muscle mechanic
Yes. 0.22 um PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for us.
For bottle tops, I would recommend PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP too. Glass units is also good for use.


Here is how you can sterilize glass media bottles: 1. Wash with 70% medical alcohol. 2. Sterilize it with an autoclave.

big_iron_up said:

@trekrider215Here is the link of Whatman chemical compatibility chart. Please check this out:http://www.gelifesciences.com/gehcl...086058160/litdoc29046171_20161015100012.pdfLR means that Nylon and CA has Limited Resistance to BA. My understanding is that BA will melt Nylon and CA after you filter a certain amount of injections. But nobody knows where the breaking point is. To avoid uncertainty, we can use other texture for replacement. I know that my conclusion might be different to what you saw online in the past. But our thoughts need to be updated all the time. I was wrong about this in the past too. Nearly all threads said that Nylon is preferred for filtration. NR means that PES is Not Resistant to BA. BA wil melt PES for sure.@Muscle mechanicYes. 0.22 um PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for use.For bottle tops, I would recommend PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP too. Glass bottle tops is also good for use. Here is how you can sterilize glass media bottles: 1. Wash with 70% medical alcohol. 2. Sterilize it with an autoclave.

- - - Updated - - -

@trekrider215Here is the link of Whatman chemical compatibility chart. Please check this out:http://www.gelifesciences.com/gehcl...63086058160/litdoc29046171_20161015100012.pdfLR means that Nylon and CA has Limited Resistance to BA. My understanding is that BA will melt Nylon and CA after you filter a certain amount of injections. But nobody knows where the breaking point is. To avoid uncertainty, we can use other texture for replacement. I know that my conclusion might be different to what you saw online in the past. But our thoughts need to be updated all the time. I was wrong about this in the past too. Nearly all threads said that Nylon is preferred for filtration. NR means that PES is Not Resistant to BA. BA wil melt PES for sure.@Muscle mechanicYes. 0.22 um of PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP are good for us.For bottle tops, I would recommend PVDF, PTFE, MCE, PP too. Glass units is also good for use. Here is how you can sterilize glass media bottles: 1. Wash with 70% medical alcohol. 2. Sterilize it with an autoclave.

Click to expand...

Okay, thank you this was an excellent post. Cleared things up a lot for me.

Well, i'm running 100ml's through a nylon .22 Nalgene with glass media bottle because it was the only thing I bought because I was initially under the impression nylon was the way to go. So far it's going very well. just kind of slow. I'm sure your right that there is a cut off point in which it begins to melt the filter, this might explain my first batch.

@musclemechanic, I truly appreciate you guidance on how to rig my filter up. I tried to make a seal with a glove and duct tape but it still didn't seem to hold. I just don't understand how they can make a bottletop filter and say it's for a 45mm glass media bottle and not put fucking threads on the bottom of it. I'm calling medlabsupplys and making them send me a replacement. That's bullshit. I just don't understand how its supposed to hold a vacuum without a tight seal. I shouldn't have to rig it up. It's only a 12 dollar tool so no big deal, i'm sure they'll send a replacement. For the record this is the .22 Nylon Whataman Zapcap 500ml bottle top filter. If anyone reads this, don't buy one!

The Nalgene seems to be getting it done though. A few pumps of the hand vac and it's on its way. The glass medium bottle made a huge difference from the other night when I first tried because I can get much more suction with the glass media bottle and not worry about it cracking.

- - - Updated - - -



- - - Updated - - -



- - - Updated - - -

My bad, I didn't mean to post the picture twice. It won't let me delete it. Anyways, you can see what a big difference it made. I have no idea why the gear up top looks like it came out of someones rotten kidneys lol.

So after 6 hours lol, i was able to get about 90mls through the filter pictured up above. It got to a point where it literally just wouldnt drip at all and im pretty sure i may have even maxed the pressure out on the hand pump.
The filtered media came out literlly flawless, crystal clear. Theres still about 30-40 unfiltered i poured into a jar and will syringe filter tommorow.

Im a little suprised i couldnt get the full amount through it. I did notice obvious signs that the top cup was being eaten by the solvents, so i can only assume that somehow the internal working were damaged causing it to some how clog up. This may be the point big iron talked about.

I see no signs that any of it actually ended up in the geqr though. Oil is crystal clear.

Filter head pressure to the very end unlike the other filts i tried that i couldnt get it to hold for even a few minutes.

Had i got the bigger version of this filter i could have had twice the diameter of filter which i imagine woul have greatly increased the speed.

Pvdf will be my next order to compare. I think nylon and pes can be used you just have to pay attention. Its obvious this stuff chews up the plastic pretty well.

The first batch i made i did exactly as i did tonight with sane filter and everything and i now know the reason it cane out cloudy was because of the plastic media bottle i used then versus the glass media bottle I used tonight.

- - - Updated - - -

You can actually see in the pic above. The top bottle cop, the hazy line above the oil. Thats not oil. That foggy area is the plastic being basically dissolved.

Well, I have to say that comprehending this thread is like cracking nutshells. Once cracked, you find it nutritious.

Ptfe. Seams best have looked more last night on Millipore says nylon and another site syringe filters say ptfe for bb.
They just say to use a prolypropylene housing and top going into glass. So brand may have alot to do with it. I will email a manufacturer and ask recommended type for bb and ba

@trekrider, so I am gathering that the filter filters any plastic residue that melts from top section. So even prolypropylene will melt or be eaten up some?
Be specified of filter used and top with media bottle please. Brand, type, size, housing type(prolypropylene?), Pore size.
Your zapcap is supposed to create a seal on any media bottle standard size. That's odd that it wouldn't. It is compatible just as luer lock and luer slip. Talked to a buddy this morning who told me that's how zapcap seals and works. I never used just saying what he said.

I play dumb to anyone I know I just tell them someone asked on forum. I have never told a soul that I have brewed before or plan on doing it. People just talk too much shit! Lol

Hey bro Maine Manufacturing makes the zapcaps now and I still love 'em. They are tougher than the Millipore steritops or cups [I had at least 5 leak on me and I've been doing this almost 15 yrs].
Nylon is your best all purpose. If you have 100% EO or want to filter someting like Guiacol so it's 'sterile' you'll want the 'PTFE' membrane (It's similar/partially teflon).
One gripe I get is that other than the cellulose acetate (just say no) zaps are NOT sterile. Easy fix. Have a bottle of 0.22 filtered BA and spray it on the filter surface. Attach vacuum source. Drip,drip,drip... NOW it's sterile ! Use a 0.45 micron first. NEVER, EVER be a tightass and start with a 0.22. You'll eat up filters and waste money. Ideally filtering thru a 0.8 micron and 0.45 micron nylon filter sheets (vacuum flask setup) is best but it takes looking.
Here's a trick. Have some textured gauze. When the flow slows down I suck the liquid out into glassware. I then clean the surface well and microwave the liquid to a reasonable (consult your reference temp for membrane). You will get about 750ml out of 500 -or should unless you are getting powders far downstream). Same goes for the 0.22 Nylon zapcap- I recommend a basic MCT 60/40 (c8/c10) mix. Nobody is getting 500 without pre-filtering. MAYBE with Digycol (840?) which has a viscosity of 10. Grapeseed oil is 54, CSO is 76.

Hey bro Maine Manufacturing makes the zapcaps now and I still love 'em. They are tougher than the Millipore steritops or cups [I had at least 5 leak on me and I've been doing this almost 15 yrs].
Nylon is your best all purpose. If you have 100% EO or want to filter someting like Guiacol so it's 'sterile' you'll want the 'PTFE' membrane (It's similar/partially teflon).
One gripe I get is that other than the cellulose acetate (just say no) zaps are NOT sterile. Easy fix. Have a bottle of 0.22 filtered BA and spray it on the filter surface. Attach vacuum source. Drip,drip,drip... NOW it's sterile ! Use a 0.45 micron first. NEVER, EVER be a tightass and start with a 0.22. You'll eat up filters and waste money. Ideally filtering thru a 0.8 micron and 0.45 micron nylon filter sheets (vacuum flask setup) is best but it takes looking.
Here's a trick. Have some textured gauze. When the flow slows down I suck the liquid out into glassware. I then clean the surface well and microwave the liquid to a reasonable (consult your reference temp for membrane). You will get about 750ml out of 500 -or should unless you are getting powders far downstream). Same goes for the 0.22 Nylon zapcap- I recommend a basic MCT 60/40 (c8/c10) mix. Nobody is getting 500 without pre-filtering. MAYBE with Digycol (840?) which has a viscosity of 10. Grapeseed oil is 54, CSO is 76.