Industry sector: Healthcare
Company activity: Manufacturer of ophthalmic products
Company context
A manufacturer of ophthalmic products approached us to consider an alternative solution to its current supplier as part of the production of saline solution.
Filtration challenge
We identified that the existing filter used, in capsule format, was not suitable for the application, particularly with regard to autoclaving and capsule reuse.
The saline solution is used in ophthalmic manufacturing. Prepared in mixing tanks, it is then transferred into mobile containers, which are subsequently used throughout the entire production process.
The saline solution passes through 0.2 µm double-layer membrane filters in order to eliminate solid contaminants and micro-organisms.
Previously, capsule filters were used; these were rinsed, autoclaved, and their integrity tested between batches.
Pemflow filtration solution
As the type of filter capsules in place was not particularly suited to autoclaving and repeated reuse, we suggested replacing the capsules with cartridge filters.
We proposed a custom-designed filtration skid comprising a sanitary filter housing from the AMAZON FILTERS Series 72, incorporating a biological-grade membrane filtration cartridge with extended service life, of the SupaPore VPBA type from AMAZON FILTERS.
The configuration of this ‘T’-type filter housing is perfectly suited to pilot processes or laboratory trials for pressures up to 10 bar.
The AMAZON FILTERS Series 72 filter housing accepts industry-standard cartridges with a filtration rating range from 0.03 to 40 µm, in lengths of 5, 10, 20 & 30 inches.
Sanitary features:
- Hygienic finish
- Electropolished inside and outside
- Quick-release V-clamp closure for easy access
- 316L construction
- Engraved serial number for full traceability
- PED & ATEX compliant
- CE marking
The AMAZON FILTERS VPBA cartridge is a high-flow cartridge, manufactured with a highly asymmetric Polyethersulfone membrane, incorporating an integrated prefiltration layer. The prefilter/membrane combination enhances service life and retention capacity.
The filtration cartridge is thermally bonded and adhesive-free. Each unit is pre-rinsed with ultrapure water and integrity tested prior to final assembly.
- USP Class VI compliant
- FDA
- Suitable for food contact (EC) 1935/2004
In collaboration with the ophthalmic manufacturer, new operating procedures and a system commissioning programme were introduced to demonstrate and validate the new filtration system.
Conclusion
The Series 72 housing / SupaPore VPBA cartridge solution made it possible to drastically reduce operating costs. While the previously installed capsule could only be autoclaved a maximum of three times, our solution can be autoclaved up to 20 times. As a result, operational costs were reduced by a factor of four.
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