What is a filter capsule?
Filter capsules, sometimes referred to as monoblock filters, are particularly useful for filtering small volumes of fluids, for example for single-use applications or during scale-up steps.
They are used during prefiltration and final filtration stages of small batches, for example during sample preparation. The filtration unit is enclosed within a capsule, limiting installation and maintenance operations as well as operator exposure.
Manufactured using the same media as filter cartridges, they offer the same levels of performance and safety. A variety of filter media are available to meet diverse filtration requirements: polypropylene, glass fibers, PES, PTFE (Teflon®), hollow fiber, Polyphen®, polysulfone, etc.

How are filter capsules installed?
Depending on the application, filter capsules are disposable or can be reused after regeneration (washing, sterilization, autoclaving, etc.). Ready to use, they eliminate the need to purchase and maintain a filter housing. They are designed to connect directly to existing systems, for example to a tank outlet valve to perform final filtration, or to draw-off points on the distribution loop. The models offered are generally available with various connection types (hose barb, tri-clamp, NPT, etc.) to suit your installation.
Filter capsules require no assembly and eliminate the filter housing cleaning step.
Which applications?
Single-use filter capsules can, for example, be installed in-line on a water network to perform bacterial safety filtration at the point of use.
They can also be used to carry out safety filtration on a sample prior to chromatography, in order to prevent clogging of the column frit.
They may also be installed to protect print heads on production lines using inks.
More generally, filter capsules are recommended for:
- development phases
- manufacturing of small and medium-volume batches
- process air ventilation and filtration
- hospital applications with strict bacterial constraints (dialyzers, endoscope washers, etc.)
- sample filtration prior to analysis
- prefiltration of serum and culture media in the pharmaceutical industry
For the filtration of sensitive biological solutions, a PES (polyethersulfone) media, naturally hydrophilic and with a low level of extractables, is preferred. PES membranes also exhibit a low protein adsorption rate.
Discover examples of filter capsule implementations:
Bacterial load
Liquid filtration in the food industry
Filtration of cosmetic products: challenges encountered and suitable filtration solutions
Focus on SupaPore capsules
SupaPore-type capsules from Amazon Filters are filtration devices intended for small- and medium-volume liquid applications. The filtration unit is enclosed within a capsule, in order to minimize post-use cleaning and limit user exposure to the processed fluids.
These capsules feature the following characteristics:
• Polypropylene membrane or borosilicate glass microfibers
• Thermally bonded polypropylene housing, adhesive-free, resistant to a wide range of chemicals and temperatures
• Apyrogenic capsule, autoclavable multiple times
They are available in a wide range of lengths (50 to 750 mm) and in two diameters (75 or 90 mm).
The materials used comply with US FDA requirements. The capsules are manufactured in cleanroom conditions, and a batch number ensures full traceability.
They are available with several absolute filtration ratings.
Filter capsules
Filter capsules are:
• suited for small- and medium-volume applications
• ideal for batch manufacturing
• easy to install on existing systems
• suitable for prefiltration, final filtration, or point-of-use filtration
• used for sample preparation
• suitable for microbial filtration
• eliminate the need for filter housing cleaning
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