The SciLog FilterTec™ automated laboratory-scale normal flow filtration (NFF) system can optimize filtration parameters, maximize filter throughput and can be used as a filter evaluation tool.
The FilterTec™ connects up to three pressure sensors to automatically adjust and document filter back pressure and filtrate to optimize filtration parameters and maximize filter throughput, providing the user the ability to focus on other tasks with a safe, walk-away system operation.
The patented R/P Stat Method enables constant rate NFF via a pump PID loop including inline pressure sensors; which increases filter yield up to 30% when a programmed maximum pressure is reached, the system switches to constant pressure mode by reducing the pump speed.
The FilterTec™ automated normal flow filtration system increases efficiency in applications such as media and buffer filtration, bioreactor harvest, final sterile and viral filtration, chromatography column loading and filter evaluation and comparison.
When combined with SciDoc software, documentation capabilities include collection of 15 real-time filtration parameters. When used with an electronic scale, the FilterTec™ controller collects and documents the filtrate weight in the constant pressure, constant rate modes or R/P Stat Method. The FilterTec™ system can also be used as a filter evaluation tool to compare different filters by calculating Vmax.
The FilterTec™ Plus has expanded upon the capabilities of the FilterTec™ system to communicate with up to three electronic balances and control three pump heads simultaneously. This product allows for testing of three identical NFF filters at the same rates or three different filters at the same pressure.
The FilterTec™ system is available with a variety of pump leads and motor speeds to suit your needs. Optional scales are also available.
Features and Benefits
• Safe walk-away system operation
• Filterability studies and Vmax determination
•Real-time data collection of 15 filtration parameters
•Increased NFF filter efficiency up to 30%
• 3 pressure sensor connections for serial of parallel filter trains
• Compatible with all filters
• Optional scale enables gravimetric control>br/>
FilterTec™ Plus
Triple your NFF productivity with the FilterTec™ Plus and enjoy the same features of the SciLog FilterTec™ for filterability studies, filter size determination and filter scale-up.
The FilterTec™ Plus has expanded upon the capabilities of the FilterTec™ to communicate with up to three electronic balances and control three pump heads simultaneously. This product allows for testing of three identical NFF filters at the same rates of three different filters at the same pressure. Parallel processing of a solution through three filters provides statistical verification of filter capacity.
Normal Flow Filtration
The FilterTec™ uses a pressure sensor and scale feedback to perform normal flow operations by constant rate or constant pressure. The end point controls ensure the system shuts off when a user defined maximum filter pressure, minimum filtrate or maximum filtrate limit is reached.
R/P Stat Method
The FilterTec™ achieves optimized normal flow operations by using the R/P Stat Method. This automated procedure maintains a selected pump rate until a user defined upper pressure limit has been attained as a result of filter plugging.
The system automatically switches from a constant rate to a constant pressure fluid delivery. The pump continuously reduces the flow rate to maintain the pressure across the filter until a user defined minimum filtrate rate is attained.
This method allows full utilization of the existing filter capacity and is accompanied by a significant increase in total filter throughput upwards of 30% compared to constant pressure of constant flow throughput data.
Filterability Studies
The FilterTec™ is capable of simultaneously monitoring three pressure points. This capability is particularly useful in monitoring the pressure differentials of multiple filters in a serial or a parallel filter train. Excessive pressure build-up across a filtration stage element typically indicates the need for a larger porosity and/or a larger area filter element.
The FilterTec™’s R/P programmable mode allows you to modify the pump rate and/or pressure over a selected time interval, in a stair-step (Step) or ramped (Scan) manner, until the user defined filtrate weight has been attained.
Vmax Determination
When used with an electronic scale, the FilterTec™ collects and documents the filtrate weight in the constant pressure, constant rate or R/P Stat Method.
The parameter T / W (Time / Filtrate Weight) is plotted against time. The inverse of the resulting slope represents Vmax. The FilterTec™ reports the instantaneous Vmax from the slop of the neighboring data points.
