Parker Bioscience Filtration launches innovative new filter for sterile gas filtration
Parker Bioscience Filtration , part of Parker Hannifin , the global leader in motion and control technologies , has introduced a new range of sterilizing grade gas filters which have been designed to increase microbial security and reduce operational costs in the food and beverage industry .
The company ’ s new ASEPT-X2 filters , which feature a hydrophobic and hydrophilic construction , have been developed and validated to withstand elevated temperatures without the need for condensate management . This enables the filters to work effectively for long periods when exposed to harsh processes such as tank venting and Steam In Place ( SIP ) sterilization , which are common in aseptic processing and packaging operations .
The combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties in the sterile gas filter enables the ASEPT-X2 to handle bulk condensate by allowing aqueous flow through the hydrophilic membrane . This limits the effects of hydrophobic membrane blinding which is a significant issue for traditional hydrophobic PTFE membrane filters which come into contact with condensate . This improved resistance to liquid blinding allows the ASEPT-X2 to operate within exposure to bulk condensate , which is common in complex piping and large automated systems .
As ASEPT-X2 can operate effectively when it is exposed to gas and air with a high vapour content , it has applications as an off-gas sterilization filter in industrial fermentation processes , and in other conditions where filters are exposed to high levels of condensate , such as during SIP cycles .
With its sites in Birtley ( UK ) Oxnard ( US ) and Jangangongdan ( South Korea ), Parker Bioscience Filtration
110 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk
The risk of contamination due to filter failure is reduced , as the integrity of ASEPT-X2 filters can be maintained under harsh conditions .
supports customers both locally and globally in improving process control , efficiency and supply chain security throughout their production and packaging processes .
The ASEPT-X2 filters have been validated to withstand 150 SIP cycles in forward and reverse directions . They have a maximum continuous operating temperature of 70 ° C and are capable of withstanding aggressive differential pressures of up to 1.5barg at 140 ° C .
The filters are also fully validated for bacterial , spore and bacteriophage retention .
The extended service life offered by the ASEPT-X2 filter range can help food and beverage manufacturers and processing and packaging operations reduce consumable spend and improve efficiency , as filters will be replaced less frequently .
In addition , the risk of contamination due to filter failure is reduced , as the integrity of ASEPT-X2 filters can be maintained under harsh conditions .
ASEPT-X2 is an enhanced version of Parker ’ s ASEPT-X filter , which was first introduced in 2018 .
ASEPT-X2 joins a range of Parker solutions which are used in the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ( HAACP ) regimes of food and beverage manufacturing and processing facilities . These include HIGH FLOW BIO-X sterile gas filters and HIGH FLOW TETPOR II sterilizing grade filters , which are used in applications such as tank filtration and product purge , and VALAIRDATA 4 , a fully automated aerosol challenge integrity test unit , which has been designed to test the integrity of sterile gas filters quickly and easily .
Mark Richardson , processing product manager at Parker Bioscience Filtration , said : “ At Parker , we have a deep understanding of the challenges end-users face , so we were aware that when traditional sterile air and gas filters are used in harsh process environments , they could be prone to failure due to their inability to pass bulk condensate under high pressure steam cycles .
“ ASEPT-X , which addressed these issues , was a major leap forward in sterile air and gas filter technology , and with further performance enhancements and an even more robust design , ASEPT-X2 will help the food and beverage industry achieve greater efficiencies and cost reductions , while protecting products and consumers from contamination risks .
“ The launch of the ASEPT-X2 range demonstrates Parker Bioscience Filtration ’ s commitment to product development , to support the evolving demands of the food and beverage industry .”
Parker Bioscience has five decades of experience in working with the international food and beverage sector and offers a wide range of filtration solutions .
For more information , visit www . parker . com / bioscience