Microfiltration is a physical filtration method in which a fluid is passed through a
membrane with a specific porosity, in order to separate microorganisms and suspended particles from the liquid, solvent, or gas being processed.
The membrane is placed on a rigid filtration support, which is positioned between the funnel into which the liquid to be filtered is poured and the filtration system, whether it is a filtration manifold or a single filtration unit.
Membrane materials
- Cellulose esters
- Cellulose nitrate (CN)
- Cellulose acetate (CA)
- Mixed cellulose esters (MCE)
Dimensions and porosity
The membrane diameter can be 13, 25, 47, 50, 90, 142, or 293 mm.
The typical pore size of membranes used for microfiltration is approximately 0.1 – 0.22 – 0.45 – 0.8 – 1 µm.
Sterility and color
Membranes can be sterile or non-sterile.
Most non-sterile membranes can be sterilized.
The color of the membranes is useful for highlighting retained particles or microorganisms; membranes can be white or black, plain or gridded.
Sterility and packaging
Sterile membranes, ideal for microbiological analysis and sterilization, are individually packaged in peel-pouch sachets, which can be:
Non-sterile membranes for general and chemical use are packaged in stacks, in small boxes.
