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Application Notes For MilliporeSigma Filters (continued)
MilliporeSigma Microbial Monitoring Tools
Operation • Differential pressure (inlet minus outlet pressure) should be monitored regularly. Differential pressure increases as the filters plug, eventually leading to a loss of flow through the filter. Differential pressure increases exponentially. It may take many weeks to reach 80% plugged, but only a few hours for the final plugging to occur. • A common practice at breweries is to terminate the filtration and clean or change the cartridge(s) when the differential pressure reaches 30 psi. • Operate the process at the lowest, consistent flow rate to have a positive effect on filter performance. A higher face velocity leads to faster plugging. • Avoid pressure shocks and water hammer on the line. • Ensure that the top of the housing dome is periodically vented during production to remove any gas buildup that may overlap the filters. Integrity Testing • Integrity testing is only conducted on final membrane cartridges and is conducted per the recommended specifications of the manufacturer for the specific membrane used. Integrity testing is conducted after the sanitation cycle, both prior to and after the bottling run. There are a few different methods for integrity testing, of which the bubble point and pressure hold methods are the most common. The bubble point method is recommended for housings with three or less cartridges and the pressure hold method is recommended for housings with greater than three cartridges. Please consult your Gusmer representative for detailed information on integrity testing methods and specifications. • Every MilliporeSigma sterile membrane filter cartridge is integrity tested by MilliporeSigma twice prior to packaging. Damage caused to cartridges by shipping, installation or process improprieties, or housing and valve issues are usually manifested as gross integrity test failure.
Cartridge Storage • Intermediate storage (overnight or over a weekend) can be done in the filter housing. Flush the filters with warm water, sterilize the housing and pressurize with 5 psi of nitrogen. The nitrogen keeps the housing under a positive pressure. • Long-term storage is best done outside of the filter housings. Four inch PVC piping capped at both ends is frequently used to store the individual cartridges in a solution of 350 ppm sulfur dioxide that has been adjusted to a pH of 3.5 with citric acid. This solution should be tested every month and replaced as necessary. Ethanol at approximately 40% may also be used for long term storage. Remove o-rings from the cartridges prior to storage and store the o-rings in a clean and dry place. • Reinstall the o-rings, rinse, sterilize and integrity test stored cartridges prior to resuming bottling filtration.
Gusmer Enterprises and MilliporeSigma have combined efforts to bring the brewing industry the necessary tools to conduct microbiological process monitoring at critical points throughout the brewing process. Our line of process monitoring tools is designed for convenience, cost effectiveness and quality. These tools are essential to help ensure product safety and microbial stability at all critical points, such as fermentation, storage, filtration and bottling. From simple setups to advanced systems, these tools are designed to fit into the monitoring regimes of every facility and are easy enough for any microbiological skill level. Ensure the quality and safety of your beer throughout production with MilliporeSigma process monitoring tools from Gusmer.
Membranes for Microbial Plating
EZ-Pak ® System
S-Pak ® Smaller volume labs may prefer the S-Pak, individually wrapped and pre-sterilized membrane filter disks. Disposable Microfil ® funnels can be purchased bundled with both EZ-Pak and S-Pak filters for easy ordering. MilliporeSigma’s Microfil manifold is specifically designed for ease of use with funnels.
The EZ-Pak system is the perfect solution for upscale, fast-paced processing. This cost-effective system uses presterilized, ready-to-use EZ-Pak membranes on a patented support system, the EZ-Pak Curve. Using this system will ultimately result in higher productivity, higher throughput and reduced risk of accidental contamination.
EZ-Pak Membranes Part Number
Item Description
Qty 600 600 600 600 Qty 150 150 150 150 Qty 600 600 600 600 600 Qty 150 150 150 150 150 150
MSP000814 EZHAWG474 EZAABG474 EZAAWG474
EZ-Pak filters 0.45 µm black gridded EZ-Pak filters 0.45 µm white gridded EZ-Pak filters 0.8 µm black gridded EZ-Pak filters 0.8 µm white gridded
EZ-Pak with Disposable Microfil Funnels Part Number Item Description
Funnel 100 ml 250 ml 100 ml 250 ml
MZHAWG101 MZHAWG251 MZHABG101 MZHABG251
EZ-Pak filters 0.45 µm white gridded EZ-Pak filters 0.45 µm white gridded EZ-Pak filters 0.45 µm black gridded EZ-Pak filters 0.45 µm black gridded
S-Pak Membranes Part Number
EZ-Pak ® Curve The EZ-Pak Curve membrane dispenser from MilliporeSigma features a motion activated sensor for automatic and hands-free dispensing of a sterile membrane for micro plating or filterability work. The dispenser uncovers and maintains the membrane in the horizontal position until the operator retrieves it with forceps for loading onto the manifold. The design allows for fast and easy loading of EZ-Pak membrane bands. Compatible with all current EZ-Pak membranes.
Item Description
HAWG047S6 HABG047S6 AAWG047S6 AABG047S6 RAWG047S6
S-Pak filters 0.45 µm white gridded S-Pak filters 0.45 µm black gridded S-Pak filters 0.8 µm white gridded S-Pak filters 0.8 µm black gridded S-Pak filters 1.2 µm white gridded
S-Pak with Disposable Microfil Funnels Part Number Item Description
Funnel 100 ml 100 ml 250 ml 100 ml 100 ml 250 ml
MIHAWG100 MIHABG100 MIHAWG250 MIAAWG100 MIRAWG100 MIRAWG250 Hardware Part Number EZCURVE01 XX6200006P
S-Pak filters 0.45 µm white gridded S-Pak filters 0.45 µm black gridded S-Pak filters 0.45 µm white gridded S-Pak filters 0.8 µm white gridded S-Pak filters 1.2 µm white gridded S-Pak filters 1.2 µm white gridded
Technical Application Briefs Available to download online
EZ-Pak Curve Video
MP 01 – Cartridge Cleaning Sanitization & Storage MP 02 – Calculating Pressure Drop Specifications MP 03 – Integrity Testing of Membrane Filters MP 04 – Difference Between PVDF and PES Membranes MP 05 – Total Costs of Filtration
MP 06 – Microbial Monitoring Best Practices MP 07 – Cartridge Filtration for Mobile Bottling MP 09 – Reverse Bubble Point Instructions MP 10 – Water Quality at Final Filtration MP 11 – Filter Retention: Understanding Nominal and Absolute Ratings
Item Description
Qty
EZ-Pak Curve dispenser MilliporeSigma filter forceps
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32 2022 - 2023 Gusmer Enterprises, Inc. Brewing Products Catalog
West Coast: 559.485.2692 / East Coast: 908.301.1811 www.gusmerbeer.com 33
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