Parker Bioscience Filtration introduces filter for sterile gas filtration

Parker Bioscience Filtration, part of Parker Hannifin, has introduced a new range of sterilising 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) sterilisation, 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 sterilisation 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 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 sterilising 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.”

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