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Integrity Testing
The module integrity should be tested on a cleaned and thoroughly
flushed system. The presence of residual cleaning agents can
significantly alter integrity test results. Integrity testing should be
performed on a water-wet membrane only.
1. Ensure that the system is thoroughly cleaned and that the
membrane is thoroughly wetted. Thorough wetting can be
ensured by flushing water at 2.1 bar (30 psi) TMP for five
minutes.
2. Drain the system of water.
NOTE
It is important to drain the retentate side of the system as
thoroughly as possible.
3. Attach a regulated and filtered air supply to the feed or
retentate port on the holder, preferably to the more elevated
end.
4. Isolate the remaining port (feed or retentate) by closing a valve
or capping the port if there is no valve on it.
5. The permeate line should be open at all times.
6. Slowly raise the air pressure to the recommended value
and wait at least five minutes to purge residual water in the
permeate line.
NOTE
Do not exceed the recommended air pressure as this may
result in excessively high air flow (a false failure). Rewet the
membrane if this occurs.
7. Measure and record the air pressure, temperature and the
air flow rate exiting the permeate line. The air flow rate may
be measured with an air flow meter or by measuring the air
displaced into a submerged and inverted volumetric cylinder as
shown in the figure here.
NOTE
The air flow rate from each permeate line can be measured
independently for Pellicon
®
2 Mini 0.1 m² and Pellicon
®
3
88 cm² and 0.11 m² cassette installations.
Automated filter integrity testers may be used for air
integrity testing of TFF devices.
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