Parker SciLog LabTec - Filter Management and Troubleshooting

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6.0 Care and Use of Sterilizing Filters
Many laboratories use sterilizing filters instead of autoclaving to sterilize media. Using filters instead
of autoclaving increases productivity in the laboratory and protects technicians from handling hot and
/ or heavy containers. Autoclaving is very labor intensive and also uses a great deal of energy.
When using filters, as with any technology, there is a protocol you should develop and always should
be followed to safely and effectively implement your application. The following are guidelines you
should consider making part of your sterilizing protocol.
Procedure for Filtering:
1. To “Prime” a filter means to push all the air out that is in the new un-used filter and to fill the
filter with the solution that needs to be filtered. You want to prime a filter slowly to avoid creating
“air pockets” within the filter.
2. Be sure to open the vent on your filter before you prime it.
3. You will connect the filter to your LabTec™ tubing. Set the pump rate at a low value, such as 25%
of maximum speed when you are priming the filter.
4. Press “RUN” on the LabTec™ while you are in the Manual Mode.
5. Periodically Tap the filter as it is being primed; this will dislodge any bubbles and send them on
their way.
6. If you pump too quickly while you are priming the filter, air bubbles may remain trapped in the
filter. These air bubbles will continually come out during dispensing and affect the precision of
your volumetric dispenses. The air bubbles will not affect your weight-ratio or
gravimetric dispenses.
7. Flush the filter with the vent open until solution comes out of the vent. This means the filter is
completely full of liquid, and the priming process is complete.
Autoclaving the Filter:
1. The sterilizing filters you have received are sterile as long as the packaging is unopened.
Make sure you do not open the filter package until you are ready to use.
2. Repeated autoclaving may distort different parts of the filter. Distortion will result in rupturing the
filter. Thus, you should autoclave the filter only once.
3. Autoclave for at least 20 min. Typical maximum autoclave temperature is 134 °C at 2 bar.
Pumping Heated Solutions through the Filter:
1. If the solution to be pumped is hot, make sure you heat the solution gradually.
2. Maintain a constant temperature.
3. Maximum temperature for prolonged pumping through your filter is 180 °F.