Pleat filters sterilisation procedures

Forward Flow Steam In Place Sterilisation

In suitable high temperature housings, Pleat filters (PPP, PPG, PES, PTFE) can be steam cleaned on site, with pressurised and pre-filtered steam (1 bar at 120ºC). Cartridges to be steam sterilised require stainless steel end cap adaptors which can be ordered in 222 or 226 end cap configurations. Double open ended (AA) cartridges do not require stainless steel adaptors.

Procedure

1. Flush the system, by draining fluid and venting the housing. 2. Open outlet and drain valves of the filter housing. 3. After the steam generator has reached appropriate pressure, open the steam inlet valve SLOWLY. 4. Allow the temperature to reach 120ºC in all parts of the system. Vent steam to minimize differential pressure build-up - differential pressure should not exceed 3 psi. Count 20 minutes as soon as all the system has reached 120ºC. 5. Close steam inlet valve and rapidly vent the housing from both upstream and downstream sides, then cool the housing and filter element using a compressed filtered air stream. 6. Filter can be integrity tested after SIP cycle (pressure decay test).

PPP, PPG, PES and PTFE Pleated filters can withstand 100 minutes total exposure time to 120ºC steam - 5 x 20 minute cycles at 120ºC.

Hot Water Disinfection

Open inlet, outlet and drain valves from the housing. Allow pre-filtered hot water to recirculate for 20 minutes in the system. Hot water temperature should not exceed 82ºC, and differential pressure should not exceed 5 psi. Open all system outlet valves to sanitize the system. Pleated Polypropylene filters can withstand 100 minutes total exposure time to 82ºC water - 5 x 20 minute cycles at 82ºC

Chemical Sanitisation

From the grid below, select your appropriate chemical sanitisation agent, ensuring the agent is allowed to recirculate within the system.