Changing Membranes

1. The filter membranes should be changed if they appear damaged or when plugged with contaminants. Membranes can handle 150 sterilizations or cleanings prior to change.
2. To measure contamination level, the first step is to measure the pressure drop across the filter. Compare the readings from the pressure gauge in the filter housing to another pressure gauge downstream or from input pressure. The difference is the pressure drop. Change to filter membranes at or before the differential reaches four times the initial pressure drop.
3. To check for condition, inspect the filter membranes visually before sterilization to determine the amount of contamination present and to confirm that there are no tears or holes. This is particularly important if steam sterilizing in-place.
4. To change the filter membranes, follow the instructions attached.

Change Procedure

1. Place correct number of Stainless Steel membranes in a stack on the work surface.
2. Stack endplate, headplate, and correct number of outer hole disks and correct number of inner hole disks in the following order:
   1. Move headplate to the side by itself.
   2. Alternate the inner hole and outer hole disks upside down in a stack beginning with the inner hole disk, followed by an outer holed disk until stack is complete. Place endplate on top of stack. Inner and outer hole disks should alternate in the stack. Stack should match picture in flow diagram or element assembly page.
   3. Have one (1) tension rod, one (1) washer, one (1)-locking nut, two-(2) standard nuts and EPDM element O-rings on hand ready to secure disk stack.

Filter Element Assembly

1. Start with endplate and tension rod. Place one (1) standard 13mm nut on rod at short threaded end. Insert element pin into one hole on endplate to stabilize. Screw tension rod into opening provided on the endplate. Tighten rod and nut to the point so there is no movement of any parts.
2. Remove one membrane from stack and slide over the tension rod, placing it on top of the inner
   hole disk.
3. Remove the top disk from the stack (inner hole disk), slide over the tension rod and place on top of the membrane.
4. Remove one membrane from stack and slide over the tension rod, placing it on top of the inner
   hole disk.
5. Remove the next disk from the stack (outer hole disk), slide over the tension rod and place on top of the membrane.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 until all disks and membranes have been used. A membrane will be the last item stacked on the segmented element.
7. Slide headplate and spacer over tension rod and place on the top membrane.
8. Take the spring and slide it over the tension rod on top of the spring.
9. Take the washer and slide it over the tension rod on top of the spring.
10. Take the standard 13mm nut and screw onto the tension rod. Continue to tighten the nut against the washer until the spring is completely compressed.
11. Take the 13mm locking nut and screw it onto the tension rod until it is snug against the standard nut.
12. Check the O-rings for breaks or tears. If there are breaks or tears present, replace with
    new O-ring. Use an accepted food grade lubricant for ease of insertion and protection of the Oring.

Note: The membranes can be used in either direction

Tool Required:

1. 13mm combination open/box straight wrench or
2. 13mm deep socket for some filter configurations. 

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. Inner hole and outer hole disks MUST be placed in an alternating order for correct functioning of the segmented element.
2. The spring must be completely compressed to insure sealing of the cartridge.
3. Once the segmented cartridge is assembled to satisfactions, it MUST be sterilized before using in the process.
4. Filter membranes operate in a parallel manner. Incoming air will pass through one membrane for filtering before entering the sterile chamber.

STERILIZATION METHODS – FOR PTFE MEDIA

Steam Sterilize(Forward or Backflush), remove and chemical clean(only chemical that is compatible with PTFE) or Autoclave complete unit.. It is recommended to wear gloves while handling the element during and after the cleaning process. Below are the diagram and explanation for steam sterilizing.