GEA extends filtration plant range

Denmark's GEA Filtration​ has introduced a new microfiltration plant for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries that, it claims, can perform studies on the full range of filtration technologies, i.e. micro-, ultra- and nanofiltration and reverse osmosis. Moreover, the system can use all types of filter membrane, including those made of polymer, ceramic, stainless steel and hollow fibre, according to GEA.

The so-called 'Type R' plant uses frequency-controlled, positive displacement pumps to minimise product damage, limit the addition of heat and maintain correct operating pressures despite variable speed/flow rates, noted the firm. All sample points are of the rubber plug type allowing samples to be extracted using sterilized syringes.

The use of Programmable Logic Control makes the system fully automatic, requiring only a single operator for initial set up, and monitors and corrects base line pressure, circulation flow, permeate and retentate and operating temperatures, according to GEA. Mag flow measurement provides accuracy and helps secure the correct parameters for pilot testing, it said.

The system is available for lease for short-term testing programmes or for purchase for commercial applications.