1. Choose the size of filter based on the volume of sample that must be filtered.
2. Choose the porosity of the filter based on the size of potential particulates that may be present in your sample. Remember, the finer the porosity the more pressure it will take to pass sample through the filter. If you have a great deal of particulate matter, you may want to use a glass fiber filter, place a glass fiber pre-filter in front of your membrane filter to prevent rapid plugging or use a 2-in-1 filter that has a built-in pre-filter in a single housing.
3. Choose the membrane type based on the solvent that you want to filter.
Syringe Filter Membranes and Housing
Syringe filters can be categorized by two essential components: the membrane and housing. To select the correct filter, you should ensure both components are compatible with the application. Syringe filter housings are matched based on composition and format, while membranes are matched to end applications by composition, filter diameter, and pore size.
Selecting pore size for your application
0.45 μm and 0.22 μm are the two most frequently used membrane pore sizes for research and medical applications.
* 0.45 μm membranes are typically used for general filtration and particle removal applications.
* 0.22 μm membranes, or sterilizing-grade membranes, are most commonly used for solution sterilization (bacteria removal).