Cleanliness and purity are of the utmost importance in the intricate world of pharmaceuticals. Various types of filters can help professionals follow standards in this field. They ensure contaminant-free production environments and contribute to the quality of pharmaceuticals. Here are four types of filters that you should know for the pharmaceutical industry.
Depth Filters
Depth filters are known for their porous nature, providing a labyrinthine path for a liquid to traverse. These filters are excellent at trapping particles of various sizes. They are particularly useful in applications with a high load capacity, as they can retain many particles without a substantial increase in pressure.
Membrane Filters
Contrary to depth filters, membrane filters operate on the surface. They feature a defined pore size that acts as a sieve, capturing particles larger than the specified pore diameter. Membrane filters offer high precision and are common in pharmaceutical processes for sterilization and the removal of particulates from products.
Activated Carbon Filters
Another essential filter type to consider is the activated carbon filter. It is renowned for its exceptional ability to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals, and odors from liquids and gases. Activated carbon filters operate through the process of adsorption, where contaminants adhere to the surface of the activated carbon particles.
This unique filtering mechanism is invaluable in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the purification of raw materials or the removal of unwanted odors or tastes in product formulations.
Pleated Filters
Pleated filters are beneficial in pharmaceutical processes due to their many benefits, namely their large surface area. This enhances the filter’s capacity and longevity, reducing the frequency of filter replacement. Pleated filters contain various materials, including polypropylene and fiberglass, and efficiently filter a wide range of particle sizes.
Now that you know these four filter types for the pharmaceutical industry, we hope you can appreciate the complicated interplay between filtration methods and ensuring product quality and safety.
