An investigation into the filtration of biological materials: Why is it such a problem?

The performance of cartridge filters in the filtration of biological materials has been found to be less than ideal. Typical applications include the filtration of seawater and domestic potable water, filtration in the food and pharmaceutical industries and also medical applications. In this article Ceri J. Williams and R.G.J. Edyvean, The University of Sheffield, UK discuss research in which they studied the effect of organically loaded feed-streams on the performance of spool wound cartridge filters. Filter performance was determined using standard filter test methodology according to ISO 4572 (1981). The system was adapted allowing filter testing with aqueous fluids and dosing of the test fluid with concentrations of proteinaceous materials and lipids. The effect of different concentrations of protein and lipid on filter performance was interpreted in terms of filter life, particle retention efficiency and dirt holding capacity. The degree of permeation of the organic material into the filtrate was also assessed by biochemical assays.