3M Reveals Advanced Bio Filters Setting New Flow-Rate, Organism-Reduction and Efficiency Benchmarks
LifeASSURE PNA Filter Series from 3M combines advanced membrane technologies for improved filter performance and lower cost of ownership
Bracknell, UK, 19 October 2011 – Diversified technology company 3M has launched a range of bioburden reduction filters combining the high filtration performance of membrane-type media with enhanced flow characteristics, enabling lower system costs and longer operating lifetimes. The new LifeASSURE PNA Filter Series from 3M’s Purification division can be used as pre-filters or final filters, where a high level of microbiological control is required. They are designed specifically for biotech, pharmaceutical and biological applications, such as production of vaccines, laboratory fluids, blood products, fine or bulk chemicals, and purified water.
“The advanced technologies we have engineered into the new LifeASSURE PNA Filter Series will enable customers in the bioprocess, pharmaceutical and other sectors to reduce capital costs and operating overheads whilst simultaneously benefiting from improved microbiological control,” said Andrew Whitehouse, Sales and Marketing Manager for 3M‘s Purification division.
LifeASSURE PNA filter assemblies are available with either a 0.2µm or 0.45µm filtration rating and feature an asymmetric membrane with 3M’s Advanced Pleat Technology (APT) that maximises the useful surface area of the filter. In addition, optimised filter-media support layers are positioned upstream and downstream of the membrane. Together, these innovations increase flow rate per unit pressure, allowing designers to meet performance targets using fewer cartridges thereby enabling smaller, lower-cost systems. In continuous operation mode the filters achieve longer service lifetimes, saving the costs associated with frequent filter changes. In batch process applications, the higher flow rate can help reduce the number of filters needed to process a given batch volume.
Moreover, tests confirm superior reduction of microorganisms. The 0.2µm PNA020 membrane provides Log Reduction Values (LRV) in excess of 7 with B. diminuta (ATCC 19146) at a challenge concentration of at least 10 7cfu/cm², while the 0.45µm PNA045 filter achieves an LRV greater than 8 for S. marcescens (ATCC 14756) at 10 6cfu/cm² or higher.
For further information, please visit www.3M.co.uk/filtration.
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3M and LifeASSURE are trademarks of 3M Company.
Beky Cann
Neesham Public Relations
Tel: 44 (0) 1296 628180
Email: bekyc@neesham.co.uk
About 3M’s Purification division (formerly CUNO)
On 1 August 2005, CUNO was acquired by 3M so that its separation and filtration experience could be combined with the advanced materials innovation of 3M to offer complete, integrated filtration solutions for the purification of liquids and gasses to customers worldwide. In November 2009, 3M CUNO rebranded as 3M Purification Inc. 3M Purification operates eight manufacturing facilities – in the United States, Europe, Japan, Brazil and Australia – and has sales offices throughout the world serving a $3 billion dollar market which is currently growing at a rate of seven to eight per cent annually.
About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Its culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better.
The $27 billion diversified technology company has, since 1902, been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.
3M employs some 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing more than 3,500 people across 19 locations, including 10 manufacturing sites.
Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, occupational health and environmental safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.
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