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Gas & Vent Filters

Gas and Vent Filters for Bioprocessing

Gas or vent filters containing hydrophobic membrane are commonly used as air vents throughout biomanufacturing to maintain near-ambient pressure in processing tanks and closed systems. These filters act as a barrier, preventing both the entry of adventitious microorganisms and the release of product aerosols.  

Generally, the main considerations for gas filtration include filter position, sizing, sterilization processes, and integrity testing practices. There are stringent regulatory expectations for critical gas or vent filters, which include confirming the integrity of filters on sterile holding tanks and filling machines, and after steam-in-place sterilization or use. 

We offer gas and vent filters in both cartridge and single-use capsule formats for different applications. Each sterilizing-grade filter is integrity tested during manufacturing and is supported by comprehensive documentation for compliance with regulatory requirements.

Selecting the right gas or vent filter

  • Aervent® filters contain sterilizing-grade 0.2 µm hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane. These filters are used in bioprocessing applications where it is critical to use a phobic filter with validated bacterial and viral retention capabilities.
  • Millipore Express® SPG (Sterile Phobic Gamma) capsule filters contain sterilizing-grade hydrophobic 0.2 μm polyethersulfone (PES) membrane and are the preferred choice for gas filtration and venting in single-use applications. These filters are gamma-compatible.
  • Hydrophobic Durapore® filters contain 0.22 µm hydrophobic sterilizing-grade polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane and provide reliable removal of contaminants and microorganisms from gases.
  • Aerex® cartridge filters contain 0.2 μm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane and are designed for the removal of bacteria and viruses from moist gas streams in moderately- or non-critical applications. Aerex® filters are not validated for bacterial retention.
  • Millipak® and Millidisk® Barrier filters contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic sterilizing-grade 0.22 µm Durapore® PVDF membrane which allows the flow of both liquid and gas. These filters simplify PUPSIT in final filtration assemblies by maintaining sterility while removing the constraints of a flush bag or a can.

Related Product Resources

Product Selection & Operations

Tech Note: Integrity Test Troubleshooting – Beyond Rewet and Retest
Webinar: Defining a Strategy for the Validation and Qualification of Sterile Filtration Processes for Investigational Medicinal Compounds
Webinar: Filter Integrity Testing Best Practices

Product Specifications

Data Sheet: Sterilizing-grade Aervent® Filters
Data Sheet: Aerex® Cartridge Filters
Data Sheet: Durapore® Family Guide

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Highlights

As a leading partner and supplier to the biopharmaceutical industry, we continue to strengthen our supply chain to help you stay ahead.

Biomanufacturing Supply Robustness and Control

As a leading partner and supplier to the biopharmaceutical industry, we continue to strengthen our supply chain to help you stay ahead.

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