Membrane Wetting

Integrity testing is crucial for hydrophilic membrane applications to ensure bioburden control. Manufacturers like Graver Technologies conduct integrity tests on each cartridge before release, typically using diffusion or bubble point tests. End users commonly retest cartridges before use, with false failures often due to inadequate pre-wetting of the membrane or other issues like damaged o-rings or incorrect test values. Pre-wetting is essential for valid integrity tests, with factors like wetting fluid characteristics, membrane properties, and process conditions affecting success. Manufacturers provide guidelines for pre-wetting specific membrane types to minimize failure risks. Improving pre-wetting can be achieved by adjusting wetting fluid temperature, flow restriction, increased flow through the cartridge, longer pre-wet time, using wetting agents, or alternative wetting fluids. Graver Technologies provides published integrity test values for their membrane products to guide users.

• Integrity testing is critical for hydrophilic membrane applications

• Manufacturers conduct integrity tests before releasing cartridges

• End users commonly retest cartridges before use

• Pre-wetting is essential for valid integrity tests

• Factors affecting pre-wetting success include wetting fluid characteristics, membrane properties, and process conditions

• Manufacturers provide guidelines for pre-wetting specific membrane types

• Improving pre-wetting can be achieved by adjusting wetting fluid temperature, flow restriction, increased flow through the cartridge, longer pre-wet time, using wetting agents, or alternative wetting fluids

• Graver Technologies provides published integrity test values for their membrane products

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