Products Description
Need to maintain sterile conditions inside storage tanks or bioreactors while allowing gas exchange?
Guanjiang's Breathing Filter (Tank Vent Filter) is a critical protective device installed on vent ports of containers such as storage tanks, reactors, and fermenters. It enables gas exchange during container breathing while preventing external microorganisms and particulate contaminants from entering. Featuring hydrophobic filter materials (PTFE/PVDF membranes or glass fiber) and stainless steel housing, it effectively filters particles and microorganisms ≥0.01μm with filtration efficiency up to 99.999% — maintaining sterility and balancing internal/external pressure.
Key Advantages
Effectively blocks bacteria, bacteriophages, and particles ≥0.01μm in the air. Maintains sterility in bioreactors and sterile storage tanks — prevents cross-contamination.
Hydrophobically treated filter membranes effectively block liquid penetration. Prevents filter clogging caused by liquid foam entrainment — maintains stable ventilation in humid environments.
Resists corrosion from acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. Suitable for harsh process environments. Compatible with steam and ethylene oxide sterilization.
Low airflow resistance reduces energy consumption. Reusable after sterilization — lowers operating costs. Long service life reduces waste.
Can be equipped with integrity test interfaces — supports online sterilization and monitoring for validation and compliance management.
Clamp / Flange (PN1.0-1.6MPa) / Threaded (BSPT/NPT) connections available for easy installation.
SS304 / SS316 / SS316L stainless steel — corrosion-resistant and suitable for GMP environments.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Housing MaterialNon | SS304 / SS316 / SS316L Stainless SteelNon |
| Filter MembraneNon | PTFE / PVDF / Glass fiber (hydrophobic)Non |
| Filter Element InterfaceNon | 226 (Card-in type)Non |
| Filter AccuracyNon | 0.01μm / 0.1μm / 0.22μm / 0.45μmNon |
| Filtration EfficiencyNon | 99.999% (for ≥0.01μm particles)Non |
| Work PressureNon | 0.3 MPa / 0.8 MPaNon |
| Connection TypeNon | Clamp / Flange (PN1.0-1.6MPa) / Threaded (BSPT/NPT)Non |
| Sterilization MethodNon | Steam (autoclave) / Ethylene oxide (EtO) / Gamma irradiationNon |
Selection Guide:
Membrane selection: PTFE (best chemical resistance and hydrophobicity) / PVDF (economical for general applications) / Glass fiber (high-temperature applications)
Filter accuracy: 0.01μm (sterile air, mycoplasma removal) / 0.22μm (sterile filtration) / 0.45μm (general particle removal)
Housing finish: Standard mill finish / Electropolished (for GMP pharmaceutical applications)
Applications
| Industry | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| PharmaceuticalNon | Bioreactors, fermenters, crystallizers, sterile storage tanks, WFI tanksNon |
| Food & BeverageNon | Fermentation tanks, mixing tanks, sterile storage tanks, dairy processingNon |
| Electronic ChemicalsNon | High-purity chemical storage tanks, precision electronic material containersNon |
| LaboratoriesNon | Shakers, biosesafety cabinets, cell culture incubators, media preparation vesselsNon |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is a hydrophobic membrane important for tank vent filters?
A: Hydrophobic membranes repel water and aqueous solutions. When tanks are cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), condensation or foam can occur. A hydrophobic filter prevents liquid from blocking the pores while still allowing air/gas to pass through. This ensures continuous sterile venting even in humid conditions.
Q2: Can the breathing filter be sterilized?
A: Yes. The filter assembly (housing + membrane) can be sterilized by autoclaving (steam, up to 135°C), in-place steam (SIP), or ethylene oxide (EtO) gas. The hydrophobic PTFE membrane maintains its integrity through multiple sterilization cycles, making it reusable.
Q3: What filter accuracy should I choose?
A: 0.01μm — Sterile air, mycoplasma removal (highest level). 0.22μm — Standard sterile filtration (removes all bacteria). 0.45μm — General particle removal (non-sterile applications). For most pharmaceutical bioreactor venting, 0.22μm is recommended.
Q4: How do you perform integrity testing on the breathing filter?
A: Our filter housing can be equipped with integrity test ports. Common test methods include: Water Intrusion Test (for hydrophobic filters), Bubble Point Test, or Diffusion Test. These tests validate filter integrity before and after use — essential for regulatory compliance (FDA, GMP).
Q5: What is the pressure rating of the housing?
A: Standard housings are rated for 0.3 MPa or 0.8 MPa (3 or 8 bar). High-pressure versions are available for specialized applications. The stainless steel construction (SS304/316/316L) ensures structural integrity under pressure fluctuations during tank filling/emptying.
Need a sterile breathing filter for your tank or bioreactor vent protection?
Request a Quote → Download Datasheet (PDF)* Please provide your tank volume, required filter accuracy (μm), connection type, and sterilization method for a fast, accurate quotation.
