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World's Largest Producer Of Inorganic Membranes & Filtration Products

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Filters

Our range of membrane, syringe, and capsule filters represent the industry's highest quality manufacturing standards, product performance, and application support for laboratory-scale filtration. Reduce process times, increase efficiency and product consistent, measurable results today with our filtration devices.
 

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Filter Holders

Sterlitech's vacuum pressure and filtration process filter holders and devices are designed to maximize flow rates and minimize holder resistance. We offer filter holders in a variety of configurations, so that you can find the filter holder that has the appropriate size and chemical compatibility for your application.

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Membrane/Process Development

The MPD Product line at Sterlitech includes a wide range of commercially available polymeric flat sheet membranes, as well as ceramic membranes, bench-scale cross/tangential flow test celss, and filtration equipment. Sterlitech also offers Custom Designed Skid Mount Membrane Filtration Systems.

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Laboratory Equipment

Choose from Sterlitech's selection of lab supplies for small research and analytical laboratories; vacuum pumps, fluid transfer, hotplates/stirrers, and more. You can count on the value and quality of Sterlitech's laboratory-scale products for all of your microbiology and biotechnology applications.

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Life Science

Sterlitech now offers an expanding line consumable life science products including CellQart Cell Culture Supplies, Liposome Extrusion, and Suction pumps.

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Environmental Testing

Sterlitech offers a line of specialty devices for environmental and water analysis to complement our highly-effective glass fiber filters and sterile MCE membranes; these products include both sterile petri dishes and low-cost, EPA compliant filter funnels.

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Diagnostic Test Kits

Diagnostic test kits for evaluating the presence of diseases causing parasites and microbial organisms from endemic regions around the world.  The test kits are designed for use in the field by researchers and clinicians alike in a ready-to-go format.

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OEM Membrane

We provide the filters and technical support to help you take your breakthrough product from an idea to a prototype, to commercial scale.

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All the Latest Filtration News and Industry Updates

Efficient Matrix Digestion for Accurate Trace Heavy Metals Detection

Soils associated with industrial operations such as landfills, manufacturing facilities, and the intensive use of agricultural chemicals can be prone to heavy metal accumulation.  

Toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury can accumulate in soil, where they are absorbed by crops and plants. As a result, consumption of these crops inevitably leads to heavy metal exposure1.  

Determining soil health and compatibility for plant growth and animal grazing is an important step to ensure heavy metals do not bioaccumulate. Two ways to determine heavy metal contents in soil are the use of analytical spectroscopy techniques such as Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). These techniques analyze heavy metals suspended in aqueous solution and have very sensitive detection limits. 

To ensure separation of heavy metals in complicated matrices such as soil and other soil constituents, a digestion step is required before spectroscopy. Soil samples are subjected to boiling temperature of 95 °C ± 5 °C using strong oxidizers such as Nitric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid and 30% Hydrogen Peroxide (US EPA Method 3050 B)2. Volatilization of oxidizing agents can corrode metallic surfaces; thus, acid and peroxide digestions require caution when using metallic or ceramic heating blocks with metal components.

The Mars 320 Graphite Hotplate is a laboratory heating device specifically designed for acid digestion in environmental testing. Its graphite heating block provides uniform heat distribution and excellent chemical resistance, making it ideal for harsh digestion conditions. Due to the precise temperature control, it allows users to set and maintain the exact temperature required for digestion protocols, over digestion and sample loss from effervescence and overboiling is prevented. Stable heating ensures each sample is subjected to the same temperature conditions. This is crucial for consistent results and accuracy when doing batch analysis.

Compatibility with Digestion Vessels: The design incorporates a graphite block capable of holding multiple sample tubes or vessels, enabling laboratories to increase throughput by digesting several samples simultaneously. The graphite block is typically removable and interchangeable to accommodate different tube sizes and capacities

Robust Construction and Safety Features: Built with corrosion-resistant materials (graphite and coated housing), the Mars 320 Graphite Hotplate withstands acidic fumes and spills. It includes safety measures such as over-temperature protection and thermal insulation to protect users and maintain safe operation. 

Streamlining heavy metal analysis with consistent digestion and resistance to corrosive chemicals, the Mars 320 Graphite Hotplate is ideal for soil testing and regulatory compliance in drinking water. It boosts throughput, ensures reliable results, and promotes a safer lab environment, making it a trusted choice for demanding screening program. 

References: 

  1. Witkowska D, Słowik J, Chilicka K. Heavy Metals and Human Health: Possible Exposure Pathways and the Competition for Protein Binding Sites. Molecules. 2021 Oct 7;26(19):6060. doi: 10.3390/molecules26196060. PMID: 34641604; PMCID: PMC8511997. 
  2. EPA Method 3050B – Acid Digestion of Sediments, Sludges, and Soils. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
SterliTECH Tip: Start Clean—The Importance of Pre-Conditioning Membranes for Testing Accuracy

Accurate membrane testing starts with a clean, properly conditioned membrane. 

Whether working with ceramic membranes or flat sheet membranes, pre-conditioning is a critical first step. It removes residual particulates and surface residues that can interfere with initial performance measurements, ensuring that test results reflect the true capabilities of the membrane rather than artifacts from contamination.

Sterlitech emphasizes preconditioning as a best practice, particularly when addressing unexpected behavior in permeability or flow rates during testing. Skipping this step may result in inaccurate baseline readings, impaired performance, and misdiagnosis of membrane behavior. 

Unexpected Permeability Outcomes

Membrane systems are typically expected to demonstrate predictable relationships between their structural properties and filtration performance. When observed results deviate from these expectations, a common underlying cause is fouling or obstruction by particulates that accumulate on the surface or within the membrane structure.Ceramic membranes are susceptible to this issue due to residual particulates left over from the sintering or machining process. Flat sheet membranes may carry handling residues, process additives, or surface-bound particles that also interfere with initial wettability and performance. 

Standard Pre-Condition Protocol for Membranes

Prior to any performance testing, membranes should undergo a system rinse to remove surface and internal contaminants. This is critical for achieving reproducible flux data and accurate characterization.

Recommended Procedure:

  1. Fill the system with clean water (preferably DI or high-purity feed).
  2. Activate the permeate circulation or feed pump to initiate full flow through both permeate and retentate channels.
  3. Discharge all flow to waste until the effluent is visibly clear and free from debris.

This flushing step conditions the membrane, stabilizes its pore structure for testing, and helps avoid misleading permeability readings due to obstruction or uneven wetting.

Implementing a pre-condition protocol is a simple but highly effective quality control measure that eliminates variables before they enter your data set. It ensures membranes are clean, conditioned, and ready to provide reliable performance data from the outset.

Still have questions? Ask an Expert for additional support and guidance.

SterliTECH Tip: 3 Best Practices For Easier Permeate Collection

Membrane flat sheet test cells and housings are essential tools in research and development laboratories. 

They allow researchers to quickly gather data on rejection, flux, and fouling behavior, helping accelerate membrane development and application testing. 

In Sterlitech’s test cells, the permeate tube plays an important role in directing permeate into collection vessels such as beakers or graduated cylinders. Proper handling is essential not only for consistent system performance and accurate test results, but also for preserving the integrity of high-value permeation processes where precision and reliability are critical. 

Here are three best practices to make permeate tube handling easier and more reliable: 

  1. Secure the Tubing with a Clamp: Using a lab-grade or heavy-duty clamp—such as a trigger clamp—helps hold the permeate tube against a rigid frame. This ensures the outlet stays directed into the beaker, minimizing the risk of spills or misalignment. Pro tip: A handheld heater can be used to reshape the tubing for better positioning into the collection vessel.
  2. Use a 90-Degree Elbow Fitting: When test cells are mounted high on a skid system, routing the permeate line straight down can be tricky. A 90-degree elbow fitting diverts the flow sideways, making tube management simpler and reducing stress on the tubing. 
  3. Consider Flexible Tubing Alternatives: Rigid polypropylene tubing (¼" OD in flat sheet cells, ⅜" OD in 1812 housings) is standard and chemically resistant—but it can be hard to maneuver. For greater flexibility, consider swapping it with Tygon or other lab-grade tubing. Reminder: Always verify chemical compatibility before replacing tubing.

Strengthening Your Workflow

Though minor, the permeate tube plays a critical role in the successful operation of membrane test cells. Taking a few minutes to secure or adapt tubing improves efficiency, prevents contamination, and ensures accurate test results. 

 

 

Ask An Expert

As an industry leader focused in unique micro and sub-micron filtration products, our goal is to support our customers by keeping them at the forefront of their industries. We're here to help with any filtration questions you might have so you can transform your ideas into reality, and tackle those big science challenges. Feel free to reach out using the form below, our experts are ready to serve.

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SterliTECH Tips

Prolonging The Life of Your Microfilters
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