Filter Holders and Accessories FAQ

Disposal requirements for static eliminators vary by country. United States: Static eliminators are considered NRC-exempt and may be disposed of in regular trash once expired. However, Sterlitech recommends returning the device to us for proper disposal. If disposing of the unit yourself, cover any radioactive labels or markings with a black permanent marker before disposal.

Canada: Static eliminators are not exempt under the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulations and must be returned for proper disposal. Please contact Sterlitech for return shipping instructions and assistance with proper disposal.

Membrane filter tweezers are recommended to minimize the risk of contamination and membrane damage, especially for delicate or sterile applications. However, they are not required—most membrane filters can be installed by hand. When handling filters manually, wearing clean gloves is recommended to prevent contamination from skin oils and other residues.

No. Sterlitech magnetic filter funnels are not recommended for filtering organic solvents or strong acids, as exposure to these chemicals can significantly reduce the lifespan of the funnels and may damage the PPSU material. For solvent or chemically aggressive applications, consider using a filter holder specifically designed for chemical resistance, such as glass or stainless steel filtration assemblies.

Yes. Sterlitech PES magnetic filter funnels can be autoclaved repeatedly at 121–123°C (250–253°F), 1.0 bar (100 kPa, 15 psi) for 15–20 minutes. For best results: Remove the lid kits and stoppers before autoclaving. Do not wrap the funnels in aluminum foil during sterilization. Avoid repeated use of detergents containing polyoxyethylated alkyl phenols, alcohols, anti-corrosion agents, or anti-scaling boiler additives, as these chemicals may cause the polyphenyl sulfone (PPSU) material to crack over time. Following these guidelines will help maximize the lifespan and performance of your magnetic filter funnels.

The primary difference is the housing material: MF Filter Holder: Made from PES (polyethersulfone), suitable for general laboratory use and applications with occasional autoclaving, such as environmental testing.

MF Pro Filter Holder: Made from PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), which provides superior chemical resistance and higher heat resistance, making it ideal for frequent autoclaving in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other demanding laboratory applications. Choose the MF Pro if your application requires repeated sterilization or exposure to harsh chemicals. For routine filtration with less frequent sterilization, the MF Filter Holder is a reliable and cost-effective option.

The 3-opening filter holder lid is designed to support a variety of laboratory filtration applications: 1. Prevent contamination: Insert a syringe filter into one opening to vent the system while helping prevent dust and airborne contaminants from entering. 2. Continuous filtration: Use an opening for liquid aspiration to enable continuous filtration and reduce manual intervention. 3. Easy reagent addition: The remaining opening(s) provide convenient access for adding reagents or samples during filtration without removing the lid.

No. Solvent filtration and acid filtration are not recommended with the MF Filter Holder, as prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals can significantly reduce the holder's service life. For applications involving solvents or corrosive chemicals, use a chemically resistant filter holder designed for those conditions.

To keep your MF Filter Holder in optimal condition: Disassemble the filter holder completely. Soak all components in clean water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. If needed, use a soft-bristle brush or non-abrasive sponge to remove residue. Rinse thoroughly, using purified water for the final rinse. Dry and store all parts in a clean, dry location before reassembly. Proper cleaning helps maintain filtration performance and extends the service life of your MF Filter Holder.

No. Detergents are not recommended for cleaning the MF (PES) or MF Pro (PPSU) Filter Holder. Repeated exposure to detergents can damage the material, leading to cracking and a shorter service life. Avoid detergents containing polyoxyethylated alkyl phenols, alcohols, anti-corrosion, or anti-scaling additives. Instead, clean the filter holder with clean water and use a soft brush or sponge if needed.

Yes. The MF and MF Pro Filter Holders are autoclavable and can be steam sterilized at 121–123°C (250–253°F) and 1.0 bar (15 psi) for 15–20 minutes. When used without exposure to chemical solvents or detergents, they can withstand at least 150 autoclave cycles while maintaining performance.

To safely autoclave the MF or MF Pro Filter Holder: 1.Disassemble the filter holder by separating the lid kit, funnel, and support base. 2.Steam sterilize at 121–123°C (250–253°F), 1.0 bar (15 psi) for 15–20 minutes. 3. Do not wrap components in aluminum foil. Instead, use autoclave paper or autoclave bags to protect the parts during sterilization. Following these guidelines helps maximize the service life and performance of your filter holder

When performing a leak test, assemble the MF or MF Pro Filter Holder exactly as it will be used during normal filtration. Always install a membrane filter before starting the leak test to ensure the holder seals properly and to obtain accurate results.