Biopharmaceutical

Like any other stainless steel part, chromatography screens are subject to rouging, staining and other examples of corrosion. The very nature of chromatography leads to the additional challenge of trapped resin that impedes the flow of product. In addition to the cost of replacing clogged filters, the buildup creates inefficiencies in the chromatography process that directly affect the bottom line.

Another area of concern comes when the column is tasked with producing a different product. Clogged frit filters cannot be left in place during a product change-out for fear that the material caught in them could come loose and contaminate the new batch. For companies that pride themselves on their agile production capabilities, having to throw out filters before they’ve reached their end of usefulness is an unwelcomed expense.

Fortunately, frit filters can be cleaned and restored exclusively at one of Astro Pak’s 9 nationwide shop facilities. There, the filters are manually inspected to identify any issues. Surface contamination, including resin, is first removed followed by a thorough pressure washing and then a steam sanitization.  A second manual inspection looks for hidden damage as well as to ensure the success of the preliminary cleaning process.

The cleaning is followed up with passivation which restores the chemical non-reactivity of the stainless steel itself. During use, any number of things can impact the screens and damage the passive layer of stainless steel, exposing the chemically reactive layers below and encouraging corrosion, which can in turn, contaminate the product. A final rinse – with water samples sent out to test for organic carbon – completes the process. Multi-layer screens are further validated using the highest standards. By removing residual resin and restoring the stainless steel, the filter has been returned to an “as-new” state. The frit filters are then thoroughly dried and carefully packaged to ensure safe transport back to the customer’s facility.