WO2011028704A2 - Dispositif de filtration à membrane amovible - Google Patents

Dispositif de filtration à membrane amovible Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011028704A2
WO2011028704A2 PCT/US2010/047316 US2010047316W WO2011028704A2 WO 2011028704 A2 WO2011028704 A2 WO 2011028704A2 US 2010047316 W US2010047316 W US 2010047316W WO 2011028704 A2 WO2011028704 A2 WO 2011028704A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
base
sample reservoir
filter
reservoir
sample
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2010/047316
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2011028704A3 (fr
Inventor
Jeffrey F. Kane
Original Assignee
Kane Jeffrey F
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kane Jeffrey F filed Critical Kane Jeffrey F
Publication of WO2011028704A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011028704A2/fr
Publication of WO2011028704A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011028704A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D69/00—Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
    • B01D69/06—Flat membranes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D63/00—Apparatus in general for separation processes using semi-permeable membranes
    • B01D63/08—Flat membrane modules
    • B01D63/087—Single membrane modules
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D69/00—Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
    • B01D69/06—Flat membranes
    • B01D69/061—Membrane bags or membrane cushions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D69/00—Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or properties; Manufacturing processes specially adapted therefor
    • B01D69/10—Supported membranes; Membrane supports
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M33/00—Means for introduction, transport, positioning, extraction, harvesting, peeling or sampling of biological material in or from the apparatus
    • C12M33/14—Means for introduction, transport, positioning, extraction, harvesting, peeling or sampling of biological material in or from the apparatus with filters, sieves or membranes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2313/00—Details relating to membrane modules or apparatus
    • B01D2313/20—Specific housing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2325/00—Details relating to properties of membranes
    • B01D2325/06—Surface irregularities

Definitions

  • This invention relates to filter assemblies and, more particularly, to filter assemblies containing an inlet and outlet and having a removable membrane therebetween for the analysis of microorganisms.
  • In-line filters that may be disassembled are conventionally made of two molded polymeric upper and lower plastic housing components with peripheral flanges.
  • the flanges may be sealed together with a telescopic interference fit.
  • the periphery of the filter membrane may be sealed between the flanges.
  • the lower housing typically contains the membrane within a raised female peripheral flange and the upper housing typically contains the male peripheral flange to provide for the telescopic interference engagement.
  • the membrane can be accessed and removed from the lower housing by pinching the peripheral edge of the membrane using forceps upon disengagement of the upper and lower housing components.
  • a filtration assembly includes a sample reservoir for holding a fluid sample to be filtered, a base, and a compressible member.
  • the base is removably coupled to the sample reservoir such that a portion of the sample reservoir removably telescopes over at least a portion of the base.
  • the base also forms a filter platform that supports a filter within a fluid path between the sample reservoir and the base.
  • the compressible member is disposed between the sample reservoir and the base, and a portion of the sample reservoir compresses the compressible member to create a seal between the sample reservoir and the base.
  • the sample reservoir may include a sealing rim that extends from the bottom of the sample reservoir, and compresses the compressible member to create the seal.
  • the compressible member may be located between the filter platform and the base or between the filter and the sample reservoir.
  • the compressible member may be annular and define an opening through which the fluid path passes.
  • the filter platform may include a plurality of projections radially spaced about the filter platform. The projections may be configured to position the filter membrane (and/or the compressible member) on the filter platform.
  • the compressible member may be located radially inward from the projections.
  • the base may also include a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from an outer wall of the base. The base may be self supporting.
  • the sample reservoir may include a reservoir protrusion
  • the base may include a base groove.
  • the reservoir protrusion may engage the base groove when the sample reservoir is coupled to the base.
  • the sample reservoir may include a reservoir groove
  • the base may include a base protrusion.
  • the base protrusion may engage the reservoir groove when the sample reservoir is mounted on the base.
  • the compressible member may be a compressible absorbent pad capable of absorbing nutrient fluid for culturing microorganisms trapped in the filter.
  • the filter assembly may also include a filter supported on the filter platform.
  • a method of filtering a fluid sample may include providing a filtering apparatus having a base and a sample reservoir for holding a fluid sample to be filtered.
  • the sample reservoir may be removably coupled to the base such that a portion of the sample reservoir removably telescopes over at least a portion of the base.
  • the base may also form a filter platform for supporting a filter within a fluid path between the sample reservoir and the base.
  • the filtering apparatus may also include a compressible member located between the sample reservoir and the base. When coupled, the sample reservoir may compress the compressible member to create a seal between the sample reservoir and the base.
  • the method may also include pouring the sample to be filtered into the sample reservoir, and filtering the fluid sample through the filter.
  • the method may then connect the filtering apparatus to a vacuum manifold which applies a vacuum to the filtering apparatus to draw the sample to be filtered through the filter.
  • the compressible member may be a compressible absorbent pad capable of absorbing nutrient fluid for culturing microorganisms trapped in the filter.
  • the method may also include removing the sample reservoir from the base, applying nutrient fluid to the absorbent pad, and incubating the base, filter, and absorbent pad to culture microorganisms captured in the filer.
  • the nutrient fluid may be applied to the absorbent pad through a fluid port passing through the base.
  • the method may include (1) removing the sample reservoir from the base to expose the filter, and (2) removing the filter from the filtering apparatus.
  • the method may also include transferring the filter to a Petri-dish, and culturing microorganisms captured within the filter.
  • a filtration kit may include a sample reservoir, a filter membrane, a base, and a compressible member.
  • the sample reservoir may hold a fluid sample to be filtered with the filter membrane.
  • the base may be removably coupled to the sample reservoir such that a portion of the sample reservoir removably telescopes over at least a portion of the base.
  • the base may form a filter platform that supports the filter membrane within a fluid path between the sample reservoir and the base.
  • the compressible member may be disposed between the sample reservoir and the base. A portion of the sample reservoir may compress the compressible member (e.g., when coupled to the base) to create a seal between the sample reservoir and the base.
  • the compressible member may be an absorbent pad capable of absorbing nutrient fluid for culturing microorganisms trapped in the filter.
  • the kit may also include nutrient solution, growth medium, and/or a reagent for detecting the presence of the microorganisms.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows an isometric view of a filtration assembly in accordance with various embodiments the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a sample reservoir in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a cover of in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 schematically shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a filtration assembly in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a base of the present in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 schematically shows a top isometric view of a base in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 schematically shows a bottom isometric view of a base in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 schematically shows a isometric view of a base with a membrane filter element and shows a forceps pinching the peripheral edge of the membrane in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 schematically shows an exploded view of a base and filter element and shows a forceps removing the membrane filter element from the raised annular filter membrane support surface in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 schematically shows a bottom isometric view of a base and schematically illustrates a method of introducing nutrient through the fluid port of the base in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.
  • Illustrative embodiments of the filter device of the present invention have numerous advantages over the prior art and ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art described above. These advantages will be apparent from the description as set forth below.
  • a filtration assembly may include a sample reservoir for receiving a fluid to be filtered and a base for supporting the sample reservoir.
  • the base may include a raised annular surface (e.g., a filter platform) that supports a filter element and may include a fluid port that communicates with the sample reservoir.
  • the filtration assembly may also define a fluid flow path between the sample reservoir and the fluid port.
  • the filter element may capture microorganisms of interest in the fluid sample and may be disposed adjacent the raised annular surface of the base.
  • the filter element may be arranged between the fluid flow path between the sample reservoir and the fluid port.
  • a sample may be collected in the sample reservoir, and the fluid may be drawn from the reservoir through the filter element and fluid port. Subsequently, the base may be detached from the reservoir to expose the membrane filter element supported on the raised annular filter support surface.
  • a filtration assembly may also include a sample reservoir for receiving a fluid to be filtered and a base for supporting the sample reservoir.
  • the base may include a removably attached perimeter flange that provides a fluid-tight fit with the sample reservoir.
  • the base may also include a raised annular surface for supporting a filter element, and a fluid port communicating with the sample reservoir.
  • the assembly may also define a fluid flow path between the sample reservoir and the fluid port.
  • the filter element for capturing microorganisms of interest in the fluid sample may be adjacent to the raised annular surface of the base and may be arranged between the fluid flow path between the sample reservoir and the fluid port.
  • a sample may be collected in the sample reservoir and the fluid may be drawn from the reservoir through the filter element and fluid port. Subsequently, the base may be detached from the reservoir by removing the detachably connected perimeter flange from the base and detaching the base from the reservoir to expose the membrane filter element supported on the raised annular filter support surface.
  • a method of culturing microorganisms may include collecting a microorganism-containing fluid to be filtered in a sample reservoir and drawing the fluid to be filtered through a microorganism-capturing filter medium.
  • the filter medium may be supported on the raised annular support surface of the base.
  • the method may also include detaching the base from the reservoir thereby exposing the membrane filter element disposed adjacent the raised annular support surface. The method may then remove the filter element, and incubate the microorganisms captured by the filter medium.
  • FIGS. 1-7 An illustrative embodiment of a filtration assembly 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-7.
  • the assembly 10 may include a sample reservoir 20 and a base 30, which may be detachably engaged with the lower end of the sample reservoir 20.
  • the sample reservoir 20 may define a chamber 22 including an outer wall 21 and an inner wall 27.
  • the chamber 22 may be used to collect and hold a fluid sample which is to be filtered.
  • the base 30 may serve to support the sample reservoir 20 and may include a fluid port 38.
  • the base may further include a filter platform (e.g., a raised annular surface 61) for supporting the membrane filter element 70, which is best illustrated in figure 6.
  • a filter 70 is preferably disposed in a fluid flow path between the sample reservoir 20 and the fluid port 38 so that the fluid sample to be filtered passes from the reservoir 20 and through the filter 70 and the fluid port 38.
  • a cover member 50 may be detachably engagable with the upper end of the sample reservoir 20 and may form a loose fit between the cover member 50 and the sample reservoir 20.
  • the sample reservoir 20 may have any structure which enables it to hold a desired volume of a sample fluid which is to be filtered.
  • the sample reservoir 20 may be generally cylindrical and may be open at its upper and lower ends.
  • the sample reservoir 20 has an outer wall 21 which defines the outer periphery of the sample reservoir 20 for the sample fluid, and an inner wall 27 that defines the inner periphery of the reservoir 20.
  • the outer wall 21 may have a circular transverse cross-sectional shape and an inner diameter (provided by inner wall 27) which linearly decreases from its upper to its lower end.
  • the shapes of the outer wall 21 and inner wall 27 are not critical and the diameter need not vary over its height.
  • the transverse cross-sectional shape may be polygonal or of a non-circular curved shape and the inner diameter or other dimensions of the sample reservoir 20 may be constant or vary in any desired manner over the height of the sample reservoir 20.
  • the sample reservoir 20 may include graduations on its inner or outer surface to assist a user in measuring the amount of sample fluid being collected.
  • the filtration assembly 10 may include a cover member 50.
  • the cover 50 which is best illustrated in FIG. 3, is shaped so as to detachably fit atop the upper end of the sample reservoir 20.
  • the cover 50 may engage with the upper end of the sample reservoir 20 in various manners. For example, they may engage each other with a snap fit, a bayonet fit, threaded engagement, press fit, or a loose fit.
  • the engagement provides a fluid-tight seal between the cover 50 and the reservoir 20, and the engagement is such as to provide some resistance to disengagement of the cover 50 from the sample reservoir 20 so as to enable the filtration assembly 10 to be handled and transported without the cover 50 falling off the sample reservoir 20, while still permitting the cover 50 to be readily detached from the sample reservoir 20.
  • the cover member 50 may be shaped so as to be detachably connectable to the base 30, for example, when the cover member 50 and base 30 together are to be used as part of a Petri dish.
  • the base 30 may be a unitary member formed by injection molding.
  • the raised annular filter support surface 61 e.g., the filter support
  • the base 30 may comprise a plurality of separately formed components.
  • the filter support surface 31 may comprise a perforated plate, a porous plate, or a mesh which is removably installed within the interior of the base 30 and has an upper surface which can support the filter element 70.
  • the filter support surface 31 may be planar to the raised annular membrane support surface 61.
  • the raised annular membrane support surface 61 may be surrounded by a plurality of radial projections 35 extending upwards from the surface of the raised annular support surface 61.
  • the projections 35 may serve to surround and position the filter element 70 disposed on the raised annular support surface 61. Additionally, as discussed in greater detail below, the projections 35 may also surround and position the resilient/compressible member 46.
  • the filtration assembly 10 may be capable of standing upright on a level surface without being supported.
  • the base 30 may include an outer wall 41 extending around its entire periphery for supporting the base 30 on a table or other level surface (e.g., the base 30 may be self-supporting).
  • members other than a continuous wall can also be used to support the base, such as a plurality of legs.
  • the base 30 may not be self-supporting, and it may have a shape which does not stand upright by itself.
  • the bottom of the base 30 may be shaped like a funnel.
  • the base 30 may also include a plurality of ribs 34 positioned around the perimeter of base 30 and extending outward from outer wall 41.
  • the ribs 34 serve to provide projections for grasping the base 30.
  • the ribs 34 may project radially outward beyond the outer wall 21 of reservoir 20 to facilitate manual grasping and detachment of base 30 and reservoir 20.
  • the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 may have a variety of configurations.
  • the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 may be separately formed and permanently connected to each other, or they may be formed as a single member.
  • the filtration assembly 10 may not include a base 30.
  • the sample reservoir 20 may be detachably engaged with the base 30 so that the base 30 can be separated from the sample reservoir 20, for example, to remove the filter element 70.
  • the manner of engagement between the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 is preferably such that the engagement creates a fluid-tight seal without the need for a sealing member, such as an O-ring or gasket, yet such that the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 can be readily disengaged from each other by hand.
  • the lower end of the sample reservoir 20 is also preferably shaped so that a fluid-tight seal is formed between the sample reservoir 20 and the upper surface of a filter element 70 disposed on the raised annular support surface 61 to prevent fluid from the sample reservoir 20 from bypassing the filter element 70 by flowing between the sample reservoir 20 and the filter element 70.
  • any type of detachable engagement providing intimate, sealing contact between the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 around the entire inner periphery of the base 30 may be employed to detachably engage the two members.
  • opposing surfaces of the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 may be pressed into sealing contact with each other by a compressive force acting in the axial direction of the filtration assembly 10.
  • the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 may be engaged with each other by an interference fit which produces a fluid-tight seal between the inner peripheral surface of the sample reservoir 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the base 30.
  • the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 may be structured so as to provide resistance to an axial force tending to pull them apart so as not to be inadvertently disconnected from each other during use.
  • resistance to disengagement may be provided by a snap fit in which the upper end of the base 30 is received inside the lower end of the sample reservoir 20.
  • the lower end of the base 30 may have a groove 24 and a radially outward projection 25 which extend continuously around its entire outer periphery.
  • the sample reservoir 20 may have a groove 36 and a radial inward projection 37 extending continuously around its entire inner periphery at its lower end.
  • the inner diameter of the lower end of the sample reservoir 20 and the outer diameter of the base 30 are preferably selected so that the projections 25 and 37 will snap into and fit snugly inside the grooves 36 and 24, respectively, with an interference fit so that there is intimate contact, such as line contact or surface contact, between each projection and the corresponding groove around the entire circumference of the sample reservoir 20.
  • the sample reservoir 20 may be disconnected from the base 30 simply by flexing the two members with respect to each other, for example, to disengage the projections from the grooves.
  • the groove 36 and the projection 37 are formed as close to the lower end of the sample reservoir 20 as possible.
  • the projection 37 may immediately adjoin the upper end of the base 30.
  • the location of the sealing contact between the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 is not critical so long as the contact can prevent fluid from leaking to the exterior of the filtration assembly 10 during normal use.
  • the sealing contact may be between the mating surfaces of the grooves 24, 36 and the projections, 25, 37 or it could be formed in a different location, with engagement between the grooves and the projections serving primarily to resist inadvertent disengagement of the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 or to maintain an axial compressive force between the sample reservoir 20 and the filter element 70 to form a fluid- tight seal against the filter element 70.
  • the grooves and the projections need not be continuous members.
  • Each groove 24, 36 may be complementary in shape with the corresponding projection 25,37, i.e., it may have substantially the same radius of curvature as the corresponding projection so that each groove and the corresponding projection are in surface contact, but the curvatures of the groove and the projection may alternatively be such that they are in line contact, for example. It is possible to form a seal between the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 with a single projection formed on the surface of one of the two members and a single groove for engagement with the projection formed on the surface of the other two members, but a plurality of grooves and projections may create a seal of greater integrity.
  • tape or a sleeve such as a shrink wrap sleeve
  • tape or a sleeve may be employed instead of or in addition to the interference fit provided by the grooves 24,36 and projections 25,37 on the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30.
  • the lower end of the sample reservoir 20 may be preferably formed with an annular sealing rim 26 which extends around the entire periphery of the sample reservoir 20.
  • annular sealing rim 26 which extends around the entire periphery of the sample reservoir 20.
  • the filter element 70 may include at least one filter medium compatible with the fluid being filtered and capable of removing microorganisms of interest from the fluid.
  • the filter medium may be of any desired type, such as a microporous membrane or fibrous element of various materials, or filter paper, for example.
  • the filter medium is a thermally resistant material.
  • a wide variety of filter media for microbiological studies are commercially available, and any such filter media can be employed with the present invention as the filter element 70.
  • the filter medium may capture microorganisms in any desired manner, e.g., according to size, by adsorption, and/or affinity binding.
  • Filter media for use in microbiological studies are frequently flat membrane discs, but the filter element 70 need not have any particular shape.
  • the membrane may include a series of peaks and valleys to increase its surface area (e.g., the filter 70 may be pleated).
  • the filter element 70 is disposed/located in the fluid flow path between the sample reservoir 20 and the fluid port 38 so that the fluid to be filtered passes through the filter element 70.
  • the filter element may be self-supporting or, alternatively, the flat filter element 70 may be supported by the raised annular support surface 61 which is planer to filter support surface 31.
  • some embodiments may include a compressible member located between the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30.
  • the filtration assembly may include a compressible absorbent pad 46 or a resilient, compressible member between the lower surface of the filter element 70 and the raised annular support surface 61 in the region beneath where the sealing rim 26 contacts the filter element 70.
  • Such a member can compensate for variations in the axial length of the sealing rim 26 and the raised annular filter support surface 61 to maintain the sealing rim 26 in intimate, sealing contact with the filter element 70, thereby enabling the manufacturing tolerances of the sample reservoir 20 and the base 30 to be less precise.
  • the resilient/compressible member 46 may be either permeable or impermeable to the fluid being filtered.
  • it may comprise an impermeable gasket disposed beneath the filter element 70.
  • the resilient/compressible member 45 may be annular and have an opening extending through it to allow the fluid being filtered to pass from the sample reservoir 20 through the fluid port 38 within the base 30.
  • the resilient/compressible member 46 may also be located above the filter element 70.
  • the resilient/compressible member 46 may be located between the top surface of the filter element 70 and the sealing rim 26.
  • the sealing rim 26 does not directly contact the filter element 70. Rather, the sealing rim 26 is pressed into sealing contact with the resilient/compressible member 46 (e.g., the compressible member), which in turn is pressed into sealing contact with the filter element 70.
  • the resilient/compressible member 46 e.g., the compressible member
  • Such a compressible member may be separate from or joined to the filter element 70.
  • the raised annular support surface 61 (e.g., the filter platform) may be located above the grove 24 and projection 25 of base 30.
  • the raised annular support surface 61 serves to position the filter membrane 70 at a height above grove 24 and projection 25 of base 30 to expose the outer perimeter of filter membrane 70.
  • the forceps 80 upon completion of filtration and removal of sample reservoir 20, the forceps 80 have open access to the outer perimeter of membrane filter 70 to facilitate easy access and removal of filter membrane 70 from base 30.
  • the axial length of the sealing rim 26 of the sample reservoir 20 and the axial height of the radial projections 35 on the base 30 are such that when the sample reservoir 20 sealingly engages the base 30 and the sealing rim 26 of the sample reservoir 20 is pressed into sealing contact with the filter element 70, as shown in FIG. 4, there is an axial gap between the top surface of the radial projections 35 and the bottom surface of the sample reservoir 20. If such a gap is present, the radial projections 35 and the sealing rim 26 do not need to be manufactured to as precise tolerances as when the upper surfaces of the radial projections 35 contact the bottom surface of the sample reservoir 20.
  • the filtration assembly 10 can be made from a wide variety of materials, including those conventionally used for funnels, reservoirs, Petri dishes, and other laboratory equipment, such as metals, plastics, and glass, depending upon factors such as the desired strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance and upon whether the filtration assembly 10 is intended to be reusable or discarded at the completion of use. Different portions of the filtration assembly 10 may be formed of different materials. For economy of manufacture, plastics which can be shaped by molding are particularly suitable for the filtration assembly 10. Some examples of suitable plastics are polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polyacrylate. In some instances, it is convenient if portions of the assembly 10, such as the sample reservoir 20 are translucent or transparent to permit substances within the assembly 10 to be readily observed.
  • the filtration assemblies may be shipped in a sealed container, such as a bag, while maintaining sterility.
  • the filtration assembly can be sterilized in accordance with a variety of sterilization protocols known in the art.
  • a variety of fluids can be filtered in accordance with embodiments of the invention, e.g., fluids in the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, and beverage industries.
  • Filtration of a fluid sample in the sample reservoir 20 can be performed by a variety of conventional methods, including gravity filtration and vacuum filtration.
  • the filtration assembly 10 may be mounted on a vacuum manifold, a filtration flask or other device through which suction can be applied to the fluid port 38 to suck fluid in the sample reservoir 20 through the filter element 70.
  • the filter element can be removed from the filter assembly and transferred to a Petri dish wherein the captured microorganisms, if present, can be cultured.
  • the sample reservoir 20 may be detached by hand from the base 30 (e.g., by releasing the snap fit between them) to expose the filter element 70 (or compressible member 46) left atop the raised annular support surface 61 of base 30.
  • the user may then apply a suitable nutrient solution to the absorbent pad 46 located beneath the filter element 70.
  • the absorbent pad 46 may have been placed beneath the filter element 70 during manufacture.
  • the nutrient solution can be applied to the absorbent pad 46, either from above through the filter element 70 or from below via the fluid port 38.
  • a method of introducing the solution through the fluid port 38 is shown in FIG. 10.
  • the nutrient solution is usually contained in an ampoule 90 having a tapered snout 91 which can be inserted into the fluid port 38 and from which the nutrient solution can be dispensed.
  • the cover 50 may be mounted on the base 30 to prevent the filter element 70 and absorbent pad 46 from falling off.
  • the Petri dish comprising the base 30 and the cover 50 are ready to be incubated.
  • a closure such as a cap or a plug, may be mounted on the lower end of the fluid port 38 to prevent fluid from leaking out of it during incubation.
  • a test kit comprising the filtration assembly, and one or more of a nutrient solution, a growth medium, and a reagent (e.g., for detecting the presence of the microorganism(s)).
  • the test kit includes a sterile filtration assembly sealed in one container, while the nutrient solution, growth medium and/or reagent(s) are sealed in another container.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract

L'invention porte sur un dispositif de filtration comprenant un réservoir à échantillon destiné à contenir un échantillon à filtrer, une base et un élément compressible. La base est accouplée de façon amovible au réservoir à échantillon de telle manière qu'une partie du réservoir à échantillon s'emboîte télescopiquement et de façon amovible sur au moins une partie de la base. La base forme une plateforme de filtre destinée à supporter un filtre dans un trajet de fluide entre le réservoir à échantillon et la base. L'élément compressible est disposé entre le réservoir à échantillon et la base, et une partie du réservoir à échantillon comprime l'élément compressible pour créer un joint étanche entre le réservoir à échantillon et la base.
PCT/US2010/047316 2009-09-03 2010-08-31 Dispositif de filtration à membrane amovible WO2011028704A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US23952409P 2009-09-03 2009-09-03
US61/239,524 2009-09-03

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WO2011028704A2 true WO2011028704A2 (fr) 2011-03-10
WO2011028704A3 WO2011028704A3 (fr) 2011-07-14

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019193046A1 (fr) 2018-04-05 2019-10-10 Merck Patent Gmbh Tête de filtration pour un système de filtrage et entonnoir destiné à être utilisé conjointement avec une tête de filtration
EP4202033A1 (fr) * 2021-12-22 2023-06-28 Pall Corporation Ensemble de filtration

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WO2019193046A1 (fr) 2018-04-05 2019-10-10 Merck Patent Gmbh Tête de filtration pour un système de filtrage et entonnoir destiné à être utilisé conjointement avec une tête de filtration
US11865477B2 (en) 2018-04-05 2024-01-09 Merck Patent Gmbh Filtration head for a filter system and funnel for use in conjunction with a filtration head
EP4202033A1 (fr) * 2021-12-22 2023-06-28 Pall Corporation Ensemble de filtration
US11814667B2 (en) 2021-12-22 2023-11-14 Cytiva Us Llc Filtration assembly

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