When derived from fermentation, the first step in the manufacturing process for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, for example, antibiotics, is the separation of the cell mass from the liquor containing the active ingredient. The extraction process is achieved through the use of solvents and precipitation followed by filtration for removal of the large remainder of particulates, micron and sub-micron size. Effective depth filtration at this point assures efficient, economical processing in subsequent recovery and purification steps such as sterile crystallization and membrane filtration to produce sterile bulk product. The same need exists for products derived from chemical or semi-synthetic sources.
Membrane filters cannot stand on their own without prefiltration, often done in sequential steps, i.e. depth filter pads followed by pleated cartridges. The burdens imposed on these cartridge filters is simply too high to handle economically. ErtelAlsop’s expertise lies in the highly effective, validated, pharmaceutical grade depth filter pads that are designed to economically protect both the pleated pre-filters and the final sterilizing filters used to produce sterile bulk product. These same depth filters may also be employed earlier in the process for such applications as reverse osmosis water prefiltration and prefiltration of various intermediates such as solvents and fermentor additives. ErtelAlsop designs proprietary filter equipment to meet the specific needs of each application. Convenience, ease of handling, safety and sanitary design are each a part of the equation we use to determine and recommend the best solution for your application. For example, the Vapor- Master® line of filters is designed specifically to protect workers from contact with solvents and other fluids used in processes such as antibiotic recovery. They prevent exposure of workers to toxic vapors from solvents used in the process.
Please go to our downloads section for a copy of publication PH-2000 for more detailed information.