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Figure 1. HEPA Filter Flow Path.
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Beckman Coulter introduces a multilevel system of containment for biomedical and microbiological laboratories, Biosafety Levels labs, and vaccine production facilities. Containment of aerosols and spills is achieved in the centrifuge with HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filters introduced in the design of the instrument. The HEPA filter provides enhanced aerosol protection from leakage of biohazadrous samples such as blood-borne pathogens and other infectious/hazardous material.
HEPA air filtration operates by filtering air passing from the rotor chamber to the vacuum pump, and from the atmosphere to the chamber during venting. HEPA filter kits consist of two disposable filters that have double-layer Emflon* II (Pall) polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes for materials compliance in biological tests with a microbial rating greater than 0.2 microns. A solenoid-controlled valve is used to direct the airflow through the filters. Each HEPA filter carries a certificate of test for Pharmaceutical – Grade Sterilizing Filters from the manufacturer.
The Avanti® J Series High Performance Centrifuges have a filter assembly located between the rotor chamber and the vacuum pump. The assembly accommodates two filters: one for evacuation, the other for venting.
The Optima™ Series floor model and tabletop model ultracentrifuges have one filter assembly located between the vacuum pump and diffusion pump for evacuation and a second located on the rotor chamber for venting.
Under normal use, we recommend HEPA filters be replaced once per year by your service rep. Exceptions include clogging, aqueous contact or contamination with sample leakage in the chamber, which requires immediate replacement.
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