Advantec KGS-47 Glass Vacuum Filtration Holder with Stainless Steel Support Screen

Overview

The Advantec KGS-47 Glass Vacuum Filtration Holder is a precision-engineered laboratory filtration assembly designed for quantitative membrane filtration applications in microbiological analysis, particulate matter assessment, and environmental sample processing. Constructed entirely from high-quality borosilicate glass (excluding the stainless steel support screen), the unit ensures chemical inertness, thermal stability, and optical clarity—critical attributes when handling aggressive solvents, sterilization cycles, or visual inspection of retained residues. Its operation relies on vacuum-assisted negative pressure across a supported membrane, enabling rapid, uniform flow while preserving sample integrity and minimizing clogging risk. The KGS-47 is compatible with standard 47-mm diameter microporous membranes (e.g., mixed cellulose ester, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone) and integrates seamlessly into ISO 7218, ASTM D5192, USP <61>/<62>, and APHA Standard Methods workflows for colony enumeration and suspended solids quantification.

Key Features

• Borosilicate glass construction with calibrated 250 mL volume marking and 320 mL total capacity—resistant to thermal shock (up to 120°C) and compatible with autoclaving (121°C, 20 min).
• Stainless steel support screen (100 mesh, ~150 µm aperture) provides mechanical reinforcement for fragile membranes during high-flow or viscous filtrations, preventing collapse or tearing.
• Precision-machined ground-glass joint (standard 24/29 taper) ensures leak-tight sealing with compatible filter flasks and vacuum manifolds.
• Optimized effective filtration area of 9.6 cm²—designed to accommodate standard 47-mm membranes while maintaining laminar flow profiles and minimizing edge effects during microbial colony development.
• Integrated grid-marked base plate with 3.1-mm spacing facilitates accurate spatial referencing for colony counting under stereomicroscopy or digital imaging systems.
• Ergonomic, low-center-of-gravity design enhances stability during extended filtration sessions; weight distribution minimizes tipping risk even at full liquid load.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KGS-47 supports a broad range of aqueous and organic samples—including wastewater, pharmaceutical suspensions, food homogenates, and cell culture supernatants—provided membrane compatibility is verified. It conforms to material safety requirements outlined in ISO 10993-5 (cytotoxicity) for glass components and meets mechanical performance criteria specified in JIS R 3501 for laboratory glassware. When used with certified sterile membranes and validated protocols, the system satisfies GLP and GMP documentation requirements for filter-based sterility testing (e.g., USP <71>) and bioburden monitoring. The stainless steel support screen complies with ASTM A479 for corrosion-resistant alloys, ensuring long-term integrity in chloride-containing or acidic environments.

Software & Data Management

As a passive, non-electronic filtration component, the KGS-47 does not incorporate embedded electronics or firmware. However, it is fully interoperable with digital colony counters (e.g., ProtoCOL 3, iQ-CELL), automated imaging platforms, and LIMS-integrated workflows. Its standardized dimensions and repeatable geometry enable consistent image capture calibration and facilitate traceable data linkage between physical filtration events and downstream analytical records. When deployed within FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant environments, manual log entries (e.g., operator ID, lot number, filtration time, vacuum pressure) are recorded in bound lab notebooks or validated electronic batch records to maintain audit trails.

Applications

• Membrane filtration for heterotrophic plate count (HPC), coliform, and E. coli enumeration per EPA Method 1603 and ISO 9308-1.
• Particulate analysis in cleanroom monitoring (ISO 14644-1) and pharmaceutical water systems (USP <1231>).
• Pre-filtration of turbid samples prior to HPLC or ICP-MS analysis to protect column integrity and detector optics.
• Retentate recovery for SEM/EDS characterization of filtered particulates or biofilms.
• Validation studies for filter sterilization efficiency and bubble point testing per ASTM F838.

FAQ

Is the KGS-47 autoclavable?
Yes—the glass body and ground-glass joint are rated for repeated autoclaving at 121°C for 20 minutes. The stainless steel support screen must be cleaned separately using detergent and rinsed thoroughly before sterilization.
What membrane types are recommended for use with this holder?
Standard 47-mm diameter membranes with pore sizes ranging from 0.1 µm (sterilizing grade) to 5.0 µm (coarse particulate retention) are compatible, including nitrocellulose, PVDF, and track-etched polycarbonate variants.
Can the KGS-47 be used with vacuum pumps exceeding 0.8 bar suction pressure?
While functional up to −0.95 bar, sustained operation above −0.8 bar may accelerate membrane deformation; optimal performance is achieved at −0.6 to −0.75 bar with regulated vacuum control.
Does the 3.1-mm grid pattern serve a metrological purpose?
Yes—it enables standardized spatial referencing for digital colony counting software and supports ISO 4833-2 Annex B guidelines for grid-based enumeration verification.
How is the effective filtration area (9.6 cm²) determined?
It corresponds to the circular area bounded by the inner diameter of the stainless steel support screen (Φ35 mm), accounting for the active surface available for uniform fluid passage and microbial capture—distinct from the full 47-mm membrane footprint.