Merck Millipore Elix Reference Pure Water System
| Brand | Millipore |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | Elix Reference |
| Purified Water Grade | ASTM Type II / ISO 3696 Grade 2 |
| Resistivity | >5 MΩ·cm @ 25°C |
| Heavy Metals & Soluble Silica | <0.1 ppb |
| Total Organic Carbon (TOC) | <30 ppb |
| Microbial Contamination | <10 CFU/mL (with optional UV lamp) |
| Particles (>0.1 µm) | <1 particle/mL |
Overview
The Merck Millipore Elix Reference Pure Water System is an engineered solution for the continuous, on-demand production of high-purity Type II laboratory water directly from municipal tap feedwater. Based on patented Elix electrodeionization (EDI) technology—operating without chemical regeneration—the system integrates pretreatment, reverse osmosis (RO), and continuous deionization into a single robust architecture. It delivers stable, low-TOC, low-particulate water compliant with international standards including ISO 3696:2011 (Grade 2), ASTM D1193-20, USP , EP 2.2.43, and JP 2.07. Designed for integration as a primary purification source upstream of Milli-Q® ultrapure systems or standalone use in analytical, preparative, and cell culture applications, the Elix Reference ensures reproducible water quality essential for routine QC testing, buffer preparation, and instrument feed.
Key Features
- Patented Elix EDI module enabling continuous ion removal without acid/base regeneration—minimizing maintenance and operational risk
- Integrated RO membrane + dual-stage carbon and sediment prefiltration for consistent feedwater conditioning
- Real-time resistivity monitoring at point-of-use with automatic data logging (12-month history stored locally)
- Optional 185/254 nm dual-wavelength UV lamp reducing TOC to <30 ppb and suppressing microbial regrowth
- RFID-enabled consumables management: automatic detection of cartridge authenticity, installation correctness, and service life expiration; system enters safe standby mode upon invalid or expired consumable detection
- Modular 30 L, 60 L, or 100 L polyethylene storage tanks with conical bottom design, CO₂-absorbing air filter, and integrated tank cleaning cycle (optional)
- Leak detection sensor and audible/visual alarm system for proactive safety management
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Elix Reference produces water meeting or exceeding the specifications for Type II (ASTM D1193), Grade 2 (ISO 3696), and Ph. Eur. Purified Water monographs. Its output supports critical workflows requiring low ionic interference and minimal organic load—including HPLC mobile phase preparation, spectrophotometric calibration, ELISA reagent dilution, and microbiological media formulation. All system firmware and data handling comply with GLP principles; audit trail functionality (including user logins, parameter changes, and alarm events) satisfies requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned environments when paired with validated networked software. The system is CE-marked and conforms to IEC 61000-6-2/6-3 electromagnetic compatibility standards.
Software & Data Management
The embedded control interface provides intuitive touchscreen operation with multilingual support (English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese). All water quality parameters—including resistivity, TOC (if equipped), temperature, flow rate, and cartridge lifetime—are timestamped and stored internally for ≥12 months. Data export is supported via USB port in CSV format for traceability and QA documentation. Optional connectivity modules enable integration into LabVantage, STARLIMS, or custom LIMS platforms using Modbus TCP or OPC UA protocols. Electronic records include operator ID, event timestamps, and system state flags—fully supporting ALCOA+ data integrity principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Primary feedwater source for Milli-Q® ultrapure water systems and other downstream purification units
- Preparation of buffers, standards, and reagents for GC, HPLC, IC, and AAS analysis
- Media and reagent preparation for mammalian cell culture, microbiology, and molecular biology workflows
- Feedwater for autoclaves, glassware washers, dissolution testers, and environmental stress chambers
- Routine analytical applications requiring ppm–ppb sensitivity, including titration, colorimetry, and enzymatic assays
- Compliance-driven environments operating under ISO/IEC 17025, CAP, CLIA, or pharmaceutical GMP frameworks
FAQ
What feedwater quality is required for optimal Elix Reference performance?
Municipal tap water meeting local drinking water regulations (e.g., EPA 600/R-99/022 or EU Directive 98/83/EC) is suitable. Inlet pressure must be 2–6 bar; total chlorine <0.5 mg/L; SDI <5; turbidity <1 NTU.
Can the system be connected to multiple points of use?
Yes—via a recirculating loop configuration with stainless steel or sanitary-grade PVC piping. Loop flow rate must maintain >0.5 m/s velocity to prevent stagnation and microbial buildup.
Is the Elix Reference compatible with remote monitoring platforms?
Standard models support local data export via USB; optional Ethernet or RS485 interfaces enable integration with building management systems (BMS) or centralized lab infrastructure dashboards.
How often do consumables require replacement?
Prefilters: every 6–12 months depending on feedwater quality; RO membrane: 2–3 years; Elix EDI module: 3–5 years; UV lamp (if installed): annually. RFID tracking ensures precise lifecycle management.
Does the system meet regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical water?
It meets purified water specifications per USP , EP 2.2.43, and JP 2.07—but is not intended for WFI (Water for Injection) production. Validation documentation packages (DQ/IQ/OQ) are available upon request for GMP-compliant installations.
