Millipore Elix Essential Series Benchtop Pure Water System

Overview

The Millipore Elix Essential Series is a compact, benchtop pure water system engineered for reliable, continuous production of analytical-grade Type II water from municipal tap feed. Utilizing a multi-stage purification architecture—comprising pre-filtration, reverse osmosis (RO), continuous electrodeionization (CEDI), and optional 185/254 nm dual-wavelength UV oxidation—the system delivers consistent water quality meeting stringent international standards including ASTM D1193 Type II, ISO 3696 Grade 2, and CLSI EP28-A3b guidelines. Unlike batch-mode distillation or single-pass RO systems, the Elix Essential operates in a closed-loop configuration with integrated recirculation and real-time resistivity monitoring, ensuring stable conductivity performance across variable demand cycles. Its modular design enables seamless integration into shared laboratory environments where space efficiency, operational transparency, and long-term reproducibility are critical.

Key Features

• Four scalable flow-rate configurations (3, 5, 10, or 15 L/h) to match lab throughput requirements without overcapacity or underutilization
• Integrated CEDI module eliminating chemical regeneration and enabling uninterrupted operation with minimal maintenance intervals
• Optional dual-lamp UV system (185 nm + 254 nm) for advanced TOC reduction and microbial control—validated to reduce organic load below 30 ppb and maintain viable counts under 10 CFU/mL
• Real-time resistivity sensor calibrated at 25°C with temperature compensation, continuously logging data for GLP-compliant traceability
• Automated self-diagnostics, leak detection, and RO membrane performance monitoring via intuitive LED status interface
• Compact footprint (≤40 cm width) with wall-mount or benchtop installation flexibility and low acoustic emission (<45 dB(A)) for quiet laboratory deployment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Elix Essential is designed exclusively for feed water conforming to local municipal potable water specifications (e.g., WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, EU Directive 98/83/EC). It does not accept process water, wastewater, or pretreated industrial effluent. Output water meets or exceeds requirements for preparation of microbiological growth media, final rinsing of Class A glassware per ISO 3696, reagent dilution in clinical chemistry analyzers, and feed supply to high-purity downstream systems—including Milli-Q® ultrapure water generators. All wetted materials comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards; system architecture supports audit-ready documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compatible data management software.

Software & Data Management

While the base Elix Essential operates via embedded hardware controls, optional connectivity modules enable integration with Millipore’s LabManager™ platform for centralized fleet monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts, and electronic logbook generation. Resistivity, UV intensity, pressure differentials, and runtime hours are timestamped and exportable as CSV or PDF reports. Audit trail functionality records all user-initiated actions—including parameter changes, service events, and alarm acknowledgments—with immutable timestamps and operator ID tagging, fulfilling GLP/GMP data integrity requirements.

Applications

• Preparation of bacteriological culture media (e.g., Mueller-Hinton agar, tryptic soy broth) requiring low endotoxin and metal content
• Rinsing of volumetric glassware prior to calibration or trace elemental analysis
• Feed water source for gas chromatography (GC) carrier gas humidification, hydrogen generator inlet conditioning, and LC mobile phase preparation
• Diluent for ELISA, spectrophotometric assays, and ICP-MS standard solutions where TOC-induced background interference must be minimized
• Final rinse in cleanroom component cleaning protocols governed by ISO 14644-1 Class 5–7 environmental controls

FAQ

What feed water quality is required for optimal Elix Essential performance?
Municipal tap water meeting WHO or EPA drinking water standards is mandatory. Iron >0.1 mg/L, chlorine >3 mg/L, or hardness >200 ppm CaCO₃ may accelerate cartridge fouling and require upstream pretreatment.
Can the system be connected to a central distribution loop?
No—the Elix Essential is a point-of-use system with integral storage tank (12–18 L depending on model); it is not rated for continuous pressurized loop circulation.
How often must consumables be replaced?
Pre-filters: every 6 months or 1,500 L (whichever occurs first); RO membrane: 2–3 years under typical feed conditions; CEDI cartridge: 3–5 years based on ion load and usage profile.
Is validation support available for ISO 17025-accredited laboratories?
Yes—Millipore provides IQ/OQ documentation templates, certified reference standards for resistivity and TOC verification, and third-party qualification services aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 5.5.2.
Does the system meet regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical QC water?
It produces Type II water suitable for non-sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing support functions (e.g., equipment cleaning, reagent prep); however, it does not fulfill USP Purified Water or EP WFI specifications.