Millipore Merck Millipore Aquelix 5 Ultra Pure Water System
| Brand | Millipore |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | Aquelix 5 |
| Production Capacity | Up to 120 L/day |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 2 L/min |
| Resistivity | ≥2 MΩ·cm (25 °C), typical 5–15 MΩ·cm |
| Bacterial Count | <1 CFU/mL (with optional 0.22 µm Millipak® final filter) |
| TOC | <50 ppb |
| Feed Water Conductivity | <2000 µS/cm @ 25 °C |
| Operating Pressure | 0.5–6 bar @ 2 L/min |
| Temperature Range | 5–35 °C |
| Integrated Reservoir | 8.7 L |
| Elix® Electrodeionization Module Capacity | 5 L/h |
| Safety Voltage | 24 V DC |
Overview
The Millipore Merck Millipore Aquelix 5 Ultra Pure Water System is a compact, integrated laboratory water purification platform engineered for consistent, reliable production of Type II high-purity water in accordance with pharmacopoeial standards—including the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP). Designed specifically for small- to mid-sized laboratories with moderate daily demand (up to 120 L/day), the Aquelix 5 employs a multi-stage purification architecture anchored by Millipore’s proprietary Elix® continuous electrodeionization (CDI) technology. This system integrates pretreatment (activated carbon and sediment filtration), high-rejection reverse osmosis (RO), and post-RO Elix® deionization—eliminating the need for chemical regeneration, resin replacement, or softening agents. Unlike traditional distillation or batch DI systems, the Aquelix 5 delivers stable resistivity (≥2 MΩ·cm, typically 5–15 MΩ·cm at 25 °C) and low organic contamination (TOC <50 ppb) without downtime or consumable cycling. Its core Elix® module operates via low-voltage DC current (24 V) across ion-selective membranes packed with mixed-bed ion exchange resins, enabling continuous electrochemical regeneration while suppressing CaCO₃ scaling through cathodic OH⁻ dispersion—ensuring long-term stability and reproducibility under variable feedwater conditions.
Key Features
- Proprietary Elix® continuous electrodeionization module (5 L/h capacity) enabling chemical-free, maintenance-free deionization with no resin replacement required
- Integrated 8.7 L pressurized reservoir with automatic level control and continuous draw capability
- Real-time dual-parameter monitoring: RO permeate conductivity and Elix® product water resistivity displayed simultaneously on intuitive LCD interface
- High-precision resistivity sensor co-developed with German metrology institutes; cell constant 0.01 cm⁻¹, temperature resolution ±0.1 °C, with both temperature-compensated and non-compensated display modes
- Modular terminal filtration option: Millipak® Express 0.22 µm filter certified for bacterial retention (<1 CFU/mL), suitable for microbiology and cell culture applications
- Compact footprint (~A3 paper size); wall-mountable or benchtop installation; built-in leak detection and automatic shutdown for safety compliance
- Energy-efficient operation: consumes only ~1/180th the electricity of conventional steam distillation units and reduces feedwater consumption to 1/5 that of distillers
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Aquelix 5 is validated for production of water meeting Ph. Eur. Purified Water, USP Purified Water, and JP Purified Water monographs when configured with the Millipak® 0.22 µm terminal filter. It satisfies critical quality attributes for analytical and preparative applications—including chromatography (HPLC, IC, GC), spectrophotometry (UV-Vis, AAS), biochemical assays (BOD/COD, Kjeldahl nitrogen analysis), pH calibration, and general reagent preparation. The system adheres to ISO 9001 design and manufacturing protocols, supports GLP/GMP traceability through timestamped event logging (alarms, maintenance prompts, parameter deviations), and facilitates audit readiness per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant data management software. Feedwater compatibility is rigorously defined: inlet conductivity ≤2000 µS/cm (25 °C), free chlorine ≤1.5 ppm, total hardness as CaCO₃ ≤300 ppm, pH 4–10, and silt density index (SDI) <12—ensuring robust performance across municipal tap water sources in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific regions.
Software & Data Management
While the Aquelix 5 operates as a standalone instrument with embedded firmware, its digital interface supports seamless integration into centralized laboratory informatics environments. All operational events—including resistivity excursions, low-reservoir alerts, filter saturation warnings, and leak detection triggers—are logged with date/time stamps and retained in non-volatile memory for ≥30 days. Optional connectivity modules (e.g., RS-232 or Ethernet adapters) enable remote monitoring via LabManager™ or third-party SCADA platforms. Audit trails comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and support electronic signature workflows under 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with validated software extensions. Calibration records for the resistivity sensor are stored internally and exportable in CSV format for quality documentation.
Applications
- Primary feedwater source for Type I ultrapure water systems (e.g., Milli-Q® IQ 7000)
- Direct use in routine analytical techniques: UV-Vis spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), ion chromatography (IC), and gas chromatography (GC)
- Preparation of buffers, standards, and diluents for HPLC mobile phases and electrophoresis gels
- Microbiological testing media preparation and environmental monitoring where bacterial load must remain <1 CFU/mL
- General laboratory tasks including glassware rinsing, reagent formulation, pH meter calibration, and enzymatic assays
- Support for regulated QC/QA workflows in pharmaceutical, biotech, and food safety labs requiring documented water quality consistency
FAQ
What water quality standards does the Aquelix 5 meet?
It produces water compliant with Ph. Eur., USP, and JP Purified Water monographs when equipped with the Millipak® 0.22 µm terminal filter.
Can the Aquelix 5 be used as feedwater for ultrapure systems?
Yes—it is routinely deployed as the pre-purification stage for Milli-Q® and other Type I water generators, significantly extending downstream cartridge life.
How often do consumables require replacement?
Only the integrated prefilter cartridge requires periodic replacement (typically every 6–12 months depending on feedwater quality); the Elix® module is regenerative and has no scheduled replacement interval.
Is the system compatible with hard municipal water supplies?
Yes—its Elix® technology eliminates the need for upstream water softeners, provided feedwater hardness remains below 300 ppm as CaCO₃ and SDI <12.
Does the Aquelix 5 support regulatory compliance for GxP environments?
It provides foundational data integrity features (timestamped alarms, parameter logging, 24 V safety voltage) and integrates with validated software solutions for full 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 compliance.
