EHK MFS Series Stainless Steel Vacuum Filtration System for Microbial Limit Testing (Model No. 180011601)
| Brand | EHK (Guangdong Huankai Microbial Technology Co., Ltd.) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | 180011601 |
| Instrument Type | Manual Vacuum Filtration System for Membrane Filtration-Based Microbial Enumeration |
| Filter Cup Capacity | 250 mL / 500 mL (Stainless Steel) or 100 mL / 250 mL (Sterile Disposable Plastic) |
| Compliant Standard | GB/T 8538–2008 “Methods for Examination of Drinking Natural Mineral Water” |
| Filtration Membrane Options | 47 mm or 35 mm diameter, pore sizes 0.45 µm or 0.22 µm |
| Material | 316L Sintered Stainless Steel Support Disc |
| Sterilization Compatibility | Autoclavable (121 °C, 15 min), Dry Heat (180 °C, 120 min), Flame Sterilization (PT-220 Propane Torch, optional) |
| Vacuum Pump Options | SZKB-6A/B/C Dual-Phase (Gas/Liquid) Diaphragm Pumps, max vacuum 780 mbar, flow up to 12 L/min (gas) |
Overview
The EHK MFS Series Stainless Steel Vacuum Filtration System is a precision-engineered manual membrane filtration platform designed specifically for microbial limit testing in accordance with Chinese national standard GB/T 8538–2008 and aligned with internationally recognized membrane filtration principles per ISO 7218, USP , and EP 2.6.1. It implements the standardized membrane filtration method—where liquid samples are drawn under controlled negative pressure through sterile, low-protein-binding microporous membranes (0.45 µm or 0.22 µm), retaining viable microorganisms on the membrane surface for subsequent cultivation and colony enumeration. Unlike automated identification systems, this device serves as a critical upstream sample preparation tool in QC/QA laboratories across drinking water, natural mineral water, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and food safety sectors. Its robust architecture ensures consistent vacuum distribution, minimal carryover risk, and full traceability in regulated environments.
Key Features
- Modular Multi-Station Design: Configurable from single- to ten-position setups (MFS-1A through MFS-10B), each filter cup equipped with an independent on/off valve—enabling parallel processing of heterogeneous samples without cross-contamination or workflow interruption.
- Patented One-Handed Membrane Handling: The proprietary “Tri-Claw” stainless steel membrane clamp (Patent No. ZL 2009 2 0057893.8) eliminates need for auxiliary clamps; allows rapid, secure placement and retrieval of 47 mm or 35 mm membranes with tactile feedback and zero slippage.
- 316L Sintered Stainless Steel Support Disc: First-in-class use of sintered 316L alloy support plates ensures uniform membrane tension, prevents membrane rupture during high-flow filtration, and promotes even microbial deposition—critical for accurate CFU counting and regulatory reproducibility.
- Full Cleanability & Sterilization Flexibility: All wetted parts—including filter cups, caps, valves, and connectors—are constructed from electropolished 316 stainless steel. Compatible with steam autoclaving (121 °C/15 min), dry heat (180 °C/120 min), and optional flame sterilization using the PT-220 propane torch (sold separately).
- Secondary Contamination Control: Integrated vent port on the upper cap accepts 0.22 µm hydrophobic air filters (e.g., PTFE), preventing ambient airborne microbes from entering the filtrate path during vacuum draw-down.
- Ergonomic Fluid Management: Precision-etched volume graduations (±2 mL accuracy) on stainless steel cups enable precise sample dosing; quick-connect silicone tubing permits left/right pump orientation to accommodate spatial constraints in ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms or GLP-compliant labs.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MFS system supports aqueous matrices including natural mineral water, purified water, WFI, soft drinks, herbal extracts, and low-viscosity pharmaceutical solutions. It accommodates both reusable stainless steel filter cups (250 mL or 500 mL) and sterile, pyrogen-free disposable plastic cups (100 mL or 250 mL). Membrane compatibility includes standard 47 mm and 35 mm discs (0.45 µm for total aerobic count; 0.22 µm for sterility testing), supplied gamma-irradiated and individually wrapped. The system meets requirements for method validation per ICH Q2(R2), supports audit-ready documentation when used with calibrated vacuum gauges (optional quick-connect vacuum meter), and is routinely deployed in facilities operating under GMP (Annex 1), GLP, and CNAS-accredited quality systems.
Software & Data Management
As a hardware-only filtration platform, the MFS Series does not include embedded software or digital interfaces. However, it is fully compatible with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN) via manual entry of test parameters—including lot numbers, operator ID, filtration time, applied vacuum level (when monitored), and membrane batch codes. For regulated environments requiring ALCOA+ data integrity, users may integrate external digital vacuum loggers or time-stamped video recording of filtration steps to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance expectations for paper-based workflows.
Applications
- Microbial enumeration in natural mineral water per GB/T 8538–2008 and GB 8537–2018
- Pharmaceutical water system monitoring (PW, WFI) per ChP, USP, and EP
- Environmental monitoring of cleanroom rinse waters and compressed gases
- Suspension solids quantification in beverage stability studies
- Pre-filtration step prior to ATP bioluminescence or qPCR-based microbial detection
- Validation of sterilizing-grade filters in process simulation studies
FAQ
Is this system compliant with international pharmacopoeial standards?
Yes—the membrane filtration methodology implemented by the MFS system aligns with USP , EP 2.6.1, JP 4.05, and ISO 7218 for microbial enumeration. While GB/T 8538–2008 is its primary reference standard, its mechanical design and material specifications meet global GMP expectations.
Can I use this system for sterility testing?
Yes—when configured with 0.22 µm membranes, sterile disposable cups, and appropriate aseptic handling practices, it fulfills the filtration step of sterility test protocols per USP and ChP IV. Note: Final incubation and interpretation remain outside the scope of this device.
What vacuum pump is recommended for continuous multi-cup operation?
The SZKB-6C diaphragm pump (780 mbar ultimate vacuum, 6 L/min liquid flow) is recommended for ≥6-position configurations to maintain stable vacuum across all stations during extended runs.
Does the system support filter membrane recovery for subculture or molecular analysis?
Yes—membranes can be aseptically transferred onto agar media using the included membrane forceps or flame-sterilized tweezers. The 316L support disc’s smooth surface minimizes membrane adhesion, enabling clean lift-off without shearing.
Are calibration certificates available for the optional vacuum gauge?
Third-party NIST-traceable calibration certificates can be provided upon request for installed vacuum monitoring accessories, supporting IQ/OQ documentation in regulated installations.
