Merck Millipore Elix 5 UV Water Purification System

Overview

The Merck Millipore Elix 5 UV Water Purification System is an integrated, compact benchtop solution engineered for the continuous production of high-purity Type II laboratory water directly from municipal tap feed. Utilizing a three-stage purification architecture—pre-filtration (Progard® cartridge), reverse osmosis (RO), and electrodeionization (EDI)—the system delivers consistent, reliable water meeting or exceeding international standards for analytical-grade purified water. Unlike batch-based distillation or single-stage deionization systems, the Elix 5 UV employs continuous current-driven ion removal, eliminating chemical regeneration and minimizing operational downtime. Its built-in UV lamp (185/254 nm) ensures persistent microbial control and organic oxidation downstream of the EDI module, reducing TOC to <30 ppb and maintaining microbial levels below 1 CFU/mL. Designed for laboratories requiring stable, low-maintenance water supply—especially as feedstock for Milli-Q® ultrapure systems—the Elix 5 UV operates under real-time monitoring of critical process parameters including feed conductivity, temperature-compensated resistivity, and cumulative flow volume.

Key Features

• Integrated triple-stage purification: Progard® prefiltration + RO membrane + EDI module—no external chemical regeneration required.
• Self-regenerating EDI technology ensures continuous ion removal with negligible consumables beyond the Progard® cartridge.
• Intelligent flow metering system tracks total processed volume and calculates remaining Progard® cartridge service life, triggering predictive replacement alerts.
• Temperature-compensated flow control maintains constant 5 L/h output across variable inlet water temperatures (5–35 °C), ensuring reproducible daily yield (50–100 L).
• Intuitive graphical user interface displays real-time resistivity (≥5 MΩ·cm at 25 °C), TOC (<30 ppb), system status, maintenance timers, and service history.
• Modular design supports future scalability—including optional integrated storage reservoirs with level-sensing automation, CO₂-absorbing air filters, and ASM (Automatic Sterilization Module) for periodic UV-LED or ozone-based tank sanitization.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Elix 5 UV produces water compliant with ISO 3696:1987 Grade II, ASTM D1193-20 Type II, CLSI (formerly NCCLS) standards, and pharmacopoeial specifications for Purified Water per United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) 2.2.43. It is validated for use in GxP environments where documented traceability and audit-ready operation are essential. While not intended for direct sterile applications, its output serves as qualified feed water for terminal ultrafiltration or further polishing in regulated workflows. The system supports GLP/GMP-aligned data integrity through timestamped event logging and configurable password-protected access levels. All electrical components conform to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61010-1 (safety), and end-of-life disposal complies with EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU.

Software & Data Management

The Elix 5 UV incorporates embedded firmware with non-volatile memory for secure storage of >1,000 operational events—including start/stop cycles, alarm triggers, cartridge replacement logs, and resistivity/TOC trend snapshots. Data export is supported via USB port (CSV format) for integration into LIMS or electronic lab notebooks. Optional connectivity modules enable remote monitoring via Ethernet or RS232 interfaces, supporting SNMP-based network alerts and scheduled report generation. Audit trail functionality meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated third-party software platforms, ensuring electronic records remain attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, and accurate (ALCOA+ principles).

Applications

• Preparation of microbiological growth media and cell culture buffers.
• Synthesis and dilution of reagents for HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometric analysis.
• Feed water for Milli-Q® ultrapure systems requiring ≥5 MΩ·cm input quality.
• Routine cleaning of glassware, clinical analyzers, sterilizers, humidifiers, and hydrogen generators.
• Hydroponic and plant tissue culture applications requiring low-ion, low-organic content water.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing support: preparation of non-sterile dosage forms, equipment rinsing, and excipient dissolution per USP/Ph. Eur. Purified Water monographs.
• Calibration standards preparation and instrument blanking in QA/QC laboratories.

FAQ

What feed water quality is required for optimal Elix 5 UV performance?
Municipal tap water with conductivity ≤0.2 µS/cm (25 °C), free chlorine <2 ppm, and turbidity <1 NTU is recommended. Pre-treatment may be necessary for high-hardness or high-iron sources.
Can the Elix 5 UV be connected to a pressurized storage tank?
Yes—optional reservoir kits include level-controlled pumps and ASME-compliant polyethylene tanks (15–60 L), with integrated CO₂ scrubbers and ASM-compatible ports.
Is the UV lamp replaceable, and what is its service life?
The dual-wavelength (185/254 nm) low-pressure mercury UV lamp has a rated lifetime of 9,000 hours; replacement is tool-free and guided by on-screen prompts.
Does the system provide electronic data export for regulatory compliance?
Yes—USB data dump and optional Ethernet logging support ALCOA+-compliant record retention, including timestamps, operator IDs, and parameter deviations.
How often must the Progard® cartridge be replaced?
Replacement interval depends on feed water quality and daily usage; the system calculates remaining capacity in real time and recommends change at ≥95% exhaustion.