Millipore Elix 20 Laboratory Water Purification System
| Brand | Millipore |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Model | Elix 20 |
| Flow Rate | 20 L/h (±15%, at 7–30°C) |
| Resistivity | >5 MΩ·cm (at 25°C, temperature-compensated) |
| Conductivity | <0.2 µS/cm (at 25°C, temperature-compensated) |
| TOC | <30 ppb |
| Bacterial Count | <10 CFU/mL |
| Silica Removal Efficiency | >99.9% |
| Recovery Rate | up to 30% |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 73.4 × 66.2 × 44.1 cm |
| Operating Weight | 45 kg |
Overview
The Millipore Elix 20 Laboratory Water Purification System is an integrated, modular platform engineered for the continuous production of Type II analytical-grade pure water from municipal tap feed water. Utilizing a multi-stage purification architecture—including pretreatment filtration, reverse osmosis (RO), and patented Electrodeionization (EDI) with continuous current regeneration—the Elix 20 delivers stable, high-reproducibility water quality compliant with internationally recognized standards including ASTM D1193-20 (Type II), ISO 3696:1987 (Grade 2), CLSI (formerly NCCLS) guidelines, and pharmacopoeial requirements outlined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter . Designed for centralized or point-of-use deployment, the system supports seamless integration into facility-wide distribution loops while maintaining full parametric control over internal and external water delivery networks.
Key Features
- Patented Elix EDI module enabling continuous electrochemical regeneration of ion-exchange resins—eliminating chemical regenerants and extending service life without downtime.
- Integrated real-time monitoring: dual-sensor resistivity measurement (temperature-compensated to 25°C) and on-line TOC analyzer (<30 ppb detection limit) for continuous water quality assurance.
- UV lamp (185/254 nm) installed in the recirculation loop to suppress microbial proliferation and photo-oxidize low-molecular-weight organics—critical for cell culture, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical applications.
- Modular pre-treatment cartridge system: scalable configuration of sediment, carbon, and softening cartridges tailored to local feed water quality (e.g., high hardness, chlorine, or organic load), minimizing need for external softening.
- Self-contained control architecture with intuitive touchscreen interface, event logging, alarm management, and configurable user access levels aligned with GLP/GMP operational rigor.
- Full system compatibility with Millipore’s central distribution components—including booster pumps, ASM (Automatic Sanitization Module), loop UV units, and distributed resistivity/TOC sensors—enabling end-to-end validation of water quality across multi-point networks.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Elix 20 is validated for use with standard municipal potable water supplies meeting WHO drinking water guidelines and EU Directive 98/83/EC. It is not intended for direct use with seawater, highly contaminated groundwater, or wastewater streams without upstream pretreatment. All critical performance parameters—including resistivity (>5 MΩ·cm), conductivity (<0.2 µS/cm), TOC (<30 ppb), and microbial content (<10 CFU/mL)—are continuously monitored and recorded in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability principles. The system architecture supports audit-ready documentation for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with validated software configurations, and its design facilitates IQ/OQ/PQ execution per ASTM E2500 and ISPE GAMP® 5 guidance.
Software & Data Management
Equipped with Millipore’s Elix Control Software v3.x, the system provides secure, role-based access to historical trend data, calibration logs, maintenance alerts, and alarm archives. Data export is supported via USB and Ethernet (Modbus TCP/IP) protocols for integration into LIMS or MES platforms. Audit trails are time-stamped, immutable, and include operator ID, parameter changes, and sensor calibration events—fully satisfying ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) data integrity requirements. Optional remote monitoring via Millipore Connect cloud service enables predictive maintenance scheduling and real-time KPI dashboards accessible through authorized web portals.
Applications
- Preparation of microbiological growth media, buffers, and reagents for routine QC testing and research assays.
- Feed water supply for downstream ultrapure water systems—including Milli-Q® Integral, Milli-Q® IQ 7000, and Super-Q® platforms—ensuring consistent inlet water quality and extended consumable lifetime.
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing support: compliant production of Purified Water (PW) per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.2.44 specifications for non-sterile process rinsing, equipment cleaning, and API synthesis.
- Hydroponic and plant tissue culture applications requiring low ionic strength and minimal organic contamination.
- Instrument feed for HPLC, IC, GC-MS, and ICP-MS systems where silica, metals, or organics could compromise column integrity or detector sensitivity.
- General laboratory utility water for glassware washing, autoclave fill, and environmental chamber operation—reducing scale formation and maintenance frequency.
FAQ
What feed water quality is required for optimal Elix 20 performance?
The system is designed for municipal potable water with total dissolved solids (TDS) < 500 ppm, free chlorine < 3 ppm, and silica 150 ppm CaCO₃) or organic load.
Can the Elix 20 be connected to an existing building-wide water distribution loop?
Yes—its modular pump, ASM, and loop-monitoring options enable validated integration with both stainless steel and PEX-based distribution networks. Full loop sanitization cycles and flow-balancing controls are managed through the central Elix controller.
How often do consumables require replacement?
Pretreatment cartridges typically last 6–12 months depending on feed water quality; the EDI stack has a service life of ≥3 years under normal operating conditions. Replacement intervals are tracked automatically and displayed on the HMI with predictive alerts.
Is the system compliant with regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical water systems?
While the Elix 20 produces Type II water—not Purified Water (PW) or Water for Injection (WFI)—it serves as a fully validated, documented feed source for PW generation systems. Its design, documentation package, and software features support compliance with EU GMP Annex 1, FDA Guidance for Industry (2022), and WHO TRS 970.
Does the system support third-party data acquisition or SCADA integration?
Yes—via native Modbus TCP/IP and optional OPC UA gateway, enabling bidirectional communication with industrial automation platforms for centralized facility monitoring and compliance reporting.
