Capsule filter vs. Inline filter.

[Carolina Spanky]

I know I know, I need to go make an introductory post first lol. I can usually find the answer to what I’m looking for by using the search function but can’t seem to find this answer.. I pretty much only see people recommending capsule filters when talking about peristaltic pumps. Why is this option better than an inline filter? It seems like an in-line filter would trap much less oil therefor much less “waste” at the end of the process. Thanks in advance!!

 

[NinjaTurtle007]

Waste is negligible with any of these setups .. how much product are you filtering?

 

[Carolina Spanky]

Usually just a liter at a time. I’ve read that capsule filters can hold 20-30ml. While not a lot, still a decent amount...

 

[jstarks11]

Usually just a liter at a time. I’ve read that capsule filters can hold 20-30ml. While not a lot, still a decent amount...

Bro, losing 20-30 ml's is worth the waste! Time and better filtration IMO is worth the "waste". But for the sake of argument, what inline filter are you referring to?

 

[Carolina Spanky]

Definitely not trying to argue. Just wanted to see exactly what you just said. If it was worth the “waste” over an inline filter. I’m referring to the whatman poly disc inline filter

 

[NinjaTurtle007]

What current method are you using? Bunchner funnel (90mm)? With a vacuum reciever flask via hand pump?

 

[Carolina Spanky]

Currently using whatman zap caps to a media bottle with an electric vacuum pump. Just looking to move to something that can filter more than 250-300ml at a time. Have already ordered the peristaltic pump. Just trying to figure out the filter deal. Have an autoclave as well so I can sterilize the filters and reuse..

 

[jstarks11]

Currently using whatman zap caps to a media bottle with an electric vacuum pump. Just looking to move to something that can filter more than 250-300ml at a time. Have already ordered the peristaltic pump. Just trying to figure out the filter deal. Have an autoclave as well so I can sterilize the filters and reuse..

First of all, the polydisc states that it is NOT autoclavable. Now, I'm not 100% on these polydiscs cause I have never used them. And since none of these filters are specifically "for" filtering homebrew (since most all these filters we use are actually for aqueous solutions) then the actual ratings of volumes that these products can handle are not accurate. But based on what I read on polydisc and amound of pressure it can handle etc... You are going to be very likely to blow the membrane. Plus there is not a prefilter on them. So you are going to clog quickly. Now I see it comes in packs of 10 for roughly the same price (little more) than a polycap 75 but... do you really want to be changing discs out during your filter? I don't see you getting 300ml through just one of those. HOWEVER as stated I have no direct experience with them. They look alarmingly similar to syringe filters and that scares me for your volume filtered before it clogs. But never judge a book by it's cover right? I tell you what would be a GREAT alternative for you that I DO have experience with and they really do work great!!!!! I have been able to get a liter through them before clogging BUT you have to put all parameters in their place. A liter of test 400 WILL NOT MAKE IT THROUGH the one's I'm about to proffer. But a liter of test 200 and maybe 250 will make it through just fine. And they are EASY as hell to use. Pall Vacucap!!!! They work great for small batches. And once through filtering if you leave to run for 10 min or so, it pretty much sucks the filter dry. You MAY lose 1/2 a vial, 1 at the most. HOWEVER, one problem persists now, YOU use positive pressure for your filtering and with the Vacucap you have to have VACUUM pressure. Peristaltic pumps PUSH through a filter instead of pull. I want to say that you can also use a P pump to pull a vacuum as well but not sure how good it would work. You say you already have a vac pump though... I would go with the Vacucap 90mm. From experience I can tell you that you will like the results. 500ml no problem.

 

[Carolina Spanky]

I appreciate all of that info you just stated @jatarks11 .thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for. I do already have a vacuum pump but have a peristaltic on the way as well. In the grand scheme of things losing one vial from 1000ml is basically nothing. And beats the hell out of adding another chance to break sterility by having to change in line filters. Thank you sir!!

 

[jstarks11]

I appreciate all of that info you just stated @jatarks11 .thats pretty much exactly what I was looking for. I do already have a vacuum pump but have a peristaltic on the way as well. In the grand scheme of things losing one vial from 1000ml is basically nothing. And beats the hell out of adding another chance to break sterility by having to change in line filters. Thank you sir!!

Never a problem on this end bro. I am here to help bros. You are welcome and any time my man.