A portfolio of scalable capsule filter options for large batch and bulk filtration through small batch and critical point-of-use filtration of liquids and gases.
Meissner’s portfolio of capsule filters is available with filter surface areas from 200 cm2 to more than 3.5 m2 per capsule. Our entire portfolio of capsule filters from lab scale to product development to full scale production utilize the identical form factor and materials of construction, for streamlined scaling without requalification and revalidation concerns.
All capsule filter configurations can be specified with wide range of media options and offer superior performance for clarification, purification and pre-filtration through sterilizing-grade filtration. Our capsule filters provide high flow rates, low protein binding and broad chemical compatibility. For critical applications, we offer membrane options including PVDF, PES, polypropylene (PP) and PTFE. We also offer polypropylene microfiber, glass fiber and depth filter media options. Configurations for large batch, bulk filtration and continuous processing of liquids and gases are best served with our high capacity single-use large capsule filter portfolio, including the UltraCap® H.D. (Heavy Duty) capsule filters and our UltraCap® capsule filters. The UltraCap® H.D. capsule portfolio rapidly scales with 10″ to 50″ length filter options.
Capsule filters fit for any scale
For even larger scale filtration applications, including those that require multi-stage filtration, the scalable UltraSnap® filter assembly combines multiple high capacity UltraCap® H.D. capsule filters into a rigid, pre-assembled solution that can be ordered presterilized for immediate use. By combining unlimited pre- and final filtration in series and/or parallel for quick deployment via a single inlet and outlet connection, the UltraSnap® filtration solution delivers maximum versatility and convenience.
Our standard capsule filter configurations are available with nominal effective filtration areas from 1 ft.2 (0.09 m2) to 2 ft.2 (0.19 m2) to handle critical point-of-use applications and small batch processing for liquids or gases. We also offer a medium capsule filter configuration with a nominal effective filtration area of 0.70 ft.2 (6.50 m2), and mini capsule filter configurations with nominal effective filtration areas from 0.25 ft.2 (0.02 m2) to 0.45 ft.2 (0.04 m2) for smaller batch and smaller volume filtration applications.
Each capsule filter consists of a pleated filter element integrally sealed into a rugged polypropylene housing. A completely self-contained unit is formed by a state-of-the-art thermal bonding process, ensuring maximum filter integrity, security and performance. No glues, resins, adhesives, metals or other extraneous materials are used. Meissner capsule filters have high mechanical strength to withstand shocks, back pressurization, multiple sterilizations and rigorous daily use. A range of capsule filter models is available with a variety of connections for easy, reliable attachment to virtually any filtration or single-use system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a capsule filter?
A capsule filter is a self-contained, disposable filtration device that houses a pleated filter element inside a sealed polypropylene shell. It is designed for liquid or gas filtration in laboratory, pilot, and production environments where fast setup, easy changeout, and reduced contamination risk are important.
What are Meissner capsule filters used for?
Meissner capsule filters are used for clarification, pre-filtration, bioburden reduction, and sterilizing-grade filtration of liquids and gases. They are commonly used in biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical processes for small batch, critical point-of-use, scale-up, and bulk filtration applications.
When should I use a capsule filter instead of a cartridge filter?
Use a capsule filter when you need a ready-to-use, fully enclosed unit for smaller volume processing, pilot work, point-of-use filtration, or single-use integration. Cartridge filters are often better for larger installed housings and repeated high-volume processing, while capsule filters are ideal when convenience, containment, and simplified changeout matter most.
What sizes and capacities are available for Meissner capsule filters?
Meissner capsule filters are available in a wide range of sizes, from small laboratory-scale units to high-capacity production-scale formats. Surface areas range from approximately 200 cm² to more than 3.5 m² per capsule, supporting everything from low-volume development work to large batch and bulk processing.
What filter media options are available in Meissner capsule filters?
Meissner capsule filters are available with multiple membrane and depth media options, including PVDF, PES, polypropylene, PTFE, polypropylene microfiber, glass fiber, and other depth filtration media. This allows users to match the filter to the fluid, retention target, compatibility needs, and process stage.
How do I choose the right filter media for my application?
The right media depends on your fluid, retention requirements, chemical compatibility, and process goal. In general, PES and PVDF are often used for aqueous and biopharmaceutical applications, PTFE is commonly selected for aggressive chemicals or gas filtration, and depth media is often chosen for clarification and pre-filtration before final membrane filtration.
Are Meissner capsule filters suitable for single-use systems?
Yes. Meissner capsule filters are designed for easy integration into single-use systems, including biocontainer and tubing assemblies. They are available with a variety of connection options to support flexible system design in bioprocessing and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Can Meissner capsule filters support scale-up from lab to production?
Yes. Meissner capsule filters are designed to support scale-up by offering consistent materials of construction and scalable configurations across different sizes. This helps users move from development to production with greater process continuity and fewer concerns about requalification.
What are the advantages of Meissner capsule filter construction?
Meissner capsule filters offer a rugged polypropylene housing, strong mechanical durability, broad chemical compatibility, and a fully self-contained design. They are built without glues, resins, adhesives, or metals in the fluid path, which helps support clean processing and dependable performance.
What is the difference between UltraCap® and UltraSnap® filter assemblies?
UltraCap® refers to Meissner’s high-capacity capsule filter formats for larger-scale filtration. UltraSnap® is a pre-assembled rigid filter solution that combines multiple high-capacity capsules into a single integrated assembly with one inlet and one outlet, making it well suited for even larger scale or multi-stage filtration setups.