When using fluorine-lined filters, in order to ensure their stable and efficient operation and extend their service life, the following precautions need to be taken:
Control of Medium Temperature
The fluoroplastic material (such as F46) used in fluorine-lined filters has certain temperature limitations. Generally, the medium temperature should not exceed 150°C, and should be controlled within 120°C for prolonged use to prevent softening and deformation of the fluoroplastic, which could lead to damage to the filter mesh and increased leakage.
If the medium temperature is higher, with short-term temperatures below 180°C and long-term temperatures below 150°C, another fluoroplastic material (such as PFA) can be considered, although its price is relatively higher.
Avoidance of Negative Pressure
Fluorine-lined filters should avoid generating negative pressure within the pipeline, as negative pressure may cause the fluoroplastic lining inside the filter to be sucked out (bulged) or peeled off, thereby affecting the filtering effect.
Control of Pressure and Differential Pressure
It is necessary to ensure that the working pressure and differential pressure of the fluorine-lined filter are within the allowable range to prevent damage to the filter from excessively high or low pressure and differential pressure.
Correct Selection of Diameter
The diameter of the fluorine-lined filter should be correctly selected based on technical parameters such as required flow rate. An excessively large diameter may cause vibration of the filter, affecting its performance.
Installation Direction and Flow Direction
Ensure that the fluorine-lined filter is installed in the correct direction and in accordance with the flow direction of the medium to avoid leaks or blockages due to improper installation.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Regularly inspect and maintain the fluorine-lined filter, including cleaning the filter mesh, replacing the filter element, maintaining the seals, and checking the connections.
When the pressure drop between the upstream and downstream of the filter exceeds a certain value (such as 0.3 MPa) or the flow rate decreases significantly, the filter element should be considered for replacement.
If the filter is not in use temporarily, do not dry the filter element; instead, soak it in an appropriate sterile solution (or inject such a solution into the housing), and rinse the sterile solution off before reusing.
Other Precautions
During operation, pressure shocks should be prevented, and reverse pressurization is prohibited.
If the filter is steam-sterilized, the condensate in the steam pipeline should be drained, and the steam pressure and pressure drop between the upstream and downstream of the filter should be controlled within the allowable range.
In summary, when using fluorine-lined filters, multiple aspects such as medium temperature, pressure, differential pressure, diameter selection, installation direction, regular inspection, and maintenance should be comprehensively considered to ensure their stable and efficient operation and extend their service life.