Let’s Dive into Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters, Pall Life Sciences 64679 GN-4 Metricel Membranes Plain, Nonsterile, Pack of 100
The Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters, Pall Life Sciences 64679 GN-4 Metricel Membranes Plain, Nonsterile, Pack of 100 represents a crucial tool for anyone involved in laboratory work, water quality testing, or air monitoring. These filters, manufactured by Pall Life Sciences, offer consistent performance and reliability, essential for accurate and dependable results.
My initial interest in these filters stemmed from my work with a local conservation group that monitors water quality in nearby streams. We needed a reliable and consistent method for isolating and identifying bacteria, and the GN-4 Metricel Membranes seemed like a good fit for our needs.
Upon unboxing, the filters were neatly packaged and appeared to be uniformly manufactured. They felt sturdy enough for handling, though their thinness was immediately apparent, suggesting a delicate touch would be required during use.
Compared to similar products from Millipore or Sartorius, the Pall filters were attractive because of their documented compliance with NIOSH standards for air monitoring. While other filters might perform similarly, the compliance offered an extra layer of assurance for our specific air quality projects. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to test them in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters, Pall Life Sciences 64679 GN-4 Metricel Membranes Plain, Nonsterile, Pack of 100 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters took place during a water sampling expedition at the confluence of two local rivers. We were interested in analyzing the levels of E. coli and other coliform bacteria. The filters were used in conjunction with a portable filtration unit to process water samples on-site.
The filters performed well under relatively clean water conditions, maintaining a consistent flow rate. In slightly turbid water, however, the filtration rate slowed noticeably. The filters were easy to load into the filtration unit, but I quickly learned that handling them with gloved hands required extra care to avoid tearing the delicate membrane.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters have proven to be a reliable component in our water testing protocols. We noticed minimal batch-to-batch variation, ensuring consistent results across multiple sampling events.
The filters show no significant signs of degradation, despite being used in diverse environmental conditions. Maintenance is minimal, mostly involving careful disposal after use to prevent contamination, although proper documentation of waste processing is something my team had to adopt. Compared to previous filters we’ve used, these outperform in terms of consistency, but require more careful handling.
Breaking Down the Features of Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters, Pall Life Sciences 64679 GN-4 Metricel Membranes Plain, Nonsterile, Pack of 100
Specifications
- Description: Plain, Nonsterile. This ensures the filters are suitable for a wide range of applications where sterility is not a primary concern.
- Pore Size: 0.8 µm. This pore size allows for effective retention of bacteria and other microorganisms, making them ideal for microbiological analysis.
- Diameter: 47 mm. This is a standard size, compatible with most filtration apparatus commonly used in laboratories and field testing.
- Pall No.: 64679. This number allows for easy reordering and referencing of the specific filter type.
- Unit: Pack of 100. This packaging size provides a cost-effective solution for labs with moderate to high throughput.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the filter’s performance in specific applications. The pore size dictates the size of particles retained, the diameter ensures compatibility with standard equipment, and the non-sterile nature makes them suitable for applications where subsequent sterilization is performed.
Performance & Functionality
The Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters excel in their ability to consistently retain microorganisms for analysis. Their performance in isolating E. coli and other coliforms has been excellent in my testing.
While the flow rate can be affected by turbid samples, this is a common limitation of most membrane filters. The filter’s main strength lies in its ability to dissolve completely during standard digestion procedures. This is an advantage for air monitoring applications involving airborne metals or asbestos, where minimal interference during fiber counting is crucial.
Design & Ergonomics
The filters are designed to be thin and flexible, which makes them easy to handle and load into filtration units. While this design contributes to their functionality, it also makes them susceptible to tearing if not handled carefully.
The filters are relatively user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve for experienced laboratory personnel. Novice users might benefit from a brief training session to learn proper handling techniques.
Durability & Maintenance
Given their delicate nature, these filters are not designed for reuse. Durability is not a primary concern, as they are intended for single-use applications.
Maintenance is simple: proper disposal after use is the main requirement. This minimizes the risk of contamination and ensures accurate results in subsequent tests.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters do not require additional accessories for basic use, as they are self-contained filtration membranes. However, they are compatible with a variety of filtration units and equipment.
While customization is not applicable to these filters, their compatibility with different filtration setups allows for flexibility in experimental design. They work seamlessly with standard filtration funnels and vacuum pumps.
Pros and Cons of Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters, Pall Life Sciences 64679 GN-4 Metricel Membranes Plain, Nonsterile, Pack of 100
Pros
- Consistently reliable performance in retaining microorganisms.
- Dissolves completely in standard digestion procedures, reducing interference in fiber counting.
- Meets NIOSH requirements for airborne metals and asbestos monitoring.
- Compatible with a variety of standard filtration equipment.
- Cost-effective solution for high-throughput laboratories.
Cons
- Delicate membrane requires careful handling to prevent tearing.
- Flow rate can be significantly affected by turbid samples.
Who Should Buy Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters, Pall Life Sciences 64679 GN-4 Metricel Membranes Plain, Nonsterile, Pack of 100?
The Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters are perfect for:
- Environmental scientists involved in water and air quality monitoring.
- Laboratory technicians conducting microbiological analysis.
- Industrial hygienists assessing workplace air quality.
- Researchers in various fields requiring precise filtration and analysis of microorganisms.
Those who need filters for extremely high-particulate samples or require sterile filters should skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be high-quality forceps for handling the filters, alongside proper filtration equipment.
Conclusion on Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters, Pall Life Sciences 64679 GN-4 Metricel Membranes Plain, Nonsterile, Pack of 100
The Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters, Pall Life Sciences 64679 GN-4 Metricel Membranes Plain, Nonsterile, Pack of 100 offer reliable and consistent performance for microbiological analysis and air monitoring. While they require careful handling, their ability to dissolve completely and meet NIOSH standards make them a valuable tool for various applications.
The price is justified given the filter’s performance, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. The Pall Life Sciences filters offer great utility at their intended use case.
I would recommend this product to anyone requiring dependable membrane filters for laboratory or field testing. Grab a pack and see for yourself how Pall GN Metricel Membrane Disc Filters can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of your work!