What are final membrane filters? What size final filter do I need?
What are final membrane filters?
Final membrane filters or final filters are typically used in beverage manufacturing to protect and stabilize the final product before bottling. The role of the final filter is the complete removal of spoilage microorganisms and fine particulate, they are 99% to 100% effective in eliminating undesirable and sometimes dangerous microbes. The process of retention for final filters is the same as a net catching a fish. The pore size of the membrane determines the microorganisms that are captured. This is why proper sizing is key when selecting a final membrane filter. The final filters are also designed to not impact the taste or aroma of the beverage. This gives beverage producers confidence in their final products being shelf-stable and safe for human consumption while still holding the flavor and smell desired.
Global Filter offers multiple final filters that meet FDA regulations for food and beverage contact use as detailed in 21CFR and meet the specification for biological safety per USP Class VI -121°C for plastics. Each cartridge is integrity tested and flushed with ultra-high purity water to ensure that it delivers clean effluent and meets stringent requirements for extractable substances.
What size final filter do I need?
Flow rates and differential pressure are important, but micron rating plays the biggest role in filter selection because it determines the particles or microorganisms that can be removed.
Global Filter offers multiple configurations and lengths to meet all beverage application needs for filter cartridge fit, flow rates, and pressure drops.
Use this chart to determine the proper micron rating you need based on the microorganisms to be removed.
Final Filter Sizing Chart
| Filter Micron Rating | Microbe to be removed |
| 0.2 µm | Brevundimonas diminuta Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| 0.45 µm | Escherichia coli Leuconostoc oenos Pediococcus damnosus Lactobacillus hilgardii Oenococcus oeni |
| 0.65 µm | Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pediococcus damnosus Lactobacillus brevis |
| 0.8 µm | Giardia Cryptosporidium |
Final Membrane Filter Options
GFPES-Series Final Filter
GFPES-Series High Purity Food and Beverage Grade Polyethersulfone Filter Cartridges meet
the most demanding requirement of the food and beverage industry. The polyethersulfone membrane offers high flux density and low protein binding and maintains the organoleptic characteristics of the treated product, making it an ideal choice for the production of consumables. Cartridges are flushed with ultra-High Purity water to achieve the most stringent requirements for extractable substances. Designed to tolerate repeated hot water sanitization and in-situ steam sterilization cycles for maximum service life. Each element is integrity tested to assure optimal performance. Manufactured in a clean-room environment to maintain high standards of purity and cleanliness.
GSPES-Series Final Filter
GSPES polyethersulfone filter cartridges deliver extended service life and excellent retention. The serial-layer design makes the GSPES an ideal choice for the clarification or particulate-heavy solutions in a wide variety of food & beverage, pharmaceutical, biological, and high-purity chemical applications. The GSPES series is available in 0.2, 0.45, & 0.65-micron ratings. The serial-layer design offers superior throughput volumes while protecting downstream sterilizing grade cartridges. Each cartridge is flushed with 18 megohms High Purity deionized water and is integrity tested to ensure the delivery of clean effluent with low extractability. Designed to tolerate repeated hot water sanitization and in-situ steam sterilization cycles for maximum service life.
GFHNY-Series Final Filter
GFHNY-Series High Purity Food and Beverage Grade Nylon and Plus+ Nylon Filter Cartridges featuring nylon 6,6 membrane have a well-proven record of delivering superior microbial retention in
the production of highly stable consumables. The optional positive zeta potential surface charge (Plus+) enhances retention performance for particulate well smaller than the stated micron rating, for applications that may include the removal of haze, color bodies, and endotoxins. Cartridges are manufactured in a clean room environment and are flushed with 18 megohms of ultra-high purity water to achieve cleanliness and low extractability. Designed to tolerate repeated hot water sanitization and in situ steam sterilization cycles for maximum service life. Each element is diffusion tested for integrity to assure optimal performance.