Filtration Devices

Filtration is an indispensable part any laboratory testing process and it is used widely across the world irrespective of the kind of tests required or done. Thus, filtration devices are highly in demand and the industry is growing at a very healthy rate.

A filtration device is a type of machinery that uses filters to segregate mixtures mechanically. It is a part of the lab filtration equipment and also contributes to clarifying, thickening and filtering of mixtures. Filtration devices come in many types and each of the have different filtration mechanisms. A filtration device is the heart of lab filtration equipment and all other equipment comprising the filtration apparatus revolves around the filtration device used.

Choice of a filtration device again depends upon the mixture used and the application required to be performed on the mixture. Let us discuss the kinds of filtration and the applications in a little more detail:

1. Macro filtration: Macro filtration is most common application in any laboratory and it involves removing or collecting macro particles of a specified type from a mixture. The particle size for which this kind of filtration would be required should be equal to more than 50 µm. this kind of filtration is also common in homes, for example, using a sedimentation or any other kind of filter to obtain drinking water.
2. Microfiltration: Microfiltration is also a very common application in most laboratories and this process is used to separate particles or even microbes which are microscopic. Such particles or microbes are normally 0.05 - 0.5 µm in diameter. While such filtration is not commonly applicable in homes, it is quite normal in most laboratories.
3. Ultra filtration: Ultra filtration is a process which is highly scientific and uses a negative or a positive pressure to drive a liquid through a semi-permeable membrane. In such cases the particle size is very small and normally ranges from 1 - 1,000 kd. The membranes used are rated since such filtration could change the properties of the matter involved. The retention capacity is assumed to be at 95% in most cases while it may vary depending on the techniques used.
   

The market for filtration devices is thus quite good and will remain so in the near future due to new and futuristic developments in industries like biotech, medicine and health care. Since these industries are life-changing, filtration devices are poised for futuristic development to meet the industry needs.

All filtration devices do not work on the same principle and thus are rated and demanded differently in various industries. Let us now take a look at filtration technologies that are commonly used:

1. Vacuum filtration: This filtration process is normally sued to collect solids and it is a faster way to achieve results for the desired results.
   
2. Gravitational separation: This filtration technique makes use of specific gravity and sedimentation technologies to separate mixtures that are solid/liquid as well as liquid/liquid. The difference in density of the matter involved is the key.
   
3. Mechanical separation: this the most simple of the filtration techniques used and the technology is very simple. The mixture involved is made to pass through a series of small holes through which particulate matter bigger than the size of the hole cannot pass.

With this we have discussed the filtration techniques and the types of filtration that are normally used in laboratories across the world. As we can infer from this, almost all laboratories require filtration equipment in one form or the other depending on specific needs and applications.

Choosing the right filtration devices is highly critical and an informed decision in this respect would save a great deal of time and expense.