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Clik here to view.In 2001, Mark Spatz founded Sterlitech Corporation, selling just one line of products: Silver Metal Membranes.  In the 14 years since, Sterlitech has expanded its business, adding new membrane materials, membrane development technology, filter holders and laboratory equipment.  Sterlitech has grown tremendously, becoming a leader in the filtration industry, making the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing small companies for three consecutive years.

This level of success is especially remarkable considering that Mark’s background prior to founding Sterlitech was not in filtration.  He had been a business data analyst for internet advertising and worked in professional marketing organizations.  Prior to that, he studied at the University of Rhode Island where received a Master’s of Science Degree in Economics, specializing in Aquaculture.  He did however, have family involved in the filtration industry and they lent him insights that helped him establish the business.

As successful as Sterlitech has been so far, Mark believes that the company’s future will depend on how well it adapts to the needs of emerging laboratory technologies such as the lab-on-a-chip.  As industries demand greater purity and control in research, the use of fine filtration—below micro-scale—will increase and Sterlitech must be ready to provide tools that can be used to develop new products and advance research.

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Clik here to view.Since 2011, Sterlitech has offered custom-built membrane testing systems to customers in desalination, membrane development, and food processing.  This year, from March 2-6, at the AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference in Orlando, we will be exhibiting a complete, 2-line, 6-cell CF042 crossflow testing system.  Each test system allows users to simulate the dynamics of larger membrane filtration systems by manipulating the control valves to achieve the desired pressure and flow rates.  The system is equipped with a suite of in-line sensors that automatically record and display the experimental data in real time.

Stop by Booth 112 to check it out.  Mark, Kristina, and Sepideh will be on hand to explain how it works and answer your questions.

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March is Sterlitech's biggest month for trade shows and exhibitions.  This year we're doing back to back exhibitions at the AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference and at Pittcon.  And we're not the only ones.  At last week's AMTA Conference, we met with Lauren Weinrich who let us know that she would also be at Pittcon to present "Method Development Using Luminescence for Biodegradable Organic Carbon Measurements in Drinking Water."

Her presentation will be part of a symposium held tomorrow, March 12, at 1:30 PM, titled "Using Analytical Solutions to Target Emerging Issues in Drinking Water Safety."

The symposium will convey how analytical instrumentation is critical for monitoring and protecting public health in drinking water treatment. The symposium’s speakers include chemists, engineers, and public health officials that are on the forefront in analytical method development for unregulated contaminants, conducting emergency response, and optimizing drinking water treatment.  An excerpt from the Dr. Weinrich's abstract follows below:

"A sufficient nutrient supply exacerbates unwanted bacterial proliferation in drinking water systems; however locations exist within the treatment process in which bacterial proliferation can be an advantage. Targeting the fraction of labile or easily assimilable organic carbon (AOC) has been applied in the drinking water industry for decades to reduce microbial regrowth in distribution systems and control water quality. A novel freshwater luminescent AOC test was developed by genetically modifying the traditional test bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens P-17 (P17) and Spirillum strain NOX with luxCDABE operon fusion and inducible transposons to produce bioluminescent strains. Typically measured through serial dilutions and spread plate counts following extended incubation periods, the AOC assay has been improved by utilizing luminescence as the measurement application. A test for seawater was developed using the marine organism Vibrio harveyi, which is naturally bioluminescent. Both the freshwater and marine AOC test is automated and use a sensitive, photon-counting, luminometer that allows high throughput, replicate analyses, at a low cost. The AOC test is used in drinking water to evaluate biofouling potential and recently in reclaimed water to evaluate regrowth potential in the distribution system. The presentation will discuss a study of elevated AOC levels ranging from 150 to 1,400 µg/liter (n = 146) in reclaimed water that were primarily responsible for bacterial growth and could contribute to the occurrence of opportunistic pathogens such as Legionella and Mycobacterium. Another study of biological filters indicated that 42% of AOC was removed between the influent and effluent even in filters that were incidentally biologically active. The level of AOC provides a monitoring tool for efficient biological filters that remove nutrients from treatment plant effluent, observe and control impacts of oxidation and chemical addition, and improve biological stability."

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Clik here to view.As part of our mission to give scientists and researchers the tools they need to make breakthroughs and advances their research, we are constantly updating our line-up of flat sheet membranes.  This spring we will be adding new Polyacrylonotrile (PAN) membranes from Synder Filtration and new ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and microfiltration membranes from TriSep.

The PX, PY, and PZ Polyacrylonotrile (PAN) ultrafiltration membranes are more hydrophilic, have lower fouling propensity compared to PVDF membranes, and are designed specifically for removing oil from feed water streams.  The new PAN membranes have a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of 400 kDa (PX), 100 kDa (PY), and 30 kDa (PZ).  In addition to excelling at oil removal, Synder’s PAN membranes can be used in a wide range of separation applications such as enzyme purification.

The new membranes from TriSep will cover a broad range of new applications from protein concentration to food processing and are listed below:

• UF10: A PES ultrafiltration membrane with a MWCO of 10,000 Da.  Used for process applications involving whey, milk, eggs, sweeteners, gelatin and a wide variety of waste streams.
• UF5: A PES ultrafiltration membrane with a MWCO of 5,000 Da.  This membrane is designed for process separations, especially in applications involving protein concentrations.
• MF01: A PES microfiltration membrane with a pore size of 0.1 μm. This membrane is used for clarification, fat removal, and product concentration in food processing applications.
• SBUF: A cellulose acetate ultrafiltration membrane with a MWCO of 8000 Da.  It is used to remove color and organic contaminants from water.
• SBNF: A cellulose acetate nanofiltration membrane with MWCO of 1,000 to 2,000 Da.  It has a 40% NaCl rejection rate at 140 psi and is also used to remove color and organics from water.

These membranes will be coming soon, so visit our Flat Sheet Membranes Section to find the latest updates to our flat-sheet membrane listings.

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Clik here to view.A new section in our Specialty Applications will be coming soon: Botanical Extraction. Botanical extracts run the gamut from volatile, aromatic compounds, to oils, and pharmacologically active chemicals.  The products in this section will be aimed at helping users achieve better separation of the botanical components to increase recovery of the targeted compounds.  Visit our site in the coming months for the latest news and updates on our selection of botanical extraction products.

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Clik here to view.We had a great time meeting you at the AMTA/AWWA Membrane Technology Conference and at Pittcon this month.  We would like to thank all of you for stopping by our booth and talking with us.

If you missed a chance to chat with at those shows, we'll be exhibiting in New Orleans again at the ASM General Meeting, from May 30 to June 2. You can also catch us in Long Beach at the NAOSMM Conference from July 26 to July 31.

Sterlitech is proud to offer Synder Filtration’s recently developed ultrafiltration membranes, the PX, PY, and PZ Polyacrylonotrile (PAN) membranes, as pre-cut test coupons, sheets, and disks.  Designed to be ideal for oil removal in wastewater treatment applications, these new membranes can fill critical process requirements where the presence of oils in industrial effluent hinder downstream processes.

“New regulations on industrial wastewater discharge and quality requirements for water reuse make it increasingly necessary for companies to find an efficient and cost-effective method to separate emulsified oils from wastewater,” said Sterlitech President Mark Spatz. “We added the PX, PY, and PZ membranes to provide our customers an alternative to existing standards and help them find the best fit for their application.”

The new PAN membranes have molecular weight cut-offs (MWCO) of 400 kDa (PX), 100 kDa (PY), and 30 kDa (PZ) and, in addition to excelling at oil removal, Synder’s PAN membranes are also more hydrophilic and have a lower fouling propensity compared to PVDF membranes for wastewater treatment applications.

All of Sterlitech’s flat sheet membrane varieties can be purchased in 305 mm x 305 mm or larger sheets. In addition, they are available in precut coupons for use in the Sepa CF filtration cell, CF042 filtration cell, and most stirred cells.  Custom membrane sizes are also available upon request.

About Sterlitech:

Sterlitech Corporation provides superior laboratory products, specializing in flat sheet filter membranes and bench scale testing equipment for a variety of industries, including occupational health and safety, petrochemical, fossil fuels and biotech. For precision and accuracy, Sterlitech’s membrane disc filters, filter holders, silt density index test kits, and syringe-and-capsule filters are consistently relied upon to assure exceptional results.

Visit www.sterlitech.com for more information.

About Synder Filtration:

Synder Filtration manufactures spiral wound ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, nanofiltration (NF) membranes, and flat sheet NF and UF membranes. Synder has developed the widest range of ultrafiltration membrane pore sizes of any polymeric membrane manufacturer. Applications of these membranes include: protein concentration, protein separation, protein fractionation, and many other sanitary and industrial purposes.

Visit www.synderfiltration.com for more information.

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Clik here to view.Next month, from May 30 to June 2, Sterlitech heads back to New Orleans for the 115th General Meeting of the American Society of Microbiologists.  Join us at Booth #945 to see the latest in membrane filtration technology.

Also, on the same dates, we'll also be at the annual meeting of the North American Membrane Society in Boston.  This marks our first time at NAMS and our first time attending two trade shows at once.  We hope to see you there!

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Clik here to view.As part of our continuing commitment to provide the latest innovations in filtration technology, Sterlitech will soon be introducing polacrylonitrilie (PAN) membrane filters.  These new membranes are made from electro-spun PAN nano-fibers on a polyethylene substrate layer.

Their unique construction and PAN's hydrophillic nature gives our new membranes a high flux rate without sacrificing selectivity, even under low pressures.  If you're looking for a fast-flowing 0.2 micron filter, then keep an eye out for these on our website in the coming weeks.  You can also contact us directly to learn more about them.

Sterlitech's cross flow testing cells, the CF042 and the Sepa CF cell, will soon be coming with their own guides to cross flow filtration.  Below is an excerpt from the guide, showcasing studies that illustrate the versatility of Sterlitech's cross flow filtration equipment and are helpful in developing your own experiments:

The following studies utilized the Sterlitech crossflow cells in their method and are listed here to illustrate the potential applications for crossflow filtration.  These studies are good references for understanding the operation of the Sterlitech’s crossflow cells.

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Clik here to view.In just a few days, Sterlitech will be heading back to New Orleans to exhibit the American Society for Microbiology's General Meeting.

Join Product Manager Jason Struthers and Sales Engineer Tauni Wright at Booth #945 to check the latest in Sterlitech's microfilters and laboratory equipment.

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Clik here to view.Sterlitech will exhibiting for the first time at the North American Membrane Society's Annual Meeting in Boston.  The conference runs from May 30th to June 3rd at the Park Plaza Hotel.

Our President, Mark Spatz, and our Product Manager in charge of Membrane/Process Development equipment, Sepideh Jankhah, will be on hand to discuss the latest advances with our technology.  We hope to see you there!

Toray is discontinuing the production of the 70HA and 72U reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. These membranes are being replaced in Sterlitech's line-up by the new 73HA and 73U RO membranes, respectively. The table below lists the specifications of all of our current offerings from Toray for easy comparison.  To browse our complete selection of RO membranes or to place an order with us, click here.

Toray Reverse Osmosis Membranes

The BW30FR line of reverse osmosis membranes from Dow is being discontinued. At this time, these membranes do not have any direct replacements, although we still carry other Dow membranes which may be suitable for your application.  To aid comparison and help you select a possible replacement, the table below includes the technical specifications of the Dow membranes we offer:

DOW FILMTEC™ Reverse Osmosis Membranes

If you need assistance finding a suitable replacement product, please contact us.  You can also click here to browse the other reverse osmosis membranes that Sterlitech carries.

We had a great time with you at the ASM and NAMS Conferences earlier this month.  You'll have another chance to see us at Booth #83 the NAOSMM tradeshow in Long Beach. We'll be there from July 26-31 so don’t miss out on the opportunity to discuss your filtration needs and get your questions answered from the experts!

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With its latest polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane, Sterlitech Corporation offers a hydrophilic filter that does not sacrifice selectivity to achieve faster flow rates in comparison to nylon or polyethersulfone (PES).  Its unique nanofiber mesh construction combines extremely fine pores with significant open space to allow easy liquid flow while trapping particulates as small as 0.2 micron in width.

“This technology is already in use for water filtration in applications where low energy is required,” said Sterlitech President Mark Spatz.  “We are excited to introduce this technology at Sterlitech because we know it has a place in laboratories or small-batch processes where its uniquely high flux is an asset.”

This novel membrane’s performance is attributed to its unique construction.  It is created by extruding extremely fine PAN nanofibers onto a polyethylene support substrate, to form a tight mesh that filters out particles, colloids, and bacteria larger than 0.2 micron.  The mesh also has a relatively open structure that allows water or aqueous solutions to pass through quickly with very little applied pressure.

Sterlitech’s PAN membrane combines excellent selectivity, high flowrates and low pressure requirements which help laboratories simplify their filtration setups while maintaining quality and efficient workflow.  They will be offered as filter disks, pre-cut in a number of standard sizes or as sample sheets for customers to cut into custom sizes.

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TLD3000 Vacuum Pump

Sterlitech Corporation is proud to offer a new range of compact, quiet, and affordable vacuum sources with the new TLD3000 and TLD5000 diaphragm vacuum pumps. Perfectly suited for vacuum filtration in laboratory analytical procedures, the new pumps require little to no maintenance, built with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) contact surfaces for broad chemical compatibility.

With a 1/7 horsepower motor, The TLD3000 vacuum pump can deliver 22 in-Hg of vacuum and 20 L/min of free air displacement. The bleach-resistant TLD5000 vacuum model has a 1/5 horsepower motor for a maximum vacuum of 24 in-Hg and a free air displacement of 37 L/min. This larger vacuum model has a maximum pressure of 18psig and can be used as a pressure pump. Both vacuum pumps feature liquid inlet traps, vacuum regulators and PTFE diaphragms rated 12,000 hours of use.

Designed with the scientist in mind, these new vacuum pumps have a small lab footprint and are extremely durable for frequent use even in the most demanding lab environments. Sterlitech President Mark Spatz says, “With the added assurance that comes from being manufactured in the United States, scientists and technicians can be sure that the TLD3000 and TLD5000 are the most economical pumps on the market for general laboratory applications.”

The innovative TLD3000 and TLD5000 diaphragm vacuum pumps are not only excellent stand-alone products, but are also compatible with Sterlitech’s existing line of vacuum filtration equipment, including membrane filters, filter funnels, and vacuum manifolds.

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Clik here to view.Sterlitech Corporation has been providing the best in laboratory filtration products and equipment for over 14 years.  For 13 of those years, Shiela Naegele has been there, helping Sterlitech grow into the industry-leading company that it is today.  She started here manufacturing our silver membrane filters but has since worn nearly every hat she could think to put on, including shipping, marketing, quality control, and receivables.  These days, her primary focus is in procurement.  In short, if you have ever ordered anything from Sterlitech in the last decade, Shiela probably had a hand in making sure that you receive a quality product on time, and for the best price we can offer.

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Clik here to view.Complementing our existing CF042 and Sepa CF membrane/process development cells is the new CF016.  Designed for applications with smaller membrane samples or low solution volumes, the CF016 comes in two varieties: a crossflow version that can perform reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, and microfiltration separations and a forward osmosis version that can be further modified to perform pressure-retarded osmosis.

In the crossflow version of the the CF016, feed solution enters the membrane cavity in the cell body, flowing tangentially across the membrane surface. Applied pressure forces a portion of the stream to permeate the membrane and flow through the permeate carrier located on the underside of the top half of the cell, finally exiting through the outlet on the top of the cell into a user designated collection vessel. The concentrate stream, which contains the material rejected by the membrane, continues sweeping over the membrane, exiting via the concentrate outlet on the underside of the bottom half of the cell into a discharge vessel or back in to the feed vessel.

In contrast, the  forward osmosis version of the CF016 works by having both a feed solution and a draw solution entering the cell body.  The two solutions are separated by a membrane and the difference in concentration between the two solutions creates osmotic pressure which pushes a portion of feed stream through the membrane as the two stream flow past each other.

Currently, the both versions of the CF016 are available with either a delrin acetal or acrylic cell body.  You can see how it stacks up against the rest of our membrane/process development products here.

Here's a new animation showing the basics of operating Sterlitech's Sepa CF Membrane Test System. Each test system allows users to simulate the dynamics of larger membrane filtration systems by manipulating the control valves to achieve the desired pressure and flow rates. The system is equipped with one or two Sepa CF Cells and a suite of in-line sensors that automatically record and display the experimental data in real time.

All Sepa CF test systems are individually manufactured according to the customer's requirements. Contact us to learn more.